DK - Top 10 Prague

Clockwise from top: Charles Bridge, Wenceslas Square, Spanish Synagogue, Wallenstein Garden, fresco at The Loreto, stained glass at St Vituss Cathedral, Old Town Square roofs

Praguers call their city Mater Urbium the Mother of Cities a reference to a time in the 14th century when Prague served as the capital of the Holy Roman Empire. Architectural treasures like Prague Castle, St Vituss Cathedral and The Loreto testify to that former grandeur. But Prague is more than pretty buildings. The city of Dvok, Kafka, Bedich Smetana and Vclav Havel still throbs with culture, music, literature, theatre and intrigue. All who visit are bewitched by the spires and the cobbles, the shadows and the tiny lanes of the most enchanting city in Central Europe.

And did we mention the beer? The Czech Republic prides itself as the home of the worlds finest lager. What could be better than winding through the Baroque streetscape of Mal Strana, taking in the National Gallerys collection of modern art at the Trade Fair Palace and enjoying the green spaces of the Wallenstein Garden or Petn Hill and then repairing to a traditional pub like U Zlatho tygra to digest it all over a mug of Pilsner Urquell or Staropramen?

Whether youre coming for a weekend or a week, our Top 10 guide is designed to bring together the best of everything that Prague has to offer, from the bustle of the New Town and the imperial flavour of Hradany to the Gothic splendour of the Old Town and the understated grace of the former Jewish quarter of Josefov. There are useful tips throughout, from seeking out whats free to avoiding the crowds, plus eight easy-to-follow itineraries to help you visit a clutch of sights in a relatively short space of time. Add inspiring photography and detailed maps, and youve got the essential pocket-sized travel companion. Enjoy the book and enjoy Prague.

There is a wealth of things to see and do in Prague. Whether youre here just for the weekend or have the luxury of a couple of extra days, these two- and four-day itineraries will help you to plan your time and make the most of your visit.

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Two Days in Prague

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Day 1

Morning

Marvel at the .

Astronomical Clock

Afternoon

Meander through .

Day 2

Morning

Begin at nearby houses the National Gallerys medieval art.

Afternoon

Take in .

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Four Days in Prague

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Day 1

Morning

Visit the Powder Gate and .

Charles Bridge links the Old Town and Mal Strana quarters of Prague.

Afternoon

Wander through and Golden Lane.

Day 2

Morning

Spend time at the for its collection of medieval art.

Afternoon

Head to the river and walk south along it to the .

Day 3

Morning

Start at and ride the funicular up.

The Wallenstein Garden is free for the public to enter, and hosts various cultural events during the summer.

Afternoon

From Petn, head to .

Day 4

Morning

View the National Gallerys modern and contemporary art at the .

Afternoon

Explore .

Top 10 Prague Highlights

Historic buildings in Pragues Old Town Square

Top 10 Prague Highlights

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PRAGUE CASTLE

Crowned by St Vituss Cathedral, Prague Castle (Prask hrad) is the metaphorical and historical throne of the Czech lands. Around AD 880, Prince Boivoj built a wooden fortress on this hilltop above the river, establishing it as the dynastic base of the Pemyslids. In the 14th century the castle became the seat of the Holy Roman Empire. Much of it was rebuilt by Empress Maria Theresa in the latter half of the 18th century, giving it a formal Neo-Classical look. Today the castle is the official residence of the Czech president.

NEED TO KNOW

Hradany 224 372423, 372434 www.hrad.cz
Grounds AprOct: 5ammidnight daily, NovMar: 6am11pm daily
Old Royal Palace, Golden Lane, St Georges Basilica, Rosenberg Palace, Powder Tower, Daliborka Tower, Picture Gallery AprOct: 9am5pm daily, NovMar: 9am4pm daily