Visiting Prague

As you can probably recognize the picture on the top this is our main attraction point, the Old
Town square. I think it will be wise to start right there. This square is an ultimate heart of the
Old Town and you can find here one of the most fascinating historical master pieces of Prague,
the Astronomical Clock.

The Prague Astronomical Clock

is a medieval astronomical clock mounted on the southern wall of Old Town City Hall in the Old
Town Square and is composed of three main components: the astronomical dial, representing
the position of the Sun and Moon in the sky and displaying various astronomical details; "The
Walk of the Apostles", a clockwork hourly show of figures of the Apostles and other moving
sculptures; and a calendar dial with medallions representing the months. The oldest part of The
Clock, the mechanical clock and astronomical dial, dates back to 1410 when it was made by
clockmaker Mikul of Kada and Jan indel, the latter a professor of mathematics and
astronomy at Charles University. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prague_Astronomical_Clock

After a stroll around The Old Town square you can slowly start moving towards the famous
Charles Bridge.
The Charles Bridge

The Charles Bridge connects Old Town with Lesser Town and is one of Prague's most beautiful
sights. Construction on the bridge, which rests above the Vltava river, began in the 14th
century, during the reign of King Karel IV and was finished in the 15th century. Charles Bridge is
lined with statues, many of them copies of earlier pieces, due to wear and tear. The 30 statues
are in Baroque style and immortalize historical saints. One of the most prominent statues is
that of St. Lutgardis, in the middle of the bridge. The statue, depicting a 12th- and 13th-
century Flemish mystic, was erected in 1710 and is possibly the most atheistically pleasing
piece on the bridge. Another important statue, that of St. John of Nepomuk, stands at the
bridge's Old Town end, wearing a halo of five stars. Following a dispute with King Vclav IV over
the election of an abbot, John of Nepomuk was arrested in 1393, tortured to death and thrown
off the Charles Bridge. A nearby bronze plaque marks the point where he was thrown from the
bridge. Rubbing the plaque is said to bring you good luck. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/
Charles_Bridge

After crossing The Bridge to the Lesser Town it will be about lunch time. In case that you prefer
to experience some of the original Czech cuisine we can recommend a medieval tavern in the
half way in between The Charles Bridge and The Prague Castle called At the seven Swabians.

At the seven Swabians or U Sedmi Svabu

presents medieval hospitality in the ancient Lesser Town area of Prague. This old medieval
tavern has a roaring fire (in the winter), suits of armor, cast-iron decor and fair maidens serving
platters of hot savory food and cold Czech beers. You can choose from an extensive menu of
traditional Czech cuisine, including hearty soups, roasted meats, goulash, baked fish and
vegetarian options. http://www.svabove.cz/web/index.php?akce=&lang=en

After lunch you can continue your tour to The Prague Castle.
The Prague Castle,

The Prague Castle is an ancient symbol of the Czech lands, is the most significant Czech
monument and one of the most important cultural institutions. Its a place that houses the
Czech crown jewels and the St Vitus treasury, but also a place that serves as the dignified seat
of the head of the Czech Republic.

The Prague Castle was most likely founded in around 880 by Prince Boivoj of the Premyslid
Dynasty. According to the Guinness Book of World Records, the Prague Castle is the largest
coherent castle complex in the world, with an area of almost 70,000 m. A UNESCO World
Heritage site, it consists of a large-scale composition of palaces and ecclesiastical buildings of
various architectural styles, from Roman-style buildings from the 10th century through Gothic
modifications in the 14th century. While visiting Prague castle complex you shouldnt miss
visiting St. Vitus Cathedral, the largest and the most important temple in Prague and The
Golden Lane which is a gathering of modest dwellings, now the last remainder of the small-
scale architecture of Prague Castle. We also recommend visiting permanent exhibition The Story
of Prague Castle which offers a view of more than thousand years' of its history. http://
www.hrad.cz/en/prazsky_hrad/navsteva_hradu.shtml

This much walking and sightseeing is the best to top with a delicious dinner in one of the
Pragues pleasant and stylish restaurants. I suggest these two:

Palffy Palace Genius Loci

Plffy Palace Restaurant was established in 1994 on the second floor of the Plffy Palace
building, one of the most famous baroque buildings in the capital. When entering the
restaurant visitors will be enchanted by the inimitable period interior underlining the magical
atmosphere of the place. During the summer months visitors can enjoy the comfortable terrace
with a stunning view of Prague Castle, the Plffy Gardens and Small Furstenberg Palace. The
menu consists of a bland of dishes of an international cuisine. http://www.palffy.cz/en/
Hergetova Cihelna (Mothers Favorite - Better Known as Bad Jeffs Restaurant)

Hergetova Cihelna attractes its clientel to its classy-but-casual dining, sleek interiors, and
lively nightlife. Located on the west bank of the Vltava, in the downtown Lesser Town district,
this landmark former brickworks was converted into a restaurant in 2002, and also houses a
pizzeria, a boathouse, and museums dedicated to jewelry and to Franz Kafka. Working under
Kampa Group Executive Chef Marek Raditsch, chef de cuisine Petr Latovika reimagines Czech
and international favorites, while gourmet salads and fresh seafood are also particular
specialties. n the main room, stunning views of the Charles Bridge add to Cihelna's magic, while
in summer months a heated terrace offers an alfresco dining experience second to none. Away
from the dining area, an upstairs lounge serves up cocktails and DJs, ensuring that the good
times continue long after dark. http://www.kampagroup.com/en/restaurant.php?rid=1

Above mentioned suggestions are possibilities for a day of sightseeing and dining. Of course
for a longer stay you can see and experience many more things and Im sending below a bland
of different options which you can combine as you wish.

Vysehrad Castle with a stunning view of the river and its bridges

Vyehrad is a castle located in the city of Prague, Czech Republic. It was probably built in the
10th century, on a hill over the Vltava River. Situated within the castle is the Basilica of St Peter
and St Paul, as well as the Vyehrad Cemetery, containing the remains of many famous people
from the Czech history, among them Antonn Dvok, Bedich Smetana and Karel apek. Local
legend holds that Vyehrad was the location of the first settlement which would later become
Prague, though thus far this claim remains unsubstantiated.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vy%C5%A1ehrad
On the way to Vysehrad castle you can step by for viewing of the famous Dancing building, its
approximately in half of the way towards Vysehrad.

The Dancing House

The Dancing House is the nickname given to the Nationale-Nederlanden building in downtown
Prague. It was designed by Croatian-Czech architect Vlado Miluni in co-operation with
Canadian architect Frank Gehry on a vacant riverfront plot (where the previous building had
been destroyed during the Bombing of Prague in 1945). Originally named Fred and Ginger (after
Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers - the house resembles a pair of dancers) the house stands out
among the Baroque, Gothic and Art Nouveau buildings for which Prague is famous. Others have
nicknamed it "Drunk House". On the roof is a French restaurant with views of the city. The
building's other tenants include several multinational firms.
http://cs.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tan%C4%8D%C3%ADc%C3%AD_d%C5%AFm

The Petn Lookout Tower and a Petn Hill

The Petn Lookout Tower is a 60 metre high steel framework tower in Prague, which strongly
resembles the Eiffel Tower. Although it is much shorter than the Eiffel Tower, it stands atop a
sizable hill, Petn, so the top is actually at a higher altitude than that of the Eiffel Tower. The
Petnsk rozhledna was built in 1891 and was used as an observation tower as well as a
transmission tower. Today the Petnsk rozhledna is a major tourist attraction. If you go up the
hard way, the hill is roughly a half-hour walk up paths that get quite slippery when it snows,
and the tower is a shorter but fairly tiring climb; however, the hill is served by a frequent
funicular and the tower has an elevator for disabled persons. On clear days, the tower offers a
good view of the Prague skyline.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pet%C5%99%C3%ADn_Lookout_Tower
Jewish Quarter

The former Jewish Ghetto in Prague has a long history, going back to the 12th century. There is
the oldest still existing synagogue in Europe the Old-New Synagogue and the Old Jewish
Cemetery from the 15th century. Several other historical buildings are preserved in this quarter,
which is called Josefov at the present time. These buildings form the best preserved complex of
Jewish historical monuments in the whole of Europe. Six synagogues remain, including the Old-
New Synagogue and the Spanish Synagogue, plus the Jewish Town Hall and the Old Jewish
Cemetery, which is the most remarkable of its kind in Europe. There are various legends
connected with it, which contribute a lot to the reputation of Prague as a mystical city. The
Jewish Quarter is definitely one of the main places to visit, if you are in Prague.
http://www.prague.cz/jewish-quarter/

Municipal House

The Municipal House, a national cultural landmark, is among the most significant Art Nouveau
buildings in Prague. It is located in the very centre of Prague, directly neighboring the Powder
Gate.

The most significant Czech painters and sculptors of the time participated in the decoration of
the Municipal House. That list included: Jan Preisler, Mikol Ale, Max vabinsk, Frantiek
enek, Ladislav aloun, Josef Maatka, Josef Vclav Myslbek, Alfons Mucha.

Since the very beginning, the Municipal House has been a multifunctional building. The halls
and lounges are used to arrange conventions, conferences, concerts, balls and fashion shows.
They are accessible to the general public only in the form of commented tours.
http://www.obecnidum.cz/web/en/homepage
Mucha Museum

The worlds first Mucha Museum, dedicated to the life and work of the world-acclaimed Czech
ART NOUVEAU artist Alphonse Mucha (1860-1939), is housed in the Baroque Kaunick Palace in
the very heart of Prague.

A selection of over 100 exhibits comprising paintings, photographs, charcoal drawings, pastels,
lithographs and personal memorabilia provides a privileged view into the universe of the artist
who is most widely known for the posters he executed for Sarah Bernhardt in the fashionable
world of fin-de-sicle Paris.

The exhibiton gives an extensive overview of the artistic work of Alphonse Mucha (1860 -
1939). Special attention is paid to his time in Paris (1887-1904), internationally the most
celebrated period of his work. A set of posters from this period is on show, including the most
important made for Sarah Bernhardt. A set of his characteristic decorative panels and a number
of examples from Documents Dcoratifs (1902) give an idea of Muchas conception of Art
Nouveau.

http://mucha.tyden.cz/index.phtml?S=home&Lang=EN

The Spa at Mandarin Oriental

The Spa at Mandarin Oriental, Prague was voted best in Europe by readers of the prestigious
Luxury Spa Finder magazine. The only spa in the world located in a former Renaissance chapel.
During the restoration, the ancient remnants of a Gothic church were discovered and have been
preserved as a historic feature under a glass floor. This is a two-floor spiritual oasis with seven
private treatment rooms, two of which are couples suites for simultaneous therapies.

http://www.mandarinoriental.com/prague/spa/
Museum of Communism

The museum focuses on the totalitarian regime from the February coup in 1948 to its rapid
collapse in November 1989. The theme of the Museum is "Communism- the Dream, the Reality,
and the Nightmare" and visitors will be treated to a fully immersive experience. Immersive
factories, a historical schoolroom, an Interrogation Room, or the video clips in our Television
Time Machine are all part of the experience. The museum is a great introduction before you
step back even further in time and experience the wonders of The Golden City.

http://www.muzeumkomunismu.cz/