10 Excellent Reasons Why You Should Visit Prague

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. Born into a Jewish family who spoke German (the language in which Kafka wrote all his books), Kafka was a lawyer who worked at an insurance company, even though his passion in life was writing. His books are a mix of the fantastic and the realities of turn-of-the-century Prague, and you can see traces of the city in many of them. While the home where he was born no longer exists, Kafka’s final resting place can be visited at the New Jewish Cemetery.

Franz Kafka was born and grew up in Prague | © JOHN KELLERMAN / Alamy Stock Photo

To people watch on 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.

Charles Bridge is one of the oldest bridges in Europe still in use | © Joanne Moyes / Alamy Stock Photo

To save money in one of the cheapest capitals in Europe

Prague is known as the 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 appetisers, 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.

Prague is one of the cheapest capital cities in Europe | © Alena Kravchenko / Alamy Stock Photo

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.

Become a Culture Tripper!

Sign up to our newsletter to
save up to $1,656 on our unique trips.

Prague’s astronomical clock is the oldest operating clock of its kind on the planet | © scenicireland.com / Christopher Hill Photographic / Alamy Stock Photo

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.

Czechs consume more beer per capita than any other country in the world | © Alena Kravchenko / Alamy Stock Photo

To learn about life in Prague under Communist rule

Communism ruled over Czechoslovakia from 1948 to 1989, stripping citizens of their rights and their freedoms. Today, you can learn about those dark times with visits to unique museums such as the Museum of Communism and the KGB Museum. The first is particularly interesting because it features artefacts of everyday life from the time, including a classroom, and also shows a number of films representing life under the regime. You can also join a guided tour of a real nuclear bunker, complete with gas masks and other Cold War items.

You can join a guided tour of a real nuclear bunker | © Radim Beznoska / Alamy Stock Photo

To attend some of Prague’s amazing festivals

Naplavka (Prague’s river boardwalk area) comes alive during the summer months, attracting tons of festivals, live music, floating beer gardens and other live events. There’s something to draw everyone to Prague, whether you’re interested in attending microbrewery festivals or food festivals. In early autumn, a wine festival takes over the city, and in winter the Christmas markets (including one of the biggest ones in Europe, in Old Town Square) light up the streets, making Prague magical.

There’s something to draw everyone to Prague | © Radim Beznoska / Alamy Stock Photo

To marvel at the audacity of David Černý’s sculptures

Černý is a Czech sculptor known for his tongue-in-cheek works of art that are spread all over Prague. From giant crawling babies on the sides of the TV Tower to the two statues of urinating men outside the Kafka Museum, Černý is all about making an impression. He also sculpted a statue of St Wenceslas riding a dead horse, a fun wink to the St Wenceslas statue sitting in front of the National Museum. Searching the city for his sculptures is a must-do when you visit Prague.

Černý is a Czech sculptor known for his tongue-in-cheek works of art | © Oksana Zadorozhna / Alamy Stock Photo

Culture Trips launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes places and communities so special.

Our immersive trips, led by Local Insiders, are once-in-a-lifetime experiences and an invitation to travel the world with like-minded explorers. Our Travel Experts are on hand to help you make perfect memories. All our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

All our travel guides are curated by the Culture Trip team working in tandem with local experts. From unique experiences to essential tips on how to make the most of your future travels, we’ve got you covered.

Source link : https://theculturetrip.com/europe/czech-republic/articles/10-reasons-why-you-should-visit-prague

Author :

Publish date : 2019-12-24 08:00:00

Copyright for syndicated content belongs to the linked Source.