Top 10 Reasons to Visit Prague
On June 1, 2010 our very first hostel-hotel hybrid will open in the centre of Prague and as you can imagine, we’re pretty excited! To help get you guys up to the same level of bouncing around the room, here are the top ten reasons to visit the capital of the Czech Republic!
- Prague Castle (Pražský Hrad)
Put simply – it’s the largest ancient castle in the world and it’s still the seat of Czech power. Built in the 9th century by Prince Bořivoj, the castle has gone from a wooden fortress surrounded by earthen bulwarks - to the imposing stone fortress it is today. Each ruler extended the castle too – so there’s a great mix of styles on show. Make sure you don’t miss the breathtaking St. Vitus Cathedral inside the castle and events like the Prague Food Festival - which in May 2010 can be found in the south gardens of the castle.
- Charles Bridge (Karlův Most)
This amazing bridge over the river Vltava between the Old Town with the Lesser Quarter is named after King Charles IV, who started building it in the 14th century. Charles Bridge is always buzzing with painters, market stalls and travellers – just like you. It’s also made a fair few TV appearances and you might recognise it for The Brothers Bloom, Mission Impossible, the INXS’ video for Never Tear Us Apart and Kanye West’s - Diamonds from Sierra Leone.
- The Jewish Quarter (Josefov)
In the Jewish Quarter you can explore what’s left of Prague's old Jewish ghetto. It’s named after Emperor Josef II who introduced reforms to ease the living conditions of the Jewish people living in the city. If you have the time make sure you visit the Old Jewish Cemetery - the oldest surviving Jewish cemetery in Europe where people had to be buried on top of each other because of the lack of space. There are approximately 12 layers, over 12,000 gravestones and an estimated 100,000 people buried here. It has to be seen to be believed.
- Old Town Square (Staroměstské náměstí)
Dating back to the 12th century the Old Town Square started out as the central marketplace for Prague but over the following centuries, many buildings went up around the market in Romanesque, Baroque and Gothic styles. The most memorable sights in the square include the Old Town Hall Tower (with the Astronomical Clock - Orloj) and the stunning St Nicholas Church. There’s also a Jan Hus statue in the centre which is a popular meeting point for locals.
- Mosaic House
The brand new hostel in Prague really is something special and you get a whole lot more than you expect when you stay there. In the Belushi’s bar there’s a snake like sofa that stretches the length of the bar and a stage left over from the old theatre – set up for all the top acts to perform on. In the building at large there’s free WiFi, under bed luggage lockers and environmentally friendly features galore. Moasic House has the Czech Republic’s first ever Grey Water Recycling Unit, the room temperatures are automatically adjusted by a super computer based on the number of people detected in them and solar panels on the roof help to heat the water in the environmentally friendly, rain dance showers.
- National Theatre (Národní Divadlo)
The National Theatre represents the will of the Czech people, their national identity and the fight for independence. Donations from the people of Prague made this building possible and the laying of the foundation stone was tantamount to an all state, political demonstration. When a fire broke out here in 1881 - destroying the copper dome, the auditorium and the stage of the theatre, it was considered a national catastrophe, and was met with a great determination to collect new funds, and rebuild. Within 47 days a million guldens had been collected. Today it’s a top spot to see an opera.
- Vyšehrad Castle
This is a great trip if you’re looking to escape the crowds. To get to the Vyšehrad Castle, all you need to do is jump on the red metro line. The views of the river from the battlements here are superb and the church, not to mention the cemetery, are well worth a look in. After you take a chilled out wander around, it’s fun to grab a beer and a freshly grilled aubergine or two in the beer garden, amidst all the history, the peace, and the quiet.
- Prague Zoo
If you’re in Prague between May and October then you can take a boat from Rašínovo nábřeží all the way to the zoo. In the zoo you can see the keepers feeding the hippos, and washing the elephants, or you can take a funicular from the top to the bottom of the reserve. If you’re of the thinking that you can go to a zoo in any country then maybe give this one a miss, but if you’re looking for a fun way to fill an afternoon with your travel companions – out of town – then this is the option you’re looking for.
- Lennon Wall
Also known as the Memorial of the Silent Rebellion, the Lenin Wall was a space for anti-government slogans during the Communist years. Today however it’s the famed home of graffiti from all over world – in a similar way to the East Side Gallery in Berlin, the remaining part of the Berlin Wall. You’ll find it on Velkoprevoske namesti in the Lesser Quarter, just across from French Embassy.
- All the Other Attractions - In Brief
Stavovské divadlo – the stunning theatre and opera house where Mozart premiered Don Giovanni.
The Church of SV. Mikuláš in Malá Strana - explore the dizzying heights and great photo spots.
Havel’s Market (Havelske Trziste) - pick up your souvenirs just off Melantrichova, between Wenceslas Square and the Old Town Square.
The Petrin Tower - take the funicular up to a scaled down version of the Eiffel Tower.
Terezín - a day trip destination and chilling memorial to a Nazi - Jewish Ghetto.
Prague Pubs and Beer Gardens (Reigrovy Sady, Letná, Vyšehrad, Strahov Monastery).
Malá Strana (Lesser Town).
Kutná Hora & Ossuary (the Famous Bone Church).
Karlštejn (a fairytale style - castle just outside of Prague).
Vyšehrad Castle (Prague’s original fortress).
- Rob Savage & Megan Harrod
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