Memorable, breathtaking and romantic are best words to describe Prague, the capital city of Czech Republic. It is the center of culture in Europe which always offers unique experience for everyone to visit. Prague is also known as the City of a Thousand Spires where ex-communism generation, cosmopolites and even liberalists mingle peacefully in modern shopping centre and old town square. No need to worry about high budget of pleasure as there are many interesting places are free to enjoy. Additionally, Czech Republic is one of few countries that are not colonized by unstable euro currency so that happiness is affordable for tourist.
Great period of Prague was started by King Charles IV in 1357, particularly when he built amazing historical bridge under his name in with Christian statues on the left and right side. Here is the place for musicians and artists to sell their stunning collection. After World War I, Prague was chosen as the capital city of the creation of Czechoslovakia, a central point of Europe on that moment. Next unforgettable history of Prague is communism era under the Soviet Union for more than forty years which suppressed any independence idea of Czech intellectual. Finally, this dark period of Prague was transformed by united student movement through peaceful demonstration called “Velvet Revolution” in 1989 that brought down the communist regime. Its history is both controversial and interesting to attract anyone not only taking great photos but also feeling deeply the ambiance of corner space in the city.
One of the main highlights in the city is Prague Castle where tourists start their journey on the high landscape and then step down to the Old Town (Staré město). The guide book definitely states that Prague Castle is the largest ancient castle in the world where the President of Czech Republic stays on day as well. St. Vitus Cathedral and Basilica St. George are the most stunning buildings must be visited. Do not forget to stop by at the charming small street with short houses, namely Golden Lane. Before going down to Prague’s Old Town square, beautiful scenery of the city would astonish our senses. Bear in mind to pay attention to the watch while visiting Old Town since free unique attraction in Astronomical Clock (Pražský orloj) will come up every hour. Another way to enjoy the trip here is by finding differences of two spires on the Church of Our Lady before Tyn which are not symmetrical. Notable place to take a look in old town is definitely center of the square where the home for Jan Hus Memorial statue, a religious reformer figures in Prague.
By free walking tours within 4-5 hours, it is easy to enjoy all memorial buildings and fun experience in Prague, including the people. The majority of the inhabitants in Prague are Czechs with their own characteristics which may mostly be found in the Wenceslas Square. It is the meeting point and popular shopping center for any circumstances, such as business, study group or just gossiping. Come inside to one café and mingle. Although most of them are friendly and welcoming, be aware that they are sometimes careful to unknown foreigners who greet and make introduction with any manners. It seems that past communism era is still there with old generation who grew up under this kind of memory. Do not worry too much about the gap language; almost all young people are able to speak English very fluently to help foreigners with their hospitality, if lucky. At least people here are aware that tourism is very vital to the nation’s economy in Prague as well as entire Czech Republic.
Famous for old delicious recipes, tourist should be ready to be surprised with specialties at Czech restaurant. Highly recommended is Svíčková na smetaně, roasted beef in sour cream with bread dumplings and served with slice of lemon, cranberry sauce and whipped cream topping. No wonder if fusion cuisine is found in a 1800s Czech cookbook. To be part of local culture in Prague, everyone must sit in any pub (hospoda) and order different brand of beer altogether. Pilsner Urquell, Gambrinus and Budweiser Budvar are internationally recognized Czech beers which must be provided in the city. Drinking beer is the first and easiest way to make friends in Prague as local people are always being proud of. Good to know that Czech Republic is in the highest rank of beer consumption in Europe and might be in the world.
The City of Prague is also the right place for pleasure seekers in the clubs. Its night life is always entertaining any kind of people, for real clubbing or just quick dance and late drink. Cocktail bars could be the meeting point to wait friends and plan your journey all night long in Prague. If classic bartending is not amusing enough, there are always dance clubs to be visited. This city is one of clubbing hot spots in Europe by attracting people with DJ’s from all over the world. Do not forget that pubs, traditional restaurants and fusion clubs are always there for anyone who getting bored with crowded noisy places. Enjoy nightlife in Prague!
Apart from these magnificent buildings and extravagant entertainment, Prague is much more than you ever imagined. Located in the heart of Europe, it is easy to reach Prague for tourist who is planning to take a long journey around Schengen countries. Spring and summer are recommended seasons to visit here, even though winter also offers its beauty of snow and pleasure in another way. There is also much to see outside the city, such as Český Krumlov which is enlisted as UNESCO World Heritage Site along with Prague Castle. With so much exciting attraction, the number of days seems never enough to explore the city. It offers you broad view of European experience, from melancholic history to the live performance in the clubs. The city is witness of majestic Baroque and Gothic as well as the fall of communism by memorable Velvet Revolution. Prague will surely make you keep precious moments deep in your heart day by day.
