Prague packs a lot into its relatively small city center – it’s where you’ll find the cobbled streets of the Old Town, churches, galleries and the most picturesque bridges.
A guidebook might be handy, but you can always just wander wherever your senses take you.
The beauty of Bohemia
Prague’s medieval heart is rich and incredibly well preserved. Start your journey at the castle, which has been dominating the skyline for over 1,000 years. There was a fort here as long ago as the 9th century, while the ongoing reconstructions by various rulers – each with their own idea of what a castle should look like – has led to some intriguing additions and contrasts.
The last major ones were made by Empress Maria Theresa – mother of Marie Antoinette – in the 18th century. The largest ancient castle in the world contains many grand delights, including the Chapel of St. Wenceslas, St. Vitus’ Cathedral, Vladislav Hall and the serene gardens.
For a rare taste of the very finest in Baroque, arrange a tour of the monastic Strahov Library with its elaborate ceiling frescoes, cabinet of curiosities and 17th century Theology Hall – truly one of the world’s great libraries.
The boldest of bridges
If you want to avoid the crowds at the Charles Bridge, you’ll have to visit out of season, or come at dawn or dusk when many visitors are elsewhere.
But then again, the people create the atmosphere and perhaps conjure a sense of what this thoroughfare has been like since it was first built in the 14th century at the very heart of Prague life.
A Gothic stone bridge connecting the Lesser Town with the Old Town, work began on the Charles Bridge in 1357 and it has stood firm since then. The statues were a later addition, although many of the originals now grace museums. Crossing this bridge is a must, with the vendors doing business as the Vltava flows restlessly on underneath.
More than pork and potatoes
Czech food can certainly veer toward the hearty. This is a country of soups and stews, sauerkraut and strudel, after all. Goulash has been transformed from Hungary into gulas, which contains more meat. But you can also snack on trdelnik – a circular pastry coated in sugar or cinnamon known as a ‘chimney cake’ – and palacinky pancakes that can be served both sweet and savory.
In the old town, grab a table at Café Louvre, which has been serving patrons such as Albert Einstein and the author Franz Kafka since 1902. Playwright Karel Capek – the man who invented the term ‘robot’ – was also a regular here. Soak up the atmosphere and gorge on the generous traditional dishes – beef broth with liver dumplings or pork tenderloin with potato dumplings. Perfect food if it’s wintry outside.
It doesn’t matter what time of year you visit, Prague will give you a warm welcome in even the coldest of months. Car rental in Prague will really help you make the most of your time in this grand old city and the rest of the Czech Republic.