Things to do on Holidays in Prague Czech Republic

Nearly 25 years after the “velvet revolution” which brought down the communist regime in the country, Prague – the capital of the Czech Republic and the City of a Thousand Spires – has developed a distinctly cosmopolitan feel, where tradition, history and antiquity blend with the hip, the contemporary, and the unconventional. With more than 4.1 million international visitors flocking to Prague annually, the city has grown into a popular tourist destination, and is the sixth-most-visited city in Europe. Whether you’re interested in exploring the history and culture of the city, or simply delving into its nightlife, you’ll never be short of things to do in Prague.

Instructions

  • 1

    Visit the Prague castle

    The most prominent building on Prague’s horizon, the Prague Castle is a grand and imposing structure built in the Gothic style, situated atop a hill overlooking the city. The largest ancient castle in the world, it houses, among other buildings, the St. Vitus Cathedral, which features a wide array of religious relics and fine artwork, including the Czech Crown Jewels.

    In addition, if you’re looking to steep yourself in the historical and cultural part of Prague,  you can tour the Municipal House, stroll through the Jewish Quarter, or visit the Franz Kafka Museum to get a taste of the literary. Tourists also have the option of visiting the Old Town Square and taking horse-drawn carriage rides through the historic city.

    Image Courtesy: europetravelculture.files.wordpress.com

  • 2

    Tune into the spirit of the city

    Visitors to Prague will delight in tapping into the spirit of the city, as they look to immerse themselves in the culture of Prague. Visit venues such as the Museum of Communism or the Old Jewish Cemetery to get a feel of the city’s history. Explore Prague’s artistic side by touring the Mucha museum, devoted to the father of Art Nouveau, or simply enjoy the local traditions, festivals, folk performances, and carnivals, as you mingle with the natives and sample authentic Czech fare.

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  • 3

    Party it up in a onetime nuclear bunker

    Get in touch with the wild side of Prague, where the clubbing is a truly unforgettable experience. Nothing serves as a warning sign screaming “This is Bohemia” more than the phantasmagoric Bunkr Parukarka – a nightclub housed in what was previously a 1950s nuclear bunker, with its graffiti-covered entrance sticking out of a hillside. To continue in a similar anarchic vein, visit the hip and artsy Cross Club, or head down to Újezd or Wakata (teenage madhouses filled with smoke, blaring music, and unexpected oddities) to keep the crazy coming. Zizkov – a district dotted with more than 300 bars – is also a great option.

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  • 4

    Dine out in style

    While many might envision stodgy, tasteless food when it comes to eating out in Prague, Czech cuisine has been given a distinctly refined make-over in the capital, and the options for having a fancy night out have expanded a great deal. Visitors looking for an elaborate meal might try out La Degustation Bohême Bourgeoise, which offers 7 course Bohemian-tasting meals, or Allegro, the first restaurant in Prague to win a Michelin star. If you fancy seafood, the Alcron and Kampa Park are great places to visit for gourmet meals.

    Image Courtesy: abcprague.com

  • 5

    Drink as the Czech do

    Czech beer is world-famous, and no trip to Prague would be complete without trying out the drinks on offer. Tourists can sample Absinthe, or traditional plum brandy, while beer-lovers will delight in discovering the U Medvidku Beer Hall and Restaurant – a 55-year-old institution, known for its X-Beer 33 (a beverage with an 11.8% alcohol content). Other popular beer brands in Prague include Gambrinus, Kozel’s Medium, and Pilsner Urquell.

    Image Courtesy: ceskapozice.cz

  • 6

    Throw yourself off a bridge

    KI Bungee Jump offers visitors the chance to go bungee jumping in Prague, and the location for the jump is the Zvikovské podhradí – a bridge located high above the Vltava valley. Bungee jumping season lasts from June to September, and the activity is surprisingly popular, so book in advance, and be prepared to pay up to 900-1,000 Kč per jump.

    Image Courtesy: magicalprague.com

  • 7

    Browse for souvenirs

    Prague offers a wide array of activities for shopping fanatics, and prime among these are the souvenir shops dotted all over the city, which offer traditional hand-made Czech crafts for visitors to take back home as mementos of their visit. Prague is also brimming over with antique shops should you wish to invest in vintage relics from the past, and the city is a great place to buy garnet jewellery, with the blood-red stones mined in the Czech Republic being among the best in the world.

    Image Courtesy: upload.wikimedia.org

  • 8

    Watch a glorious sunrise

    Witnessing the sun ascend over the skyline of Prague, dotted with its marvels of architecture, is a unique and almost miraculous experience in itself, but the best spot to catch such a view would be the Chalres Bridge – the city’s most picturesque bridge. Dating back to 1357, the bridge was commissioned by King Charles IV, and as you stand atop its 16 arches lined with 30 Baroque statues of religious figures, with artists and hot-dog vendors settling into their spots for the day and the Vltava River flowing on beneath, any sunrise is transformed into a surreal experience.

    Image Courtesy: media-cdn.tripadvisor.com

  • 9

    Solve an ancient mystery in a clock face

    Among the many historical wonders in the city is a 600-year-old medieval astronomical clock, featuring various convoluted zodiac figures which have inspired several theories regarding their occult origins. Whether you’re looking to decipher the hidden meaning, or simply checking what time it is, it’s worth watching the clock chime the hour – an event marked by a trumpet, and a string of wooden saints filing out of trap doors.

    Image Courtesy: pragjesu.info

  • 10

    Watch a puppet show

    The art of puppetry has a history in the Czech Republic, and puppet shows abound in Prague. Visit the National Marionette Theater, the Divadlo Minor, or the Formans' Mystery Boat Theatre to catch an unforgettable performance. If you find yourself struck by inspiration, or simply looking for a way to remember the experience, you can always head down to Truhlář Marionety to purchase a puppet for yourself.

    Image Courtesy: kidsinprague.com

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