Prague

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Praga Caput Regni

A June 2002 trip to Prague by Goodsvejk

Certovka (Devils Stream)More Photos

I've traveled to beautiful Prague many times. It is a fun city alone, with your partner, or with a group of friends. It's varied hstory has helped it develop multiple personalities, as such Prague has something to offer everyone.

  • 13 reviews
  • 1 story/tip
  • 10 photos

Praga Caput RegniBest of IgoUgo

Overview

Staromestka Namesti
I have been going to Prague now for a decade and I still find new things every time I am there. However, for the first timer here's a couple of must see's: The Castle and surrounding area, Wenscesclas Square, Charles Bridge, Old Town Square, and the Jewish district.

Quick Tips:

Three quick tips:
1.) Learn a few words of Czech so that you know what you are looking for: Vaclavske namesti= Wenscesclas Square, Hradcany= Castle district, etc.

2.) Trek up as many towers as possible, they're all open.

3.) Beware of your checks and know how much things cost when you order them. Often the bills arrive with a series of check marks and numbers, but no discernible itemization. There has been occasions where I've recieved bills that are highly inflated - sometimes I chalk it up to a tip, other times I inquire. Either way, be aware.

Best Way To Get Around:

The best way to get around Prague is on foot, and the idea is to get lost. Ditch the map and just figure out where your hotel is in relation to the river and one noticeable spire, i.e. the Tyn Church in Old Town Square. That way you will never be too lost. Whatever you do, get out of the car as quickly as possible - driving is insane and the police are unforgiving.

Pension DientzenhoferBest of IgoUgo

Hotel

Pension Dientzenhofer
The pension is located on a quiet little Mala Strana street just minutes from the Charles Bridge. The rooms have the air of a cottage house, which is ideal for couples looking to relax. In addition, the staff is extremely welcoming, offering to make tour appointments, airport shuttles, etc. The only drawback to the pension is its lack of a general meeting place. However, the proximity of many local pubs glosses over this void.
  • Member Rating 4 out of 5 by Goodsvejk on February 3, 2003

Pension Dientzenhofer
10 Nosticova Prague, Czech Republic
+420-606821628

Hotel EuropaBest of IgoUgo

Hotel

The accommodations were grand. The Art Noveau facade of the Europa is matched only by the enormity of the square in which it resides. Located at the North end of Wenscesclas Square, the hotel is a prime location to begin a trek through Prague. Once inside, the facade is soon forgotten, replaced by the luxurious staircases, hallways, and dining-rooms of the Europa. The rooms, haphazardly decorated, are comfortable, but the true reason for staying here is the feeling you get walking through the doors of what seems suited for royalty. Beware, though, the square is a major hub for nightlife as well as day-time festivities, so quiet is one attribute the Europa does not possess.
  • Member Rating 3 out of 5 by Goodsvejk on February 3, 2003

Hotel Europa
Wenscesclas Square Prague, Czech Republic

Apartment Hotel UngeltBest of IgoUgo

Hotel

The accommodations were spacious. Wonderful idea if you have a group or are looking for an apartment for a lengthy stay. The Ungelt is close a few feet from the Old Town Square, but somehow remains removed from the hustle and bustle of the crowds and vendors.
  • Member Rating 3 out of 5 by Goodsvejk on February 3, 2003

Apartment Hotel Ungelt
Mala Stupartska 1 Prague, Czech Republic
420-2-24-82-86-86

Best Western Hotel KampaBest of IgoUgo

Hotel | "Hotel Kampa (Best Western)"

Hotel Kampa Postcard
I have stayed in this hotel on numerous occasions. I have a special affinity for it, as it was my first accommodation, and have recommended it many times. The Best Western chain might deter some looking for the "Czech" experience, but this hotel is Best Western in name only. The street is quiet, curvy, and almost inaccesible by car, so noise is not a problem. The inside is medevial, the building was an armory in earlier days, and the rooms are just cozy enough to be worth the money.

The real treat is the location. You''re located ten minutes or closer from the Vltava river, the Charles Bridge, Old Town Square, the Castle district, and Petrin Hill. In addition, there is parking (not included) which is a godsend in Prague. Overall, the hotel is a great value. And if you''re not happy, the Best Western name will probaly make it easier to recieve some compensation.

  • Member Rating 5 out of 5 by Goodsvejk on February 3, 2003

Best Western Hotel Kampa
VSEHRDOVA 16 Prague, Czech Republic
420 257320508

U Zlatych NuzekBest of IgoUgo

Hotel

Certovka (Devils Stream)
This hotel was awesome. It is located right in the middle of Kampa Island, about thirty feet from the Charles Bridge. The rooms are huge, the restaraunt down below is a perfect gathering place, and the windows provide a perfect vantage point for people-watching. The only drawback is parking, but that's a problem anywhere in Prague.
  • Member Rating 5 out of 5 by Goodsvejk on February 6, 2003

U Zlatych Nuzek
5 Na Kampa Prague, Czech Republic

Hostel SokolBest of IgoUgo

Hotel

The rooms are typical hostel-style dormitories, with multiple beds per room and footlockers for your belongings. However, the hostel is located right in the heart of Mala Strana, so you save money on taking the tram into the city.
  • Member Rating 5 out of 5 by Goodsvejk on February 21, 2003

Hostel Sokol
8-9 Vsherdova Street Prague, Czech Republic

Snack U KilianaBest of IgoUgo

Restaurant

This is a cute little cafe that is located right across from the Kampa Hotel on Vsherdova street. You take two steps down and enter one of the smallest bars in Prague. However, the restaurant expands into the back and downstairs.

The cuisine is international, but leans toward local dishes. The waitstaff is friendly, attempting to speak English and bearing others attempts at Czech.

Perhaps this snack bar's greatest attribute is the location. It's only a couple of minutes' walk from the Charles Bridge, but it seems miles from any other tourists. In addition, it is a great starting point for exploring Petrin Hill and the surrounding Hradcany.

So, for a break from the crowds and the prices, head to the U Kiliana.

  • Member Rating 3 out of 5 by Goodsvejk on February 21, 2003

Snack U Kiliana
Vsherdova 10 Prague, Czech Republic
+420 73 41 10

Kafka's HouseBest of IgoUgo

Attraction

The house itself is small and was actually his sister's house; he just stayed there for a year or so. All of Golden Lane can become extremely annoying as tour groups swamp the stores looking for memorabilia. The really interesting part is the old armory that runs above the houses. If at all possible, make this trip early in the day to beat the crowds--you might actually be able to get a picture in front of Kafka's house.
  • Member Rating 3 out of 5 by Goodsvejk on February 7, 2003

Kafka's House
22 Zlata Ulicka Prague, Czech Republic

Zanzi BarBest of IgoUgo

Attraction

It''s a block from the Charles Bridge, so it gets pretty crowded. There is a fairly hip crowd of locals and tourists on the weekends, although it really gets going at around midnight when some of the other places start closing.
  • Member Rating 3 out of 5 by Goodsvejk on February 7, 2003

Zanzi Bar
Lazenska 6 Prague, Czech Republic

Wenceslas SquareBest of IgoUgo

Attraction | "Wenscesclas Square"

When you slip out of the winding cobblestoned lanes of the Old Town, you step into one of the most powerful squares in Europe. Wenscesclas Square, site of numerous protests, was, most recently, the site of the 1989 Velvet Revolution. Students and other citizens gathered in this square in November 1989 to oppose Communist rule. From the top, by the statue of King Wenscesclas, you can feel the energy of the years of revolution that have transpired in this square. One of the more modern sections of Prague, Wenscesclas Square is, conversely, also one of the most historically important.
  • Member Rating 5 out of 5 by Goodsvejk on February 9, 2003

Wenceslas Square
Vaclavske namesti Prague, Czech Republic 110 00

Astronomical ClockBest of IgoUgo

Attraction | "The Astronomical Clock"

The Astronomical Clock is what draws people to Old Town Square. Whichever direction you approach from, you will see crowds milling around the Town Hall. The actual clock is located on the side of the bell tower, which is pretty hard to miss. To get the whole experience, get there as the hour changes. The show is impressive, and the crowd reaction is probably quite like it was hundreds of years ago.
  • Member Rating 5 out of 5 by Goodsvejk on February 22, 2003

Astronomical Clock
Staromestske namesti (Old Town Square) Prague, Czech Republic

Charles BridgeBest of IgoUgo

Attraction | "Most- Karlsbrucke- Charles Bridge"

Karluv Most
The Charles Bridge is, without a doubt, the most impressive bridge in Europe. Dating back to the 14th century, the bridge was for a long time the only link between the two sides. It was part of the Royal Coronation Route that starts at the castle and winds down through Mala Strana, over the Karluv Most, and into the Old Town Square--Staromestki Namesti. Over the years, statues were added to adorn the bridge--there are now thirty in total. Now the bridge is closed to traffic, but serves as the focal point for millions of tourists who gape at the beauties of Prague, buy wares from the various vendors that line the bridge, and gaze down the Vltava as it dips under a series of less beautiful, but functional, bridges.
  • Member Rating 5 out of 5 by Goodsvejk on February 13, 2003

Charles Bridge
Karluv Most Prague, Czech Republic 110 00

Just a quick wrap upBest of IgoUgo

Story/Tip

Prague, mystical and relevant, is one of the true jewels of Europe. An ensemble of baroque, Gothic, and Art Nouveau architecture that is underscored by a similarly diverse history, Prague is at times tragic, at times triumphant, but always beautiful. The people are a proud people, rightfully so; the streets are alive with the energy that comes from them. With every turn, this impressive city commands your respect. However, to truly appreciate the importance of Prague, one must, at least, make a cursory inspection of her history.

These are some useful websites for exploring Prague's current events:

The Prague Post

Transitions Online

Prague TV

And these are few books that provide a great background of Czech history:

The Art of the Impossible by Vaclav Havel

The Haunted Land by Tina Rosenberg

Prague in Black and Gold by Peter Demetz

Vaclav Havel: A Political Tragedy in Six Acts

And for those just looking for some great Czech fiction, start with anything by Ivan Klima, Milan Kundera, Josef Skorevsky, or Franz Kafka.

About the Writer

Goodsvejk
Goodsvejk
Conshohocken, Pennsylvania

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