Prague is a city where romanticism meets history and where you can feel art in every part of life. The best way to discover this unique city dating back to 4000 BC is to walk on the narrow streets, crowded squares, and calm neighbourhoods, and to get lost as well as seeking Kafka and listening to Mozart.
You can start discovering Prague from Staré Mêsto -the Old City- is the historical downtown of Prague with many important buildings such as Charles Bridge and The Municipality Building. You can see various types of structures like Roman cellars, Gothic towers, Renaissance-style houses, and Baroque churches. Being the oldest bridge and a symbol of the city, Charles Bridge dates back to 1357. There are 30 statues of saints forming two rows in each side. If you come here at sunset, you can see the mysterious atmosphere the shadows of these statues create.
In the middle of the Old City Square is the statue of Jan Hus, the most well-known theologian of the country, and Tyn Church of which gothic towers seem to pierce the sky. Also, Saint Nicholas Church - one of the most significant baroque structures - is also in this square. Make sure you enjoy the procession of the Twelve Apostles on the hour every hour in the Astronomical Clock.
After a short walk, you can reach Josefov, the former Jewish ghetto where you can visit the mysterious Jewish cemetery and synagogues that still keep the memories of the largest Jewish community in Europe. You can also do shopping in world-famous stores on Pařížská Street that has maintained its glory since the 19th century. You should also buy traditional Czech porcelain and crystal dinnerware.
From here you can continue to Hradčany, which overlooks the city, and Prague Castle, which is the most dominant structure of the region. The castle which covers an area of 70000 m2 and is in the UNESCO World Heritage had been the centre of Kingdom of Bohemia for centuries. St Vitus Cathedral deserves some special attention. Being the spiritual symbol of the Czech Republic, the cathedral was started to be constructed in 1344; however, construction work finished in the beginning of the 20th century due to wars, diseases, and various causes. The colossal columns, Gothic ornaments, and colourful stained glasses will blow your mind. After the cathedral, you shouldn't miss the craftwork by Czech craftsmen on Golden Lane lined with small houses resembling something out of a fairy tale.
After taking a short break in the boutique cafes on the quiet streets of Novy Svet and Uvoz, we advise you watch the matchless beauty of Prague on Petrin Hill. Vlvata River, bridges that connect both sides of the city, evergreen gardens, red brick houses, and countless towers reaching to the sky...
With its Baroque style houses and elegant gardens designed for the then aristocrats on the skirts of the castle, Malá Strana will spice up your trip thanks to its small boutique shops, churched, local Czech pubs, and restaurants while appreciating the fascinating river view.
It is not surprising to learn that the New Town of a city which dates back to thousands of years ago is 700 years old. The construction of Nové Mêsto began as part of a big urbanisation project in the 14th century and still attracts many people. You can see buildings in the Neo-Renaissance, Neo-Baroque and Art Nouveau styles while walking through the Masaryk Port and admire the beauty of the "Dancing House" or Fred and Ginger by Frank Gehry which is an example of cubist architecture.
Do not miss the chance enjoy a cup of tea and travel back in time in Cafe Slavia which has been a beaten track for famous Czech such as Smetana, Dvorak, Vaclav Havel, and Nazim Hikmet, a famous poet from Turkey as well as many artists and intellectuals since 1863.
A
P
R
G
LOVE AT FIRST SIGHT: PRAGUE
A bit of darkness, a bit of blues, some history, some loneliness…A foggy, mystical weather, a magical past… With its charming and tempting silence Prague is more than a trip…
The dance of Art and History
If you want to feed your soul, you might have difficulty in choosing among countless art galleries and museums in Prague. We advise you to visit the Mucha Museum which was opened in the name of famous Czech Art Nouveu painter and designer Alphonse Mucha (1860-1939). You can see the artist's life, paintings, poster designs, and decorative objects in this museum.
The best stop to end your city tour would be Wenceslas Square, which houses the National Museum and witnessed The Declaration of Czechoslovakia in 1918, the arrival of Soviet tanks in 1968, and The Velvet Revolution in 1989.
Prague is a city of endless surprises with its history, culture, architecture, and cobblestone streets. No matter which season you travel or how long you stay, it will captivate you with its magic and offer everything you want for an exquisite travel experience.
