| VITAL INFORMATION | |
| Population | 1,198,094 |
| Languages spoken | Czech, Slovak, German, English |
| Currency | 1.00 Czech Koruna (CZK) = 0.06 USD |
| Average temperature | Summer: 74F; winter 28F |
| High season | Mid-March to end of October |
Drenched in history, Prague is a picturesque mix of architecture, cultural centers, winding cobbled lanes, and old-fashioned town squares that are well-preserved since the city escaped unscathed from World War II. In addition to a fascinating heritage, Prague also has an abundance of art galleries, plenty of opportunities to indulge in fine dining and a bustling nightlife. Fortunately, prices in Prague for everything from museums to the most happening clubs are likely cheaper than what you’d pay back home; a fact that practically guarantees you a trip you won’t forget. The central portion of the city, where you’ll find most historical sites of interest as well as restaurants, bars and clubs, is extremely walkable, so bring your most stylish walking shoes and prepare yourself for three days of fun and adventure.
From Ruzyne International Airport, the cheapest way to get to your hotel or hostel is by using the public transportation system, which is extremely inexpensive, easy to use and efficient. For a mere 20 CZK ($1.10 USD), purchase a bus ticket, then take bus 100 to Zlicin metro station. Remember to validate your bus ticket in the machine once you get on the bus to avoid being fined. Take metro line B until you reach your destination or need to switch trains.
If you’re looking to save money on your accommodations since you don’t plan on being there much, try Emma Hostel, conveniently located in Prague 2 near Karolova namesti metro, with free 24-hour internet access and spacious private rooms for 700 to 1000 CZK ($39-$55 USD) per night, depending on the season. For those who want to splash out a bit more, check-in to Hotel Jalta, a boutique hotel off the fashionable and centrally located Wenceslas Square, and close to the Muzeum metro station.
Although overrun with tourists at any time of the year, Prague is especially busy in the summer, so plan a bit in advance if you plan to visit during the summer months or you may find everything all booked up. Regardless of your budget or the time of year you come, you’ll certainly be able to fill your days with fun in this magical city.
Day 1: A walkabout to remember
Grab breakfast at your hotel or hostel, then get ready for a walking tour that will familiarize you with the layout of the city. Your first stop is the Old Town Square, which dates back to the 11th century and was Prague’s chief marketplace until relatively recently, and is located in the center of the city’s historical district. Access the square via Celetna, a pedestrian lane, where you’ll find the Powder Tower, a gate used to store gunpowder in the 17th century. It's connected to the Municipal House, which was finished in 1912, and is where the Czechoslovakian Republic was declared in 1918. The Municipal House is also a site of interest for lovers of Art Nouveau architecture, as it’s one of the best examples of this style in the city.Once you get to the Old Town Square, soak up the atmosphere of this visually stunning area that is constantly buzzing with activity. Here you’ll find the Old Town Hall, established in the early part of the 14th century, and the Town Hall Clock (an Astronomical clock) on the southern side of the hall. Operational since 1410, the clock features a zodiacal ring as well as Schwabacher numerals to display Old Czech time, where No. 1 is used to indicate sunset. You can also see an hourly display of the 12 Apostles here, which is fun if you manage to catch it but not worth waiting for if you happen to have just missed it. Do, however, climb to the top of the Old Town Hall for picture-worthy views of the square and the Old Town. Opposite the Town Hall, you’ll see the Church of Our Lady in Front of Tyn (Tyn Church), a Gothic cathedral containing the oldest pipe organ in Prague.
Make your way from the Old Town Square to the very pretty Josefov (the Old Jewish Quarter) via Parizska, which will lead you directly to the Old-New Synagogue. This synagogue represents the oldest synagogue still in use in Europe, which was constructed around 1270. It’s also another early example of Gothic architecture in the city. All this walking should have left you famished by now, so have a bite to eat at Pivnice u Pivrnce (Maiselova 3, Jewish Quarter), where the walls are adorned with old-fashioned, lewd cartoons. Order the pork pocket with cabbage, bacon and vegetables and a local beer to experience home-style Czech cooking at reasonable prices.
Next, make your way over to Wenceslas Square, whose original purpose was as a horse market but where you’ll now find the neo-Renaissance National Museum. This square was also the scene of the November 1989 protests against the government, leading to the Velevet Revolution and the fall of Communism in the country. After sundown, make your way over to the Charles Bridge. You’ll want to see this Gothic stone bridge more than once, but take this opportunity to enjoy the night view when the city is all lit up. The bridge connects Mala Strana (the Lesser Town) with the Old Town. Construction began on this structure in 1357, and it’s rumored that the mortar for the bridge was mixed with egg yolks to strengthen it.
Head to U Modre Kachnicky (Michalska 16, Stare Mesto) for dinner. Located on a narrow side street, the quaint, granny-style furniture may not be to your liking, but the food is phenomenal. Order a bottle of wine and go for either the boar steak with mushrooms or roast duck with creamy brussel sprouts and potato pancakes, both of which are delicious. Move on to Radost (Belehradska 120, Praha 2) for the evening, where you can drink until dawn with Prague’s beautiful people while enjoying both local and international DJ talents. The club’s interior is very funky, with the bottom level featuring plush sofas and intricate wallpaper. A visit to this bar/ club will definitely leave you satisfied.
Day 2: Embark on a historical journey
Get your caffeine kick, since you’ll be doing a lot of walking today, with a café au lait at Café Louvre (Narodni 20, Praha 2). Opened in 1902, the interior, with its pale colors, marble and billiards hall, is a Prague institution in and of itself. Considering the surroundings, prices are reasonable, and you’ll be in good company since everyone from Franz Kafka to Albert Einstein has dined here.Cross the Charles Bridge again on your way to Prague Castle, the world’s largest ancient castle area covering a staggering 18 acres. The castle itself was founded in 880 A.D., although it has undergone many revisions and expansions. The oldest building is the Church of the Virgin Mary, although very little of this structure remains today. Access the castle area via the steep, but picturesque Nerudova street, then turn right on Ke Hradu. Sites of particular interest in the area include St. Vitus Cathedral (Katedrala Sv. Vita), a late gothic cathedral with impressive stained-glass windows, and a tower you can climb for some of the most stunning views of Prague. Be warned, though, the spiral staircase is steep, narrow, dark, and jam-packed with tourists so if you’re even a little claustrophobic, don’t attempt this adventure. You’ll also want to see the Old Royal Palace (Stary Kralovsky Palac), which was the king’s palace from the 13th to 16th century, and the Royal Garden, which is filled with flowers that are exceptionally beautiful in the spring. It is also where tulips were first cultivated in Europe before being brought to Holland.
Additional sites you can visit, some of which house art collections, include the Imperial Stables, the Picture Gallery of Prague Castle, the Summer Palace, and the Ball-Game House. A not-so-nominal fee is associated with many of the buildings in the castle area, though once you pay you’ll have access to a fair number of them. Don’t miss the Golden Lane (Zlata ulicka), a street filled with colorful houses that sit right in the arches of the Castle walls. Franz Kafka called House 22 home. You’ll spend the better portion of your day in this area, but once you’re exhausted and ready for lunch, descend via the Castle Stairs (Zamecke schody) or the Old Castle Stairs (Stare Zamecke Schody). The Old Castle Stairs, in particular, offer a gorgeous view of Prague.
Go directly to Bar Bar (Vsehrdova 17, Mala Strana), where for four Euros you can sample the menu of the day which includes soup, a hearty main course and beer, while you enjoy the company of the alien sculptures set in televisions dispersed throughout the room. After lunch, take your time to wander through the narrow streets and lovely parks of Mala Strana (the Lesser Town) to enjoy some Baroque architecture. In the Lesser Town Square (Malostranske namesti), you’ll find St. Nicholas Church, a further example of Baroque style. Mala Strana is also home to Wallenstein Palace, a palace meant to outdo Prague Castle, finished in 1630, and the current seat of the Czech Senate.
By the time you get back to your room and freshen up, you’ll be rather exhausted. Refuel by dining at U Medvidku (Na Perstyne, 7). Try the pheasant legs in sauce with purple cabbage and potato dumplings at this ancient beer hall, and follow up with a round or two of beer. Continue on to Ve Smeckach, just off Wenceslas Square, where you’ll find Darling Cabaret (Ve Smeckach 32) and Atlas Cabaret (Ve Smeckach 31), two of Prague’s most popular strip clubs, just opposite one another. Tantalize yourself with everything ranging from a striptease cabaret to lesbian and live sex shows. Once you’re ready to go elsewhere, or you simply run out of cash, try the nearby Lucerna Music Bar (Vodickova 36, Praha 1) and get ready to boogie -- ‘80s style. If Indie music is more your scene, give Palac Akropolis (Kubelikova 27, Prague 3) a go, as this venue often hosts gigs. But be sure to check the schedule in advance, as well as allow yourself enough time to get there since it’s not within walking distance.
Day 3: Party in Prague
Lounge about with other hip tourists and ease any hangover you may have from your raucous night out with a generous breakfast at Radost (Belehradska 120, Praha 2). The menu is vegetarian, but it’s probably some of the best vegetarian food you’ll ever sample, and you’ll certainly be full for the better portion of the day. The omelet with marinara, Parmesan and zucchini is superb, as is the vegan tofu scramble with spicy, Thai sesame sauce. Main meals come with home-cooked potatoes. Do order a Grogg (a hot rum beverage) to chase away the remainder of any aches and pains.If you can handle more intense walking, try rambling around the Vinohrady district, which is known for its Art Nouveau and Renaissance architecture. If you can’t handle the trek, wile away the day instead with a spot of shopping. Novy Smichov shopping center is a bit off the tourist route and perfect for cold days, should you happen to be in Prague during the winter. You’ll find funky, sporty urban wear from Gas here, as well as pieces from G Star Raw, Guess, Lacoste, Levis, Zara, and Pietro Filipi. Shoes from higher-end designers like Hugo Boss can be had at Salamander. Palladium Shopping Center in Namesti Republiky Square is another one to visit when it’s snowing. But, if the weather’s nice, stroll around the area near Wenceslas Square, stopping in at stores like H&M, Trussardi jeans, Nautica, Cinque, and more. For those with a penchant for designer labels, Parizska Street hits the spot with luxury brands like Louis Vuitton, but it’s worth taking a walk down this road even if you’re not shopping since it’s lined with trees and is quite pleasant in the warmer months. Wherever you are, make a detour to Le Terroir (Vejvodova 1, Stare Mesto) if you find yourself feeling a bit peckish again. While this restaurant is a bit pricey, the foie gras terrine is to die for in this ancient cellar restaurant.
Monarch Wine Bar (Na Perstyne 15) is a great pick for dinner and a fantastic way to kick off your evening with a bit of sophistication. Order up some local wine at a reasonable cost, and choose from a variety of meat and olive snack platters, or try a smooth pot of fondue. You can purchase bottles of wine from the shop portion of the restaurant, so consider bringing back some local vintages as souvenirs.
For another wild night out, start at M1 Secret Lounge (Masna 1) where you can feel hipper-than-thou as you sip cocktails and mingle with models and the International student crowd to the beat of The Arctic Monkeys. Right around the corner is the industrial-looking Roxy (Dlouha 33, Praha 1) where you can down some absinthe and groove away to house music till the wee hours. If you’re looking for somewhere more upscale to spend the remainder of your evening, check out Duplex (Vaclavske namesti 21, Praha 1, which is open until 5 a.m. on weekends and very exclusive, with an amazing view of Wenceslas Square. Some will tell you that Duplex isn’t worth it, but judge for yourself as you hobnob with a young and sexy crowd as well as celebrities like Mick Jagger who held his 60th birthday party here.
tips for the trip
- Tipping in Prague is not as high as it might be at home. Aim to leave 10% as a generous tip if you’re satisfied with the service you’ve received.
- Always agree on a price before you get into a taxi. Normal fare is around 100 to 300 CZK around the city.
- Be wary of good-looking, friendly girls that approach you on the street, and don’t let them touch you since they could be pick-pocketing you.
- Nightclubs in Prague often refer to a venue that includes topless dancers. To avoid being ripped off, figure out where you want to go ahead of time, then call and inquire about the entrance fee and drink prices. If you’re dubious about the place when you get there, insist on a free tour before parting with your cash.
- In case of emergency, dial 158 for police, 155 for ambulance, 150 for fire fighters, and 112 for general emergencies.
bohemian dreams in prague
Prague is a captivating city with delights around every corner. Whether you’re an architect buff, a foodie or a hardcore clubber, you’ll find your interests well taken care of in this city. Before you leave, however, don’t forget to touch the Saint John of Nepomuk statue on the Charles Bridge, since legend has it that doing so will bring you good luck and ensure you return to Prague -- something you’ll surely want after your first trip leaves you hungry for more. And that's 3 days in Prague.Resources:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Main_Page
0 comments:
Publicar un comentario