Design: Tina Malaney, Associate Art Director ; Erica Cuoco, Production Designer
Photography: Jennifer Arnow, Senior Photo Editor
Maps: Rebecca Baer, Senior Map Editor ; David Lindroth, Mark Stroud (Moon Street Cartography), Cartographers
Production: Angela L. McLean, Senior Production Manager ; Jennifer DePrima, Editorial Production Manager
Sales: Jacqueline Lebow, Sales Director
Business & Operations: Chuck Hoover, Chief Marketing Officer ; Joy Lai, Vice President and General Manager ; Stephen Horowitz, Head of Business Development and Partnerships
Writers: Raymond Johnston, Jennifer Rigby, Will Tizard
Editors: Margaret Kelly (lead editor), Alexis Kelly, Amanda Sadlowski
Production Editor: Elyse Rozelle
Copyright 2017 by Fodors Travel, a division of Internet Brands, Inc.
Fodors is a registered trademark of Internet Brands, Inc. All rights reserved. Published in the United States by Fodors Travel, a division of Internet Brands, Inc. No maps, illustrations, or other portions of this book may be reproduced in any form without written permission from the publisher.
ISBN9780147546623
Ebook ISBN9780147546630
All details in this book are based on information supplied to us at press time. Always confirm information when it matters, especially if youre making a detour to visit a specific place. Fodors expressly disclaims any liability, loss, or risk, personal or otherwise, that is incurred as a consequence of the use of any of the contents of this book.
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CONTENTS
ABOUT THIS GUIDE
Fodors Recommendations
Everything in this guide is worth doingwe dont cover what isntbut exceptional sights, hotels, and restaurants are recognized with additional accolades. Fodors Choice indicates our top recommendations; and Best Bets call attention to notable hotels and restaurants in various categories. Care to nominate a new place? Visit Fodors.com/contact-us .
Trip Costs
We list prices wherever possible to help you budget well. Hotel and restaurant price categories from $ to $$$$ are noted alongside each recommendation. For hotels, we include the lowest cost of a standard double room in high season. For restaurants, we cite the average price of a main course at dinner or, if dinner isnt served, at lunch. For attractions, we always list adult admission fees; discounts are usually available for children, students, and senior citizens.
Hotels
Our local writers vet every hotel to recommend the best overnights in each price category, from budget to expensive. Unless otherwise specified, you can expect private bath, phone, and TV in your room. For expanded hotel reviews, visit Fodors.com .
Restaurants
Unless we state otherwise, restaurants are open for lunch and dinner daily. We mention dress code only when theres a specific requirement and reservations only when theyre essential or not accepted.
Credit Cards
The hotels and restaurants in this guide typically accept credit cards. If not, well say so.
EUGENE FODOR
Hungarian-born Eugene Fodor (190591) began his travel career as an interpreter on a French cruise ship. The experience inspired him to write On the Continent (1936), the first guidebook to receive annual updates and discuss a countrys way of life as well as its sights. Fodor later joined the U.S. Army and worked for the OSS in World War II. After the war, he kept up his intelligence work while expanding his guidebook series. During the Cold War, many guides were written by fellow agents who understood the value of insider information. Todays guides continue Fodors legacy by providing travelers with timely coverage, insider tips, and cultural context.
WELCOME TO PRAGUE
One of Europes best-preserved cities, Prague has a romantic riverside location enhanced by graceful bridges and a magnificent skyline punctuated with medieval church spires. Its historic Old Town follows a plan laid out 1,000 years ago, with ancient squares and winding cobblestone streets. Haunting Prague Castle looms large across the Vltava River, rising above the exquisite Charles Bridge. Add extravagant, fairy-tale architecture; memorable classical music; and, these days, good food and drink, and its easy to see why Prague charms everyone who visits.
TOP REASONS TO GO
Historic architecture: Gothic, baroque, Renaissance, Art Nouveauits all here.
Prague Castle: This Gothic fortress and soaring cathedral were Kafkas inspiration.
Jewish heritage: Historic synagogues and sights reflect an 800-year-old legacy.
Old Town Square: The citys pulsing heart fans out below the twin-spired Tn church.
Excellent beer: Czechs brew the best pilsner, and Prague pubs know how to pour it.
Classical music: Musicians from Dvok to Mozart made their mark in Prague.
PRAGUE TODAY
The City of a Hundred Spires is staggeringly beautiful, but it seems to have lost a bit of the swagger it had a decade ago, when it was the travel industrys golden child. But thats not such a bad thing, because theres a new air of maturity, and people are realizing that the city can no longer rest on its architectural and historical laurels. Part of this renewed sensibility can be traced to the death of former president Vclav Havelan international icon and hero of the 1989 Velvet Revolutionin 2011. The second came in 2013, when Prague experienced another major flood in little more than a decade. Both events were a reminder that good things should never be taken for granted. The result is a city thats palpably more introspective, and perhaps a bit more appreciative of the thousands of visitors who come here each year.