Few European capitals wear their architectural history as gracefully as Prague. Spared the widespread physical devastation of the Second World War, the Czech capital stands as an open-air archive of Romanesque rotundas, soaring Gothic towers, ornate Baroque facades, and fluid Art Nouveau flourishes. Straddling the Vltava River, Prague earned its moniker—”The City of a Hundred Spires”—from 19th-century mathematician Bernard Bolzano, though today the skyline bristles with well over a thousand towers and pinnacles.
Old Town (Staré Město) and the Astronomical Clock
At the heart of the right bank lies the Old Town Square (Staroměstské náměstí), a sprawling cobblestone plaza framed by architectural landmarks:
- The Prague Astronomical Clock (Orloj): Mounted on the southern wall of the Old Town City Hall since 1410, it is the oldest operating astronomical clock in the world. On the hour, crowds gather to watch the “Walk of the Apostles” and the mechanical figure of Death tolling its bell.
- Church of Our Lady before Týn: Dominated by twin 80-metre Gothic spires topped with distinctive sets of smaller turrets, this 14th-century church anchors the square’s skyline.
- Josefov (The Jewish Quarter): Enclosed within the Old Town, this historic precinct contains Europe’s oldest active synagogue (the Old-New Synagogue, dating to 1270) and the Old Jewish Cemetery, where thousands of tombstones lean haphazardly in layered strata.
Crossing the Vltava: The Charles Bridge
Commissioned by Holy Roman Emperor Charles IV in 1357 and constructed from Bohemian sandstone blocks, the Charles Bridge (Karlův most) connects the Old Town with Malá Strana:
- Statue Corridor: Lined with 30 Baroque statues of saints erected primarily between 1683 and 1714, including the bronze effigy of St. John of Nepomuk, whose brass relief is rubbed for luck.
- Bridge Towers: Gothic guard towers bracket either side of the 516-metre span, offering panoramic rooftop vistas over the slate and terracotta roofs of both banks.
Prague Castle and the Left Bank (Hradčany & Malá Strana)
Looming over the city on a high promontory, the Prague Castle (Pražský hrad) complex holds the Guinness World Record as the largest ancient castle complex globally, spanning almost 70,000 square metres:
- St. Vitus Cathedral: Taking nearly six centuries to complete (1344–1929), this Gothic masterpiece houses the tombs of Bohemian kings, the Czech Crown Jewels, and vibrant stained glass designed by Art Nouveau pioneer Alfons Mucha.
- Golden Lane (Zlatá ulička): A tiny row of vibrant 16th-century houses originally constructed for castle guards and later inhabited by goldsmiths, craftsmen, and Franz Kafka.
- Malá Strana (Lesser Town): Tucked immediately below the castle walls, this district features quiet cobbled lanes, terraced palace gardens, and the towering copper dome of St. Nicholas Church.
Traditional Pub Culture and Bohemian Cuisine
In the nation that consumes more beer per capita than any other, Czech beer culture (pivní kultura) is an integral part of community life:
- Pilsner Tradition: Clear golden lagers (primarily Pilsner Urquell and Budvar) are drawn with precision taps into heavy glass mugs, served with dense, wet heads of sweet foam (hladinka, šnyt, or mlíko).
- Hearty Fare: Traditional taverns (hospody) serve dishes built for cool Central European climates, such as svíčková na smetaně (beef sirloin in spiced root-vegetable cream sauce with bread dumplings and cranberries), slow-roasted pork knuckle (koleno), and fried Gouda cheese (smažený sýr).
Practical Travel Tips
- Navigating the City: Prague’s integrated transport network—comprising trams, buses, and three clean metro lines—is fast, punctual, and inexpensive. Avoid flagged taxis near the main train station and tourist squares; opt for transit passes or rideshare apps.
- Beating the Crowds: The Charles Bridge and Old Town Square fill rapidly by mid-morning. Walking the bridge at dawn offers mist-covered views of the castle without the crowds.
- Currency: The Czech Republic uses the Czech Koruna (CZK), not the Euro. Use official bank ATMs attached to brick-and-mortar branches rather than stand-alone tourist currency machines to avoid predatory exchange fees.
