Golden Prague: the castle, Charles Bridge and breweries
Photo by William Zhang · unsplash.com
Prague is one of the best-preserved medieval cities in Europe: the largest castle in the world, the Charles Bridge with its baroque statues, the lanes of Hradcany and the best beer in Europe.
🌤️ Best time to visit
April-May and September-October for the mild climate and fewer crowds. December for the Christmas markets. Avoid August - very hot and crowded.
✈️ How to arrive
Vaclav Havel airport (PRG) 17 km away with bus 119 + metro (45 min, 1.40 euro) or taxi (20-25 euro).
🚇 How to get around
Metro (3 lines), trams (including the night tram 22) and buses. Day ticket 3.30 euro. The historic centre is walkable.
🏛️ Main attractions
Prague Castle
The largest castle in the world by area (70,000 sqm): St Vitus Cathedral, the Royal Palace and the Golden Lane.
The complex opens at 6, the museums at 9. Avoid peak hours. The view over the city from the bastion is free.
Charles Bridge
The medieval bridge (1357) with 30 baroque statues is one of the most romantic places in Europe.
Visit at dawn (5-7) to admire it without tourists - it is a magical experience.
Jewish Quarter (Josefov)
The medieval Jewish ghetto with 6 synagogues and the old Jewish cemetery - one of the most important in Europe.
The combined ticket includes all the synagogues and the cemetery (15-20 euro). Closed on Saturday.
🍝 Typical cuisine
Svickova (braised beef with bread dumplings and cream sauce), Trdelnik (baked sweet on a spit), Czech gulasch, Smazeny Syr (fried cheese), Pilsner Urquell and Kozel beer.
🍽️ Recommended restaurants
Lokal: authentic Czech cuisine, famous for its draught beer. Cafe Savoy: the historic art deco bistro. La Degustation: contemporary high Czech cuisine. U Fleku: the historic brewery from 1499.
🏘️ Where to stay
Mala Strana: the baroque district below the castle. Vinohrady: bohemian and residential, with great bars. Zizkov: alternative and characteristic.
🗺️ Nearby day trips
Kutna Hora (1h by train): the bone chapel and the Gothic cathedral. Cesky Krumlov (3h by bus): the medieval village on the Vltava river. Karlovy Vary (2h by bus): the spa town with Art Nouveau architecture.
💡 Practical tips
Beer at the restaurant costs less than water. Avoid the currency exchanges in the centre (terrible rates). The night tram 22 is a cheap scenic ride. Many restaurants add an undeclared cover charge - check the bill.