10 Must-see places in Prague

Prague
Prague

Some fifty years ago, Prague was unknown to many, but in the past couple of decades, it has emerged as one of the most popular destinations in Europe. A compact city with medieval charm, Prague holiday packs numerous attractions that leave tourists in awe. The city has fascinating history, exemplary architecture, resplendent palaces and several green spaces within the city. The captivating and most visited places that you can explore on a Prague holiday package are:

Charles Bridge

The dreamiest site in Prague, Charles Bridge connects Old Town and Lesser Town spanning over the Vltava River. Built more than six centuries ago, this medieval bridge is the most iconic landmark in Prague. This pedestrian bridge is lined by 30 Baroque-styled statues as well as numerous street vendors and performance artists. Although a busy area crowded with people at all times, a stroll on the bridge has a unique charm. Prague Castle looms just above the bridge and when it’s lit at nights, the views are simply breathtaking from across the bridge. Climb up the staircases on each side of the bridge and marvel at the splendid vistas.

Old Town Square

Old Town Square
Old Town Square

Dating back to the 12th century, the Old Town Square is the most significant and historic place to be experienced on a Prague city tour. Lying between Wenceslas Square and the Charles Bridge, this area is vibrant with tourists as well as locals. It’s intermix of architectural styles scream of the glorious history of Czech. You will discover Baroque, Romanesque, Gothic, Rococo and Renaissance buildings in and around the square, lending it its timeless appeal.

Old New Synagogue

Old New Synagogue
Old New Synagogue

It is the oldest and still operating synagogue in Europe. Located In Josefov, a former Jewish Quarter, the Old New Synagogue is one of the first Gothic buildings of Prague. Providing services since its completion in 1270, this synagogue discontinued its services for a couple of years during the Nazi occupation. The legend has it that this synagogue is also home to Golem of Prague as Rabbi Jehuda Löwa created a clay golem and instilled life in it and placed an instructional parchment in the golem’s mouth in the 16th century.

Prague Castle

Prague Castle
Prague Castle

The city skyline is denoted by the majestic Prague Castle. It is an expansive complex inclusive of palaces, a monastery, a church, defensive towers (now vantage points), a large cathedral, a royal stable, and a few museums and art galleries. It also has a small, spellbinding lane where the craftsmen used to work. The picturesque gardens are also worth visiting – you will be awed at the variety of plants growing here.

Powder Gate

Powder Gate
Powder Gate

Also known as the Powder Tower, it is one of the 13 original entrances into Old Town Prague dating back to the 11th century. In the 17th century, the Powder Gate was used a storage unit for gunpowder, hence, the name. The tower was the start point of the royal route, through which Bohemian kings traversed during coronation, through Old Town, across the Charles Bridge, to the Prague Castle and finally the St. Vitus Cathedral, where the coronation ceremony was organised.

Dancing House

Dancing House
Dancing House

An example of fine architecture, the Dancing House resembles a woman dancing in the arms of her dance partner. A truly contrasting site in a city dominated by medieval architecture, it sways on the Resslova Street along the side of Vltava River. This building was designed by Czech architect Vlado Milunic and Canadian architect Frank Gehry. The Dancing House is a private building with different offices, but on the seventh floor, there is Celeste restaurant, where you can dig into scrumptious French cuisine while admiring outstanding city views.

Tyn Church

Tyn Church
Tyn Church

A Gothic church with Baroque interiors, The Church of Our Lady before Tyn dominates the skyline of the Old Town Square. The magnificent two spires, soaring 80-metres (260-ft), of this inspiring building can be seen from everywhere in Prague. The original building of the church had a Romanesque architectural style, but it was later reconstructed in the 14th century with Gothic architecture. In Tyn Church, you will observe different artworks in Baroque, Gothic and Renaissance styles.

The Lesser Town

The Lesser Town
The Lesser Town

Also known as Mala Strana, this part of the city cosies up around the foothills of the Prague Castle towards the other end of the Charles Bridge. It is charming district with ancient burgher houses, captivating St. Nicholas Church and splendid Wallenstein Palace. The district is packed with picturesque parks and gardens, crowded squares, beautiful churches, restaurants and bars. Taking a stroll along the stunning Nerudova Street is a must.

Wenceslas Square

Wenceslas Square
Wenceslas Square

One of the two main squares of Prague, Wenceslas Square is a gorgeous boulevard and the city hub for shopping, wining and dining, as well as gambling, as it houses a few casinos. It is always crowded with tourists as major attractions in Prague are located close to the square, plus it has an ample range of hotels in the vicinity. Apart from that, you will also find the National Museum and the Prague State Opera in this area.

Prague Astronomical Clock

Prague Astronomical Clock
Prague Astronomical Clock

One of the major attractions of Prague vacation is the Astronomical Clock that shows Old Bohemian time, Babylonian time, German time and sidereal time. Apart from that, it also suggests sunrise and sunset along with different moon phases and the position of sun in the zodiac. After watching the procession of the Twelve Apostles in the upper windows, climb up the tower and delight in exquisite vistas of Prague. Crafted in 1410, this clock has been working continuously since then, with, of course, regular maintenance. When the clock strikes an hour, bells rings, Apostles start walking, the sculptures move and a rooster crows – a must-see spectacle.

So get going on a Prague tour and travel package to enjoy a memorable time in this alluring wonderland.

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Manuj has been associated with Dpauls for a very long time. He is a frequent traveller who loves to share his travel experiences and travel tips in order to make your trips memorable.

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