Do you have to go to Prague?
When you concentrate on visiting Europe, the primary locations that come to thoughts are most likely the well-known Western European cities which have been common vacationer locations for years now: London, Paris, Rome, Amsterdam, and so forth.
However, should you’re seeking to get a little bit off the overwhelmed path, Central Europe is the way in which to go. And what higher place to go to than the true coronary heart of Europe?
Why You Ought to Go to Prague
So why do you have to go to Prague? Let’s check out what makes Prague particular, what makes it shine, and why visiting Prague must be on YOUR journey bucket checklist.
1. Prague Has Unbelievable Historical past
What’s a go to to any European metropolis with out exploring its historical past? Particularly should you’re coming from North America, Prague is older than something that exists on that continent right now. For all you historical past buffs particularly, it will be a disgrace to not go to Prague.
Prague’s historical past dates again to 300 BC with the arrival of Celtic tribes, from whom the identify of the area Bohemia originated. Since then, Prague has been by means of rather a lot – it was a part of the Nice Moravian Empire earlier than the Czechs broke away, it got here to its Golden Age below the reign of King Charles IV, and went by means of centuries below Habsburg rule till lastly, it turned the capital of unbiased Czechoslovakia after World Warfare I.
Even since World Warfare I ended, which is pretty latest within the grand scheme of issues, Prague’s historical past has been turbulent: it was occupied by the Nazis, suffered below communist rule, and at last when Czechoslovakia cut up, it turned the capital of the Czech Republic as we all know it right now. Prague has been a centerpiece of the area and its inhabitants has performed an vital function within the adjustments this nation has gone by means of.
Only a few locations can say they’ve gone by means of a lot and managed to flesh out a way of tradition and identification as Prague has. In consequence, your Prague journey itinerary ought to embody studying in regards to the historical past to completely perceive and respect every little thing town is right now.
2. Properly-preserved Structure
Including to Prague’s unimaginable and complicated historical past is its superbly preserved structure! A lot of Prague’s most important landmarks (and even a few of its residential buildings) are older than the USA of America itself. That is mind-blowing contemplating the truth that locations like Dresden, Germany, solely a two-hour bus journey away, had been fully obliterated throughout World Warfare II.
The Charles Bridge was inbuilt 1357, the Prague Citadel within the ninth century, and the Vyšehrad fortress, one of many first settlements within the trendy metropolis of Prague, in 1653. The truth that these lovely items of historical past are nonetheless standing robust after every little thing this metropolis has been by means of is nearly unfathomable. The stays of the assorted historic architectural kinds, together with Gothic, Baroque, Romanesque, Renaissance, and Artwork Nouveau, are staggering.
So why is every little thing so well-preserved even after the trauma and destruction of two World Wars? Rumor has it that Hitler ordered town to be preserved as a result of he wished to retire to Prague after World Warfare II was over. What higher purpose to go to Prague than to witness town simply as folks from a number of the most vital durations of historical past as soon as did?
3. Prague is Much less Crowded Than Western European Cities
Prague has solely lately grow to be a scorching vacationer vacation spot, whereas Western Europe has been on the grid for for much longer. In consequence, Prague remains to be pretty hidden and less-visited in comparison with locations like London, Paris, and Barcelona. For those who’re searching for a energetic vacation spot with out as many crowds (however don’t get us unsuitable, you’ll nonetheless discover some fairly crowded spots across the metropolis) then you need to go to Prague.
With all of the magic (and possibly extra) of Western European cities with extra authenticity and attraction, Prague journey is an ideal mixture of every little thing you’re searching for. After all, town involves life with increasingly more vacationers annually, so there are some typical vacationer traps you’ll wish to keep away from, however it’s additionally pretty straightforward, in contrast to in massive western cities, to discover a quiet spot near town heart – who knew?
After visiting locations just like the Charles Bridge and Outdated City Sq., you’ll be able to wander down any random aspect road and discover a quieter native watering gap or two with no downside – and that is one thing that units Prague journey aside!
4. It’s (kind of) low cost!
Sufficient mentioned: Prague is among the most cost-effective European capitals. A beer right here is lower than €2.00 whereas a meal will price possibly €20.00 at most, and that’s should you purchase numerous drinks with it or should you’re at a elaborate restaurant. The price of dwelling right here is extraordinarily low, with low cost meals, beverage, and public transportation costs.
Lots of people go to Prague just because they are going to get extra bang for his or her buck right here with their Western forex, and vacationer lodging (though it has been steadily rising) remains to be fairly cheap in comparison with most different European capital cities. So should you’re on a decent funds you won’t be capable of afford Paris…however you’ll just do effective visiting Prague.
5. Location – It’s Straightforward to Get to and From Prague
Prague is named the center of Europe – and for good purpose! Its central location supplies quick access and connections to different common journey locations, whether or not you’re seeking to proceed exploring Japanese or Western Europe.
Journey inside Europe is already ridiculously low cost, and journey out and in of Prague is quick and simple. With inexpensive prepare, airplane, and bus tickets to and from locations like Austria, Germany, Poland, Hungary, and extra (we may sit right here naming locations all day however you get the image), it will be foolish to not go to Prague, even should you’re simply stopping in for a day or two.
6. Bizarre Artwork You Received’t Discover Anyplace Else
Let’s be trustworthy: Prague is an odd place. With such a novel and turbulent historical past, this metropolis was certain to provide some actually bizarre folks creating even weirder stuff you received’t discover anyplace else.
Take David Černý, for instance. This well-known Czech artist is thought for creating the faceless child statues that sit in Kampa Park and crawl up the Žižkov Tower. He’s additionally behind the peeing males statue in Malá Strana, the Kafka Head that turns within the wind behind Národní třída, the statue with an, ahem, butthole you’ll be able to stick your head in, and extra. You’ll be able to map a strolling route all through your complete metropolis to go to all his items of artwork.
Prague can be residence to monuments just like the Franz Kafka statue, the Damaged Males on the foot of Petřín Hill, and extra. While you go to Prague, we extremely suggest trying out a number of the bizarre artwork you’ll find right here.
7. The Beer and the Meals!
The Czech Republic drinks extra beer per capita than some other nation on this planet, so it’s no marvel that Prague is residence to the world’s finest beer! After all, essentially the most well-known is Pilsner Urquell, but in addition value attempting are Kozel, Gambrinus, Staropramen, Budvar, Unetice, and extra.
Actually, you’ll be able to’t go unsuitable with any Czech beer. Plus, it’s cheaper than water – within the heart you will get a beer for possibly 100 czk (about 4 euros) at most (which is fairly costly, by the way in which), and outdoors the middle the costs will probably be nearer to 50 czk (about 2 euros) or possibly even 30 czk.
And what are you going to pair with all that beer you’re ingesting? Some scrumptious Czech specialty meals, in fact. Czech meals is hearty, so that you received’t have an issue lining your abdomen. Svíčková is a traditional – beef in a candy cream sauce served with dumplings and cranberries. Goulash can be an amazing go-to, and the fried cheese is to die for. For those who strive any considered one of this stuff (or simply strive all of them!), your Prague journey was successful.
8. It’s Tremendous Secure
Prague is among the most secure cities on this planet in line with many various rankings, so make the most of it! The violent crime charge right here may be very low, and also you normally solely have to fret about issues like pickpockets in crowds close to town heart. Even after darkish, most areas of Prague are fully secure to stroll round, which is greater than will be mentioned for lots of different common vacationer locations.
That mentioned, nonetheless use widespread sense and watch out, in fact. Everytime you journey you need to preserve your wits about you. Nevertheless, if security is a priority of yours when touring you’ll positively wish to go to Prague.
9. Straightforward Entry to the Czech Countryside and Smaller Cities
Among the finest issues about Prague is its proximity to the countryside. Because the capital of the nation, Prague has straightforward connections to most of the smaller locations within the nation and even a number of the most distant countryside hubs. The Czech countryside is residence to a number of the most lovely nature in Europe, so make sure you make the most of it once you go to Prague.
Plus, there are locations only a day journey from Prague, like Český Krumlov and Karlovy Differ, to discover. The smaller cities and cities of the Czech Republic are additionally residence to some UNESCO World Heritage websites that you simply received’t wish to miss throughout your Prague journey journey.
10. Nightlife
Prague is well-known as a giant occasion metropolis, and for good purpose. After darkish, the youthful crowd appears to come back alive, flocking to bars, pubs, and nightclubs, solely to be kicked out at daybreak earlier than doing all of it once more the following evening.
Prague is residence to a mess of scenes so it doesn’t matter what sort of nightlife you’re seeking to discover, you’ll make sure you discover your area of interest someplace. From new trendy golf equipment like EPIC and Duplex to underground EDM venues like Cross Membership and Storm Membership, there’s no scarcity of locations to go to bounce.
For those who’re searching for one thing a bit extra tame, you’ll discover tons of dives round each nook. Or, if you wish to merely pattern the choices, head over to Bořivojova, the road with essentially the most bars and pubs per sq. meter on this planet and make your individual bar crawl down the road.
It doesn’t matter what vibe you’re searching for, the nightlife in Prague is vibrant and thrilling and will probably be an integral a part of your Prague journey expertise.
11. Straightforward to Get Round Inside the Metropolis
Whereas there’s a lot to see and do in Prague, this would possibly truly be one of many best cities to get round! For those who’re up for a little bit of a stroll once you go to Prague, you’ll be able to hit many of the metropolis’s fundamental landmarks on a strolling route from Outdated City to the Citadel, to Petřín and again.
Or, should you’d favor to not stroll round all day, you will get a public transport ticket. Public transport in Prague is reasonable and simple – one ticket will cowl trams, metros, and buses so you will get nearly anyplace within the metropolis should you discover the suitable route. Plus, Prague is pretty small, so that you shouldn’t need to journey greater than 30 or 40 minutes should you’re staying throughout the metropolis heart, making for an environment friendly Prague journey expertise.
12. There’s All the time One thing Going On in Prague
Regardless of once you determine to go to Prague, you’d be hard-pressed to not discover some kind of pageant or occasion occurring whilst you’re on the town. The town’s inhabitants is energetic and animated, crammed to the brim with expats seeking to join and locals seeking to share their artwork and creativity with the general public.
Whether or not it’s a meals pageant, a live performance, an artwork exhibition, an illustration, or a protest, you’ll discover one thing to do – and should you don’t, you’re not trying onerous sufficient! A fast take a look at Instagram or a Google search of Prague occasions will yield tons of outcomes.
13. Tons of Museums
What would a metropolis with a lot historical past be with no bunch of museums to commemorate each facet of it? Throughout your Prague journey expertise, you’ll wish to go to not less than the Nationwide Museum should you’re seeking to be taught extra about Prague’s tradition and historical past.
If you wish to see extra than simply the Nationwide Museum, there are a ton of different choices so that you’ll make sure you discover one thing you’re enthusiastic about. For artwork lovers, take a look at the Nationwide Gallery or the Mucha Museum, or for tech lovers the Nationwide Technical Museum is your spot. Additionally value trying out are the Museum of Communism, the Czech Museum of Music, and the Museum of Senses.
A fast Google search (or our article on the finest museums in Prague) will be capable of discover one thing tailor-made to no matter subject you’d prefer to discover once you go to Prague!
14. Castles, Castles, Castles!
There are lots of of castles and chateaus within the Czech Republic, and there’s no scarcity of them each inside Prague and inside a easy day journey away. For those who’re a fort fanatic, you positively want to go to Prague.
The Prague Citadel itself is the world’s largest cohesive fort advanced – so this can be a must-see throughout your Prague journey expertise. Additionally value visiting throughout the metropolis are the Vyšehrad fort and fortress, the Troja Chateau, and the Průhonice Citadel. There are a number of different smaller chateaus peppered all through town and its suburbs, however these are essentially the most well-known.
Exterior of Prague however nonetheless definitely worth the quick trek to go go to are Karlštejn Citadel, Český Krumlov Citadel, and Hluboka Citadel, amongst many many others. For those who’re trying to take a look at the previous stomping grounds of historical royalty, Prague and the encircling countryside is a must-visit for you.
15. Bohemian Spas & Saunas
For those who’re searching for a little bit TLC throughout your Prague journey expertise, look no additional. In any case that exploring and strolling round, we completely get it should you’re attempting to loosen up for a bit. The Czech Republic is known for its pure mineral water that’s mentioned to have therapeutic properties, so that is the right place to take a look at a conventional Bohemian spa – one thing you received’t discover anyplace else!
Folks in Prague are tremendous into well being and wellness, so there’s no scarcity of locations to take a look at. Attempt a Karlovy Differ-style spa and soak within the mineral water wealthy in magnesium, potassium, and calcium to detox your physique. For those who’re seeking to merely loosen up, strive a Teplice bathtub that’s wealthy in sulfur. An iron-rich Marianske Lazne bathtub will enhance blood circulate and coronary heart exercise.
You too can select to pamper your self with a sauna or a therapeutic massage – the spa choices are huge and diversified once you go to Prague.
16. Czech Nature, Gardens, and Parks
Do you know that Prague is the greenest city house on this planet? That’s proper – even throughout the confines of town you’ll be capable of escape into nature by visiting superbly manicured gardens and parks or trying out one of many nature reserves exterior town heart.
Prague’s parks are big and positively value a go to. Near the middle, you’ll discover nice parks with even higher views. Riegrovy Sady is the right place to observe the sundown throughout the summer time, whereas Letná is residence to the Metronome and a number of other beer gardens. Stromovka is the most important park in Prague, and the Wallenstein Gardens are well-kept with fountains and peacocks to finish the ambiance. For those who’re searching for some extra intense climbing, you’ll be able to take a look at the Divoká Šárka nature reserve on the outskirts of Prague.
Or, should you’re seeking to really go away town and discover Czech nature (a number of the most lovely in Europe!), go to one of many nationwide parks, like Bohemian Switzerland or Czech Paradise, each straightforward day journeys exterior town.
17. An Up-and-Coming Worldwide Environment
Prague is really an up-and-coming, nonetheless barely hidden gem of Europe. A part of the magic of town that you simply’ll discover once you go to Prague is that you simply’ll meet folks from all around the world, whether or not they’re dwelling within the metropolis or in the event that they’re simply passing by means of such as you.
Because it’s nonetheless a tad below the radar, town isn’t practically as commercialized as numerous different vacationer locations and also you’ll discover items of real authenticity and creativity if the place to look.
With new folks always bringing new views and points to town, Prague is ever-changing and all the time thrilling. It’s tremendous straightforward to satisfy folks and there’s all the time one thing occurring. The grit of town streets and its historical past mixed with the fixed circulate of individuals creates a particular sort of ambiance that you simply received’t discover anyplace else. It is a place the place nearly something goes.
There you’ve it – 17 explanation why you need to go to Prague. If these aren’t sufficient to attract you in, by no means concern – we may write a complete ebook on why Prague journey is value it, however we’ll go away you with these for now.
Prague is a spot it’s a must to uncover for your self, so don’t be afraid to dive proper in. When you expertise town, you received’t wish to go away. As Franz Kafka’s well-known quote goes, “Prague by no means helps you to go…this expensive little mom has sharp claws,” and more true phrases have by no means been spoken.
