Prague’s Sightseeing
If you’re planning a visit to Prague, I have some good news for you: Prague’s newcomers are the lucky ones. Most important historical and cultural sites are located very close to each other, so every site can be reached from another site in less than half an hour, using the underground. If you’re in a rush to see it all, you can visit all of these magnificent sites in an intensive three-day trip, or less intensive five-day trip.
The “must-be-visited” sites of the city are as follows:
In the Old Town (Staré Mesto):
Old Town Square (Staroměstská Náměstí) – the main Square featuring the famous Astronomical Clock, the Tyn (Týn) Church, Jan Hus’ monument and many coffeehouses and restaurants.
Josefov - the Jewish Quarter, featuring many historical synagogues (one of them is assosiated with the Golem legend) and old cemetery.
Charles Bridge (Karlův most) – the famous medieval bridge connecting the two opposite banks of Vltala and enjoying the reputation of most romantic site of Prague.
Ungelt - Tyn Yard (Týnský dvur) – The medieval marketplace, probably established in the 11th century.
Bethlehem Chapel (Betlémská kaple) – the church in which Jan Hus preached his sermons in Czech instead of Latin.
In the New Town (Nové Mìsto):
Wenceslas Square (Václavské námestí) - the famous Czech history and social life modern center.
Na Příkopě – the lively pedestrian mall.
Obecný dum – the beautiful art nouveau building that had featured Prague’s municipality in the past.
In the Lesser Quarter (Malá Strana):
Petrin (Petřín) Hill – The hill features a huge park with the most beautiful Prague’s views, and Petrin Tower - a small imitation of the Eiffel Tower.
Kampa Island - features beautiful serene park, where you can walk or feed the ducks. Kampa is full of pubs and cafes.
The Wallenstein Palace and Garden – Renaissance palace that was build in the 17th century for General Albrecht Vaclav Eusebius of Wallenstein, the powerful and wealthiest Czech nobleman.
In Hradčany:
Prague Castle (Pražský hrad) - the official residence of the Czech kings, Holy Roman Emperors and presidents of the modern Czech and Czechoslovak Republic, first established in the 9th century and renovated by the architect J. Plecnik after the WWI.
Vyšehrad (Castle on the Heights) - an ancient Czech castle built on a hill over the Vltava River in the 10th century.
Vyšehrad cemetery – the cemetery contains the remains of many famous Czech.
