Article by: Michal Dziendziura, founder and guide at Free Walking Tour Prague
Praga es una de las ciudades más bellas e interesantes del mundo. Ofrece un sinfín de lugares espectaculares que visitar y numerosas actividades culturales únicas que probar. He aquí nuestra selección de las 10 mejores cosas que hacer en la ciudad de las mil agujas:
El Puente de Carlos es el más antiguo de Praga, ordenado por el emperador del Sacro Imperio checo en el siglo XIV. Está adornado con 30 hermosas estatuas barrocas y rodeado de las más impresionantes panorámicas de Praga. Cada año, el Puente de Carlos es visitado por millones de turistas. Asegúrate de ser uno de ellos, pero procura venir temprano por la mañana para evitar las multitudes.
La atracción más famosa de la Ciudad Vieja es el orgullo de Praga desde 1410. Muestra diversos detalles astronómicos y tiempos históricos. La parte inferior tiene un calendario del siglo XIX. Cada hora en punto, hay un espectáculo llamado el "Paseo de los Apóstoles" con los doce discípulos de Cristo, la Muerte dando la hora y la Lujuria, la Avaricia y la Vanidad, moviendo la cabeza. El pequeño espectáculo es realmente genial, pero no esperes demasiado: ¡sólo dura 30 segundos!
The views from the tower of the Old Town Hall or Prague Castle are must-sees but you should also see the more alternative panoramas from the top hills of Prague: Petrin, Letna, Vitkov or Vysehrad. And if you don’t suffer from the fear of heights, take the lift to the observation deck of the TV Tower - it is the tallest tower in Prague providing a unique 360-degree panorama of the city.
Prague Castle is the largest coherent castle complex in the world (according to the Guiness Book of Records), and a UNESCO world heritage site. Apart from beautiful royal courtyards, it offers such attractions as Saint Vitus Cathedral, Saint George’s Basilica, the Old Royal Palace or the Golden Lane. Visit the Castle at 12PM, to enjoy the ceremonial changing of the guard at the main entrance. If you can’t make it on time, there is a shorter guard mounting every hour.
The most famous Baroque libraries are the ones of Clementinum in the Old Town and of the Strahov Monastery in the Castle District. Both will make you feel as if you have stepped into the Harry Potter set. Apart from the spellbinding library hall, Clementinum has a breathtaking observation deck in its old astronomical tower and Strahov an excellent monasterial brewery, with some of the best beers in town.
The terraced Vrtba Garden (paid entrance) on the slope of the Petrin hill, the strictly geometrical Wallenstein Garden by the Czech senate building or the Royal Gardens by the Castle are a perfect escape from the noise of the city center. We also recommend visiting the Franciscan Garden in the less touristic New Town, where you can find more locals. Explore the gardens during the spring-summer period, when they are all open.
Home to talented world-famous composers, including Dvorak and Smetana, Prague is a true paradise for classical music lovers. Concerts take place every day in the most spectacular churches and concert halls in the city centre. Apart from classical music, Prague is famous for opera and ballet. If you are a Mozart fan, don’t miss a performance in the Estates Theatre, where the Austrian composer conducted the world premier of Don Giovanni in 1787.
Saint Wenceslas riding his dead horse in the Lucerna Palace, two men urinating at the map of the Czech Republic at Franz Kafka Museum or the faceless alien-like babies at Kampa Island and at the Zizkov TV tower are just some of the numerous examples to encounter in Prague. The majority of the works by David Cerny are displayed in public spaces, so you can enjoy them for free.
Cruising along the Vltava River is one of the best ways to admire the unique beauty of Prague's riverside. The majority of the cruises depart from the Cech Bridge and Kampa docks. During the summer, we recommend renting a pedalboat for a more private experience. Most of the pedalos are parked in the Slavonic Island next to the National Theatre.
You cannot leave Prague without tasting the unique Bohemian cuisine – beef sirloin in cream sauce, goulash or Bohemian duck are some of the classics. Wash the food down with some Czech beer and then try other local drinks like Slivovice, Becherovka or the non-alcoholic Kofola.
Want to learn more about these and other famous attractions of Prague? Join our free walking tours! We offer 3 different free tours of Prague in English and Spanish.
Thank you for reading the article. For more activities in Prague, we recommend checking out this extensive article from Via Travelers about the 15 Best Tours in Prague (in which we have also been mentioned!). Safe travels!
