Prague | Czech Republic
Prague is a winning combination of Bohemian history, artistic charm and some of the world’s best beer. Read about this iconic city and its highlights in our city guide.
The Czech capital of Prague is a winning combination of Bohemian history, artistic charm and some of the world’s best beer. A city ripe for urban adventure, from across the bridges of the Vltava River and Prague’s commanding castle, to a meander through cobbled streets and medieval squares. Unlike other European counterparts, Prague’s historical buildings survived WWII relatively intact, making it a unique place to explore the legacy of centuries. There's the oldest astronomical clock in the world watching over the city's Old Town Square, and for some local tourism with a twist, why not explore a nuclear bunker or stop off in a cajovna (tea shop) for tea?
Must-Sees
Petrin Hill and Castle District
Old Town Square and Charles Bridge
Chateau Jemniste
Local Recommendations
When it comes to local knowledge there's no one better to show you the way than our on-the-ground team. Read on to find out their favourite dining venues, places of interest, customs and secrets that draw them to these European cities.
You are in expert hands if you travel with Nick or his wife Simona, both experienced APT Tour Directors living in Prague. Relaxing on a boat on the Vltava river and attending the regular classical concerts are both local favourites according to Nick: "Music is very dear to the hearts of the Czechs, hence the Czech saying 'So Czech so musician'," he says. He shares with us some Prague highlights, as well as cultural, dining or everyday experiences you'll only come across if you know the ins and outs of this city.
Strahov Monastery
"Within the Petrin Hill and the Castle District you'll find the Strahov Monastery, from the 12th century, with its own St Norbert brewery, fantastic libraries and collections of curiosities."
Cafe Imperial
"The Cafe Imperial, opened in 1911 by two keen travellers, is famous for its art deco style and typical Czech and international cuisine. The chef himself, Zdenek Polreich, lived and worked in Australia and hence Aussies are always welcome."
Popular Czech Beer
“The Czechs of course are famous for their beers (brewing began in the 10th century here), in particular the Pilsener Urquell is recommended and is considered as a local medicine … in reasonable quantities.”
Synagogues and Cemeteries
“There is a plethora of museums and galleries to visit in the old historical centre, as well as the best-preserved medieval Jewish Quarter in Europe, with its six synagogues and fascinating 15th-century cemetery open to the public as museums.”
General Information
General Information
Country: Czech Republic
Currency: Czech koruna (CZK)
International Dialling Code: +420
Local Time: GMT +1
Population
Language
Language: Czech
Culture
Czech cuisine: "The national dish is duck, red cabbage and dumplings but guests might want to try the pork knuckle if they have an appetite."
Fascinating fact: "Prague was the centre of the Holy Roman Empire (and hence Europe) in the 14th century with Charles IV and Rudolph 2nd both being Holy Roman Emperors."
Seasonal Prague markets:
You might also like to try a chimney cake, which is a donut-shaped cone filled with Nutella or ice cream, from one of the many food carts surrounding the Old Town streets.
Ready for a captivating journey? Start planning your unforgettable Prague adventure with APT today!
Words by Nick Durston.