Prague is the capital and largest city of the Czech Republic and former capital of the Holy Roman Empire. This is a wonderful place filled with culture and sights from the Prague Castle to the Astronomical Clock. Meet Paris's number one rival: Prague.
1. Prague Castle
The most spectacular from within and from afar. The Prague Castle is a sight to behold and worth the long walk and stairs up to the entrance. Doors open at 9:00 AM, but arrive early because it's sure to get crowded fast.
2. Gold Lane
Within the Prague Castle grounds, you'll also find the Gold Lane. This is a cute alleyway with lots of shops and unique characteristics. One of my favorites I highly recommend is the torture camber and the famous Witch House...creepy but cool. You'll also notice true to its age, the building are really small in structure, good for shorties like me but if you're tall make sure to watch your head!
3. TrdelnÃk - With Vanilla Ice Cream and Chocolate
The TrdelnÃk is a traditional Slovak rolled pastry originating from the Hungarian-speaking region of Transylvania. This treat is roasted over an open fire and covered in sugar and nuts. Watching this pastry being prepared is a fascinating sight, and you can easily find it being prepared all along the streets of Prague. Get the regular for 60 czk or the Blizzard for 110 czk.
4. Guláš - The Goulash
Sorry Vegetarians, number four is not for you. This hearty and rather meaty dish comes with typically beef and topped with a generous portion of gravy and served with bread dumplings.
5. Old Town Square
In the Center of Town you will find a large open square filled with tourists, and for good reason. The Old Town Square is the heart of Prague and here you will find everything from beautiful fountains and buildings to concerts and food stalls.
6. Astronomical Clock
What happens when you combine the sun, moon, planets, zodiacal constellations, hours, minutes and seconds? You get the Astronomical Clock. This clock is extraordinary in its mechanism and size. Local legend says that if something bad happens to the clock that city will suffer. Heroic efforts from townsmen during WWII saved the clock from being destroyed.
7. Prague's Eiffel Tower (Observational Tower)
Built as a mini version of Paris's Eiffel Tower, the Petrin Observation Tower was built in 1891 and looms over the city. If you are not afraid of heights and would love a panoramic view of the city, be sure to check it out, but be prepared the climb up the hill and up the tower is long, but totally worth it.
8. The Charles Bridge
The Charles Bridge is considered to be one of the most astonishing Gothic style structures in the world, and for good reason. This bridge is breath-taking to walk over especially in the early morning when no one is in sight. During the day, the bridge is filled with so many artisans and people that it will take a good 10 minutes to walk over.
9. Ride on the Water
Whether a tour boat or your own personal paddle boat, a ride on the water is always beautiful wherever you go. A cool breeze in the mist of blazing summer.
10. Secret Garden
This point will be on no guidebook! We accidentally stumbled upon a beautiful garden that was tucked away from the bustling movements and noises of the city's main attractions. The best part about this garden you ask? It is PEACOCK PARADISE. You'll have to ask locals for directions to get there.
11. Budget Hostel
Weird name, but it was cheap. I don't recommend this place to stay for everyone, but if you are on a tight budget and want to try something different, then definitely stay at the Budget Hostel or....School? During the year, this hostel is an actual school, which is why you will find yourself sleeping in a classroom, or gym AND on a futon. The price is only 11 euros a night and the location is great! One minute walk from the Charles Bridge on the Old City side.
12. Affordability
The Czech Republic is one of most affordable tourist destinations in Europe, if of course planned right! If you are a student you are luckier. All historical sights or entrance fees offer a student discount for well over half the price of a regular admissions. What to go up the Observational tower? Its 65 czk that is eqaul to less than 3 dollars.
13. Walk-able City
Bring your sneakers, most of the city's highlights can be seen within walking distances of one another.
14. Transportation
There is a subway system, but you will likely not use it. But it is available if needed!
15. Powder Gate
This gate and a few others that you will encounter on your journey to Prague, provide the opportunity to climb to the top. But, be careful the stairs are small and narrow.
16. Prague Wafers
Hands down — a must eat are hazelnut layered wafers. These wafers can be found normally in convenient stores and make great small gifts to bring back at a very reasonable price of 16 ckz or 65 cents a pack.
17. Performances
"The street are alive with the sound of music." Trumpet players on the castle, operas in the halls, street performers on the street, and piano players under the bridge. The universal language of music fills the city of Prague with life!
18. MoneyWhen travelling to the Czech Republic be advised that although they are a part of the European Union, their main currency is the koruna, although euros are accepted. The koruna uses a money system that seems larger, therefore don't be surprised when your bill is 250 czk, that is roughly 10 dollars.
19. City of Gold Roofs
Prague is honestly one of the most beautiful cities in Europe, and the third most popular to visit after London and Paris. People fall in love with the city's beauty — after all, it is known to be the City of Gold Roofs.
20. Architecture
The Charles Bridge, the Powder Tower, Gold Roofs, need I say more?
21. The History
The history of Prague is an epic story. Prague became the capital of the Bohemian Kingdom and the Holy Roman Empire. The city has witnessed a declaration of independence, Nazi control, oppressive communism and capitalist democracy. The history can be seen all around the remarkable city.