Looking across the sea of domes, spires and red roofs towards the graceful towers of the St. Vitus cathedral, I think I've just fallen hopelessly in love with Prague. In the short time since the Velvet Revolution and the fall of Communism, Prague has become one of the premiere destinations in Europe. What stands out most here is the architecture, so diverse, so beautiful, and so concentrated in one place that you can easily be overwhelmed. But unlike other top cities in Europe, Prague doesn't strike you as shrewd, calculating, or out to get your money. There is still a certain innocence, something that does much to relieve the occasional annoyance. Of course Prague is overrun with tourists, who like you are eager to explore its charms. But there are ways to beat the crowds or avoid them altogether, and there are still many places off the beaten paths awaiting discovery.
Even before we left, I had already started planning the return trip.
The heart of Prague is Charles Bridge (Karluv Most), which spans the Vltava river and connects the Old Town with the Castle District. The highlights are the stately statues which line both sides of the bridge. It looks most magical early in the morning, when the light is soft and the bridge is practically deserted except for a few locals hurrying to work.
The bank of the Vltava is a good spot to read or relax. And to take pictures :)
I only spent 2 days and 2 nights here. Like most people who visited Prague, I committed the mistake of making it too short. Next time it will be a serious courtship.
These are the things that I did not have time to do, but that others have covered in abundance:
- Climb Charles Bridge tower, Powder Tower
- See the inside of the Prague Castle, St. Vitus.
- See the inside of Strahov monastery
- See more churches, synagogues, museums, concerts
- Visit Vysehrad, Mala Strana, the Fred & Ginger House, etc.
I'm missing quite a lot here, so please consider this only a preliminary effort.
- Pros:Extremely picturesque, splendid architecture, vibrant atmosphere, cultural abundance, comparatively inexpensive, models everywhere"
- Cons:Packed with tourists even in June
- In a nutshell:The beginning of a beautiful friend.. love affair
Reviews (41)
Old Town Hall
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Across from Tyn Church and in a style reminiscent of the main towers around town is the Old Town Hall. It's a magnet for... more travel advice
The astronomical clock
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Arguably the secondmost talked-about attraction in Prague, the astronomical clock is easy to spot. Just look for the big... more travel advice
Charles Bridge tower, Old Town side
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(31)
Before setting foot on Charles Bridge, you would pass under this imposing structure, one of the finest examples of a... more travel advice
Charles Bridge @ Night
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(31)
As you can imagine, Charles Bridge is resplendent at night as a photographic subject. It's also unequaled as a vantage... more travel advice
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Comments (19)
What a wonderful Prague page! I can't wait til my visit on August. Thanks for all the tips. Greetings from Vancouver! ~Avery
I loved your picture of "Running with the Mobs" complete with anti-instrument sign! ;) I'm planning a trip to Prague in September and your tips will certainly help.
Yen, you excel in providing great info interspersed with wit, the no marching band comment is priceless To top it off your photos are highly rated by me. Thru your pages I relived a great visit of a few years ago.
wow, what great pics of prague. one can tell you really enjoyed it ! great !
Extremely well put together, great tips and photographs to match, glad you enjoyed Prague as much as I did
That "human wall" crossing the street from Charles Bridge sure is scary! Facing the mob, I turned left and crossed the street a couple of yards further down the road! LOLs for the "marching band" sign! I can't wait to re-visit Prague.
nice picture..keep it up.
One of the places i would love to visit. Your pictures make it look lovely!
The writing on your pages is splendid. You did a great job of capturing a lot of different aspects of what there is to see and do in Prague.
Excellent page, Yen. Enjoyed your commentary and pictures of Prage too.
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