Prague Old Town

candid Prague tips

 

Why
Prague Old Town
is special

Prague Old Town is one of the world's most architecturally beautiful urban sites.

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Prague Old Town
tips & insights

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Main square

It is the heart of Prague Old Town, which is the heart of Prague, the capital of the Czech Republic.  The square is lined with period piece Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque buildings (see photo).

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Astronomical Clock

The famous outdoor Astronomical Clock displays, besides the time, the astrological positions of the moon and sun. It dates back to the 15th century. On the hour, the two small window doors above the clock's zodiac face open to exhibit the parading statues of the Twelve Apostles. Tourists unfailingly assemble below, patiently waiting for the hourly show to begin.

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Beyond the square,
but still in Prague Old Town

Narrow, winding side streets branch out from the square in a pattern laid out in medieval times. Most are lined with old, short-storied buildings that take you back in time. Some buildings have restaurants and shops.

One area is named the Old Jewish Quarter. The foremost attraction of this former ghetto is the cemetery. Its tightly packed old tombstones lean in all directions.

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Slightly beyond Prague Old Town

Prague is much more than its Old Town. The following two attractions are Hillman Bronze Medal winners:

Charles Bridge
It abuts Prague Old Town. Click to view its web page:

Charles Bridge

Prague Castle
In a word, it's grand. Click to view its web page:

Prague Castle

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Other Prague must-sees

They include historical and cultural attractions:

Strahov Monastery
Including its striking 18th century library

National Gallery
Art is housed several locations

Loreto Church complex
Ecclesiastical treasures

National Theatre
Opera house with ornate interior

National Museum
Stunning interior courtyard

Powder Gate
Imposing freestanding tower

St. Agnes Convent
Two Churches plus an art museum

Wenceslas Square
Lengthy, crowded commercial square 

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Escaped war damage

Unlike the cases with Warsaw and some other European cities, Prague's rich architectural heritage escaped the widespread World War II devastation.

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Best vantages

The best photographic views of the city are from Prague Castle, the Strahov Monastery terrace, and the Petrin Tower. The best in the morning is from the skyscraping telecommunication tower.

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Cultural events

Prague is known for its world-class cultural events, including two distinguished international music festivals, one in the spring, the other in the fall. 

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Museums

The city has many museums. The National Gallery with its artistic masterpieces is the most eminent. The National Museum is best known for its stunning indoor marbled staircased courtyard.

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Creative arts

Many famous writers and artists lived in Prague. Literary giants include Kafka. In the music field, the list embraces Mozart, Dvorak and Smetana.

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Superb film location

Prague is a filmmaker's dream because of the Baroque and Renaissance architectural backdrops it provides. Many films have taken advantage of the city's picturesque shooting locations, including the Academy Award winning film Amadeus.

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Dining

Prague is known for its small, delightful restaurants and cafes. The tables of some spread outdoors.

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Beer pubs

The city has many "working man's" beer pubs oozing with character. The authentic ones are noisy, packed and smoky. U Zlateho Tygra is the insider's favorite. This pub is so popular for post work libations that it is almost impossible to find a seat (the regulars stay for long stretches).

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Shopping

Prikope and Parizska are the two most fashionable shopping streets.

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Getting around

Prague Old Town is compact. It's usually best explored on foot.

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The Metro

It is usually a faster means than surface transportation in getting to areas of the city beyond the old town. It is admirably modern, clean, inexpensive, and convenient.

However, whether you are in a crowded subway car or bus, or at a crowded tourist attraction, be wary of pickpockets.

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Prague New Town

Just south of Prague Old Town lies Prague New Town. It's "new" in name only because it gained its appellation 600 years ago.

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Learn about
the other Czech
Hillman medal winners

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©2010 HQP / Hillman Quality Publications