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.

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April-May and September-October for the mild climate and fewer crowds. December for the Christmas markets. Avoid August - very hot and crowded.

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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.

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Prague Castle

The largest castle in the world by area (70,000 sqm): St Vitus Cathedral, the Royal Palace and the Golden Lane.

πŸ’‘ guides.tipLabel The complex opens at 6, the museums at 9. Avoid peak hours. The view over the city from the bastion is free.

Charles Bridge

The medieval bridge (1357) with 30 baroque statues is one of the most romantic places in Europe.

πŸ’‘ guides.tipLabel Visit at dawn (5-7) to admire it without tourists - it is a magical experience.

Jewish Quarter (Josefov)

The medieval Jewish ghetto with 6 synagogues and the old Jewish cemetery - one of the most important in Europe.

πŸ’‘ guides.tipLabel The combined ticket includes all the synagogues and the cemetery (15-20 euro). Closed on Saturday.

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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.

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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.

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Mala Strana: the baroque district below the castle. Vinohrady: bohemian and residential, with great bars. Zizkov: alternative and characteristic.

πŸ—ΊοΈ 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.

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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.