Prague Travel Guide E-Book

Captivating Travels

• Herausgeber: Captivating Travels
• Kategorie: Lebensstil
• Sprache: Englisch

Seitenzahl: 173

Veröffentlichungsjahr: 2024

Beschreibung

Discover Prague Like Never Before – Whether It's Your First Visit or Your Next Adventure   Whether it's your first visit or you're returning to rediscover Prague, the right guide makes all the difference. Without one, you might miss iconic landmarks, overlook hidden treasures, or struggle to dive deeper into the city's rich culture and history. This book solves it all. With detailed maps, stunning images, and easy-to-use QR codes, you'll explore Prague's iconic sites, uncover its best-kept secrets, and gain fresh perspectives that even repeat visitors will appreciate. Why This Book?  - First-Time Wonders and New Discoveries  – See Prague's most famous landmarks while finding hidden gems even seasoned travelers miss.  - Seamless Exploration  – With over  80  images and maps ensure you navigate Prague's vibrant streets and tranquil corners with ease.  - Custom Itineraries for Every Traveler  – Plan your ideal visit, from quick weekend trips to week-long adventures, with flexible itineraries tailored for newcomers and seasoned visitors alike.  - Go Beyond the Surface  – Discover authentic neighborhoods, cultural hubs, and off-the-beaten-path spots for a truly immersive experience.    This guide is crafted for first-time explorers looking for a stress-free experience and return visitors seeking deeper connections and new adventures in Prague.  Click "Add to Cart" and make your next trip to Prague unforgettable!  

Leseprobe

Prague Travel Guide

Captivating Adventures Through Fairytale Architecture, Bohemian Vibes, Landmarks, Hidden Gems, and More​

Table of Contents

Title Page

Prague Travel Guide

Chapter 1: Get to Know Prague

Chapter 2: To and From the Airport

Chapter 3: Prague 1 – The Heart of the City

Chapter 4: Prague 2 and 3

Chapter 5: Prague 4 and 5

Chapter 6: Prague 6 and 7

Chapter 7: Prague 8

Chapter 8: Prague 9 and 10

Chapter 9: City Itineraries and Programs

Chapter 10: Day Trips Beyond the City

Bonus Chapter: Useful Czech Survival Phrases

Appendix

References

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Please note the information contained within this document is for educational and entertainment purposes only. All effort has been executed to present accurate, up-to-date, reliable, and complete information. No warranties of any kind are declared or implied. Readers acknowledge that the author is not engaging in the rendering of legal, financial, medical, or professional advice. The content within this book has been derived from various sources. Please consult a licensed professional before attempting any techniques outlined in this book.

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​Introduction

Prague, the bohemian capital of the Czech Republic, has an abundance of historical artifacts as lasting testimonies to Europe’s diverse cultural traditions. The city is infused with each era’s unique essence, from Baroque-style architecture with German and Austrian influences to modern liberal waves. This book will introduce you to these and much more.

Compared to other books in its category, this guidebook doesn’t only offer trendy touristy spots. It will take you to places far off the beaten path to charm and give you memories that will last a lifetime.

Despite the information you’ll receive, the book is a true beginner-friendly gem containing the necessary tidbits to make your Prague vacation go without hiccups. It is comprehensive yet easy to understand, making it a must-have for first-time travelers.

The book breaks down Prague’s areas, giving you a chapter-by-chapter introduction to each and its treasures.

Districts in the book.

OpenStreetMap Contributors https://www.openstreetmap.org

Here is what you’ll find:

An introduction to

Prague 1

— The heart of the city, including monuments like the Prague Castle complex, Charles Bridge, Jewish Quarter, National Theatre, and more.

A journey through

Prague 2

and

Prague 3

— With attractions like Vyšehrad, the Basilica of St. Peter and St. Paul, the National Monument at Vítkov, and Olsany Cemetery.

A guide to the attractions of

Prague 4

and

Prague 5

districts — including Pankrác Central Park, Nusle Bridge, Prokop Valley, Kinský Garden, and other hidden gems.

A cultural exploration of

Prague 6

and

Prague 7

— Their historical landmarks include monasteries, natural reserves, parks, stadiums, and markets.

A guide to the diverse range of experiences available across

Prague 8

district — including modern entertainment venues and landmarks, like the Saints Cyril and Methodius Cathedral.

An exploration of historical and modern elements in

Prague 9

and the cultural and artistic hub of

Prague 10

.

Moreover, you get suggestions for itineraries and programs within the city and beyond. The city has much to offer for short-term stays, but take advantage of the day trip recommendations to visit stunning historical sites a short distance away if you have more time.

Are you worried about communication issues during your stay in Prague? Don’t worry. This book has you covered. The chapter with Czech survival phrases is another excellent reason for first-time visitors.

​This book will take you on an unforgettable voyage through Prague and prepare you for your journey to the center of Bohemia. Use it while planning your trip and take it with you to ensure you don’t miss out on fun memories. If you’re ready to start this learning journey, all you have to do is read on.

​Chapter 1: Get to Know Prague

In the heart of Europe, Prague is the capital city of the Czech Republic, which is called Praha(Czech) by the locals. No other city is quite like Prague, and you’ll soon learn why. It is one of Europe’s most historically and culturally significant cities. Each step has a story attached to it. The city’s rich architectural heritage provides a glimpse into the many lifetimes it has lived through. This chapter is an overview to give you an idea of what lies in wait before you visit.

​The Prague skyline view.

MurderousPass, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Prague_skyline_view.jpg

Geographical Layout

The Czech Republic enjoys a strategically healthy location in the center of Europe – its neighboring countries are Austria, Poland, Slovakia, and Germany. Prague, the capital city, is the trade and cultural center of the Czech Republic. The metropolitan area covers 192 square miles (496 square kilometers) in the northwest of the country. The city, surrounded by low mountains and hills, is part of the Bohemian Massif. The Petřín Hill is the highest peak within the city at 327 meters (1,073 feet) high. Other prominent hills in the city are Vyšehrad, Letná, and Hradčany. The Vltava River flows through the city, and its delta-like shapes form many parks.

Did you know Prague’s historic core is a UNESCO World Heritage site? This area comprises the Old Town, the Jewish Quarter, and the Lesser Town. On the right edge of the Vltava River, the city’s culturally rich interior is not to be missed. The famous Charles Bridge, constructed by Charles IV, joins the Vltava River’s western and eastern banks and is a much-loved tourist site that should be on your list of places to visit within the city. One of the biggest and oldest castles in the world, Prague Castle, is near the left bank of the Vltava River. Prague Castle covers the Hradčany district, and you will get mesmerizing views of the city’s skyline from Castle Hill.

​The western side is home to Lesser Town (Malá Strana). The city’s industrial and residential areas are in the old city center and along the Vltava River. The 19th and 20th suburbs surrounding the city center include Holesovice, Vinohardy, Karlin, Zizkov, Bubenec Dejvice, and Smichov’s industrial zone. Intriguingly, Prague is divided into 10 municipal districts (1-10) and 22 administrative districts (1-22), which are responsible for the well-being of their citizens, sports and cultural activities, and health programs of their districts. Prague’s historic core is the liveliest area and you will surely have an unforgettable time there, with its historic buildings, museums, and bridges.

Climate

​Prague’s climate is temperate. The weather in Prague plays a huge part in the city’s mystique. Since it is in the middle of Europe, you’ll experience a classic four seasons. The city has rain throughout the year, and generally, the weather varies between mild and cold - summers are warm, and winters are cold. July is the warmest month in Prague, with temperatures rising to 35°C (95°F) and dropping as low as 0°C (32°F) in the coldest month of January. You may experience foggy weather if you visit in autumn or winter.

Population

As of 2024, Prague had a population of 1,384,732 in its metropolitan area, with 86.1% having Czech citizenship. Roma and Slovak communities make up minorities in and around the city’s historical center. It should not come as a surprise that many American and German expats live in Prague for work purposes. Due to modern factors, women slightly outnumber men in the city.​

Prague’s Rich History

​Prague has a rich history, evident in its numerous museums, galleries, and monuments built throughout the centuries. The first permanent settlements are believed to have existed in the Neolithic era in 4500 BCE. These populations contributed to the Linear Pottery culture, evident from their pottery use and agriculture.

Medieval History

​Prague contributed significantly to Europe’s medieval history. It became the seat of the Přemyslid dynasty in the 9th century, which governed Czech grounds for centuries. It is believed that Prince Bořivoj of the Premyslid dynasty built Prague Castle. The city became a vital center of culture and trade in the Middle Ages. In the 14th century, the infamous Holy Roman Emperor Charles IV led the construction of many significant monuments in Prague, including Charles Bridge and St. Vitus Cathedral. His era knew abundant growth and cultural significance.

Renaissance

​Europe saw great artistic and intellectual growth, and as Bohemia’s capital, Prague was no exception. Many scholars and artists contributed to the development of humanism in the 16th century. One of the most well-known figures of the Renaissance period is astronomer Tycho Brahe. He worked at the court of Rudolf II for two years. The Holy Roman Emperor was a great supporter of the arts and sciences. Prague was considered an especially significant cultural hub in his era.

18th Century

​This era was a time of prosperity and stable growth in Prague. Many important monuments, such as the Clementinum Library, were constructed then. However, the city faced religious conflicts spreading across Europe. The tension between the Catholics and Protestants was intense.

19th Century

This era was a period of political upheaval and change. The city witnessed multiple protests against the reigning Habsburg monarchy. However, they were quickly stifled. New towns and neighborhoods were built around the city to cater to the growing population. Additionally, the National Theatre was constructed then. It was a historically and culturally significant time for Prague as many artists, writers, and intellectuals found their home in the city.

​20th Century

Prague did not have an easy 20th century. It experienced political and social turbulence. The Austro-Hungarian Empire collapsed at the end of World War I. Czechoslovakia was formed in 1918, and Prague became its capital. Although the city faced political tensions, the interwar period saw an economic boom. The first President of Czechoslovakia was Tomáš Garrigue Masaryk and Czechoslovakia was declared independent after the war.

​Nazi Germany took over Prague in World War II and banished Jews to the concentration camps. When the war ended, the city became part of the communist bloc and under Soviet influence and Sudeten Germans were sent back to Germany and Austria. In the 1960s and 1970s, the city witnessed protests against the government. Czechoslovakia became a democratic country when freed from the soviet influence and Communism under the Velvet Revolution in 1989. Czechoslovakia was divided into two countries, Slovakia and the Czech Republic, in January 1993, and Prague became the capital of the Czech Republic. Václav Havel became the first President of the Czech Republic in 1993. In 1999, the Czech Republic joined NATO and on May 1st 2004, it was accepted into the European Union.

Cultural Heritage

Prague is a culturally rich city known for its architectural beauty, rich history, great food, and entertainment. The city has been a hub for trade, political movements, and great artistic expression. Prague has been an important musical center throughout history. It was much loved by esteemed artists, including Mozart and Beethoven. The city’s first opera house, Estates Theater, opened in 1783. Mozart’s Don Giovanni and La Clemenza di Tito premiered in this theater and is still an opera venue today. Bedřich Smetana was the first internationally renowned Czech composer, but Antonín Dvořák became more famous than Smetana. His music was inspired by Bohemian folk music, as almost all his operas were written in Czech. The city has an excellent reputation for its fine orchestras. Prague is renowned for its active music life, especially the spring music festival.

The city has over 20 theaters, always bustling with audiences, illustrating its strong theatrical traditions and many museums and galleries. However, the city is prized for its beautiful architecture, which are pristine examples of various architectural styles, including Romanesque, Gothic, Baroque, Rococo, and Neoclassical. The interiors are usually decorated with great art collections. Significant work was done to restore these buildings post-1945. The oldest notable Romanesque building in Prague is the Church of St George.

Prague maintains a renowned literary history - named the UNESCO City of Literature in 2014 - produced some of the most influential writers of the 20th century. Prague’s city nurtured literary giants like Kafka, Rilke, and Kundera. You can book a literature-themed tour of the city to satisfy your literary soul. If you are a Kafka fan, you will especially enjoy Prague as many places in his works include The Castle and The Metamorphosis, or visit the Kafka Museum in the Jewish Quarter. The city has a plethora of libraries and is home to numerous grassroots publishers.

​Diverse Architectural Styles

​Prague’s diverse architectural gems tell the tales of their times. These buildings have been preserved and renovated to reflect the truest essence and style of their times. You will not find another city offering such a wide diversity of buildings in one place. Here are a few architectural styles you can expect to find:

Gothic

​Gothic architecture includes tall buildings with stained glass window panels. These buildings usually have pointed arches, ribbed vaults, and flying buttresses. You may find it a mature version of Romanesque architecture, consisting of thick walls, round arches, and groin vaults.

Baroque

​Baroque styles have extremely decorative designs, initially introduced by the Catholic Church to celebrate its wealth. Baroque architecture borrowed the basic features of Renaissance-styled domes and colonnades, making them more dramatic, attractive, and colorful.

Art Nouveau

​Art Nouveau movement means new art movement. This architectural style is characterized by flowers and leaf patterns interwoven with a depictions of elegant ladies. You’ll also find wrought iron elements, stained glass, and beautiful flowing lines.

Modernist Influences

The Czech Republic is the only place you will find Cubist and Rondocubist architecture inspired by the great Pablo Picasso and Georges Braque. They not only influenced buildings and paintings but also lampposts. You can enjoy this artistic beauty in Prague. After 1989, many buildings and malls were built for mass production, and some blended beautifully with the city’s old architecture.

​Art and Literature

Prague has produced some of the greatest artists and writers of every generation. They have had an ever-lasting impact and profoundly influenced the art and literature world. Famous Czech literature reflects the country’s state between the two world wars. During World War II and German-imposed censorship, poetry became even more popular. The works of authors like Jiří Orten showcase the example of his tragic generation. Moreover, during the first half of the 20th century, many German-Jewish writers in Prague, including Franz Werfel, Max Brod, and Franz Kafka, gained recognition in the international literary arena. After 1948, many writers in the Czech Republic became members of the communist party. However, after the raid of Czechoslovakia by Warsaw Pact forces, Czech writers had to pay the price. Many, including Milan Kundera and Josef Škvorecký, were pushed to live and work abroad. Interestingly, Czech writers continue to have significant political influence.

Czech artists have long used their works for resistance. The fearlessness of Josef Čapek is evident in the series of caricature drawings, “The Dictator’s Boots,” depicting Adolf Hitler during his rise to power. Czech artists followed many European movements, but realism emerged as the most enduring theme. In the 20th century, most artists, such as Jindrich Štyrský, František Kupka, Toyen (Marie Cermínová), Emil Filla, and Josef Šíma were inspired by Surrealism and Cubism. These are merely a few artists who have shaped art in Prague and worldwide.

​Local Way of Life

​Whether visiting Prague on holiday or looking to become an expat, you must familiarize yourself with the local lifestyle. Life in Prague is easy and comfortable and offers all the luxuries you would expect in a big city. This city is rich in history, culture, and resources and has year-round events to entertain you. The best part is that it is more affordable than other European capitals. However, you must know a few things before you travel to Prague or start your expat life in the city.

Language

​Although you can get by with speaking English most of the time, you need to learn a little Czech to live in Prague. Many business owners, shopkeepers, and immigration officers speak little English. They are proud of their language and prefer to speak it. Understandably, Czech is not an easy language try to learn basic Czech for daily pleasantries. The Czechs will appreciate your efforts and help you as much as possible. You can download a translation app or a Czech language learning app to help you make small talk in Czech. Finding a Czech translator, coworker, or friend will also help you.

Greetings

​Greeting and thanking people in their language goes a long way. Locals will genuinely appreciate your efforts. Say hello or ‘dobrý den’ [dobr’i ‘den] at the supermarket or a local vendor. Say thank you or ‘děkuji’ [dje’kuji] when a local helps you with directions. Czechs are extremely polite, so greeting them in their language will give you a better overall experience. Moreover, when meeting a Czech, you must shake their hand firmly. They value this classic greeting.

Public Transport Etiquette’s

Following a few rules on public transport in Prague is essential. Making way for others to exit before you step inside a vehicle is imperative, and make space for the person to come closer to the door when they are leaving. You must memorize the phrase “promiňte,” which translates to “Pardon me” in English.

​Respect Silence

​Czechs do not appreciate loud noise. They relish silence or quietness. So, when you enter a tram or restaurant, you will find peaceful silence. It is different at parties and festivals where people are loud, happy, and living life. However, respect the silence in other places.

Dining Etiquettes

​If you liked your food and service at a restaurant, then tip around 10-15%. However, do not feel bad for not tipping if the food is bad or the service is below par. If you visit a Czech house, you should be on time and remove your shoes. Dress modestly and observe formal table manners. You must not sit or go inside the house unless invited and you must wait for the host/hostess to eat before you do. Always compliment the cooking. It gives your host the chance to talk about their cooking process and preparation.

Czech Cuisine

Czech cuisine is delicious, and most traditional dishes include dumplings, sauces, and soups. It isn’t easy to replicate Czech food elsewhere because the ingredients are only available in the country. For instance, one traditional dish served with dumplings, cream, and cranberries is made with celery root, which is not commonly found in the US. You should know that salads, while available, are not a big part of Czech cuisine. Prepare yourself for dishes with meat and potatoes. Czechs believe in a big lunch and prefer a simple breakfast and light dinner. Lunchtime is their most important meal. Czechs like their lunch served hot, which is usually a two- to three-course meal. A light soup is served as a starter, even in summer.

​A light and flavorful dessert such as a buchta or koláč follow the main course. Interestingly, the more traditional a Czech restaurant is, the smaller its lunch menu tends to be. They usually have daily menus written on a board because it takes too long to make traditional Czech food. Restaurants focus on making limited dishes, and as soon as the dish runs out, its name gets removed from the menu board. All dishes are homemade and if you want to make the most of your lunch experience in Prague, be at the restaurant around 11.30 AM. Here are a few traditional Czech dishes to try in Prague:

Roast Duck

You must try roast duck once you get to Prague. Czech families usually treat it as a luxury and served it at Sunday lunches. However, the dish is slow-cooked with caraway seeds and salt until it is tender enough to pull apart but crispy at the same time. It usually gets served with dumplings or sauerkraut.

​Koprovka (Dill Sauce)

​This Czech dish may not be considered special by the citizens, but it will be a treat for your taste buds. The dish is fresh dill sauce served with poached eggs, dumplings, or slow-cooked beef and potatoes.

Koláč