**Sunrise over the Vltava River. View of Charles Bridge and Prague Castle.**

Central Europe’s Star

Often hailed as the Paris of the East, Prague is one of Europe’s hottest destinations. Being one of the oldest cities in Europe, Prague has a fascinating history to match its stunning architecture. Every street you walk down is filled with a thousand little details you could miss unless you pay close attention. Luckily, those little features are still intact thanks to the fact that Prague was largely spared from the widespread destruction that befell Europe in the 20th century. Bullets, tanks, and the Velvet Revolution have been replaced by tourists flocking to the Czech capital to experience the city’s magic. So grab a famous Czech beer, gaze upon the awe-inspiring spires and towers, and explore one of the most beautiful cities in the world.

Official Languages: Czech

Best time to visit: Just before and after peak season (May and September) and December before Christmas.

Budget: $$ (The Czech Republic is very affordable. Mid-range travelers can expect to spend about $100 dollars per day, including hotel/AirBNB, food, and sights. Budget travellers even less.)

English Level: Good due to tourism, but many older people are more familiar with German and Russian, due to Prague’s fascinating history.

Prague Sights and Culture

Prague is a great place for travelers to start their first journey into Central Europe. The capital of the Czech Republic is comfortable and cosmopolitan enough to capture the sentiment of more famous cities in Western Europe, but still maintains cultural differences that make it markedly more similar to Eastern Europe. Prague is one of the few places in the world with both quiet elegance and Old World charm. Its beauty is unpretentious and deserving of all the praise it receives. Architecture fans, history buffs, and Instagram influencers will all find something different to fall in love with in this uniquely captivating city.

Charles Bridge

First commissioned by the Czech king and Holy Roman Emperor Charles IV in 1357, the Charles Bridge was constructed to connect Prague Castle with the Old Town of Prague. For a long time it was the only bridge across the Vlatna River, and thus served as an important crossroads between Eastern and Western Europe. Although the stone bridge is simple in its design, it is an iconic symbol of the city of Prague and one of the most beautiful places to catch a glimpse of both sides of the city.

**An early morning fog led to this spectacular shot of the Baroque statues, acting like silent guardians watching over the bridge.**

Two towers stand on either side of the Charles Bridge to welcome visitors, with many Baroque statues of saints and martyrs lining the walkway across the river. Artists and musicians set up shop along the bridge, entertaining tourists and pedestrians who want a caricature drawn or simply want to enjoy a memorable moment. As the most famous place to visit in Prague, it is constantly filled with people, so photographers and those wanting to enjoy a quiet moment should visit early in the morning or late at night for less crowds.

**Detail of a Baroque statue, Charles Bridge.**

Prague Castle

A truly iconic Czech monument and one of the most important cultural institutions in the country, the Prague Castle is the largest castle complex in the world, with over 1,000 years of history woven into the walls. You could spend an entire day exploring all of the different palaces, halls, and churches built into it. Some of the most historical buildings within the castle include the Old Royal Palace, the St. Vitus Cathedral, and the Rosenberg Palace. It’s hard to get a feeling for the sheer size of the castle until you step inside its walls. It almost feels like an insulated little town, with houses, wide streets, and the more typical buildings you would expect from a castle. While all of the buildings are worth visiting, the St. Vitus Cathedral might be the most important to see if you only have time for one. Towering over the castle and the city, the cathedral was the site of the coronation of Czech kings and queens.

Old Town Square

The Old Town Square of Prague (Staromestské námestí in Czech) is located in the Old Town district of the city and one of the most charming areas in the entire city. Towering over the square is the famous Church of Our Lady before Tyn, a gothic church with two iconic, black towers that capture your attention as you wander alongside the multicolored buildings. We happened to visit in Christmastime, when the square is full of fantastic Christmas markets selling traditional ornaments, souvenirs, and food. The Christmas tree is one of the best you’ll ever see! I highly recommend trying the Czech dessert known as the chimney cake, which is a sticky roll twisted in the shape of chimney and covered in cinnamon and sugar. Delicious!

**That’s one impressive Christmas tree!**

Opposite the Church of Our Lady before Tyn, you will find the Old Town Hall, with a display of the oldest still operating clock in the world, the Prague Astronomical Clock. Constructed in the 15th century, the Astronomical Clock is a display of master craftsmanship and intricate detail meant to fulfill different functions: it acts as both a calendar and an astronomical chart.

Jewish Quarter

The Jewish Quarter of Prague, or Josefoz, is one of the smaller neighborhoods in Prague. Touched by a tragic history, the relics of Jewish heritage in this neighborhood are scattered among an amalgamation of newer buildings, making a tour of the area somewhat of a scavenger hunt. Part of the neighborhood was demolished during the 19th century to reconstruct the city in the image of Paris, erasing what might have been a richer collection of Jewish architecture. The Nazi occupation of Czechoslovakia in WWII saw the escape or deportation of the majority of the Jewish population. While the city was largely spared destruction during the war, a once flourishing Jewish community residing in Prague was nearly eradicated.

Lennon Wall

Less a place of historical importance to the city and more a cultural phenomenon, the Lennon Wall is a wall near the Charles Bridge that has been filled with John Lennon inspired graffiti and other artistic works. It’s not the most important place in the city to visit, but its charm is undeniable!

Some Quirky and Cool Places to Visit

**Strahov Library. You need a guided tour to access the interior!**

**Powder Gate, a Gothic tower separating the Old Town and New Town.**

**The Dancing House, designed in part by famous architect Frank Gehry.**

Prague, Czech Republic