Prague Flights And Sights

The City of a Thousand Spires has seen it all. Centuries of Bohemian kings, classical composers, invading Nazis, Soviet tanks and Velvet Revolutionaries have passed over Prague's cobblestones, and the spires survived it all, creating one of Europe's most romantic and beautiful skylines. Stroll the Charles Bridge at dusk or row a boat down the Vltava River to discover what makes this Baroque jewel so alluring.

Things to Do

Baroque churches, a royal palace, flagstone courtyards and bejeweled reliquaries comprise Prague Castle, a complex of buildings perched regally on a hilltop above Prague. Visitors routinely spend an entire day exploring this centerpiece of the city that also boasts one of the finest views of the Charles Bridge and the City of a Thousand Spires. Get lost in a labyrinth of picturesque, medieval, cobbled streets in the Old City, or avoid the crowds and see the city via rowboat down the lazy Vltava River.

Shopping

The goods aren't of the highest quality, but the shopping is memorable along the 14th-century Charles Bridge spanning the Vltava River. Street artists sell pen-and-ink and watercolor cityscapes, cheap jewelry and mementos of city son Franz Kafka. Return at sunset, when the crowds thin and the bridge's 30 statues look somehow pensive. The world's best crystal and glass is sold in this Czech city. Storefronts full of the glittering pieces surround the Old Town Square.

Nightlife and Entertainment

No matter that the shows aren't in English, the magical performances at the National Marionette Theatre are just that: magical. The marionettes' mainstay is Mozart's "Don Giovanni," which premiered in Prague, and who needs a translation for that? The music of the beloved Mozart (the feeling was mutual) and hometown musician Dvorak make regular appearances at concerts across town. Buy inexpensive tickets to performances in glorious Old Town chapels or spring for an unforgettable evening at Smetana Hall.

Restaurants and Dining

It scarcely matters which restaurant you select. When in Prague, expect menus with the staples of tender, seasoned pork, mildly sweet cabbage and soft dumplings to soak up the rich sauce. Czech dessert favorites include crepes or dumplings filled with fruit. You can't miss with an authentic Czech meal prepared at U Modre Kachnicky, lightened a bit for modern palates and served with a refreshing Bohemian beer. U Vejvodu serves up Prague's best spicy goulash.

With convenient flights to Prague, it's easy to plan a visit to the historic and picturesque capital of the Czech Republic. You'll find a great number of things to do in Prague, such as viewing Gothic, Baroque and Renaissance architecture. Stroll through Old Town and admire the city's many steeples and spires. Since the heart of the city has been designated as a UNESCO World Cultural and Natural Heritage Register place, anything you decide to do while here is sure to be amazing and memorable.

As the largest, most populous city in the Czech Republic, there's always a sense of excitement in the air. You'll enjoy the atmosphere as you check out top activities in Prague. We recommend starting with Prague Castle, whose history traces back to the 9th century. It's the largest medieval castle complex in Europe and was originally the residence of the kings and princes of Bohemia. Today it is the seat of the country's president. It also houses the Bohemian coronation jewels. There is a changing of the guard at the front gates every hour, and at noon there is a special ceremony with fanfare. There is a Prague Castle Walking Tour that will give you an excellent overview of the building, its architecture and history (it lasts about three and a half hours).

More of our favorite things to do in Prague include walking along Charles Bridge, the oldest in the city. We recommend entering from the Old Town river bank, where you'll find a gorgeous Gothic gate that is richly adorned. Another can't-miss activity in Prague is a stop at Old Town Hall to admire the Astronomical Clock, which features the 12 apostles appearing every hour between 9 a.m. and 9 p.m.

You'll also want to spend time exploring the city's many museums and galleries. The National Gallery features medieval Bohemian and Central European art, among other treasures. The Municipal House, itself one of the most important Art Nouveau buildings in Prague, features the crown of St. Wenceslas on permanent exhibition. The National Museum includes paleontological exhibits, zoological exhibits, anthropological exhibits and a numismatic collection in addition to traveling exhibits. Of all the things to do in Prague, wandering the city's museums might be the most fascinating.

Make plans to fly to Prague and explore this beautiful and historic city. We've made it easy to get there so all you have to worry about is what you'll do first once you arrive.