Top 5 Attractions in Prague

Known as the Golden City, Prague is the largest city and, of course, the capital of the Czech Republic. It is built on the Vltava River (Moldau in Czech), whose name means "wild water", and is a very popular destination, especially for Europeans. It is one of the few cities that have not been destroyed by the World Wars and its centre, the historic Old Town, has been preserved and is a Unesco heritage site.

This historic city has many very interesting sights worth seeing during your visit. Here, together, we will look at the five most important attractions in Prague that you shouldn't miss.

• Prague Castle

Located in the Hradčany district, it is one of the oldest castles in the world. Its construction began in the 9^th century, and it took its final form, which remains to this day, in the 18^th century. It now serves as the seat of the Presidents of the Czech Republic.

To reach the castle, take tram number 22 and alight at the Pražský hrad station; it’s a 5-minute walk from there. Alternatively, take tram number 22 again, but alight at the Pohořelec station, and it's a ten-minute downhill walk. Of course, these two routes lead to different entrances.

Prague Castle's operating hours are 6:00 – 22:00. However, to enter all the castle buildings, the hours are 9:00-16:00 during the winter months and 9:00-17:00 during the summer. You can purchase tickets on the day of your visit to the castle. There is a range of areas you can see, with corresponding prices. The most expensive ticket, which grants you access to the Old Royal Palace, St. George's Basilica, Golden Lane, and St. Vitus Cathedral (one of the most important and popular attractions in Prague that you must include in your tour), as well as Rosenberg Palace along with an exhibition on the history of the castle, costs 350 Czech Koruna, which is 13.50 euros. If you want an audio guide to show you around the castle, it's 350 Koruna for 3 hours and 450 for the whole day. An English-speaking guide costs 100 Koruna per hour per person.

A visit to the castle should be the first thing you do in Prague. You will see so many different types of architecture inside the castle that will enchant you. And it is a unique way to learn about the great history of Prague.

• Charles Bridge

The name of this stone bridge comes from King Charles IV, under whose patronage its construction began in 1357. It was built out of necessity to connect the old town with the other areas across the Vltava, as the previous bridge had been destroyed by floods.

Its length is 516 metres and its width reaches ten metres. This stone bridge is now used only by pedestrians who wish to cross the river or simply enjoy the scenery. Besides its utility, it is also an ornament of the city, adorned with 30 predominantly Baroque statues depicting 17^th-century saints. The statues have now been replaced by replicas, while the originals are housed in the National Museum.

• Prague Astronomical Clock

The Prague Astronomical Clock is located on the south wall of the Old Town Hall in the Old Town Square and is one of the most famous spots in Prague, attracting crowds of tourists.

The original clock was built in 1410 by the clockmaker Mikuláš of Kadaň, who was advised by Jan Šindel, a professor of mathematics and astronomy at Charles University in Prague.

Later, over the years, some modifications were made to the clock, both to its mechanism and its decoration. The construction of the clock was finally completed in the early 1490s, and rumours say that the Prague city councillors blinded the clockmaker Jan Hanuš so that he could not copy the clock elsewhere. Its decoration was completed in the early 16^th century.

The clock was destroyed during the Second World War, and what we see now is an accurate replica.

The Prague astronomical clock shows three independent movements:

• The movement of the sun during a day
• The average orbit of the Moon during a month
• The annual orbit of the Sun around the Earth

If you are attentive and observe the clock, you will see that it depicts the symbols of the zodiac, the positions of the vernal and autumnal equinoxes, as well as the winter and summer solstices.

The entire clock is filled with symbolism that is incredibly interesting if one wishes to study it. However, here we will only look at why this beautiful clock is so famous.

On the hour, for instance, at exactly six o'clock in the evening, the windows visible on the clock open, and the Holy Apostles appear – as many as there are hours, so for six in the evening, six Holy Apostles appear.

This is why, from eight in the morning until eight in the evening, crowds gather in front of the clock every sixty minutes to admire the magnificent movement of the Astronomical Clock.

• Prague Old Town Square

Prague's historic Old Town Square will enchant you. Stare Miesto was the city centre until the 14^th century, when the New Town, Nove Mesto, was created.

At the centre of the square stands the statue of Jan Hus (philosopher and professor at Charles University) and the Old Town Hall, a magnificent building that houses the astronomical clock we mentioned earlier.

Near the square is also the Church of Our Lady before Týn, a splendid church that has stood there since the 14^th century.

Entrance to the church is free, so take your time and step inside to enjoy the unique decoration from the 15^th century.

Admire the wonderful dome inside the church above the bishop's tomb.

Also see the statues of the Virgin Mary and Our Lady of Týn with the infant.

 

 

• Trip to Karlovy Vary

A trip to the enchanting spa town of Karlovy Vary will be the most wonderful addition to your journey. Many Greeks do not choose Karlovy Vary as an exclusive destination, so this will be a unique opportunity to explore this small but beautiful town in Western Bohemia, which is second in tourism after Prague. You can go for a day trip or arrange to stay overnight.

To get there, simply take the bus from Florenc station to Karlovy Vary; the journey takes 3 hours and a return ticket costs 26 euros, you just need to book your tickets in advance.

https://czech-transport.com/index.php?menu_id=busres&lang=en

Another option is to hire a private company with a minivan from the airport. For 1 to 4 people, it costs 160 euros and takes a total of 9 hours. This includes 4 hours for the round trip and 5 hours for your stay in the town. These hours are enough to see the spa town, grab a bite to eat, and even take a walk around the town. They will pick you up from your hotel and drop you back in the evening; in Karlovy Vary, they will leave you in the city centre.

https://www.prague-airport-transfers.co.uk/zakaznik/index.php?sekce=cesta&id_objednavky=&cesta[typ_objednavky]=exkurze_privatni&cesta[id_tury]=7

In the town, visit the thermal baths. There are 12 springs, the most famous of which is Vřídlo, which is also the hottest, with a temperature reaching 72^oC and a geyser that reaches 12 metres in height. See the detailed characteristics of all 12 springs.

https://www.karlovyvary.cz/en/colonnades-and-springs

Other things you can see in the town include the museum of the traditional drink Becherovka. It is a very tasty drink made with water from the thermal springs and various herbs. Try the drink and buy a bottle if you like it.

 

Prague is a historic city with unique architecture that you will adore. Walk from the historic centre to Charles Bridge and take as many photos as you can.

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