As of 1992 the entire historical center of Prague has been listed as a UNESCO protected site, and what a title to achieve, but one that is only perfect for this splendid capital. As Prague was virtually undamaged throughout history, the majority of Old Town and the Lesser Quarter is a textbook of civilization in Central Europe. And if you wish to venture outside of the city center, Prague will surely surprise (especially if Socialist architecture is your cup of tea). Any lover of history, architecture, or culture will be overwhelmed by the sightseeing options here; just make sure to bring comfortable shoes, as cobblestone streets are all around.
The Old Town is among the oldest and by far, the most beautiful district in the Czech Capital of Prague. The core of the historical center is Old Town Square, which started as a marketplace in the 10th century and has been the site for many political and cultural events that have shaped the history of Prague. The ancient lanes of cobblestone form a mysterious maze in which even the most orientated is bound to get lost... Check our Apartments in Prague.
A section of Old Town traditionally inhabited by the Jewish community in Prague who started settling in this area around the 10th century; this former Jewish ghetto, which housed over 18,000 people, is no longer present as people were mistreated during pogroms throughout the centuries, the first creating the ghetto in 1096 and the worst being in 1389, when 1,500 were massacred on Easter Sunday. The Jewish Community, however, began to flourish in the 16th century under their Jewish Mayor, Mordecai Maisel, who in turn, became the Minister of Finance. The legend of Golem also surfaced around this ...
Called the Baroque Pearl of Prague, it is the most enchanting and romantic part of Prague. The history of Mala Strana, however, dates further back than the Baroque period and most of the Baroque architecture was constructed after a devastating fire in the 16th century, which destroyed the previous structures. Lesser Town or Mala Strana, as locals call it, boasts fairy tale charm that defies time and nourishes the spirit of centuries past. Lesser Town begins with Charles Bridge and clusters between the river, Prague Castle and the surrounding hills. Some of the main attractions include the ...
Prague Castle. It is as forbidding as it is magnificent with its violent stone giants greeting you at the front gate, the glorious St. Vitus, and the macabre stories about Alchemist Lane and the Hunger Tower. It is the largest functioning castle in the world, and it is a beauty at that. The area around the castle, called Hradcany, is lovely as well, with many wondrous palaces such as Schwarzenberg and Sternberg (housing Art exhibitions), the soothing Strahov Monastery and its historical libraries, and the intriguing Loreta Square, where the pilgrimage church of Loreta houses a replica of the ...
The creation of New Town dates back to King Charles IV in 1348 as a spacious new area between Vyšehrad and Old Town. The new district was to increase the size and population of Prague. The New Town of Prague serves as Prague's main commercial district. Numerous businesses, hotels and banks are located there, as well as department stores, boutiques and a few small shopping malls. The New Town is also rich in culture, offering many theatres, cinemas, museums, and the State Opera House. The bustling heart of New Town is Wenceslas Square, which starts at the National Museum and ends at the edge of ...
Perched on a cliff high above the fabled Vltava and easily recognizable by the twin Gothic spires of St. Peter and Paul is Vysehrad, the mythical birthplace of Prague. Legend has it that in the 7th century princess Libuse and her husband Premysl reigned the land from Vysehrad, Princess Lubise envisioned and prophesized the great city of Prague, saying, I can see a great city, whose fame will reach the stars. With no evidence from the 7th century, one can only belief in Libuse, however, evidence has been found from the 11th century and Vysehrad was the seat of the first Bohemian King . The ...
Vinohrady, a cadastral district in the city of Prague, covers Prague 2, 10, and 3. The name of the residential district, which means vineyards in English, received its name from the 14th century vineyards that covered the area in tasty grapes and vines. From 1867 to 1968, the area was called the Royal Vineyards or Kralovske Vinohrady; some houses still bear the old addresses on blue signs. Vinohrady is considered the wealthier section of Prague and is home to a large number of expatriates.
Troja is a lush, quiet residential area of Prague where you will find green rolling hills, the winding snake-like Vltava (with accompanying bicycle paths on the embankment) and Prague Zoo, voted among the top 10 zoos in the world, the gorgeous Baroque Troja Chateau and the vast Troja Botanic Garden.
Holešovice is a former industrial area turned art gallery central in the north of Prague. Situated on the Vltava River, Holešovice makes up the majority of Prague 7. Holešovice features many attractions including the Veletržní palác of the National Gallery, DOX Center for Contemporary Art, many cafes and pubs, the Prague Fairgrounds, Stromovka Park - Prague’s largest green space, outdoor market areas, interesting night spots such as SaSazu, Cross Club and more. The area also features many intriguing design showrooms. If you wish to see a different side of Prague, Holešovice is a good ...
Smíchov is a residential and industrial area of Prague famous for it’s brewery, shopping mall, industrial architecture, nightlife and more. Smíchov is located on the west bank of the Vltava River. The area features the Angel building a famous modern architectural gem by French architect Jean Nouvel, which is complete with an etched angel from Wim Wenders’ movie Wings of Desire on the glass façade. The Staropramen Brewery is located in Smíchov and is a popular place to visit if you are a beer lover.
Situated in the center of Prague and located close to such lovely areas as Vinohrady, Žižkov is a popular residential and nightlife quarter known for its many bars, restaurants, sights, and more. Most of Žižkov is in Prague 3, however small parts are also in Prague 8 and 10. It is interesting to note that before 1922 Žižkov was an independent city outside of Prague. Named after the one-eyed Hussite military leader Jan Žižka, Žižkov was historically a working class district and had at once a bad reputation has a rough area of the city. This reputation has become a source of pride throughout the ...
With a big park situated on a hill overlooking the Vltava River, Letná provides great city views. Get there by taking a tram to the Sparta football stadium, or if you're feeling adventurous, climb the stairs near Čechův most. You will arrive at a spacious park area, the place of the former Stalin monument, and many public gatherings and demonstrations. Walk around and discover awesome views, a giant working metronome, a skating area, a Neo-Baroque pavilion, and a very popular beer garden. Immerse yourself in the fascinating world of technology and be ready to discover its secre ...
Karlín has rapidly transformed from an industrial area to a stylish place filled with restaurants and bars. Popular international bands and artists fill the concert halls at Forum Karlín, while the Musical Theatre offers classic musicals and operettas. Restaurants with elaborate cuisine, wine bars, and tearooms are situated in repurposed factories.The old port, surrounded by office buildings, provides walking and cycling trails along the river and is complete with an outdoor bar with cultural activities. Despite the changes Karlín went through the last decade, it is still ...
