Districts of Prague and other Prague, Czech Republic General Tips

Favorite Thing: The historical core of the city straddles both banks of the River Vltava and has 6 main areas:

Stare Mesto (Old Town)
Josefov (preserved part of former Jewish Town - today part of the Old Town)
Nove Mesto (New Town)
Mala Strana (Lesser Town),
Hradcany (Castle)
Vysehrad.


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Favorite Thing: Not seen this in many guide books but Prague is the centre of Europe. Look out for the line in the cobbles between the astronomical clock and Tyn Cathedral in the old town square - thats the mark denoting the middle of Europe! In actual tfact I think it must be to do with the time meridian line or something as the geographical centre of Europe is much further Eastwards, somewhere in Northeast Poland or that region (thanks to VT'er German_Eagle for that info :-) )


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Favorite Thing: The Old Town Square consists of a wonderful array of buildings - hardly a door or window the same. The many differing styles are a real vision - one of the most memorable squares I have ever seen.
The most striking feature is the astromomical clock on the Old Town Hall - the procession of its figures on the hour draws the crowds into the square.
Much more on this beautiful square can be seen in the must see section.


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Favorite Thing: The Powder Gate Tower links the entrance to the old town from the new town. It is one of the few remaining gothic towers from the city fortifications and was used as a gunpowder store.


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Favorite Thing: Wenceslas Square - well actually its more an oblong - is the hub of the new town or nove mestro in its czech name. Here you will find brand name shops, hotels and cafes - look out for the art nouveau Cafe Europa - and the National Museum at the top end with the communist memorial just below the equine statue.


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Favorite Thing: Charles Bridge is the oldest bridge in Prague - started in 1357 by Master Otto and completed by Petr Parler, although its statues date mainy from the 18th century.
It links the Old Town with the Lesser Town quarter across the river. Its a magnet for street traders and tourist tack - always crowded so try to be here in the early morning or late afternoon when daytrippers have gone.

A gothic tower - the Old Town Bridge Tower -marks the entrance to the bridge on the Old Town side. Climb this and you get the best bird's-eye view of Charles Bridge, Vltava River, Prague Castle and Old Town.

March 10:00-18:00 April-May, Oct 10:00-19:00
June-Sept 10:00-22:00 Nov-Feb 10:00-17:00


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Favorite Thing: The area of Mala Strana below the castle is a great place to stroll around. Somehow its less touristic, has great restaurants and real shops as opposed to tourist ones.
As you enter from the other end of Charles Bridge you are greeted with pastel coloured baroque buildings and the dome of St Nicholas which dominates this area.
Its where you will find all the embassies too - I've never seen so many in such a small area - although we couldn't find the British one! Our hotel was just minutes away from the American and German embassies - housed in grand palaces - so we had a well guarded street!


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Favorite Thing: The street leading up from Mala Strana Square to the Castle is Neurdova Street and has some of the finest baroque palaces and mansions in Prague. Named after the Jan Neruda, a czech 19th century writer, whose plaque can be seen on the house at the top of the road. There are several interseting decorations to look out for on the palaces too - take at the look at the travelogue if you wish to see some.


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Favorite Thing: Prague Castle consists of the walls and a collection of buildings dating from the 10th to the 20th centuries, which are linked by a series of internal courtyards - the main one which encloses St Vitus Cathedral.If here for several days a 3-day consecutive ticket allowing admission to the various buildings here, may be useful.

The castle has 3 main entrances - the old castle steps to the east, the Powder Bridge to the north and the western gate where the changing of the guard can be seen hourly from 5:00-23:00 or 24:00. Best time is at noon with there are fanfares and banner exchange.

All Prague Castle sights are open daily 9:00-17:00 (Apr-Oct), 9:00-16:00 (Nov-Mar),
Prague Castle Gardens daily 10:00-18:00 (Apr-Oct).

To reach the castle area takeTram No. 22, 23 to Prazsky Hrad stop, or walk up from Charles Bridge through Nerudova street.


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Favorite Thing: The Castle is such a complex of building and courtyards that you really could spend days here just absorbing it all.

The main western gate leads to the First Courtyard where the ceremonial changing of the guard takes place.
The Mathias Gate leads to the Second Courtyard - enclosed by the Theresain style buildings of the Castle wings. A staircase on the right leads to the state rooms and a gate in the northern wing leads to the Powder Bridge.

Another gateway leads to the Third Courtyard - the central part of the castle complex which is dominated by the St Vitus Catheral. The Royal Palace is located south-west of St Vitus.
The Third Courtyard leads to St George's square and Basilica of the same name.

Follow the lane past the Basilica and then turn left to reach the entrance to Golden Lane.


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