Golden Prague: the castle, Charles Bridge and breweries
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Prague is one of the best-preserved medieval cities in Europe: the largest castle in the world, the Charles Bridge with its baroque statues, the lanes of Hradcany and the best beer in Europe.
π€οΈ guides.bestTimeHeading
April-May and September-October for the mild climate and fewer crowds. December for the Christmas markets. Avoid August - very hot and crowded.
βοΈ guides.arriveHeading
Vaclav Havel airport (PRG) 17 km away with bus 119 + metro (45 min, 1.40 euro) or taxi (20-25 euro).
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Metro (3 lines), trams (including the night tram 22) and buses. Day ticket 3.30 euro. The historic centre is walkable.
ποΈ guides.attractionsHeading
Prague Castle
The largest castle in the world by area (70,000 sqm): St Vitus Cathedral, the Royal Palace and the Golden Lane.
Charles Bridge
The medieval bridge (1357) with 30 baroque statues is one of the most romantic places in Europe.
Jewish Quarter (Josefov)
The medieval Jewish ghetto with 6 synagogues and the old Jewish cemetery - one of the most important in Europe.
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Svickova (braised beef with bread dumplings and cream sauce), Trdelnik (baked sweet on a spit), Czech gulasch, Smazeny Syr (fried cheese), Pilsner Urquell and Kozel beer.
π½οΈ guides.restaurantsHeading
Lokal: authentic Czech cuisine, famous for its draught beer. Cafe Savoy: the historic art deco bistro. La Degustation: contemporary high Czech cuisine. U Fleku: the historic brewery from 1499.
ποΈ guides.neighborhoodsHeading
Mala Strana: the baroque district below the castle. Vinohrady: bohemian and residential, with great bars. Zizkov: alternative and characteristic.
πΊοΈ guides.dayTripsHeading
Kutna Hora (1h by train): the bone chapel and the Gothic cathedral. Cesky Krumlov (3h by bus): the medieval village on the Vltava river. Karlovy Vary (2h by bus): the spa town with Art Nouveau architecture.
π‘ guides.tipsHeading
Beer at the restaurant costs less than water. Avoid the currency exchanges in the centre (terrible rates). The night tram 22 is a cheap scenic ride. Many restaurants add an undeclared cover charge - check the bill.