Prague: A tourist paradise in the EU

Prague is the capital of the Czech Republic, a popular destination for visitors looking to travel to a European city. Part of the European Union, Prague has much to recommend itself, from a rich culture, beautiful historic sites, fine food and plenty of entertainment options. While European holidays are often expensive, Prague boasts some of the cheapest travel rates on the continent. Visitors to Prague will find a welcoming city, appropriate for travelling families, backpacking students and young couples on a romantic getaway alike. Prague is divided into 10 districts, similar to the districts of Paris. These districts, called prahas, are a useful tool when navigating the medieval city. Much of Prague’s architecture and streets date back hundreds of years. This results in a sweeping, winding town where little alleys offer plenty of romance and mystery.

An image above of the Prague skyline taken at Stare Mesto.

Image Courtesy: http://www.flickr.com/photos/aigle_dore/

When visiting Prague, make sure to check out Prague Castle, named by the Guinness World Records as the largest ancient castle in the world. The castle offers breathtaking views of the city and is a great place to watch Prague’s own changing of the guard, a practice similar to the one enacted at Buckingham Palace in London. Prague’s city limits are divided into Old Town and Lesser Town. In Old Town, visitors get to see some of the oldest remnants of the aging city. This historic centre of town houses the famous Astrological Tower, a gothic tribute to ancient buildings. A bridge connecting Old Town to Lesser Town, called the Tower Bridge, was built in the 14th century. It’s a can’t miss spot for lovers of all things historic. Prague is also the home of several renowned museums, which offer travellers a taste of some of the city’s most loved treasures. The Czech National Gallery displays pieces from the Baroque period, as well as the Czech Baroque and Mannerism periods. The museum is comprised of palaces, making the structure the art is housed in just as interesting as the pieces on the wall. Prague also offers niche museums, like the Jewish Museum, Military Museum and Czech Cubism Museum.

When planning your sightseeing in Prague, consider purchasing a multi-use pass, which allows you to visit several sites with just one ticket. The Prague Card can be used for four days and is admissible at more than 50 of Prague’s top attractions. The Welcome Card TVCzechia offers free entrance to Prague’s castles and towers, and offers discounts on some shopping. At night, the city comes alive with music, dancing and food. Opera and jazz are local favourites, and visitors can take in an opera show at a theatre or hear live jazz at a local Black Light Theatre club. Music festivals take place year round, so make sure to check local papers to see what’s going on. And river cruises offer a chance to see the city all lit up at night, an ideal solution for dining on the water. When considering what to eat, make sure to try some of the city’s most traditional dishes. Sausages, stews and even hot dogs are great deals for a lunch on the go. And don’t forget to try the local beer; Czech beer is revered the world over.

The image above shows a well known Czech beer “Krusevice”. 

Image Courtesy: http://www.flickr.com/photos/smadden/

Pick up some souvenirs for the folks back home. Prague shopping ranges from budget to high end, with something to suit all tastes. At Christmas, Prague is famous for its Christmas Market in Old Town. The annual festival features hundreds of vendors offering everything from hand crafts to fine lace, chocolates, soaps and jewellery. Self catering holidays allow you to plan a trip that fits your own needs. Whatever your plans when touring Prague, it’s sure to be a trip to remember. With history, culture and beauty, Prague is a crown jewel set in the heart of Europe.