Things to do in Prague
As a European centre of culture, Prague offers much to its visitors, with an impressive array of concert halls, theatres and museums nestling alongside its unique architecture and relaxing cafe and bar culture. High-minded tourists can generally choose between a couple of operas and ballets every night, both of which are particularly attractive to non-Czech speakers as, although the opera is sung in Czech, it is often accompanied by English surtitles. The city is also a popular destination among classical music fans, being full of historic concert halls and churches. Music lovers flock to the city twice a year for the famous spring and autumn music festivals, which showcase the best that Prague and the classical music scene have to offer.
In terms of sightseeing, Prague's architecture is second to none, with many tourists particularly attracted to its gothic elements. As always, one of the most rewarding ways to see the city can be to wonder through its many back streets, stumbling upon the hidden treasures that may not have made it into the guide book.
Most visitors, however, will make the time to visit Prague Castle, one of the most popular attractions in the city. Built in the ninth century by Prince Booivoj, it can claim to be the world's largest ancient castle, having been extended and remodelled by its powerful residents across the centuries. Its last major facelift was in the 18th century and the castle still retains much of this style.
Wandering around Prague, visitors will realise that the city is divided into several different districts, all popular with tourists. Immediately underneath the protective slopes of the castle lies the Old Town, which dates back to 1091. A New Town was founded in the 14th century – and visitors won't be surprised to learn that it was then that the monikers old and new were ascribed to the two districts. Founded by Charles IV in 1348, the New Town is twice the size of the old, while its meticulously planned layout betrays Prague's growing stature.
The Josefov, or Jewish Quarter, is also popular with visitors, with many attracted by its association with Franz Kafka and the mystical Golum, created by Jehuda ben Bezalel. World War II hit Prague's Jewish population heavily and the quarter is now home to a community numbering just 5, 000 to 6,000. However, in its heyday the area was a thriving Jewish community, founded by Emperor Josef II and credited with improving the lot of Prague's Jews.
Those interested in the Jewish Quarter should also explore the Jewish Museum, which contains the old Jewish cemetery. The museum is just one of many dotted across the town. The Mozart Museum is also high on many people's "must-see" lists, with its daily classical music concerts, held at 5:00pm, particularly popular. Although a small museum, the space is packed full of historical, scores, letters, musical instruments and a host of other artefacts relating to the famous composer.
The Wax Museum is also extremely popular and is less celebrity-focused than its counterpart at Madame Tussauds. Containing waxwork models of figures from throughout Czech's history, the Communist leader gallery is particularly recommended.
Finally, there are literally hundreds of art galleries in Prague, with many secreted away in unexpected places such as theatres and restaurants. Again, many of the best finds happen by accident, particularly as some of the smaller galleries do not bother with promotion. However, the National Gallery Museum of Modern Arts is one of the most frequently visited galleries, boasting the largest collection of contemporary art in the city. The beautiful surroundings of its building also make the exhibitions at the Old Town Hall popular.
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Things To Do
