The Czech capital Prague is loved by many travelers because of its beautiful architecture, history and diversity of different places. Prague counts about 1.3 million inhabitants and is definitely worth a visit. In addition, you can recently travel to the Czech capital again by night train. Prague is also in my top 10 favorite cities in Europe. Recently I was for the fourth time in Prague where I stayed at the Hilton Prague. In this article I want to share some destination tips with you.
Public Transport In Prague
All major places are easily accessible by public transport. Prague has a reasonably good subway network based on a system from the old Soviet Union. Three lines connect the suburbs with the center of the city. The subway has different fare types. If you are only in Prague for one day, it is best to buy a 24-hour ticket. This one costs only 120 CZK which is about $ 4.30 USD. If you stay in the city for several days, it is best to purchase a 72-hour ticket and this will cost you 330 CZK, approximately $ 11.90 USD. These tickets are also valid in the tram and bus. The city still has an open subway system which means that there are no closed entrance gates. Instead, you must stamp your ticket before entering the train. So you don’t have to check in and out every time.
Although most places can be reached by subway, there is currently no line to the airport yet. In the future, the green line will be extended in to the west so it will connect the airport with the city center. Until then you will have to do this journey by bus or taxi.
Center of Prague
Most places can be found in the center of the city. If you walk north from the Mustek subway station, you will arrive at a large square with the Tyn Church. This is a 14th century church with two towers. You will also find the astronomical clock on this central square. You can easily take a dozen photos in and around this square. The prices of restaurants here, unlike other parts of the city, are on the same level as Paris and London. And that’s quite expensive for Czech standards. For a somewhat cheaper meal, it is best to look for another place in the city as you pay 3 times less there.
If you walk a little further to the west you will arrive at the river Vltava while walking along a number of beautiful buildings. You can then cross this river by the Charles Bridge. This is without a doubt the most popular bridge in the city and connects the center with the Malá Strana district. From the bridge you have a nice view over both parts of the city. The bridge is 516 meters long and is only suitable for pedestrians. Due to the beautiful lighting, it is recommended to visit this place at night as well as during the day. However, it can be very busy here at certain times of the day.
Just south of the center you will find the Dancing House. The best way to get there is to walk south from the Charles Bridge on the east side of the Vltava. The Dancing House is the nickname of a deconstructivist office building that was completed in 1996 and is owned by the Dutch bank ING.
Especially if you like modern architecture, the building is worth a photo snapshot. However, it is not possible to visit the building itself.
Malá Strana
If you then cross the Vltava by the adjacent bridge, you will arrive at the Malá Strana district. Because this neighborhood is located on a hill, you have a nice view over the center of the city from there. You can choose to reach the top of the hill on foot, but this is also possible via the funicular.
At the top of the hill you will find even more architecture with old trams running through the streets. The best pictures are taken here in the afternoon. The sunset in the west gives you the best view of the city and the buildings at that time.
An important attraction in this district is undoubtedly the Prague Castle. Next to this castle you will also find the Saint Vitus Cathedral. This is one of the most popular cathedrals in the city and is also part of Prague Castle. The tower is about 400 feet high and the foundation stone of this building dates from 1344.
Also take a look at the cathedral itself. The square around the cathedral and the castle is also worth a visit. From here you have a nice view over the city as well as from terraces of various restaurants and bars.
