Prague - Czech Republic

Prague is a city known for its beauty, history, nightlife, and culture. In addition, Prague is one of the most tolerant and most diverse cities in Eastern and Central Europe. The locals are modern, up-to-the-minute Europeans, ex-pats thrive in carved-out pockets of the city, and tourists are never bored. Prague is a great travel destination for so many reasons – and that’s why “travel to Prague” should be on your to-do list.
Let’s get started. Travel to Prague is fairly uncomplicated. No visas to get, no vaccinations required. If you forget something, you can buy it there. If you need directions, someone who speaks English will be able to help you. And if you never want to leave . . . no one will blame you. But first, just to make sure, better check out Czech Travel Basics to brush up on what you need to know about currency. Prague is, after all, one of the more expensive destinations in Eastern Europe.

Guidebooks and directions from friends will require some knowledge of Prague’s neighborhoods. Prague is divided into districts, labeled numerically, but Prague’s districts all have distinct characters and histories. In each one you’ll find something different. However, two of the most important neighborhoods to visit when you travel to Prague are Old Town (containing the Jewish Quarter, or Josefov) and Castle Hill.

Old Town and New Town are connected by Charles Bridge. You can shop for traditional Czech souvenirs in Old Town Prague (think garnets, puppets, and antiques) and cross Charles Bridge into New Town. New Town contains many modern shopping malls and department stores that offer fashionable clothing, electronics, shoes, cosmetics, and a variety of restaurants and entertainment.

So what should your travel to Prague entail? As Prague is a major music center – and has been for centuries – plan your travel to Prague around a seasonal music festival.

Alternatively, visit museums (the Sex Machines Museum is very popular), meet new friends at clubs, have a traditional Czech meal at New Town Brewery or one of the other fantastic and fun pubs and restaurants, or go exploring on your own.

The National Museum in Prague's New Town is located on Wenceslas Square. It hosts geological, paleontological, and zoological exhibits. In addition, it displays a collection of antique Czech puppets.

o. 22 Golden Lane was actually Franz Kafka's sister's house, though he is known to have stayed and written there. This cheerful blue house is just one of the many colorful dwellings along Prague's Golden Lane, which is tucked behind Prague Castle. Stroll along the Golden Lane to capture some charming photographs, or shop for Czech souvenirs.

A tour of the Municipal House is sure to delight. This Art Nouveau beauty is detailed with mosaics, curved glass, sculptures, stained glass, and other artistic touches throughout. Leading turn-of-the-century Czech artists collaborated on designing parts of the Municipal House in the beginning of the 1900's. The Smetana Hall is home to Prague's Symphony Orchestra. The City Mayor's Hall features work by Alfons Mucha. You can even find refreshment at the Municipal House at the French restaurant or Czech pub.