Sitting in the heart of Europe, and a veritable jewel of a city, Prague is best explored through its labyrinthine streets. Stroll through the alleys leading up to the Old Town Square and feast your eyes upon the magnificent clocks of the Astronomical Clock there, a work of medieval technology that still dazzles visitors today as it does with every hourly chime. Alternatively, cross the Charles Bridge, where baroque statues flank the pedestrian way and you can look out upon the striking skyline and the meandering Vltava River winding below. Make your way around the sprawling labyrinth of Prague Castle, peeking into St Vitus Cathedral and the luxurious interiors of the Royal Palace along the way. Visit the Josefov, the Jewish Quarter, where centuries of history are crammed in dark corners and marvellous synagogues, and dig into wonderful Czech cuisine in taverns and eateries with modern and historical credos alike. Follow the breadcrumbs to find the gems hidden in one of Europe’s most legendary and beautiful cities. 

Explore the medieval core of Prague by walking around Old Town Square. Heart of Europe, heart of the city: at the centre of the history of Prague lies this historic square that is still often the heart of the day-to-day life of the city itself. Here, so very near to where today the tourists crowd, stands the great Astronomical Clock – emblematic of medieval engineering, complete with its late-medieval mechanism that still works today and its repeated dance of apostles, animations and musical sounds that mark the hour every hour. At the heart of the square stand a few intersecting cobble-stone streets. They’re surrounded by houses painted in pastel colours. They are lined with coffee houses, as well as bars, vintage shops, souvenir shops, and a myriad of other stores. They fall under the heel of passing tourists. They are open to scrutiny by all and sundry.

Cross the beautiful Charles Bridge, traversing the beautiful Vltava river and linking the old town day, and provides much of the view of Prague Castle and this city’s skyline. Stop in these historic arches and gaze down at the water as Prague’s skyline reflects back at you. Early in the day like the local often does, or from the magical sunset, it offers the quintessential view of Prague.

Climb up Castle Hill and you’ll get the first view of Prague Castle, the wooden castle that marked the site of a permanent settlement, the centre of Czech identity and state power. Cross the vast complex to the Gothic jewellery of St Vitus Cathedral, with its well-preserved stained glass windows and spires. Wander round the Royal Palace and its apartments opulently decorated with the country’s art and artefacts, and relive the life of Czech royalty. Whether you’re marvelling at the cathedral or touring the palace complex, Prague Castle offers a glimpse into the country’s cultural past and an opportunity to trace the cultural arc through the centuries.

 Lose yourself in the richness and finery of Jewish history at Josefov, the Jewish Quarter of Prague… Any visit to this area, however, must be preceded by a visit to the Jewish Museum – a storehouse of historical artefacts that encompasses the Jewish quarter’s synagogues, the ancient Jewish cemetery and some stunning ceremonial halls. One of the oldest surviving cemeteries in Europe, the Old Jewish Cemetery dates back to the 15th century and features thousands of centuries-old tombstones that tell a story about the people who came to Prague to live and build a future for their children. Josefov is heartbreaking in its loss. But it is also undeniably vibrant and culturally rich, and is one reason Prague is known for its beautiful melange of people.

Immerse yourself in that local culture through Prague’s cuisine, from traditional Czech fare to contemporary reimaginings. With hearty goulash and dumplings, pastries and locally brewed beers, every morsel tells a story. Check out gastro-pubs for traditional-style foods, or chic restaurants for modern (re)interpretations of Czech classics.

 In addition to its culinary charms, Prague belies a beating cultural pulse, where creative expression meets poetic dissonance. Immerse yourself in the strum of live music concerts, emanating from historic venues, or enter the world of theatre as eulogised productions of varying genres and periods unfold before your eyes. Attend the revered ‘hours of art’ which time after time present the city with a coveted collection of local and international fayre. From the streets to the stages, galleries to cinemas, Prague’s creative culture is alive and unwavering, welcoming all willing visitors.

Stay off the beaten path and avoid the crowds in the Prague city centre, and discover a little piece of off-the-radar Bohemian life in the neighbourhoods of Vinohrady and Žižkov. Chain-smoke in dusty coffee houses, walk maze-like streets that run between narrow concrete houses and feel, momentarily, as if you’ve appeared on another planet: every intersection has its own unique pattern of street art, and the streets are scattered with boho bars, small theatre houses, craft breweries and boutiques – a healthy microcosm where locals tend to their own little bubbles without much disturbance from the tourist herd.

 To escape the buzz and explosion of the city for a sanctuary you can stroll through and find some peace on nature’s terms, head for Petřín Hill park. Here, you can clamber along the rose gardens, where a variety of fragrant flowers sway in the wind amidst the rich greenery. Climb high during your Prague stroll to the top of the hill for a beautiful view of the city with its towering spires and sloping rooftops, meandering along the Thames-like Vltava river as it snakes through the heart of Prague. If you’re not inspired to create something at any of these places, you certainly will be. If you’re peckish, well, you’d better eat because your meals won’t always be such a treat. And again, drinking? Go for whatever local brew is on offer. Those are the rules.

With its enchanting beauty and magnetic flair, Prague offers travellers endless opportunities to explore, discover and delight in everything there is to see and experience. Cobbled streets, rustic towers and a chance to step back through time, to a land of beauty and magic with a unique cultural flair; are just a few of the invaluable lessons to be learnt during a time spent in Prague. From the cobblestones of Old Town Square to the spires of Prague Castle (the highest point in the city), the enchanting Astronomical Clock to tragic remnants of an uncertain past in Josefov, and ventures across the picturesque Charles Bridge to the lesser-explored corners of Prague’s enchanting Jewish Quarter, every second of a visit to this remarkable city is infinitely valuable and intriguing.

 Therefore, go, travel to this place, embody the river and all its emotions in yourself. Fall in love with Prague and desire time and again to return to its welcoming arms. Prague offers different experiences to history buffs, art and architecture/religion enthusiasts, lovers of food or nature, hikers or festival-goers, or those who with whom you simply want to travel without any specific purpose in mind. Its experiences, history, beauty and arts will remain as a memento of your time spent in Prague.That’s what Tourist Board postcards say.Whether you happen to be, or not a tourist in Prague, this is my reminiscence and ode to the whole city.So go – travel to this place and let the river flow in all its stages inside you. Fall in love with Prague and desire to return there again and again. Prague has something for every tourist or traveller and more is offered simply to be there, to embody the river and its emotion in yourself. Prague or whatever one plans to see or do there will remain a memento of the time that was spent there. That’s what Tourist Board postcards say.Okay, I have to sign off now. 🙂 1. Go – travel to this place, emerge in it and let the river flow in all its stages inside youim persona – person with whom you wish to travel 2. Fall in love with Prague and desire to return there again and again – Prague is such a beautiful and ever flowing city 3. Prague offers different experiences to – you will find here everything that you desire Tourist or traveller – Tourist, traveller, visitor – word substitution for the same traveler figure 4. its history, beauty and arts – the city offers historical, beautiful, artsy experiences that one can enjoy at any time. 5. That’s what Tourist Board postcards say. 6. Whether you happen to be, or not a tourist in Prague – it doesn’t matter if you are a tourist to explore the city or a traveller just being there.