Prague
Hank Schrader, USMA '71, Europe Destination & Europe River Cruise Expert
One of the most interesting cities to visit in Europe is Prague.
It is a great pre or post city visit after a river cruise.
We have led several clients on visits to this city and wanted to share a tour of this awesome city in the Czech city from our eyes.
So, let’s explore Prague in the Czech Republic together and learn about what to do and see here—you won’t be disappointed!
City Overview
A former member of the Warsaw Pact countries of the Iron Curtain, this vibrant city has thrived after the Velvet Revolution of 1989. It has historic roots that are really interesting to learn about but it is also just a fun place to explore its mixture of historic sights, great shops and hearty food.
The town center has most of the interesting sites and the good news is it is relatively compact, and easily walkable except for the steep walk up to the Castle Quarter (not to worry we have done it several times!).
The key sights are divided into zones. They are the Castle Quarter and the Little Quarter on the west side of the Vltava River. On the east side of the river is the Old Town, Jewish Quarter and the New Town.
They are linked by several bridges, but one the most important and interesting bridges in Prague and all of Europe, the Charles Bridge, is bustling with activity and serves as a monument to 30 Saint Statues on this pedestrian only crossway.
For centuries, this bridge was the only link between Lesser Town on the left bank of the Vltava River on the way up to Prague Castle and Old Town on the opposite side.
Here are some pictures of this famous bridge:
The Castle Quarter
Situated on the high ground above the west bank of the Vltava River, the Castle complex dominates all of Prague.
Here are the key sites:
St. Vitus Cathedral--The largest and most important church in the Czech Republic, the magnificent St. Vitus Cathedral stands within the confines of the Prague Castle and is one of Eastern Europe's finest examples of Gothic architecture.
Prague Castle--In spite of many wars and fires, the Prague Castle has grown into a unique architectural complex. It contains the Gothic St. Vitus Cathedral, a convent, several towers and many palace wings. It includes the only privately owned building, Lobkowicz Palace, with its highly acclaimed museum (art works, porcelain, firearms and musical instruments). There is an admission charge to visit some of the sights.
Golden Lane--is a small picturesque street with colorful wooden houses. The legend is that alchemists attempted to turn metal into gold here, but in fact the alchemists lived elsewhere at the castle. It was actually goldsmiths living here in the 17th century who gave the street its captivating name. There is also an admission fee here to visit this small lane.
The Little Quarter
This area below the castle complex is where merchants and the wealthy lived. This neighborhood has a wonderful High Baroque church—the Church of St. Nicolas.
The other really interesting site is the Nerudova Street—the step, cobblestoned roadway, lined with interesting doorway signs, shops, and foreign embassies.
The Old Town
The commerce center of Prague in times past, is now one of the most visited sites in Europe.
Here are some of the most important sights in the old town:
Old Town Square--Famous for its historical monuments, Old Town Square is a Prague must-visit. Climb to the top of the 660-year-old Old Town Hall Tower for spectacular views of the Baroque-style St. Nicholas Church (north corner of the square, it has a fine interior); Gothic-style Church of Our Lady Before Tyn (twin towers) and the Old Town itself.
Church of St. Nicholas--There are plenty of impressive Baroque churches in Prague, but the St. Nicholas church at the Old Town Square is one of the most beautiful thanks to the colorful frescoes, intricate ironwork and stucco that decorate the interior.
Old Town Hall--Prague's old Town Hall was built in 1364. The astronomical clock in the town hall's tower is one of the city's most popular tourist attractions. Originally the building served only as the city hall of the old town, but later became the city hall for all of Prague. It is now only used for ceremonial functions.
The Astronomical Clock (Orloj)--on the side of the Town Hall--consists of an astronomical dial embellished with zodiac symbols, a calendar dial and colorful, moving sculptures. As the clock chimes, biblical figurines come out, and spectators may watch the "Walk of the Apostles." An hourly bell toll features a figurine representing death. The clock comes to life from 0900 to 2100.
In the center of the square is the Jan Hus Monument, the first to rebel against the total authority of the Catholic Church. He was the first Protestant Priest, a college professor and ultimately burned at the stake.
From Old Town Square, a walk along the posh Parizska Street (Paris Street) with it’s over the top shops will lead to a somber sight—the Jewish Quarter. Here are some pictures of this grand avenue:
In part of the Old town is the Jewish Quarter—the Jews were pushed into a small marshy area near the bend of the Vltava River—it is one of the best preserved areas of Jewish life in all of Europe.
Josefov, also known as the Jewish Quarter or the Prague Jewish Ghetto, dates back to the 13th century and presents visitors with the opportunity to see a little of what life was like for Jews of that era. This small 3 block area was once walled in by order of the pope who declared that Christians and Jews should not live together with 6 exit gates.
But things changed in 1897 with the destruction of the walls and new buildings—now this area is primarily Art Nouveau buildings.
With its much more pleasant look of today, it still is somber to remember the 120,000 or so Jews living in Prague in 1939 in the start of WW II were reduced to only 10,000 by the 1945 liberation of the city.
The New Town
Basically this area surrounds the old town area and follows the outer walls that used to protect the city.
The most important sight here is Wenceslas Square--Wenceslas Square was originally conceived in the 14th century as a horse market. The large square, measuring 750 by 60m (2500x200 ft), evolved into Prague's central boulevard.
Prague Cuisine
This a land of hearty food—pork, cabbage, great beers and potato dishes. Among our favorites are the pork knuckle, beef tenderloin in cream sauce and almost any pork dish.
Here are some of our pictures of the food of Prague:
The food is even better if you get to share it with close friends, like our travel chums. Here we are in 2015 during the Christmas Markets
Don’t think there is only hearty food here—we escorted a close friend and client to a 3 star restaurant in Prague with food and a view beyond compare. Here is some pictures:
My Final Thoughts
Prague is just a great visit—it just doesn’t get boring and we always look forward to returning!
What a great adventure—this town will give you views and experiences you will never forget.
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HANK is a certified Western European Destination Specialist (DS) who has been traveling to Europe for 48 years. He is also an Accredited Cruise Counselor (ACC), conferred by the Cruise Line International Association (CLIA). This recognized expert in cruise and leisure travel is a retired Army Officer, and taught World Geography for 8 years. He is a `71 graduate of West Point and has earned 2 master’s degrees. His other Certifications:
AmaWaterways River Cruise Specialist
Viking River Cruise Specialist
Scenic River Cruise Specialist
Emerald Waterways Specialist
Avalon Waterways Specialist
Brit Agent
