Welcome to Prague

Prague is the equal of Paris in terms of beauty. Its history goes back a millennium. And the beer? The best in Europe.

The 1989 Velvet Revolution that freed the Czechs from communism bequeathed to Europe a gem of a city to stand beside stalwarts such as Rome, Paris, and London. Not surprisingly, visitors from around the world have come in droves, and on a hot summer's day, it can feel like you’re sharing Charles Bridge with half of humanity.

But even the crowds can’t take away from the spectacle of a 14th-century stone bridge, a hilltop castle and a lovely, lazy river – the Vltava – that inspired one of the most hauntingly beautiful pieces of 19th-century classical music, Smetana’s Moldau symphony.

If you're wondering whether you should visit Prague, wonder no more. Here are 10 of the best reasons why the Czech capital should be next on your list of must-visit destinations.

To see the largest castle complex in the world.

Dating back to the ninth century, Prague Castle is recognized by the Guinness Book of Records as the largest castle complex in the world, covering an impressive 70,000 square meters (17 acres). The castle complex comprises a number of buildings, which include the gothic St Vitus Cathedral, a number of defense towers, a few museums and churches, the presidential palace, and Golden Lane, a 16th-century street that once housed the royal goldsmiths.

To admire stunning architectural masterpieces.

Because Prague wasn’t severely damaged during World War II, many of its most impressive historical buildings remain intact today. Prague’s buildings were also left relatively untouched during the 17th and 18th centuries. As a result, the city is a breathtaking mix of Baroque, Gothic, and Renaissance architecture that is hard to find anywhere else in Europe.

To see where Prague writer Franz Kafka grew up.

Franz Kafka was born and grew up on the streets of Prague, not far from Old Town Square. While the home where he was born no longer exists, it is a lot of the monumental sculpture that praises Prague's favorite literary son. One of which is known as either Head of Franz Kafka or Statue of Kafka, which is comprised of 42 plates of stainless steel which turn and rotate, continually transforming the reflective sculpture. When all 42 of the moving panels align, the steel plates form the face of the Franz Kafka.

To see one of Europe’s oldest bridges.

One of the oldest bridges in Europe still in use, Charles Bridge was built between 1357 and 1402. The now pedestrian-only bridge has survived floods and the Thirty Years’ War and is one of the most popular attractions in Prague today. The bridge is decorated with 30 statues representing saints.

To save money in one of the cheapest capitals in Europe.

Prague is known as one of the cheapest capital cities in Europe. An unlimited monthly transport ticket (which you can use to take any combination of buses, trams, and metro lines) will set you back just €20, while dinner for two at a good restaurant (including appetizers, main course, and drinks) will cost €30 or less. At a standard Prague pub, a beer will set you back about €1.20, less than a bottle of water, and about half the price of a cappuccino (€2.10). Many museums are free or cost under €10, meaning you can enjoy a cultural holiday without breaking the bank.

To check out Prague’s still-functioning 600-year-old clock.

Prague’s astronomical clock, installed in 1410, is the oldest operating clock of its kind on the planet. Located in Old Town Square, the clock marks not only the time but also the months and the astronomical position of the sun and moon, making it sort of a tiny planetarium. The clock is decorated with Gothic sculptures and wooden statues of the apostles that were added over the centuries – and if you happen to stop by on the hour throughout the day or night, you’ll see them come to life.

To drink in the beer capital of the world.

Czechs consume more beer per capita than any other country in the world. Czech beers tend to be light and foamy, with brewers such as Pilsner Urquell and Staropramen leading the pack. Beer gardens are part of summer culture here: both children and dogs are welcome, and families and friends congregate to watch sports or music videos on giant screens. Prague has beer spas and even an organic beauty products company (Manufaktura) that makes beer-based creams and shampoos.

To visit some of the museums.

Like the Illusion Art Museum, it is a step into the unexpected. Across three floors of a historic building in central Prague, takes your brain on a hyper-stimulating adventure, full of exhibits that ensnare the mind.

Visit the Dancing House.

Prague is home to a variety of special architecture comprising both the historical sections and the modern parts of town throughout the city. Although the city is known for the famous castle, Charles Bridge, Astronomical Clock, and numerous other historical and cultural buildings, the Prague Dancing House is another institution that is widely popular among tourists and locals today.

The interesting architecture makes the building appear sideways, crumbling, and under some sort of strain, making people even more curious about the history behind the creation, the influence of the architect, and the interesting methods that were used to create such a unique building.

Stop By to View the Book Tower.

The hall of the main library in Prague is dominated by a giant tower of books - a monument made out of 8000 old novels from the library. It rises more than 5 meters in the air. In the bottom, there is a mirror, creating the effect of a deep, deep well of wisdom. A sight that is hidden for most tourists, but very, very impressive.

Lookup for Man Hanging Out.

This unique sculpture in Old Town Prague depicts psychoanalyst Sigmund Freud hanging by a hand and pondering whether to hold on or let go. It is an unexpected and eye-catching-if not disturbing-image in an otherwise sublime urban area.

And for the end of this article, we have some honorable mentions. Thanks for reading the article I hope you liked it, and we’ll read on in the next one. 😀😀