Prague Must See Places: A Tourist Guide

Prague is one of the most unique and beautiful cities in the world. With its breathtaking architecture, stunning views, and rich culture, it is no wonder that Prague is a popular destination for tourists from all around the world. Whether you are visiting for the first time or you are a seasoned traveler in the city, there is always something new and exciting to explore in Prague. From ancient castles and palaces to modern monuments and galleries, Prague has something for everyone. In this guide, we will take a look at some of the must-see places in Prague.

History of Prague

The history of Prague dates back to the 9th century, when it was first established as a fortified settlement by the Premyslid dynasty. In the following centuries, Prague flourished as the political, economic and cultural center of the Kingdom of Bohemia and the Holy Roman Empire. It was also the seat of many of the rulers of Bohemia and a cultural hub for writers and artists such as Franz Kafka and Antonín Dvořák. By the 19th century, Prague had become one of the most modern cities in Europe, with all the trappings of a modern metropolis.

During World War II, Prague was occupied by Nazi Germany and suffered severe damage. After the war ended, Prague became part of Czechoslovakia and was quickly rebuilt. The city was then chosen to host the World Ice Hockey Championship in 1972, which was a success. After the fall of communism in 1989, Prague underwent a period of rapid economic growth and expansion, becoming one of the most popular tourist destinations in Europe. Today, Prague is one of the most visited cities in Europe, with over 8 million visitors each year.

What to do in Prague?

Prague has something for everyone, from historic sights and monuments to world-class museums and galleries. Here are some of the must-see places in Prague:

Prague Castle

The Prague Castle is probably the most iconic landmark in Prague. Built in the 9th century, it is the largest ancient castle in Europe and has served as the seat of power for many rulers of Bohemia throughout its history. The castle complex includes St. Vitus Cathedral, Royal Palace, Picture Gallery and other buildings. Visitors can explore these buildings and marvel at the stunning architecture, paintings and sculptures inside them. The castle is also home to a number of festivals and events throughout the year, making it a great place to experience Czech culture.

Old Town Square

The Old Town Square is one of the oldest and most beautiful squares in Prague. It was once surrounded by city walls and gates, but today it is the bustling center of Prague’s historic core. Here you will find many historic buildings, including the Old Town Hall, St. Nicholas Church and other churches from various eras. The square is also home to many statues and monuments, including Jan Hus Monument and the Baroque Fountain. In summer, the square is filled with outdoor cafes and restaurants where visitors can sit back and relax with a cup of coffee or a beer.

Charles Bridge

The Charles Bridge is one of the most iconic bridges in Europe and is a must-see in Prague. Built in 1357, it is one of the oldest bridges in Europe and spans the Vltava River connecting Old Town with Lesser Town. The bridge is lined with 30 baroque statues depicting religious figures such as St. John of Nepomuk and St. Anne which have become symbols of Prague. The bridge is a popular spot for tourists to take photos, enjoy views of the river and watch street performers.

Jewish Quarter

The Jewish Quarter is one of the most interesting parts of Prague with its many synagogues, museums and historic sites. Here you can learn about the history of Jewish life in Prague through walking tours or by visiting one of the many museums such as the Jewish Museum or Pinkas Synagogue. You can also explore some of the oldest synagogues in Europe such as Old New Synagogue or Maisel Synagogue which date back to 16th century. The Jewish Quarter is also home to many cafes, restaurants and shops selling traditional Jewish food and souvenirs.

Wenceslas Square

Wenceslas Square is one of central Prague’s main squares located at the top of Wenceslas Hill. It is home to many important buildings such as National Museum, Grand Hotel Europa and other notable landmarks. The square is also known for its many cafes, restaurants, bars and shops where you can enjoy some traditional Czech food or shop for souvenirs. Every year on October 28th, Wenceslas Square hosts a big celebration marking Czech independence day with fireworks and music.

Tours in Prague

Prague has a wide variety of tours that are perfect for exploring the city’s unique history, culture and architecture. Here are two popular tours that visitors to Prague should consider:

Prague City Tour

A perfect way to explore Prague’s top attractions is to take a guided city tour. This tour will take you through all of Prague’s most iconic sights such as Old Town Square, Charles Bridge, Prague Castle and more. You will learn about each sight’s history and have plenty of time to take photos along the way. The tour also includes a stop at one of Prague’s famous beer gardens where you can sample some traditional Czech beer before continuing on your journey. To book this tour visit Prague City Tour.

Jewish Quarter Tour

The Jewish Quarter tour is another great way to explore Prague’s rich Jewish history and culture. On this tour you will visit some of Prague’s oldest synagogues including Old-New Synagogue which dates back to 1270 AD. You will also learn about some of the key figures in Jewish history like Rabbi Loew and Rabbi Pinkas who lived in Prague during 16th century. This tour also includes visits to some of the Jewish Quarter’s cafes, restaurants and shops where you can learn about traditional Jewish food while sampling some local delicacies. To book this tour visit Jewish Quarter Tour.

Conclusion

Prague is one of the most unique cities in Europe with its stunning architecture, vibrant culture, and rich history that can be explored through its many monuments and attractions. Whether you are looking for historic sites or modern attractions there is something for everyone in this beautiful city. From exploring Prague Castle to taking guided tours through Jewish Quarter there are plenty of activities to fill your days in Prague. We hope that this guide has been helpful in introducing you to some of Prague’s must-see places so that you can make your trip to this amazing city even more enjoyable!