Travel tips: Top things to see and do in Prague

Prague, the capital and largest city of the Czech Republic known as The City of Spires, is famous for its medieval architecture, rich history, incredible landmarks, scenic views, food and beer.

There is no wonder this city is a top tourist destination, writes Travel News Blitz’s Bianca Wright. 

Once you arrive in the city, you can expect to be blown away with the unbelievable architecture of Prague castle, Charles Bridge, the Old Town Square or enjoy a boat ride along the river – making it no surprise the city welcomes over eight million visitors a year.

Explore the wonderful architecture of the city's history and famous landmarks 

Prague Castle is unmissable as you approach the city, situated on top of a hill in the Mala Strana district with panoramic views of the city. Overlooking the Vltava River is the largest castle complex in the world.

Spanning nearly 70,000 square meters it is known as a city within a city.

The Castle is guarded by a specialised military unit that has held guard there since 1918, protecting the president's seat. 

The castle has a changing of the guard on an hourly basis from 7:00 to 20:00 in the summer and till 18:00 in the winter, and features a special formal ceremony at 12:00 in the first courtyard with a fanfare and a banner exchange.

Within the Castle grounds are several buildings, residential areas, religious buildings, churches and gardens. Let's explore these.

Saint Vitus Cathedral 

The largest and most important temple in Prague, taking nearly 600 years to build, with completion finally happening in 1929. With its breathtaking iconic Gothic structure exterior, the interior is just as fascinating.

Inside you can see beautifully crafted stained glass windows dating back between 1925 and 1939, very popular for their vibrant colours and a seven metre diameter rose window in the western side.

There are 21 chapels, the most important one known as the heart of the Cathedral ‘St Wenceslas Chapel’ that features over 1,300 semi-precious stones and frescoes representing Christ and the life of St. Wenceslas. 

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The Crown Chamber

This is home to the Bohemian Jewels – held safely in a secure room close to the St Wenceslas Chapel – which on rare occasions are placed out on display, so you just never know when you may get lucky to catch a glimpse. 

The tomb of St John of Nepomuk lies also within these walls. The two-tonne tomb was built as an honouring to the Saint who was thrown off the Charles Bridge in 1393 for refusing to break the seal of confession. 

The tomb consists of a figure of the saint reclining down supported by angels flying holding fabrics arranged in loose graceful forms. The tomb can be seen in the main choir area. 

The Royal Mausoleum and Crypt 

The home of tombs of late kings, queens, Charles the IV, emperor Maximilian II and Wenceslaus and can be found in the chancel within the Cathedral. 

Basilica of St Georgeis the oldest surviving Church within the grounds. Within its walls are the tombs of St. Ludmila (the first Czech martyr who has a chapel dedicated just for her), and Vratislaus I, who lays at rest buried in the main choir area. 

The church also features the ‘Brigita’ statue which is described as an intriguing statue of a decayed lady with a snake in her abdomen and 12th Century Crypt, also remains of ancient frescoes which you can visibly see in the Aspe area of the Church. 

The Castle also is home to the Old Royal Palace, Golden Lane, Lobkowicz Palace, a picture gallery amongst beautiful garden grounds and eating establishments. 

The gardens are free to access and walk around, however tickets are required for entry.

St Charles Bridge

Be sure to take a stroll across this stunning 14th century bridge connecting both the old town with lesser towns. The stone-built bridge features 30 statues, the majority being baroque-style sculptures of Saints dating back centuries. 

Situated between two towers and views of the river and the castle, the bridge is bursting with life from tourists to street musicians and artists selling paintings. 

Old town square

This part of the city is extremely beautiful – as you enter the square you are surrounded by magnificent buildings, including the iconic Tyn Cathedral. 

The old town hall is situated here where you can book a tour to enter and explore the interior and travel to the top for panoramic views of Prague.

When visiting Prague, this is a landmark you will not want to miss. Positioned on the southern wall of the old town square, the 600-year-old clock and the oldest in the world was created and built by astronomer Jan Sindel and clockmaker Mikulas of Kadan. 

The clock has various statues of Catholic Saints situated at either side of it and an astronomical dial – a dial with one side representing the sun’s position and the other the moon’s, and a dial representing the months of the year.

The clock attracts hundreds of spectators who gather on the hour, every hour, to watch the clock come in to action giving bystanders a show featuring moving Apostle Figures, a skeleton that represents death and other characters. 

Situated within the square are horse-drawn carriage rides where you can take a tour of the city and numerous bars, restaurants and street food stalls. 

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Attractions

The city has plenty of attractions you can visit from the ice bar, silent disco rooms, robotic drink making, museums, and a madam Tussauds. 

If you want to get your adrenaline pumping, then why not water rafting through the city. You can also hire push bikes to ride the streets and riverbanks, hire monster bike trikes or have a relaxed sail along the river on a boat.

Food and drinks

Feeling hungry? In Prague it will not take you long to find delicious food, situated on most streets are food places ranging from a variety of cuisines from different cultures. 

Maybe you fancy trying the local Goulash, a traditional Czech meaty dish made with beef and spices served with dumplings. Be sure you will find this in many food establishments.

If it is just a snack you are looking for there are numerous street food stalls where you can try delicious pork knuckle served with horseradish and rye bread and finish off with a nice, sweet treat of sugary, cinnamon fire roasted pastry.

Thirsty? Then why not try a cold refreshing pale larger. There are a variety of beers available but the most popular sold is Pilsner Urquell, Budvar and Gambrinus offering your taste buds a creamy bitter finish.

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