Prague Czech Republic
Prague is certainly no stranger to old Eastern European capital. The first time we arrived in town, we took the bus and metro to the center of the city from the airport, and as we emerge from the subway, it was a street full of tourists on a beautiful Saturday afternoon. The first thing we did was go to the opera, but to get away from the crowds!
The Czech Republic and Prague have made the European Union, and tourists from around the world have embraced this graceful capital. This is one of the best preserved historical cities of Europe …. It is the only Central European capital to the bombs of World Wars I and II to escape.
Once we got used to the crowds, the first place we went was for the Old Town Square, and this is a good place for you to start. It is a central point and the marketplace of the city for centuries.
The Old Town Hall anchors one side of the square. See the 15th century astronomical clock strike the hour and on a show with great pomp mechanical turn.The 14th-century Tyn Church towers on the other side of the square. The rest is covered with beautiful pastel art nouveau buildings.
This square is a mecca for tourists with cafes, horse-drawn buggies, classic cars offering tours of the city, and bands play for tips on the corners. Even with all that beautiful and a nice place to start exploring.
Karlova street starts just past one side of the old town hall. It is a narrow, winding old road that winds its way from Prague to the medieval Charles Bridge. You will be swept away with the tourist crowds … Just be sure to watch your wallet. This is certainly a place to wear your money belt to protect your valuables. Since you know your stuff safely tucked away, just enjoy the atmosphere of this ancient and attractive street.
You can spend hours on the Charles Bridge as you want. Examine each of the images which line both sides of the bridge. (Many of them are copies with the originals in the National Museum, but they are still fun to watch.) Vendors set up stalls that everything a tourist could wish to sell. Musicians set up shop just far enough apart that they do not compete … too much. If you want some quiet time, sit on the side and enjoy the view of Prague Castle on the hill.
Make your way across the bridge and through the Lesser Town. This quarter is full of baroque palaces and old houses and of course churches. The streets slope up to the castle. Discover the enormous castle, but not obsess on. It’s rooms are simple by castle standards.
See what you can, and enjoy the city views from the promenade along the edge. The city is also called the “Golden City of 100 Spires” and you can see why it got that name from your point of view of the castle.
There is also a Jewish quarter and the new city to explore as you have time.
There are numerous B & Bs and restaurants in the city. The old city is very walkable. Enjoying a beer on the river. Enjoy a concert in the evening, and enjoy a tourist who has discovered Prague.