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Prague, also known as Praha, exudes an aura of ancient castles, tranquil landscapes...
Discover the allure of the Czech Republic's capital for newcomers
Prague, the capital of the Czech Republic, stands as one of the oldest and largest cities in Central Europe. Much of the city center retains its pristine beauty and architecture untouched by the ravages of the Second World War unlike many other places. In 1992, Prague's historic center was recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. Being one of the top 10 most visited cities in Europe, Prague welcomes over 5 million foreign visitors every year.
The Czech Republic shares borders with Germany, Austria, Poland, and Slovakia, offering convenient access to neighboring countries within just 2 or 3 hours. Typically, to save time or expenses, travelers may opt for a Central European loop covering three countries: The Czech Republic, Austria, and Hungary. With this approach, you can travel to Prague by train, bus, or plane.
Public transportation in Prague comprises an efficient network of trams, buses, and metros. Notably, you can purchase a comprehensive public transport pass for 3 days or a week, depending on the duration of your stay. Famous tourist attractions in Prague are situated relatively close to each other, making them easily accessible on foot.
Prague offers a diverse range of accommodations. You can find many clean hostels right in the city center for around $15 USD (approximately 300,000 VND/person/night) excluding breakfast, or luxurious hotels. If traveling during peak season, early booking is advisable.
The best time to visit the capital Prague, as well as Europe, is in spring (April-May) or autumn (September-October). However, if you want to see snow or enjoy the serene atmosphere during the off-peak season, you can also consider traveling at the end of January or February.
The Czech Republic is part of the Schengen Area, so you only need to apply for a visa within this bloc and then combine it with your European trip. Czechia still uses its own currency, the Czech Koruna. Therefore, before embarking on your journey, travelers need to exchange currency into Koruna. The cost of living in Prague is considered relatively cheap compared to other major tourist cities in Europe such as Paris (France) or London (England).
When in Prague, you can't miss trying Vepřo-knedlo-zelo, consisting of roasted pork or roasted goose, dumplings, and pickled cabbage. Additionally, you'll find many shops in tourist areas selling Trdelník, a traditional sweet pastry shaped like a tube coated with sugar on the surface. To enhance variety, vendors often add fresh cream or whipped cream as filling, making this dessert even more enticing. Apart from food, Czechia is also famous for its variety of beers. Brewing has been a tradition here for hundreds of years with beers made from the unique hop flower. Every year, the country hosts numerous music and beer festivals attracting tourists for tasting and exploration.
Main attractions in Prague:
Charles Bridge
Charles Bridge, also known as Karl Bridge, stands as one of Europe's oldest stone bridges. It serves as the most vital connection between Prague Castle and the Old Town, along with various public areas. The bridge boasts 75 statues, all replicas restored due to the original statues being destroyed by natural disasters or relocated to museums.
Prague Castle
Perched atop a high hill, Prague Castle offers the ideal vantage point to admire the cityscape. Built since the 9th century, Prague Castle holds the title of the world's largest ancient castle according to the Guinness World Records. Within its complex lies St. Vitus Cathedral, along with numerous treasures and burial sites of kings and nobles. Visitors must pay an entrance fee to explore the castle and stroll around the surrounding area. The castle grounds are expansive, featuring many unique architectural structures.
Prague Astronomical Clock
Installed in 1410, Prague's Astronomical Clock is the oldest astronomical clock in the world still in operation today. Located in the heart of the Old Town Square, this landmark attracts numerous tourists.
John Lennon Wall
The colorful John Lennon Wall is located near Charles Bridge and is adorned with drawings and lyrics from The Beatles. The youth in Czechia have been inspired by the music of the band's leader, finding a sense of freedom and independence. That's why this wall was created.
By Giang Linh/Star
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Reference: Mytour Travel Guide
MytourMay 3, 2019
