Prague has a natural, magical draw that attracts its millions of tourists every year. However there is so much about the medieval city that first-time visitors may never know or even find out. From unusual activities to mind-boggling legends, check out these weird and wonderful facts that will make you fall even more in love with the city of Prague.
1. You can go to a beer spa
That’s right, you can BATHE IN BEER and drink unlimited amounts! (From a separate barrel of course, not your tub…) Apparently the high hop oil content in the beer helps to open your pores and have a more glowing appearance. It also supposedly helps improve immunity, stimulate metabolism and ease stress - who would’ve known a beer bath could be so revitalising!
However, this isn’t where your experience ends. You’ll get to relax on a straw bed by a fireplace, eat beer bread and sweat it all out in a barrel-shaped sauna. Ahhhh, bliss…
Fancy it? Find out more
2. The bizarre legend behind Prague's Astronomical Clock Tower
According to legend, the brains behind the creation of Prague’s Astronomical Clock Tower, Hanus Carolinum, was blinded by the Old Town councillors with a hot poker. They did this out of fear that Hanus would recreate the clock in another city and make this one less famous and unique. Brutal.
3. And yet it's been replicated exactly!
…However an exact replica of the Astronomical Clock can be seen in the Hongdae district of Seoul in South Korea!
But Prague's will always be the original...
4. Pork knuckle is actually delicious
This Czech delicacy might not sound odd to everyone, but to others it could sound a little nasty. However, don’t knock it ‘til you try it as there’s a reason the people of Prague are so obsessed. If you like ham hock, definitely give this traditional dish a try. Yum!
5. Prague is home to the world's second ugliest building
A lot of locals hate the Zizkov Tower building either for political reasons or for disrupting Prague’s medieval skyline as a very tall, grey structure that looks like it’s about to take off. However if you do go to check it out, head up to the top as you can get some pretty cool views.
Plus it can’t look as bad as when there were 10 giant statue babies crawling all over it up until a mere few months ago!
6. It's also home to central Europe's biggest club...
Most of us travellers love a party, and Prague is one of the best cities in Europe to get your fill. Karlovy Lázně right in the city centre is central Europe’s largest club.
There are a whopping 5 stories of bars, dancefloors, different themes (including an ice bar) and music to suit anyone’s taste so you’re sure to have the night of your life.
7. And the largest castle in the world
Did you know that Prague Castle is the largest in the world? The 130 metre wide medieval castle and its 70,000 square metres of land attract almost 2 million visitors every year and have landed it a spot in the Guinness Book of World Records. This is a Czech attraction you can’t miss out on during a trip to Prague.
8. The city's best views are from Petrin Tower
Quite the resemblance to the Eiffel Tower, but only 60 metres tall (and nowhere near as famous, obviously). The Petrin Tower stands atop Petrin Hill, making 60 metres look way taller than it is.
For those that can brave heights, climb to the top to be rewarded with insane views of Prague.
9. Prague locals consume the most beer per capita in the world
You’re in for a party with the locals, because this fact has been true for years. You thought you loved beer, but Czech people apparently love it more than anyone else in the world!
10. The famous Charles Bridge is actually haunted by ghosts, and lots of them
The most famous bridge in Prague is Charles Bridge, connecting the city’s Old Town to the Mala Strana over the Vltava River. Supposedly the bridge, which was built all the way back in the 1300s, is haunted by ghosts whose heads ended up on nearby spikes.
People claim that they have seen them wandering up and down Charles Bridge, going about their business as they please.
11. The narrowest street in Prague is barely 50cm wide
The narrowest street in Prague is barely 50 cm wide (super tiny), yet because it's so narrow it has its own traffic light. The traffic light prevents pedestrians from meeting in the middle and then wondering how to walk past each other.
12. The man hanging out is just a sculpture
Prague is known for its unusual sculptures - but this one has been mistaken for a real man's suicide attempt many times. The sculpture of the hanging man depicts the Austrian neurologist Sigmund Freud and can be found in the Prague Old Town. Freud suffered from a number of phobias including the fear of his own death.
13. There's an urban woodland just a short journey out of the city
Not many people are aware that although Prague is home to some beautiful parks, just a short tram journey out of the city you'll find a beautiful urban woodland called Divoká Šárka. The area is a true escape from city life, offering a gorgeous valley that lends itself perfectly for a day out of hiking, swimming, and even golfing.