Imagine a city, where people can roam freely on its streets, admire its architectural structures, beer is consumed almost like water, time flows slowly… In the simplest sense, such a city is Prague.
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Prague, the capital and largest city of the Czech Republic, is also one of the most visited cities in Europe.. Prague, the pearl of Central Europe, arouses admiration with its magnificent buildings, historical streets and unique beauty. Apart from its thousands of years of history, Prague is a city to fall in love with. comes to life. I feel like I’m living in the Middle Ages.
With its fascinating history, unfamiliar life culture and being a romantic city, Prague manages to enter the holiday route of many people.
Czech Republic A member of the European Union. You need a Schengen visa to go to Prague as it is . If you get a multiple entry Schengen visa, you can also do Budapest and Vienna tour while you are in Prague.
How Many Days to Visit Prague?
Prague If I had to answer ‘How many days to visit Prague?’, one of the most frequently asked questions by those who want to go to Istanbul, I think three days is ideal.. I stayed four days in Prague. Since the must-see places are already within walking distance, you can finish the city center in almost one day.. If you want to explore other beauties of the city or visit Karlovy Vary while you are in Prague, three days will be enough for you.
When to Go to Prague ?
The ideal season to go to Prague, where freezing temperatures prevail in winter, is summer.. However, do not forget to take a cardigan and sweater with you.. It gets cold suddenly in the evenings. The only downside to going in the summer is that there are as many tourists as you don’t want.. I went to Prague at the end of October; While the weather did not exceed 5 degrees during the day, it was much colder in the evening.. If you are planning to go in autumn, put your scarf and beret in your suitcase.. And of course your umbrella 🙂
Currency Exchange in Prague
Even though the Czech Republic joined the European Union in 2004, they have their own currency instead of the Euro Czech Koruna (CZK).
Beware if this is your first time to Prague! Many places do not accept the euro. While traveling from Turkey to Prague, you will have to take euros with you, but since the country has a free exchange rate system, different rates and commissions are applied for euro exchange.. Do not attempt to exchange currency as soon as you land at the airport, because the airport is operated at a low exchange rate. There are many exchange offices on the streets, but they charge you a high commission fee and they do it secretly.
My advice to you is to make sure that the place where you are going to exchange money does not charge commissions, and be sure to check the current exchange rate.. Then ask the cashier ‘I will exchange 100 euros, how many crowns will I get in return?‘ or write it down on a piece of paper.. Don’t worry, you can easily communicate with intermediate level English in Prague.. As of 2017, it is 100 euro 2700 Czech Koruna. If he says a number below this value, you should get away quickly because you are about to be defrauded.
If you have extra Czech Koruna left on your return, you must convert it to euro because you may have to wait until the next Czech holiday since you cannot exchange it at the exchange offices in our country.. You can easily use your credit card at restaurants, shops and museum entrances.
Beware of fraudulent incidents in Prague, because Prague is one of the 5 cities where pickpocketing is most common in Europe.. Keep your bag and phone out of your sight. A moment of carelessness can cost you dearly.. Since I’ve heard so many stories on this subject, it would be correct to hug my bag tightly and say that I wandered around like that.. Not only when walking outside, but also while on public transport, they take advantage of the crowd and take your phone away without you even realizing it.. Photocopy your passport instead of carrying it with you, we did it.
Where to Stay in Prague?
Prague consists of 10 regions in total.. If you say Where to stay in Prague, as you can see on the map above, 1. in the region Mala Strana, Hradcany and Ujezd and again 1. Stare Mesto (Old Town) in the UNESCO World Heritage List in the region, Nove Mesto (New Town) located in the 2nd district and home to many squares and famous restaurants I can say. However, the hotels here keep their prices high due to their location.
If you want to spend less money on accommodation, you need to have a close distance to Stare Mesto (Old Town), Nove Mesto (New Town), shopping malls and cafes. You can stay in Vinohrady, which is located in 2 regions, due to its proximity and effective metro and tram line.
Shopping in Prague
For those wondering what to buy in Prague and where to shop in PraguePrague, like other European cities, has very rich shopping options.. You can buy nice gifts for yourself and your loved ones during your trip to Prague.. However, let me tell you from the beginning, if you are thinking of buying clothes here, I suggest you save your dream for Italy because I think Prague is a city that has lagged behind in textiles.. Of course, there are stores such as H&M, Topshop, Zara, but since those stores are also in our country, you can have the chance to see the most different creations.
Parizska Street, where you can find world-famous brands such as Louis Vuitton, Prada, Cartier, Dolce&Gabbana. Located just behind the Old Town Square. Even if you don’t buy anything, I think you should stop by.
Wenceslas, or Wenceslas Square You will not realize how time flies while you are visiting the many shops and gift shops.
Prague is also famous for its street markets.. You can enjoy affordable shopping by visiting the street markets in the city.. In the Havelske market, you can find the chance to try Prague delicacies as well as handcrafted products, leather bags, ceramics and glass works.. Havelske market is very close to the Old Town Square and is established every day of the week. Garnet is equivalent to stores selling Amber stone, Prague puppets, Prague crystals and handmade wooden toys, which are believed to increase joy you can come. Prague puppets, sold in different sizes, will appear in many shops during your tour.. In my opinion, when you come to Prague, do not return without buying a handmade puppet.. Prices of small puppets start from 10 euros, and as they grow in size, it goes up to 50 euros.
I wouldn’t believe it if they said there are a lot of shopping malls in Prague, but unfortunately there are.. Is it because I have to see so much in Istanbul, I ran away from most of them here.. However, if you say you cannot do without a shopping mall, you can go to Palace Flora by using Metro A line and get off at Flora metro stop and to Palladium by getting off at Metro B Line Namesti Republiky stop in the city center. You can go there.
You can find souvenirs on the Charles Bridge and in the Old Town Square, but you may find the prices high there because all the tourists are here!
The best drink unique to Prague is the cinnamon flavored Czech liqueur Becherovka. You should drink Becherovka, which you can find in almost every store, in one shot with a shot glass.. The price is around 300 Czech Koruna.
Is Prague Expensive?
One of the first questions asked by those who want to come to Prague is Eating and drinking in Prague and whether shopping prices are expensive. Although Prague is one of the affordable European cities, do not expect excessive cheapness.. Prices are almost the same as Turkey.. If you sit and eat at an average restaurant in the city center, prices start from 10 euros per person.. Water is golden here, as in every European city.. If you want to buy 1 bottle of water, you need to pay at least 1-2 euros.. On the other hand, drink prices are quite reasonable.. 1 can of Czech beer 0.80 euro-1 euro. If you want to drink outside, you can drink for 3-5 euros.. Prague shopping prices also vary depending on location. While shopping prices are of course higher in the city center, the products you can buy from the markets are much more affordable.
Places to Visit in Prague
By the Vltava River Located on both sides of it, Prague offers us a complete Medieval city look with its architectural structure, bridges, squares and statues.
Places to visit in Prague Be careful to fit the nearby places on the same day when planning your trip, as they are close to each other and in the main destinations.. If you plan your trip well, you can easily spare time for a river tour in one day.
Old Town/Stare Mesto
Old Town Square If you’re visiting Prague, it’s the city’s biggest square, which you’ll definitely pass by a lot. The square, also known as Old Town or Stare Mesto, deserves to be called the heart of Prague; Because the Old Town Square is a frequent destination for tourists, it also hosts street artists and touristic events.
Almost a large part of the historical buildings in the city are located in Old Town Square. The most important symbol of the square is the Town Hall and the Astronomical Clock Tower’.
St. Nicholas Church, Jan Hus There are many other important works in the Old Town Square, including the Monument and the Dum U Minuty House where Franz Kafka stayed for a period.. Since the Old Town Square is closed to traffic, you can easily walk around.
How to reach:? You can easily get off at the Mustek stop, which is the intersection stop of the A and B metro lines.. click for location.
Astronomical Clock Tower (Prague Astronomical Clock /Pražský orloj)
Indisputably, one of the works that is at the top of the places to visit in Prague is the Astronomical Clock Tower. Although it was built in 1410 and has suffered many damage, it still works after a series of repairs, making it the oldest working clock in the world.
For those wondering where the name of the astronomical clock comes from, this name comes from an astronomical drawing. This drawing has the world in the center and the Latin words for twilight, dawn, east and west around it. a They start coming to see the Astronomical Clock Tower. As time passed, the architect of the clock became famous, and proposals came from other countries to build a similar clock tower.. Hearing this, the King of the time put a mile in the eye of the architect so that the clock would not be unique.. The blind architect commits suicide by leaving himself to the clock mechanism and spoils the clock.. After the death of the architect, who took his revenge in this way, the clock that did not work for a long time was repaired by another master and has survived to the present day.. This famous clock with a sad legend behind it shows not only the time but also the position of the sun, earth and moon.. Every hour, with the sound of bells, the 4 figures on the clock move, 12 apostles pass by the window, giving the gathered crowd fun moments.
I waited by the clock tower both at noon and in the evening just to see this animation again 🙂 Each time, there was a great interest of tourists.
How to Reach? Staroměstské nám. one. click for location.
Prague Castle (Prague Castle, Prazsky Hrad)
Prague Castle, One of the most interesting places to visit in Prague with its gothic atmosphere. The construction of the magnificent Prague castle, which is the oldest settlement in Prague, started in the 9th century, and hosts churches and monasteries until the 14th century.. Although it was damaged as a result of a great fire in 1541, it was renewed in a short time and managed to become what it is today.. The presence of government buildings and ministries in the castle, part of which is now used as the office of the Czech President, also makes it of diplomatic importance.. In Prague Castle St. Vitus Cathedral.
Prague Castle and St.. Vitus Cathedral the entrance fee is 350 Kroner for both.
How to get there:? You can walk from Hradcanska and Malostranka on Metro Line A. click for location.
St. Vitus Cathedral (St.. Vitus Cathedral/Kathedrála Sv. Víta)
St. Vitus Cathedral located in Prague Castle The most important symbol and religious structure of the Czech Republic. The cathedral has gothic architectural features with its pointed towers.. IV to the construction of the cathedral. Beginning in the reign of Karl. However, due to the difficulties and negativities, it can be completed in 600 years.. In the cathedral, where the tombs of the Bohemian Kings and countless priceless jewels are located, there is the Czech Archdiocese and rituals are held from time to time.
How To Reach:? III.Nadvroi 48/2. You can reach it on foot from Metro Line A Hradcanska and Malostranka.. click for location.
Karl Bridge (Charles Bridge/Karluv Most)
Karl Bridge is undoubtedly one of the most famous and historical bridges in the world, built on the Vltava River… The bridge, built by the order of Karl IV, has survived until today despite many disasters and wars. It manages to be the most touristic spot in Prague. You can visit the bridge, which is closed to traffic, and buy souvenirs and listen to the musicians.. Stop by the magnificent statues on both sides of the bridge and watch the unique view of Prague from here.
How Can You Reach? You can get off on Metro A line Malostranka stop and walk.. click for location.
Wenceslas Square (Wenceslas/Václavské nám)
Wenceslas Square, also known as Wenceslas Square, is one of the most important squares where you can breathe the history of Prague.. Prague Spring and Jan Palach incident are just a few of them.. It has become the focus of attention of tourists not only with historical events but also with hotels, cafes and restaurants around it.. Wenceslas got its name from the St Wenceslass statue built in 1912 in the square.
There is also the Prague National Museum dominating the square on Wenceslas Square.. You can visit archaeological remains and exhibits in the museum.. Museum entrance fee.
How Can You Reach? Vaclavske Namesti 68. Get off at Mustek at the intersection of Metro A and B or at Muzeum at the intersection of Metro A and C. Click for location.
Former Jewish Quarter (Josefov)
The Former Jewish quarter, also known as Josefov strong> It is one of the oldest settlements in Prague. Located between the Old Town Square and the VItava River, the neighborhood is also home to a statue of Kafka.. Also, while you’re in the Old Jewish Quarter, don’t come back without stopping by the Old Jewish Cemetery, where the Jews are buried, St. Agnes Cemetery and the Spanish synagogue.. You have to pay a fee to enter these areas, but if you have a Prague Card, you can use these areas free of charge.
How to Reach ? Metro A line Staromestska Get off at the stop and walk. click for location.
Dancing House/Tancici Dum
Known as ‘Fred and Ginger’ Dancing House stands out with its baroque and gothic architectural structures among the places to visit in Prague. Although its construction caused controversy, it is among the buildings with the most creative design.. The original building, which symbolizes two dancing couples, is used as a business center.. Parts of the restaurant are not open to the public.
How Can You Reach? Jiraskovo namesti 1981/6, Metro line B, get off at Karlovo Namesti and reach it on foot. click for the location.
There are some points you should pay attention to before going to Prague. You can find information about Prague here.
