The stunning capital city of the Czech Republic, Prague is known for its medieval, fantasy-like architecture and romantic atmosphere. A bustling city centre and lively nightlife has cemented its place as one of the must-see European destinations throughout the year – if you’re planning on booking a Prague hotel, take a look at our guide to the top attractions.
History and culture
While there’s no shortage of museums and galleries, the real culture of the city can be found by exploring on foot. Prague’s city centre is characterised by its beautiful mixed architecture, the most notable example of which is Prague castle, which dominates the city skyline from the river with features of almost every major European architectural style in the last 500 years. Visit the castle and the adjoining St. Vitus Cathedral for a fascinating look around one of the city’s most historically significant buildings. Pure Gothic architecture can be found in the Old Town, including Týn Church, which towers above the surrounding buildings with striking black spires, and the medieval Astronomical Clock, a huge steampunk-esque black and gold timepiece, the third-oldest of its kind in the world.
Romance
There’s no denying Prague’s appeal as a romantic holiday destination – fairytale churches and castles, the wide, winding river through the city centre and stunning vistas from viewpoints around the city make it ideal for an unforgettable break away. Take a cruise on the Vlata River for a great sightseeing opportunity in the daytime, or at night for dinner, music and a fantastic view of the city lights from the water. Art lovers should visit the Mucha Museum, an intimate gallery of Mucha’s Art Nouveau works lovingly preserved by Mucha’s wife. Prague promises picture-perfect scenery whenever you visit, even if you just want to walk through the cobbled streets – visit in summer to enjoy the parks and gardens, or in the colder months to enjoy the city’s transformation into a winter wonderland.
Dining and nightlife
Prague offers a fantastic mix of gourmet restaurants and fast, delicious street food. Look out for traditional places to really experience the local cuisine – Czech food is usually hearty and warming, ideal after a day out exploring! Look out for duck and goose, quite commonly found in Prague, as it’s a fantastic match to most Czech beers. Popular desserts include fruit dumplings and freshly-made crepes, he best of which you’ll find from street vendors on almost every street in the city centre. Pub culture is prevalent thanks to the country’s large brewing industry, but if you’re looking for bars and nightclubs your best bet is the central Castle district, home to the city’s biggest and trendiest venues.
For information about what’s on, take a look at the city’s official website. Whether you’re an architecture buff or just a backpacker looking for a new city to explore, Prague offers something for every visitor, making it the perfect cultural getaway!