Ever since I was 10 years old, I dreamed of traveling to Europe. I imagined walking along narrow, winding, cobblestone streets, exploring thousand-year-old gothic churches and connecting my New World American experience with the wisdom of the Old World.
It took a few decades, but recently my dream came true. I found myself in a plane traveling to the heart of Old World Europe–Prague, the capital of the Czech Republic. From the moment I arrived in that beautiful, ancient city, I fell hopelessly in love. After a week, I had to say goodbye. But one visit to Prague–sometimes called “The New Paris”–illuminates the heart forever.
Even if you only have a few days in Prague, you should be able to explore the following must-see treasures. Don’t rent a car. Walking is the best way to see this city and there are plenty of taxis available if you decide you have walked far enough. Walking also gives you a better opportunity to interact with the gracious people of Prague, who are celebrating their release from behind the Iron Curtain and will welcome you to their fair city.
Charles Bridge
More than 600 years ago, Emperor Charles IV commissioned the building of the Charles Bridge.
This epic bridge crosses over the Vltava River and connects two picturesque sections of Prague, Old Town and the Little Quarter. While horse-drawn carriages crossed the bridge for centuries, now Prague’s most famous treasure is only open for pedestrian traffic.
Thirty remarkable statues honoring Christian saints and martyrs adorn the bridge. The first statue placed on the bridge in 1683–of St. John Nepomuk–honors a martyr who was thrown off the Charles Bridge by King Wenceslas IV in 1393.
Wenceslas Square
Originally a medieval horse market, Wenceslas Square was the scene of the protest rally in 1989 which led to the Velvet Revolution and the overthrow of Communism.
This historic square–actually a rectangle–now showcases Prague’s emerging capitalist market. This is a shopper’s paradise, featuring restaurants, coffee shops, an open air farmer’s market, and dozens of stores selling everything from high-end women’s clothing and shoes to books, toys and inexpensive souvenirs.
The Church Of Our Lady Before Týn
The magnificent gothic architecture of the Church of Our Lady before Týyn, built in 1365, illuminates Old Town Square, the heart of Prague. The Czech word “tyýn” means town or square. The church’s name describes its location, in front of Old Town Square. There are several excellent and affordable restaurants in the Square. If weather permits, you can dine outside under the mysterious aura of the Church’s dark twin steeples.
The Astronomical Clock
At perhaps the world’s most unique clock, crowds gather every hour to watch mechanical figures perform above zodiac signs on the Astronomical Clock, perfected in the 16th century.
The Prague Castle
Try to spend one day at the Prague Castle. Treat yourself to a taxi ride there–the journey is completely uphill! After a delightful day of exploring the architecture, gardens, art museums, shops and restaurants of the Castle, meander back to your hotel on foot, enjoying the benefits of gravity.
Old World style musicians create an atmosphere of ancient festivity as you enter the gates to the Castle. Founded in the 19th century, the Castle encloses more than 1,000 years of history. Don’t miss the incredible art collection inside the Lobkowiz Palace, including Beethoven’s handwritten manuscripts of his Fourth and Fifth Symphonies.
Pack Your Walking Shoes! Tips For Travelers To Prague
PRAGUE IS ARGUABLY THE BEST WALKING CITY ON THE PLANET, so comfortable walking shoes are essential. My black Skechers were just perfect. They looked like dress shoes but felt like sneakers.
WHEN YOU EXCHANGE MONEY, choose Czech crowns rather than euros. Prague businesses prefer their native currency and your dollars will stretch further.
THE WEATHER IN PRAGUE INCLUDES FOUR DISTINCT SEASONS. Be prepared for summer heat, spring rain or winter snow. During my April visit, I was grateful for my trench coat, scarf and umbrella.
LOCALS IN PRAGUE DRESS UP A BIT MORE THAN TYPICAL AMERICANS. Leave your sweats, T-shirts and sneakers at home and embrace Euro style: dark jeans or black pants, dark comfy shoes and classic buttoned shirts or sweaters.
THIS IS ANCIENT BOHEMIA, where the Pilsner style of beer was invented in 1842 in the nearby town of Pilsen. Before that, all beer was dark and heavy. So find a local pub, order a crisp, golden Pilsner Urquell, grilled pork or duck, cabbage and dumplings. Rest your feet from a day of walking, and enjoy the beer that has inspired breweries and beer lovers around the world.
BY FRANCINE M. SCOBORIA | PHOTOS BY GREGORY P. PANCEREV
