Prague Destination Guide

  Places to See in Prague

  Events & Nightlife in Prague

  Eating out in Prague

  Shopping in Prague

  5 Perfect Days in Prague
 
  Public Transport in Prague - Getting there and about

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Prague

Prague is located on terraces and hills which overlook the wide flowing river Vltava. Prague is divided into fifteen districts. Prague 1 (Mala Strana, Hradcany, Stare Mesto) is the very center of the town, most of the historical sites are located there. Prague 6 and Prague 2 (Nove Mesto, Vinohrady) are residential districts and are considered to be of a "good address". Also Prague 4, 9 and 10 and are mostly residential. Prague 3 (Zizkov) and Prague 8 used to be the quarters were the working class lived. There were a lot of factories, it wasn't a very nice place to be, but it is slowly changing. Especially Prague 3 and Prague 5 (around Andel) made a big progress. On the outskirts of Prague there are usually "panelaky", where most of the people live.
Accommodation in the historical center of the town is in general more expensive, sometimes noisy and the streets are quite crowded around the hotel. On the other side you do not have to travel anywhere and you can enjoy the magic and romantic atmosphere 24 hours a day. Accommodation in other parts of Prague is more affordable, however be prepared to spend some time in the public transportation. A good compromise are quarters around Prague 1 (such as Prague 3, 5)- still in the center, with a very good connection and reasonable prices.

Stare Mesto (The Old Town) is steeped in history. From the 9th century onwards, merchants from all over the world would meet here, at the crossroad of trade routes. Some of them chose to settle here, leaving their marks on the town's unique atmosphere. Old Town square and the adjoining streets have a lot to offer. Before you visit the Old Town Hall and climb its tower to overlook the historical city, stop to see the mechanical wonder of the late medieval engineering: The Astronomical Clock. Every day, thousands of visitors come to follow and photograph the march of the twelve apostles. The Old town saw Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart walk in its streets. The famous composer visited Prague several times and even conducted the world premiere of his opera Don Giovanni here. Franz Kafka's stories were written in Prague cafes. The Charles Bridge links the Old Town to the Lesser Quarter.

Mala Strana (The Lesser Quarter) The origins of this picturesque district, located beneath the Prague Castle date back to the mid-13th century. Kampa island is a place suited for relaxation in the calm environment of the Vltava embankment. The surrounding area is full of splendid palaces built in the vicinity of Prague Castle by leading noble families. Lesser Quarter Square is dominated by St Nicholas' Church, example of the Baroque style. Nerudova Street climbs to the Prague Castle.

Hradcany lies adjacent to Prague Castle. When entering the Prague Castle through the ornate Matthias gate be prepared for an onslaught of historical facts and legends, not to mention a staggering variety of architectural styles. St Vitus Cathedral is a breath-taking example of ecclesiastical architecture. The oldest surviving church in the castle complex is the Basilica of St. George (Bazilika sv. Jiri). Golden Lane (Zlata Ulicka) was a double row of decrepit wooden shacks until the reign of the Habsburg Empress Maria Theresa, who modernized much of the castle in the neo-classical style. Several imposing palaces dominate Hradcany square: Schwarzenberg Palace, Archbishop's Palace and Sternberg Palace. Nearby Loreto is one of the most beautiful pilgrimage sites in the Czech Republic.

Nove Mesto (The New Town) Despite its name this quarter is relatively old. Founded by Charles IV in the mid-14th century, the town expanded rapidly. At the same time the emperor initiated the construction of numerous monasteries, churches and squares within the New Town's borders. The largest square, former a cattle market, is now called Charles Square. Today's Wenceslas Square, the main thoroughfare of Prague, used to serve originally as a horse market. Now it is a good place to do your shopping. The Dancing House, located on the New Town embankment, is an example of the most recent architecture. The architects of this building were given a prestigious International award.

 

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