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IN A NUTSHELL
WHAT: Prague, Czech Republic.
WHERE: Central Europe.
WHY: Wonderfully preserved architecture and beautiful
riverside location.
WHEN: Any time of year, but beware of the crowds -- you
won't be able to avoid them.
HOW: International flights into Prague's Airport.
IF YOU LIKE THIS... Then you should take a look at
Bruges,
Belgium, another
wonderfully preserved UNESCO
World Heritage Site. |
 Prague
is one of the most beautiful cities in Europe. From its well
preserved historic center to its castle on the banks of the River
Vltava, Prague is a feast for the eyes. Unlike the other
capital cities of Europe, Prague survived the ravages of World War
II relatively intact. Spend just five minutes in the bustling
Czech capital and you will understand why it has received the title
of "Golden City."
NOTE: English
is widely spoken in Prague (unlike the rest of the Czech Republic).
Tourism as an industry has taken off in the city and you will
usually run into masses of tourists from Britain at any time of the
year. This also means that you will have little trouble
communicating with hotel owners, restaurant waiters, and
shopkeepers.
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Around Prague |
Prague's city center is made up of four towns which grew together in
the 18th Century. On the west bank of the River Vltava are the
Hradčany (Castle District) and the Malá
Strana (Lesser Quarter), and on the east bank are the Staré
Město
(Old Town) and the
Nové
Město
(New Town). Each section of town has its own unique flavor and
landmarks. Visit them all for a true taste of Prague!
 PRAGUE
CASTLE (Pražský
Hrad) Located on the West Bank of the River Vltava,
Prague Castle forms one of the distinguishing landmarks on the
city's skyline.
 CHARLES
BRIDGE (Karlův Most) The Charles Bridge is a landmark
in and of itself. Prague's most famous bridge was built in
1357, but its statues were not added until 1657.
 OLD
TOWN (Staré
Město)
The Old Town holds many of Prague's
most notable sights, including the Gothic Spires of the
Tyn Church (Před
Týnem), the
Astronomical Clock (Orloj), and the famed Old Town Square.
 NEW
TOWN
(Nové
Město)
Prague's New Town encircles its Old Town on the eastern
banks of the river. You will find museums, markets, and a
bustling nightlife in this part of the city.
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Prague Travel Tips |
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TOURIST INFORMATION
Prague has a well developed tourist infrastructure. The
city plays host to thousands of Americans and British visitors, and
everyone speaks excellent English. You can reach the Central
Information Office at 12 444 from 8am to 7pm.
URBAN TRANSPORTATION
Tired of walking? Prague has three subway lines that
across the city. Trains run fairly frequently every day
between 5am and midnight. You must buy your ticket from the
machine in the station before heading down to the platform.
There are many police officers in each subway station, so do not
forget to buy your ticket!
Trams and buses also run throughout Prague from 4:30am to
midnight. In addition, there are some night lines. You
may use one continuous ticket for all three methods of
transportation.
Finally, you can find taxicabs in every corner of the city.
A lit sign on the car shows that it's free.
PUPPETS AND CRYSTAL
Prague's most notable products are Czech crystal and wooden puppets.
You will find crystal stores all over the city, with the largest
stores located near the
Old Town
Square. Czech puppets are not merely toys, but are works
of art. You will find the best deals in the stalls of market
near Wenceslas
Square.
CLASSICAL MUSIC AND
OPERA
Classical Music is everywhere in Prague: you will find
advertisements for concerts and operas throughout the city.
Stop by one of the Tourism Offices near Wenceslas Square to find out
what tickets are available. Tickets are cheap and the
performances are superb.
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Moving to Europe?
Look at out our tips! |
 Moving
to Germany
Whether you are a member of the US Air
Force, Army, or Navy, check out our guide to moving to Europe.
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