Getting lost in Staré Město
Visit the Old Town Square and you will immediately understand why Prague is often described as a fairy tale city. A mix of Gothic and Baroque architecture – and the oldest working astronomical clock in the world – takes center stage.
Climb the tower of the Old Town Hall to admire the city, delve into the side streets to sample a trdelnik (a traditional cylindrical pastry) and wander the side streets before you find yourself on the exquisite Charles Bridge.
Visit the city’s galleries
National Gallery in Prague is spread over a number of buildings, including the Kinsky Palace in Old Town Square and the Convent of Saint Agnes of Bohemia.
Head to Prague 7 and visit the Exhibition Palace, the main building of the gallery complex, to see a mix of permanent and temporary exhibitions. Of the, DOX Contemporary Art Center and its magnificent rooftop airship Gulliver is a short walk or tram ride away.
Across Town (and Across the Train Tracks), Non-Profit Contemporary Art Space MeetFactory is not to be missed. Two bright red cars hanging from the facade of the former slaughterhouse set the stage for what’s to come, with the innovative works inside the venue a brainchild of artist David Černý, the gallery’s founder .
Go to the theater
prague Nardoni Divadlo is made up of four theaters – so check carefully when you book or you might get the wrong stage. The ornate buildings are a wonderful setting for an evening of entertainment, with a changing program of popular ballets and operas – including Romeo and Juliet and Nutcracker – as well as contemporary works.
Tickets are reasonably priced (especially compared to the West End) and spectators over 65 and under 26 can access seats at half price.
prague castle
It is the most popular attraction in Prague, according to planet alone. The castle complex features “a diverse and fascinating collection of historic buildings, museums and galleries” and an “eclectic mix of architectural styles”. Don’t miss the stained glass window designed by Czech artist Alphonse Mucha in St. Vitus Cathedral.
From the castle, take a stroll to Malá Strana – “without a doubt one of the most enchanting and seductive areas” of the capital, said Cultural trip. A visit to the Shakespeare & Sons Bookstore is a must for literature lovers.
Spend an afternoon at a beer garden
For the Czechs, beer is “liquid bread”. During the summer months, the best place to grab a freshly poured pint of Pilsner is Letna Park, overlooking the Vltava River, and Reigrovy Sady, a popular spot loved by locals that offers unparalleled sunsets over the castle and the old City. Naplavka, the river bank, is also a lively place on weekends with a series of pop-up boat bars.
If a pint of Prague doesn’t taste fresh enough, the towns of Budweis and Plzeň are only a few hours from the city, making a visit to the brewery an easy day trip from the capital city.
Explore where locals hang out
You are more likely to come across hipsters than tourists in the Zizkov and Karlin districts. Follow in their footsteps to find pop-up galleries, art fairs and restaurants. If you get a bit lost, just look for the Zizkov TV Tower. As it is covered with crawling baby sculptors (Černý’s work), you cannot miss it.
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