This northern Russian port city, established in 1584, connects the White Sea to the Northern Dvina River. A key maritime gateway with historic shipyards and trading routes.
Start your visit at Prague Castle, one of the largest ancient castles in the world. Walk across Charles Bridge early in the morning to see its stone statues of saints and watch artists set up their easels. In Old Town Square, the Astronomical Clock marks each hour with a mechanical parade of apostles and a skeleton ringing a bell. Head to the Jewish Quarter to explore six synagogues and a cemetery crowded with centuries-old tombstones. Take a boat ride on the Vltava River to see the city’s Gothic spires and Baroque domes from the water.
Exploring Prague Castle and Its Grounds Prague Castle spans over 70,000 square meters and includes palaces, churches, and gardens. Begin at St. Vitus Cathedral, where stained-glass windows cast colorful light on the tombs of Bohemian kings. Walk through the Old Royal Palace to see vaulted halls and a balcony with views of the city. Time your visit for noon to watch the castle guards perform a brief changing ceremony. Don’t miss Golden Lane, a row of small 16th-century houses once occupied by goldsmiths and castle guards. Entry to the castle grounds costs 250 CZK, but you can walk the outer courtyards for free.
Walking Across Charles Bridge Charles Bridge connects the Old Town with the Lesser Quarter and is busiest between 10 AM and sunset. Go at dawn to avoid crowds and see the statues of St. John of Nepomuk and St. Lutgard up close. Look for brass plaques on the bridge’s pillars—locals believe touching them brings good luck. Street musicians often play classical music here, and vendors sell handmade jewelry. From the bridge, you’ll spot paddleboats on the river and red-roofed buildings climbing the hillside.
Visiting Old Town Square and Nearby Streets Old Town Square is surrounded by pastel-colored buildings with Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque facades. Climb the tower of the Old Town Hall for a panoramic view of the square’s zigzagging rooftops. The square hosts Christmas markets in winter and open-air concerts in summer. A five-minute walk leads to the Estates Theatre, where Mozart premiered Don Giovanni in 1787. Nearby, narrow alleys like Celetná are lined with shops selling Czech crystal and marionettes.
Trying Local Dishes and Drinks Czech cuisine focuses on hearty meals like roast pork, dumplings, and sauerkraut. Order svíčková, beef in a creamy vegetable sauce, at traditional pubs such as Lokál. For a snack, try trdelník, a rolled pastry coated in sugar and filled with ice cream or jam. Drink Pilsner Urquell, a pale lager brewed in the Czech Republic since 1842. Many cafes serve medovník, a honey cake layered with caramel cream.
Getting Around the City Prague’s metro system has three lines that run from 5 AM to midnight, with trams operating 24 hours on key routes. Buy a 24-hour public transport pass for 120 CZK to use buses, trams, and metros without limits. The city center is walkable, but wear sturdy shoes for its cobblestone streets. Avoid taxis near tourist areas—some drivers overcharge visitors. Rent a bike to explore parks like Letná, which has wide paths and views of the river.
