Known as the “Golden City”, or the “City of a Hundred Spires”, Prague is one of the most glittering jewels in Europe’s crown. Glowing with nostalgic ambience, the medieval architecture of Prague provides the perfect backdrop for city breaks, extended vacations and everything in between. The magnificent statues, pastel building façades and beautiful bridges combine to create one of the most stunning and unique cityscapes in the world.
With new flights to Prague being announced regularly, it is now easier than ever to visit this spectacular city. Whether you are flying in for a romantic break, or simply to marvel at the historical significance of the architecture, visiting Prague is a journey that you will never forget.
Old Town
You don’t have to be an architecture buff to appreciate the sheer beauty of the buildings in Prague. From Romanesque chapels and Gothic cathedrals, to Baroque palaces and Art Nouveau buildings, there are few other places with such a diverse display of design through the ages. Begin by heading to Old Town so that you can see the famous Powder Tower and Prague Castle. Prague Castle was founded in 880 AD and is the largest medieval castle in Europe. The complex covers over 18 acres and houses the most recognisable landmark in Prague – St. Vitus Cathedral.
The Astronomical Clock can be found in the Old Town Square (Staromestske Namesti). Crowds gather here to watch the clockwork show, known as The Walk of the Apostles which happens every hour. It is worth going along just to watch the reactions of the crowd after the show has finished.
Charles Bridge (Karluv Most)
You can also find the Charles Bridge in Old Town, one of the most beautiful places to watch both the sunrise and sunset. As the sun rises, it slowly lights up the statues on the church tower, turning the sky from pink to gold in a magical display. Sunset is also a treat for the senses, as the lights on the bridge and castle begin to flicker on, illuminating the river as the sky turns a deep purple creating the most beautiful silhouette of the city.
The Charles Bridge crosses the Vltava river, which some claim to be the lifeblood of the city. Spanned by over thirty bridges and footbridges in Prague alone, the Vltava embankment is a big part of Prague’s community. Steamers, rowboats and pedal boats glide through its waters while people wander along the shore perusing the farmer’s markets by the side of the river.
Music
Prague is famous for its music scene. Whether you love listening to classical music or rock, there is a street performer or a concert to suit your tastes. Head to the Rudolfinum, the Municipal House or any of the churches to experience the sonic delights of a classical orchestra, or simply wander around the streets, taking in the glorious sounds of the musicians playing on street corners. Fans of dance music will very much appreciate Prague’s nightlife scene, which is well known for its bar-lounges and dance clubs. There is the multimedia club MeetFactory, as well as the four-storey dance hall Karlovy Lazne, where a different genre of music can be found on each floor. Prague’s parks and islands are filled with music in the summertime from the music festival United Islands.
Cafés
Café culture plays a huge role in Prague tradition. Whether you want to experience first class coffee, or you simply want to soak up the classical café atmosphere, there are plenty of beautiful places to enjoy a drink and a bite to eat. The Café Louvre is almost Parisian in its appeal, while the Cubist interiors at the Grand Café Orient leave most visitors in awe. Enjoy a traditional Prague breakfast in Café Savoy or Café Imperial or head to Café Lounge for a wide range of sumptuous cakes and desserts. If the weather is nice, check out the modern Monolok Café, where you can enjoy a glass of wine in the cosy, quiet courtyard. And don’t forget to try Trdelnik (chimney cake), a cinnamon pastry that can be found all over the city.
Wherever you decide to visit in Prague, one thing is for sure – you will be amazed at the views on every corner. While the city is known as the City of a Hundred Spires, it is home to more than a thousand stunning towers and spires reaching up into the sky. There are plenty of lookout towers to appreciate the stunning views, from Letna Park to Vitkov Hill. Just remember to bring your camera!
