Prague, Czech Republic in a nutshell
Gone are the days when Prague's beauty was kept hidden from the Western world as the country formerly known as Czechoslovakia was part of the Communist Bloc for decades. Now, anyone who's been to Prague cannot help but be amazed at the astounding architecture found in this picturesque European city. The skyline is pierced by the imposing structures of Gothic and Renaissance buildings, earning Prague its famous title of "City of a Hundred Spires". Old Town's narrow alleys meander through age-old monuments like the Town Hall's astronomical clock with its unique features. You'll also see Church of St. Nicholas, the best example of Baroque architecture in all of Europe. Tyn Church, on the other hand, owns two of the 100, or 500 if you ask the Czechs, spires of the city. From Old Town, walk towards Charles Bridge to catch the merry band of buskers serving up the day's entertainment fare. The bridge links the historic quarter to the city's finest landmark, Prague Castle. Trust us when we say you won't miss seeing this colossal property as it is the largest castle complex in the world.
'Youth is happy because it has the ability to see beauty. Anyone who keeps the ability to see beauty never grows old.,
Franz Kafka, one of the most studies, revered and emulated authors of all time, wrote these word in an attempt to assess why it is that all those live crave to be young, and on top their game.
Kafka, authors of such classics as 'The Metamorphosis', 'The Trial' and 'The Castle' was born in Prague, and little do we have in way of doubt in stating that it must have been this city of beauty that inspired Kafka to construct new worlds of his own through his works.
The history of Prague goes back by over one millennium. Throughout the evolution of Europe from the barbaric times of post-Roman apocalypses to prosperous times of the renaissance, Prague has been at the eye of the process far too many times.
Prague is a city that celebrates everything that is beautiful, and you don't really need to be an art connoisseur to actually enjoy what Prague has to offer. Every corner, every cobbled street and every church is filled to the brim with beauty, history and anecdotes, here in Prague.
Museums and art galleries are identifications of the sophistication in modern world for a city, and on that litmus test, Prague comes out with flying colors, perhaps at the top of its class.
So, if you have made that decision of visiting Prague sooner rather than later, you, first of all, need to be lauded for an excellent choice of the destination, because very few cities in the world will be able to leave you utterly fulfilled with beauty in a matter of days, other than Prague.
Budget Accomodation in Prague
At various times in history, Prague has donned various roles. From being the capital of the theocentric Roman Empire of the latter years to the epicentre of the World War I and from being a cultural abode of many noted artistes to a major center of unrest during the post-WWII era, Prague has seen many more things than most cities do in their lifetime.
Given this background, one would be reluctant to accept or concede to the fact that it is quite easy, even today, to find cheap hotels when you are visiting Prague.
Of course, it's much easier to find a luxury hotel than a cheap hotel, but that doesn't change one bit the fact that cheap hotels dot the streets of old-school Prague in myriads of numbers.
Hotel St George, named after one of patron saints of the city, is among the most obvious of choices when one is looking to spend minimum on lodging when in Prague. Anyday Apartments is another cheap option of lodging, if you are willing to make arrangements for your own essentials.
Barcelo Praha Five is the most highly rated among various affordable lodging options in Prague, although it's slightly more expensive than the ones mentioned before.
Luxurious Prague “ Up & Close
Prague, as mentioned before, is a city that loves to embrace everything that's attractive. From impressively beautiful high-European architecture to good-looking French influences on food, all things beautiful can be found in the streets of Prague.
Luxury hotels in Prague, as one would imagine, wouldn't be too far behind in the competition. Prague is home to some of the best looking hotel buildings in Europe, and as an extension of this fact luxury Prague hotels do tend to cause serious dents in the bank accounts of their guests.
The most famous, and the most prominent, among these is Art Nouveau Palace Hotel. Located smack in the heart of the old city, Art Nouveau Palace is as luxurious and as lavish as it gets.
The Augustine and Hotel Paris Prague are two more additions to this illustrious list, both operated singularly, without the baggage of a global brand to back them.
Talking about brands, Radisson Blu Prague and Mandarin Oriental Prague make their best attempts to reach the heights of quality that their respective brands have established over the years.
Top Things to Do & See in Prague
Prague is a beehive of sights, sounds and activities. A stay in Prague can be a representative of what Europe has come to stand for in the world of art and history. There's high chance that no matter how well you plan, you will end up missing out on a few sights. So, this is an attempt to let you know of the best of the lot.
The Charles Bridge is a 7-century old bridge that connects the old and new parts of Prague, creating an iconic sight that is a global tourism identity of Prague.
In the same way, Old Town of Prague, Prague Castle, the 600-year old Astronomical Clock of Prague, Wencelas Square, Mala Strana, Lyn Church, Powder Tower, Old New Synagogue, Dancing House etc. are attractions worth spending your time in Prague generously visiting.
What to Know Before Sightseeing in Prague?
Sightseeing in Prague can be an extremely surreal, even romantic experience, if you know how to be at home in a European city of this grandeur.
The first thing to know is that most hotels in Prague offer incredibly good local sightseeing assistance, if you are prepared to pay some surcharge. This will help you get the best of guidance with least expenses.
Also, it is worthwhile noting that some 'homework' of Prague's history can go a long way in understanding the import and temporal significance of sights you would be visiting.
Local Transport in Prague
Being a typical European city given to political, artistic and humanitarian endeavors, Prague is fully well equipped with an efficient public transport system comprising of buses and trams.
All decent Prague hotels that are worth their salt also provide cheap local transport in privately rented cars on a day-to-day basis. That said, it should always be remembered that the best way to move yourself in Prague is on your own feet,