Index
Getting started: Some useful facts about Prague
Practical information about Prague
Getting started: Some useful facts about Prague
Before we move on to where to visit in Prague, here are a few useful details about the city:
- Prague, one of the most beautiful cities in Europe, is the capital of the Czech Republic as well as its cultural center. In Prague, which stretches to Bohemia and sheds light on more than a thousand years of history, visitors can discern fairy-tale traces of the past in every step.
- Observing the Vltava River, flowing the direction of Germany, will add beauty any day spent in Prague.
- The historic city center includes the Old Town Square, which tops the list of places to visit in Prague and was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1992.
- Prague is also an important cultural center in Europe. Mozart, the great composer, loved Prague and lived in the city for some time. The Prague Symphony Orchestra is among the world’s most prominent orchestras and the official orchestra of the city.
- This colorful capital is a relatively expensive European city, especially in terms of dining; it may be useful to consider this when creating a spending plan for your visit.
- If you are visiting Prague from Türkiye, keep in mind that the country’s currency is the Czech koruna. You can easily convert euros or dollars but exchanging Turkish lira in the Czech Republic may be difficult and more expensive than usual, as is purchasing koruna in Türkiye.
- If you’re wondering when to visit Prague, we recommend the spring months. Summer days are hot and it is difficult to predict the weather on summer nights; some summer nights can be surprisingly chilly. In winter, frequent rain can create a somewhat subdued atmosphere although the city is gorgeous even on the greyest days.
- As you probably know, the writer Franz Kafka was based in Prague. In addition to the Kafka Museum, other traces of the author remain in the city. Reading some of Kafka’s writings before or during a visit to Prague offers an opportunity to establish a different relationship with the city.
- If you like meat dishes, then you’ll enjoy dining in Prague. As well, it is easy to find popular international dishes such as pizza, hamburgers and pasta.
- Turkish Airlines has multiple direct flights daily from İstanbul to Prague. You can visit the link now to see options for Prague flight tickets.
- We think that five to six days are ideal for a Prague visit, but if your time is limited, keep reading to discover the highlights of this wonderful city.
Places to visit in Prague
Old Town Square
The first stop in Prague is the Old Town Square. As the city’s most popular touristic area, the Square is a bustling and vibrant plaza with visitors from all over the world photographing the Astronomical Clock Tower and Church of Our Lady before Týn, or dining at the lively cafes and restaurants in the vicinity.
Astronomical Clock
Dating from the fifteenth century, the Astronomical Clock is the third-oldest clock in the world and the oldest clock still in operation. Allegedly, the Clock’s creator, the imperial clockmaker Mikuláš of Kadaň, was blinded upon the order of the Prague Councillors so that he could not duplicate his work. The Astronomical Clock depicts the Twelve Apostles and displays the months, days and zodiac signs.
Church of Our Lady before Týn
Also in the Old Town Square is the elegant Gothic-style Church of Our Lady before Týn. Erected between the fourteenth and early sixteenth centuries, the Church features art works from the Gothic, Renaissance and Early Baroque periods, as well as a 17th-century organ.
Charles Bridge
The picturesque Charles Bridge connects the old city and the Mala Strana district. Erected in 1357, the Charles Bridge was overhauled and restructured in 1970. In addition to magnificent views at any time of the day, the Bridge also features Baroque-style statues and sculptures.
Franz Kafka Museum
After setting off from the Old Town and crossing the Charles Bridge, continue on the road on the right. After stopping by U Luzickeho Seminare, Prague’s narrowest street at just 48 centimeters wide, you can continue to the Franz Kafka Museum. This relatively small but atmospheric museum offers exhibits on the author’s personal history.
Prague Castle
Prague Castle, an expansive 45-hectare complex of palaces, churches, fortifications, courtyards and gardens, was home for the kings of Bohemia and is today the official residence of the head of state. The site is included in the historical district, which is on the UNESCO World Heritage List.
Josefov (Jewish Quarter)
Josefov, also known as the Jewish Quarter, is a well-preserved cultural center and settlement. The Old New Synagogue, Europe’s oldest synagogue and still open for worship is in Josefov, as is the Old Jewish Cemetery. Also in the district are the Pinkas Synagogue, the Maisel Synagogue and the Spanish Synagogue. These are under the umbrella of the Jewish Museum and can be visited with a single ticket.
Pařížská Street
On the borders of the Josefov district is Pařížská (Paris) Street, lined with high-end shops and luxury brands.
Na Příkopě Street
Within walking distance of Pařížská, is another shopping district, Na Příkopě. This wide and lively avenue has numerous international brands and chain stores.
Dancing House
After visiting museums and historical sites, take a break to see the Dancing House. Set on the banks of the Vltava River, this very intriguing structure was designed by architect Vlado Milunić in cooperation with Frank Gehry, who, at one point, called the building “Fred and Ginger” due to its resemblance to the famous dancers, Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers.
Dining in Prague
Perhaps, while strolling around Prague, you’ll notice a tempting treat in the windows of various bakeries. Trdelnik is a scrumptious pastry with an important place in Slovak and Czech cuisine; rolled dough is baked on a spit and then sprinkled with cinnamon and sugar – and sometimes filled with cream. Another well-known dish is goulash, a hearty beef and onion stew often served with dumplings or fresh-baked bread. Another staple of Czech cuisine is rizek, a type of pork schnitzel.
Getting around Prague
Buses and taxis run to the city center from Prague Václav Havel Airport. You can buy a 90-minute ticket from the ticketing machines at the airport; take the bus number 119 and then transfer to the green metro line (A metro line) to get to the city center. Car rentals are also available.
Prague is an easy city to get around, with most of the main touristic attractions within walking distance of each other. The city’s tram system is useful for accessing areas further from the center. Please click here for more information on the tram lines.
It is not always easy to find a taxi in Prague and taxis are fairly expensive. To rent a car with the advantages of Turkish Airlines, just click here.
Practical information about Prague
Official language: Czech
Currency: Czech Koruna (CZK)
Socket type: E
Important Phones
Area Code: +420
Emergency Assistance: 112
Embassy of the Republic of Türkiye in Prague: +420 224 311 402
