Prague is quite possibly one of the most beautiful cities in the world. Well certainly of what I have seen. There’s a lot to do and see.
I really recommend you get the Rough Guide to the Czech and Slovak Republics which is the best guide book I’ve seen.
The main “sights” are a walk up Wenceslas Square (actually a long street), into the old town and to the famous astronomical clock, the City Hall and the churches around the Old Town Square. Just to the north is the old Jewish quarter of Josefov, don’t forget most of the attractions here are closed on Saturdays. There’s some nice window shopping east of the Old Town Square while to the west is the “Royal Trail” to the castle.
It can get a bit crowded in the narrow alleys so going off peak is a good idea. Follow the crowd and you’ll end up at the Charles Bridge (CAREFUL crossing the road there, it’s REALLY busy). The Charles Bridge is really great just to wander across. I like it in the evenings too, particularly in Autumn when it’s a bit misty and you get a taste of some of the mystery of the place. Also there’s fewer buskers and artists etc who are just a bit much sometimes though it’s more controlled by the council than it used to be.
On the west bank of the Vltava (Moldau) you are going to start to climb!
I like the first church just after the river but of course most people head up to the Hradcin complex comprising the castle and cathedral and the famous Golden Alley which is worth seeing but cutesey. The president of the Czech Republic lives up there (sadly now Vaclav Klaus and not Havel) and the “changing of the guard” is interesting to watch when his pretty hunky soldiers aren’t making porn films – I kid you not, it was a big scandal!
You can add a lot more of course. There’s plenty of museums, galleries, churches etc etc to see. Terezin (I’ve never been, I should) is already mentioned as a possible trip. You might also think of Telc, supposedly one of the best preserved medieval towns in the region. Possibly a walk in the country and castle (ruined?) at Karlstejn.
Prague can still be cheap; there ARE beers to be had at 35p if you look hard but at a café on the Old Town Square you going to be paying £2.50 without much trouble! Prague was already at the average EU cost of living before the EU was expanded (!) so although it is great value for many west Europeans it isn’t the absolute bargain bucket it once was. The trick is to try and eat and drink where the locals do and to watch the menu carefully to avoid “extras” though remember sometimes Czech menus are written so that you pay for everything separately. I’ve had good meals at a garden restaurant just north of the Charles Bridge on the west side and in the restaurant called “post something” near the main post office on an east-west street SE of the Old Town Square. Incidentally on the same street as the post office is a shop that sells fairly good priced crystal on the north side, with a blue shop front.
Prague is VERY popular with stag and hen nights and without being a total snob I regret it. The last time I stayed there I bit my tongue and pretended I didn’t understand while a group of British lads discussed over breakfast how one of their number had thrown up the previous evening in a prostitute’s lap! You’ll probably be able to spot what kind of bars and clubs they tend to go to and choose something else.
And let us know when you go and if I’m in the area…………
