The sheer number of hotels in Prague ensures that visitors to the Czech capital are never far from its wealth of historical attractions, which range from one of the world’s largest castles to arguably Europe’s most historic bridge.
Since the collapse of the Soviet regime in the late 1980s and early 1990s, Prague has established itself as one of the world’s most exciting cities. The increase in visitor numbers has led to a rise in the number of Prague hotels, with the city’s new attractions having managed to blend seamlessly with the Czech capital’s abundance of history and architectural achievement.
It can be confusing to know where to start from your Prague hotel, with the city effectively one giant open air museum. Baroque and Renaissance buildings impose themselves over tiny cobbled streets, and it seems that just about everywhere has a story to tell. Fortunately, Prague is blessed with some of the world’s finest beer – so not why not plan your itinerary over a cheeky glass of premium Czech lager?
First on many visitors’ to-do lists is the Charles Bridge. The structure, which is one of 20 bridges spanning the Vltava River, links Prague’s Old Town with the Mala Strana district. The Gothic stone bridge is off-limits to motorised vehicles, meaning that pedestrians have freedom to roam the bridge and take in its intricacies.
Arguably the best known is that of St John of Nepomuk, a celebrated local martyr who was thrown to his death from the bridge during the reign of Wenceslas IV. One of the best times to walk across the bridge is at sunset, when visitors can watch the sun go down against the stunning backdrop of Prague Castle, a structure boasting 1,100 years of history.
Visitors to the castle, which is among the largest in the world, are recommended to spend at least half a day at the complex thanks to it housing the medieval cottages of Golden Lane, the Gothic St Vitrus’ Cathedral and some rather picturesque gardens. To get a full picture of the castle’s history, tourists are encouraged to head to the Old Royal Palace, which accommodates the permanent Story of Prague Castle Exhibition.
Prague Castle is particularly unusual as it represents just about every architectural style of the last millennium thanks to the array of buildings contained within it. If you’ve come to the Czech capital to indulge yourself in museums, you’ll be pleased to learn that the castle also encompasses the National Gallery collection of Bohemian baroque and mannerism art, the Toy Museum and Prague Castle’s picture gallery.
A trip to Prague Castle is always fascinating, but after your visit you’ll likely want to sample somewhere away from the crowds. Such a place exists in the form of the Strahov Monastery. The building, which was returned to the Premonstratensians after the collapse of communism, is famous for its ornate library and collection of religious art. The library’s walls are frescoed, while some of the books are historical artefacts in themselves, with the structure housing a fine collection of rare volumes. Getting to the Strahov Monastery is part of the visit’s charm – the monastery is accessed from the city centre by the quaint orchards that sit below the complex.
Prague is regarded as one of the world’s most stunning cities thanks to the way in which the city has been preserved. Despite being involved in various conflicts over the years, it remained untouched by the bombs of the Second World War, which meant its historic structures, buildings and monuments survived. The River Vltava dissects Prague’s city centre and the grandeur of the Stare Mesto and Mala Strana on each of its banks.
Another Prague highlight is Old Town Square, one of the most historical sites on the continent dating back to the end of the 12th century. Among the square’s landmarks is the Astronomical Clock, which can be found on the southern wall of Old Town City Hall and dates back the medieval period. Old Town Square is also the perfect place to wind down with a cup of coffee – or glass of beer – thanks to its plethora of restaurants and cafes, while visitors in need of some ideas can find inspiration at the square’s tourist information centre.
Old Town Square has also something of a gruesome history. In 1621, 27 leaders of the rebellion against Emperor Matthias were executed here, and legend has it that their ghosts return here every year on June 21st, the day after the grizzly event. A further point of interest is the monument to Jan Hus, the Protestant reformer burnt at the stake in 1415, which was erected in 1915.
Prague hotel guests are also encouraged to explore the city’s Jewish quarter, the Josefov, which is today an upmarket neighbourhood of impressive art nouveau buildings, cafes and designer outlets. It is also home to the Jewish Museum, which is spread across Josefov’s five synagogues. Only one of these, the Old-New Synagogue, continues to be used for religious services.
The Czech capital’s wealth of architecture extends to present day offerings, and the one that tends to turn the most heads is the Dancing House. The structure, which consists of two buildings, appears to be dancing because of its rather unusual curved design. Celeste Restaurant, one of Prague’s finest eateries, is located on the top floor of the Dancing House. While enjoying the delicious food, diners can enjoy stunning views of the nearby river and Prague castle.