Prague City Break Guide Business Tourist Travel Information

Prague sightseeing Prague attractions Prague history Prague restaurants Prague nightlife Prague accommodation Prague hotels Prague apartments

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Prague City Guide - Business & Tourist Travel Information

 

Prague At A Glance

Prague's has a history dating back to over before 500 BC. At first it was a place of little significance. In the first part of the first millennium it was a local market town but by the 9th century it also became the regions administrative centre. By the end of this century the market had become popular with traders from across Europe. As the town flourished the central area on the River vltava west bank was slowly fortified. From these fortifications the foundations of Prague Castle were laid. Later, in 1170, the Judith Bridge was the first of several bridges to span the river. It was built close to where the Charles Bridge is today see also Praha main attractions.

Most of Prague was destroyed by a fire in 1689 which it took over a century to rebuild. Many of the buildings built in this restoration remain today. For more information on the city's history please see Prague Origins & history.

Prague Airport has one airport about 30 minutes from the city centre which. The airport is a very popular destination for European low cost carriers from across Europe. The airport itself is a model of efficiency and very clean. Euromost researchers believe that it maybe the safest airport in Europe to fly out of. More Airport Information.

Public Transport in Prague is comprehensive integrated (many other European cities including London could learn from its model) services include 3 metro's 26 tram routes and an excellent bus service which serve the outer area of the city rather than it's heart. The metros and trams tram in general operate from 5am until 25.00. After midnight here are nine night tram routes all which dependable whatever the weather. To use these services you must purchases tickets in advance from the ticket machines at the stops, the metro stations or at one of the city's many kiosks. On the spot checks for fare evaders are carried out by plain clothed revenue inspectors who have a great capacity for identifying tourists on all services. Fare evaders are given severe on the spot fines and will not be able to leave the country until they are paid. So now you know! . More public transport details

Attractions & Sightseeing In Prague

Prague's is rightly famous for the impressive architecture of it's buildings which are not only to be found in Stare Mestro - the Old Town. Even the indoor cafe above the underpass to the platforms at Prague's main rail terminus Wilsonova Station is worth a visit see image on the left. The station itself and the nearby flyover from reflect an an era which thankfully has ended but the cafe affords a taste of the spirit of Prague.

At the centre of the 'old town' is the Old Town Square in which is the famous astronomical clock. Close by is the Jewish Quarter which includes the contradictory named Old New Synagogue which is now the oldest practicing Synagogue in Europe. Ten minutes walk away is Wenceslas Square Prague (see Prague Leading Attractions) which is steeped in history. Its dimensions are twice the width of La Ramblas in Barcelona which combined with its gradient which falls away from National Museum at the top of the square gives the area a distinctly ceremonial presence. Directly in front of the National Museum is a Statue Of Vaclev Myslbek. Below this further down is a The Statue of St Wencelas who was the Duke of Bohemia until his assassination in the 10th century. Since the square itself was founded in the 13th century it has represented Czech nationalism and been the centre of many famous demonstrations and political protests. The most recent addition this ambience is a marble memorial at street level on the spot where a student Jan Palach as a protest against the Soviet led invasion of Czechoslovakia in 1968 poured petrol on himself and set light to himself. (see Jan Palach). The inscription on the memorial simply says 'To The Victims Of Communism.'

The Lesser Town around the castle on the opposite side of the river is very enchanting. To reach it you have to cross The Charles Bridge - Karlov Most a journey which could only be replicated approaching fairyland. The bridge itself is cobbled bridge and populated with 30 statues built between the 15th and 20th centuries. dedicated to the saints that were erected between the 15th and 20th centuries. During the summer street traders sell very expensive souvenirs on the bridge. That said some of the drawings are pretty cool. . See also Prague Leading Attractions. Between the bridge and the castle above is a road called 'Nerudova' (see image on the right). At first glance its just another old road but it actually has buildings in it who's architecture span over a 1000 years. It is no wonder that even Hitler ordered that this city should suffer any war damage.

Dominating the Lesser Town and the entire city is Prague Castle - Hradnacy Fortress. Rather like the Vatican in Rome - it is a city in its own right - but much more fascinating. Within the castle are over 50 buildings. The castle was once the palace of Czech Kings but now the country is a republic it is the official residence of the Czech President. Its origins go back to the 9th century though it was extensively rebuilt in the 14th century. Other additions were made two centuries later. Similarly The St Vitus Cathedral within the castle was a rebuild of a small 9th century church. The Cathedral has three domes under which is the largest church bell in the country. There are also 21 Chapels in the building which is set on three levels. There are several courtyards in the castle - the courtyard at the top of the castle which you can easily find entering via Nerudova stages The Changing Of The Presidential (Royal) Guard hourly between 5am - midnight. On the approach to the Castle from the other side is a courtyard in which open air theatrical are sometimes staged. For more information please see the Prague Leading Attractions feature. Other Prague sights and attractions, are given on the sightseeing and attractions page

Restaurants in Prague are plentiful but many are very very touristy but there quite a few more indigenous ones. Details of these including the famous Cafe Lourve are give in the Prague Eating Out Guide.

Crime & Personal Safety In Prague. Prague is a safe city but like many cities in Europe it has a few problems that visitors should note. Local Police say the most common problems are would be prostitutes who are pick pockets, snatches at ATM's and pick pockets on public transport especially routes to and from Prague Castle. Bogus currency exchange sellers who approach tourist in the street offering high exchange rates to unload counterfeit currency are also a problem. For more information please see the crime & personal safety page

Pedestrian Laws. Visitors should note that throughout Prague and the Czech Republic it is illegal to cross the road / or tramway within 50 metres of a designated crossing. The crossings are normally identified by a zebra style crossing sign or traffic lights. You must only cross at traffic lights when the green pedestrian light is on. On the spot fines await offenders.

Prague's Bars Clubs & Night Life

These have become legendary over the last ten years. Many bars stay open to 2 or 3am - whilst others remain open until the last customers have left. Night clubs of which their are - e many for this small city - can be found all over the city. Clubbers should note that their proximity to the centre of town does not increase or diminish their cred. For details and reviews on Prague's best clubs (and its worst) see the Clubbing page. The city has a reputation for hosting hen and stag nights which seem to appeal particularly Brit's - but sadly some these revellers are not good ambassadors for the UK.

 

 

 

Prague Accommodation. Prague is a good city to find accommodation on whether you are looking for a hotel hostel or an apartment. Most accommodation is very reasonably priced and much of it has a standard above the average standards in other European Capitals. It is worth noting that some of the apartments are exceptionally good value. Please see the accommodation page for more info.
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The Old Town Prague

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Nerudovain the' lesser town#  between the Charles Bridge and The Castle

Wilsonova Station Prague