Rick Steves - Rick Steves Pocket Prague

Carriages and walkers rule the roads.

The rest of the book is a travelers tool kit. Youll find plenty more about the areas attractions, from shopping to nightlife to less touristy sights. And there are helpful hints on saving money, avoiding crowds, getting around on public transit, finding a great meal, and much more.

If youd like more information than this Pocket Guide offers, Ive sprinkled the book liberally with web references. For general travel tipsas well as updates for this booksee www.ricksteves.com.

The Vltava River divides the city in two. East of the river are the Old Town and New Town, the Main Train Station, and most of the recommended hotels. To the west of the river is Prague Castle, and below that, the sleepy Little Quarter. Connecting the two halves are several bridges, including the landmark Charles Bridge.

Think of Prague as a collection of neighborhoods. In fact, until about 1800, Prague actually was four distinct towns with four distinct personalities.

Old Town (Star Msto): Nestled in the bend of the river, this is the historic core, where most tourists spend their time. Its pedestrian-friendly, with small winding streets, old buildings, shops, and beer halls and cafs. In the center sits the charming Old Town Square. Slicing east-west through the Old Town is the main pedestrian axis, along Celetn and Karlova streets.

Within the Old Town, tucked closest to the river, is the Jewish Quarter (Josefov), a several-block area with sights from Pragues deep Jewish heritage. It also holds the citys glitziest shopping area.

New Town (Nov Msto): Stretching south from the Old Town is the long, broad expanse of Wenceslas Square, marking the center of the New Town. As the name implies, its the neighborhood for modern buildings, fancy department stores, and a few communist-era sights.

Castle Quarter (Hradany): High atop a hill on the west side of the river stands the massive complex of Prague Castle, marked by the spires of St. Vitus Cathedral. The surrounding area is noble and leafy, with grand buildings, little commerce, and few pubs.

Little Quarter (Mal Strana): Nestled at the foot of Castle Hill is this pleasant former town of fine palaces and gardens (and several minor sights).

Away from the Center: A short ride away on public transit, youll find important sights like the Slav Epic and the Vyehrad park.

The following day-plans give you an idea of how much an organized, motivated, and caffeinated person can see. Prague deserves at least two full sightseeing days, and you might consider other side-trips.

Day 1: Take my Old Town Walk to get oriented to the citys core. Have lunch in the Old Town or Little Quarter. Explore the Little Quarter. In the midafternoon, follow my Jewish Quarter Tour. In the evening (tonight or other nights), consider a classical concert, a beer hall, pop music, or Black Light Theater.

Sunday: St. Vitus Cathedral at Prague Castle is closed Sunday morning for Mass. Some stores are closed.

Monday: Muchas Slav Epic and the Museum of Medieval Art are closed. Most of the other major sights are open. Some lesser sights are closed, including Tn Church and the Church of St. James.

Tuesday-Friday: All sights are open.

Saturday: The Jewish Quarter sights are closed.