Prague

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Quick Facts

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Coordinates

• Latitude: 50.087811
• Longitude: 14.42046

On Travellerspoint

• 78 Prague Apartments
• 45 Prague Guesthouses
• 98 Prague Hostels
• 95 Prague Hotels

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Introduction

A View From Atop

© All Rights Reserved Mavr8k

The political, cultural and economical centre of the Czech state for over 1000 years, Prague is now one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world, falling behind the cities of London, Paris, Rome, Madrid and Berlin as the sixth most visited European city.^[1] Prague is a much smaller city than the others though and as a result, the hordes of tourists swelling into the cobbled streets and onto Charles Bridge can be overwhelming, particularly in the peak summer season. The historic centre of Prague, comprising the Old Town (Staré Město), the Lesser Quarter (Malá Strana) and the New Town (Nové Město) was added to the UNESCO World Heritage list in 1992.

Neighbourhoods

Prague consists of fifteen districts, numbered from Praha 1 to Praha 15. Praha 1 is the oldest part of the city and the area where more travellers spend their time. Praha 1 can be further divided into the following five areas:

• Old Town (Staré Město).
• The Lesser Quarter (Malá Strana).
• New Town (Nové Město).
• Jewish Town (Josefov).
• Castle (Hradčany).

The other 14 districts can be organised into the following geographic areas.

• Northern Prague - Praha 7, 8, 9.
• Eastern Prague - Praha 3, 10, 14, 15.
• Southern Prague - Praha 2, 4, 11, 12.
• Western Prague - Praha 5, 6, 13.

Sights and Activities

Old Prague Clock

© All Rights Reserved david.byne

Landmarks

• Astronomical Clock (Orloj) - Was designed and built before it was found out that the earth circles the sun. Thus it is not accurate. Still it does toll every hour with a display of wooden saints "conducted" by the clock's skeleton. Some Prague schoolchildren are are taught how to read this clock, though many have forgotten it by the time they are out of school. It is located in Old Town Square.
• Belvedere (Belvedér).
• Bethlehem Chapel (Betlémská kaple) - Is most well known as being the place in which Jan Hus, the Czech reformer, preached. It was almost completely demolished, but later rebuilt by the Communists in keeping with the original plans. Admission is 60/30 Kč. The address is Vaníčkova 7, Praha 6.
• Carolinum.
• The Charles Bridge (Karlův most).

Charles IV Bridge at night

© All Rights Reserved StephenJen

• Church of Our Lady Before Týn (Týnsky chrám).
• Church of Our Lady Victorious (Kostel Panny Marie Vítězné) - Is the first Baroque church in Prague and home of the Infant of Prague, a small wax statue believed by some to have blessing and healing powers. It is common for devotees to construct intricate garments for the Infant and many of these are on display at the church. Admission is free, unlike many of the churches in Prague. The address is Karmelitská 9, Praha 1.
• Clementinum.
• The Dancing House (Tančící dům) - Also known as the Fred and Ginger Building is a work of modern architecture designed by Frank Gehry. The address is Rašínovo nábřeží 1.
• House of the Black Madonna (Dům U černé Matky Boží)
• Lapidárium.
• Municipal House (Obecní dům).
• New Town Hall (Novoměstská radnice).
• Old Jewish Cemetery (Starý Židovský hřbitov).
• Old-New Synagogue (Staronová synagoga).
• Old Town Square (Staroměstské náměstí) - Located in Old Town this square was the home of the city's marketplace during medieval times and still today is the center of much activity.
• Pinkas Synagogue (Pinkasova synagoga).
• Prague Castle (Pražský hrad) - Is one of the largest castles in the world and a great sight.

Night view across the river toward Prague Castle

© All Rights Reserved StephenJen

• St. Nicholas' Church (Chrám Sv Mikuláše).
• St. Vitus Cathedral (Katedrála sv Víta) - Is a stunning Cathedral located in Prague Castle.

St Vitius Basilica

© All Rights Reserved StephenJen

• Spanish Synagogue (Španělská synagoga).
• Wallenstein Palace and Gardens (Valdštejnský palác).
• Wenceslas Square (Václavské náměstí).

Museums

• Crypt at Church of St. Cyril and St. Methodius (Pravoslavný Katedrální Kostel sv. Cyrila a Metoděje) - Is where the parachutists who tried to assassinate Reinhard Heydrich hid in 1942. Outside of the crypt is a small museum about Operation Anthropoid. Admission is 60/30 Kč. The address is Resslova 9a, Praha 2.
• Jewish Museum (Židovské muzeum) - Is not actually a museum, but rather a group of six important Jewish sites including: the former Ceremonial hall, Klausen synagogue, Spanish synagogue, Pinkas synagogue, Maisel synagogue, and Old Jewish Cemetery.
• Franz Kafka Museum - Is an exhibition of the Prague-born literary icon's life. The address is Cihelná 2b, Praha 1.
• Mucha Museum (Muchova muzeum) - Is a museum of the works of Art Nouveau artist Alphonse Mucha. Admission is 120/60 Kč. The address is Panská 7, Praha 1.
• Museum of Communism - Gives a history of Communism in Czechoslovakia, and more specifically Prague. Admission is 180/140 Kč. The address is Na Příkopě 10 Praha 1, located above McDonald's next to the Casino.
• Museum of Decorative Arts (Uměleckoprůmyslové muzeum).
• National Museum (Národní muzeum).

Events and Festivals

• Three King's Day (6 January).
• On the 19th of January, the Anniversary of Jan Palach's death is commemorated. He was a student who burned himself to death, protesting the 1969 Soviet occupation.
• Easter Monday (March/April).
• Labour Day (1 May).
• Liberation Day (8 May), the day that Prague liberated itself from German occupation in World War II. During soviet times, this was celebrated on May 9, the day the Red Army entered Prague.

Weather

Prague sits literally in the "Heart of Europe" and lies between the more temperate Western European and more arid, Continental climates. Some winters can be very snowy, others comparatively little. The driest months are the winter ones; the wettest the summer. However, most rainfall in the summer falls as sharp showers or thunderstorms rather than "British drizzle".

Prague's averages range from minimum -5 °C in January to 23 °C in July.^[2]

Getting There

By Plane

International
Ruzyně International Airport (PRG) near Prague services flights to destinations in Europe, North America, the Middle East, Asia and Africa. Czech Airlines, the national flag carrier, has its main hub here.
Domestic
Czech Airlines has a number of domestic flights from Prague to Ostrava, Karlovy Vary and Brno.

By Train

Czech Railways operates trains throughout the country to and from Prague.

By Car

By Bus

Check the timetable for more information on buses between Prague and numerous cities and towns in the Czech Republic. Eurolines has international connections to and from Prague.

By Boat

Getting Around

By Car

By Public Transport

Prague's public transportation is operated by the Prague Public Transport Company. It consists of metros, trams, buses, and a funicular. Tickets must be validated as soon as you enter the station or vehicle. Large backpacks and luggage are subject to an extra fee that must be purchased with your ticket to avoid fines. Tickets are good for 20/30 minutes, 75 minutes, 1 day, 3 days, 5 days, 30 days, 90 days, and 1 year. Tickets good for 1 or more days allow for one bag, normal subject to extra fee, free. If you will be there longer than 5 days it's good to note that the difference between 5 days and 30 days is only 50Kč. Use the Journey Planner to organise your travels and find connections between different modes of transports.

By Foot

By Bike

Eat

There are many charming places, where you can eat in Prague. You can choose from the best restaurants in Prague on the website www.best-restaurants-prague.com. Try the traditional Czech food as schnitzel or dumpling and do not forget to drink beer!

Drink

Sleep

• Hotel u Zlate Studny (At the Golden Well) (Karlova 3, Prague 1) is situated on the Kings Road connecting three historic jewels - the Old Town Square, Charles Bridge and the Prague Castle.

Budget

Mid-Range

Upscale

Work

Learn

Keep Connected

Internet

Phone

See also International Telephone Calls

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