Prague

Copyright: Frédéric Barriol/Unsplash

Prague

Franz Kafka once wrote, 'Mother Prague has clutches', referring to the city's captivating charm. Prague's winding streets will captivate you, making you love every second. Gothic alleyways echoing with history and the sight of the moon hovering behind the towers and pinnacles create an unforgettable experience. Once you've explored Europe's most enchanting capital, you'll definitely want to come back.

The City

After the ’Velvet Revolution’ in 1989, Prague became an international metropolis with all the usual trappings of the genre, but has also managed to successfully retain its unspoiled local character. The Czech capital is small and compact, with hospody (beer-houses) that offer the world’s best beers stationed on every street corner. The most important areas in the central districts of the city are Staré Město (Old Town), Josefov, Nové Město (New Town), and Malá Strana (Lesser Town). These are best explored on foot. In recent years, the district of Vinohrady (Vineyards) has established itself as the district favoured by Pražani (the Prague inhabitants), and the restaurants and cafes lie closely packed. When you visit Prague, it is worth remembering that not only does the city boast an impressive history, which stretches back many hundreds of years, but it has also fostered prominent architects, artists, and designers of the 20th century. Prague was once the centre of Central European modernism, a fact which today, after a long period of dictatorship, has almost faded into oblivion. In recent years, modernist Czech architecture and interior design have experienced a recovery, and there is nearly always a good exhibition to see.

Do & See

The Czech capital is small and compact, home to some of the world's finest beers, with traditional Czech beer houses, or 'hospody', stationed on every street corner. Beyond the beer, Prague's heart lies in its central districts: Staré Město (Old Town), Josefov, Nové Město (New Town), and Malá Strana (Lesser Town). These are best explored on foot.

Dining

Many international cuisines have been introduced to the Prague restaurant scene, but the Central European fare still dominates. Classic Czech meals include Svíčková (roast beef with cream sauce), and the national dish, Vepřo-knedlo-zelo (pork with sauerkraut and dumplings). These can be had at any hospoda, along with a cold pilsner.

Cafés

Prague has always been a good town for cafes. At the turn of the last century, large middle-class establishments were the norm, many of which were revived in the 1990s. Following the Velvet Revolution of 1989, an array of smaller, intimate cafes emerged, each adorned with eclectic bric-à-brac decor.

Bars & Nightlife

Prague's nightlife is a magnet for travellers, offering a dynamic mix of bars where beer is famously affordable, alongside a diverse array of clubs, cafes, and beer houses. Start your exploration in the Old Town, but don't shy away from venturing beyond the centre. Experiencing a night out in Prague is a must-do on any European travel bucket list.

Shopping

If you want to shop for uniquely Czech products in Prague, you should visit the small boutiques selling domestic designer clothes, and look for reproductions of the utility designs created by Czech modernists in the 1920s and 1930s — both sectors have grown considerably in recent years. Another traditional item to shop for is Bohemian cut glass.

Tourist Information

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