Over 20 years after the fall of communism, and what has been named the “Velvet or Gentle Revolution” (the Czech version of our own “People Power” against communism), Prague has single-handedly and steadfastly carved its own niche as one of the premier tourist capitals of Europe. Fittingly called the “Golden City”, it ranks sixth only to London, Paris, Rome, Madrid and Berlin as the most-visited city in Europe. And rightfully so, after all, how many other cities can cite their address as “at the center of Europe”?

Prague, the capital and largest city in the Czech Republic, boasts of a long and illustrious heritage, drawing from centuries past as the capital of the region of Bohemia, part of the Austrian Empire. While it is true that most European cities have their own fair share of fairy-tale castles and architecture, Prague is singled-out as one of those cities fortuitously spared by the ravages of two world wars and European geopolitical upheavals. Thus their magnificent landmarks and grand cultural edifices have remained virtually intact, or have been restored to nearly their previous wondrous and compelling glories.

An enchanting and enthralling city of magical bridges, romance-hued antique castles, majestic cathedrals and gold-crowned towers, Prague is a fairyland of cobbled lanes and walled courtyards awaiting your discovery… While Prague, the cosmopolitan center, is to experience as the vibrant face of modern-day Europe full of energy, music, cultural art, fine dining and tourist-centered adventure.

For all its charms and must-see, must-try attractions, Prague is one destination the avid traveler and cultural buff alike cannot afford to miss. Anyone planning a trip to Prague, especially for the first time, may find it a bit overwhelming and off-putting, that is why we’ve decided to come out with this guide with a twist, hopefully to help you enjoy your trip to the utmost… off the beaten path. t would be remiss of this article not to take you through the regular travel agency fare, but with Prague, even the most commercial of tourist traps exude an undeniable charm and appeal that must be explored.

The city centre is a mélange of stunning architecture: from Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque to Neoclassical, Art Nouveau and Cubist. Beyond the medieval lanes of the Old Town and the Castle District, there is an entire cosmopolitan city to explore, riverside parks, lively bars and beer
gardens, music clubs, museums and art galleries. Prague’s excellent public transport system allows you to explore emerging suburbs such as Žižkov, Vinohrady, Smíchov and Holešovice.

Dominating a skyline punctuated by gothic cathedral spires and other grand architecture is a difficult feat, but the great Prague Castle accomplishes this with grandeur and majesty. It is the largest ancient castle in the world, built in the 9th century originally as a fortress. The most jaded guest will take pause under its shadows, awestruck at its diverse and eclectic design, influenced by its various tenants over time. Today, aside from its architectural attractions, the Prague Castle offers other tourist attractions as well, hosting cultural events and popular entertainment fare.

Prague is subdivided into districts, and each district worth visiting for their historical offering:

Prague Lesser Town (Mala Strana) was founded in 1257 on the slopes bellow the Prague Castle, and has been least affected by European upheavals. This picturesque locale of ancient burgher houses, quaint side streets and St. Nicholas Church is a favorite setting for movies and commercials. Situated at one end of Charles Bridge, the Lesser Town Bridge serves as gateway for tourists arriving at the Old Town.

Prague Old Town is the oldest of the city’s towns, being mentioned in history since 1901, and dating back to the 14th century. It is home to the Church of Our Lady of Týn, a grand gothic structure designed to be seen all over the city. Old Town Square is probably the most popular square in Prague with its historical sights, located alongside Týn Church, St. Nicola´s Church and Old Town Hall.

The Astronomical Clock, Prague Orloj, on the Old Town Hall Building is a major tourist attraction. It is one of the most famous astronomical clocks all over the world. The ancient clock has been ticking and drawing crowds since 1490. Every hour on the hour, from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., wooden saints emerge from trap doors, while below them, a lesson in medieval morality is enacted by Greed, Vanity, Death and the Turk. However, the main attraction the clock’s face, embellished with zodiac figures and reputedly, some occult mysteries embedded in the design.

The carefully-planned Prague New Town was founded by Charles IV in 1348. Twice as large as the Old Town, it was mainly inhabited by tradesmen and craftsmen. During the late19th century its outer fortification was demolished and redesigned to its modernized appearance.
Named after the emperor Josef II, whose reforms helped to ease living conditions for the Jewish, the Jewish Quarter contains the remains of Prague’s former Jewish ghetto. The current Prague Jewish community numbers 5,000 – 6,000 people. There are two figures synonymous with this part of the city, Franz Kafka (1883 – 1924) and the mystical humunculus Golem created by Jehuda ben Bezalel, also known as Rabi Löw. Dominant attraction of the Jewish Quarter is the Jewish Cemetery and Old Synagogue. Some very important figures in Czech history are buried in this cemetery. The Old Synagogue is one of the oldest synagogues in Europe and legend says that foundation stones are from King´s Solomon’s Church from Jerusalem.
Acknowledged throughout Europe as a major hub for culture and the arts, Prague houses some of the finest museums, galleries and theaters, as well as modern entertainment venues, not just in Europe, but in the world. Some of the significant cultural institutions include the National Theatre (Národní Divadlo) and the Estates Theatre (Stavovské or Tylovo or Nosticovo Divadlo), Other major cultural institutions include the Rudolfinum which is home to the Czech Philharmonic Orchestra and the Municipal House which is home to the Prague Symphony Orchestra. The Prague State Opera (Státní opera) performs at the Smetana Theatre.

There are many world class museums in Prague including the National Museum (Národní muzeum), the Museum of the Capital City of Prague, the Jewish Museum in Prague, the Alfons Mucha Museum, the African-Prague Museum, the Museum of Decorative Arts in Prague the Náprstek Museum (Náprstkovo Muzeum), the Josef Sudek Gallery, the National Library and the National Gallery.

Culture fests and festivals are held regularly, among them, the Prague Spring International Music Festival, the Febiofest Film Festival, the Prague Writers’ Festival, the Summer Shakespeare Festival, the Prague Fringe Festival, the World Roma Festival as well as hundreds of Vernissages and fashion shows. Many films have been made at the Barrandov Studios. Hollywood movies set in Prague include Mission Impossible, Blade II and xXx.

BOHEMIAN TO THE CORE

Reputedly, as they claim, to be the best beers in the world, locally made brews are considered to be a national treasure. And while beer quaffing is not the intellectually uplifting first-stop in any serious traveler’s itinerary, it would certainly not hurt to indulge in a bit of kow-towing to tradition, especially when a nation’s pride is at stake.

Arguably the most popular local brew is Gambrinus, but it is not universally recognized as the best. Then there are Kozel’s Medium, prize winner as best Czech Beer from the Research Institute of Brewing and Malting (yes, they do have that, and they do take their beers very seriously) and Pilsner Urquell, or for the Prague-originating Staropramen.

Inevitably, of course, this means having to visit the establishments where such venerable treasures are served, the Pub. Pubs or “hospoda” in Czech, are rife in Prague (and to those still unconvinced of the cultural value of this item), are indeed an important part of local culture. Any establishment worthy of its reputation will probably have a huge variety of excellent local brews and can recommend from their own top-notch selection.

And then there would be the tourist aspect of this experience… Go for the Pub Crawl, an all-night event which is scheduled and held regularly specially for visiting brew enthusiasts. It is not in the same caliber as vineyard-hopping in Napa, but it is the best way to meet and socialize with the locals outside of the usual tourist traps and hype. One of the more popular is the Prague Underground Backpacker’s Pub Crawl which meets up under the Old Astronomical Clock nightly.

To go with their world-class beers, Prague cuisine, like German delicacies, veer towards pub food, such as cold smoked mackerel and raw beef on deep-fried toast, bits of meat suspended in aspic, also referred to as ‘head cheese’. Highly savory, affordable and satisfying. A must try, like their famous German counterparts, is the Prague version of the hot-dog sandwich. Dining is usually done in small cafes, food stalls and more modern fastfood establisments hogging the streets, with lunch as the main meal of the day. Not to leave the wrong impression, but fine dining likewise abounds in Prague, and there is no shortage of French, Italian, Asian and other international dining experiences available in the City.

Shopping in Prague is a grand experience on the same level as its cultural offerings — with myriad choices and variations. An abundance of laneway stalls and street vendors offer bargain hunters treasures galore, while along Na Prikope St., the 18th most expensive street in the world by real estate standards, are several of the largest shopping malls in Prague. Among them “Cerna ruze” (Black rose) and “Palac Myslbek” and many shops. Souvenir shops, as to be expected, are in the city’s historical centre — mostly around Old Town Square, Wenceslas Square and Prague Castle.

There are many shops offering Bohemian crystal – especially in the centre near the lower end of Wenceslas Square. The other typical, if rather expensive Czech produce is garnet jewelry – typical Czech garnet stones, gathered near the town of Turnov, are dark red and upon purchase of genuine traditional Czech garnet, one should get a certificate of authenticity. “Pa?ížská” street goes from Old Town Square towards the river – and includes some of the most luxurious (and expensive) boutiques in Prague.

With all its beguiling attractions and must-visit places, Prague has developed a decently efficient and effective transport system for tourists and travelers to gain easy travel within the city. The Prague Metro and Prague Tram Systems serve as the backbone of Prague’s Public Transport Infrastructure, supported by bus and taxi systems throughout the city. And while Melbourne has the longest tram track length in the world, Prague’s tram network is the biggest by other measures, so getting around will never be a problem should you decide to visit.

Indeed there’s certainly something for everyone in this Golden City… definitely, you’ll have a passion for Prague.