Prague City Break

Commissioned by Emperor Charles IV in 1357, the Charles Bridge is a magnificent medieval stone arch bridge that crosses the Vltava River. The bridge is framed by Gothic tower gates and lined with 30 Baroque statues of saints, most notably the statue of St. John of Nepomuk.

Walk the bridge at sunrise to experience the mist rising off the river without the crowds, enjoying the views of Prague Castle rising above the west bank. During the day, the bridge is filled with street musicians, painters, and souvenir vendors.

Dominating the city skyline, Prague Castle is the largest ancient castle complex in the world. Founded in the 9th century, it has served as the seat of Kings of Bohemia, Holy Roman Emperors, and Czech presidents, and contains royal palaces and historic churches.

Inside the castle gates sits the magnificent Gothic St. Vitus Cathedral, featuring stained-glass windows designed by Alfons Mucha. Stroll through the Golden Lane, a historic street of tiny colorful houses built for castle guards and goldsmiths, where author Franz Kafka once lived.

The Old Town Square is the historic heart of Prague. This spacious plaza is surrounded by beautiful Baroque and Gothic buildings, including the twin-towered Gothic Týn Church and the Old Town Hall, which features the famous Astronomical Clock built in 1410.

Gather in front of the clock tower on the hour to watch the 'Walk of the Apostles', a animated parade of wooden figures that appears from behind the clock face. Afterward, relax at an outdoor cafe with a local Czech beer and admire the central Jan Hus memorial.

Wenceslas Square is the bustling commercial and cultural center of Prague's New Town (Nové Město). More like a wide boulevard than a traditional square, this 750-meter-long plaza is topped by the grand facade of the National Museum and a bronze statue of Saint Wenceslas.

The square has served as the historic backdrop for many major political demonstrations, including the protests of the Velvet Revolution in 1989. Today, it is lined with department stores, historic passages, cinema halls, restaurants, and busy hotel suites.

Perched on a rocky hill overlooking the Vltava River south of the New Town, Vyšehrad is a historic fort established in the 10th century. It features massive brick ramparts, the neo-Gothic Basilica of St. Peter and St. Paul, and a historic cemetery where famous Czechs like Dvořák are buried.

Wander the quiet parkland paths inside the fortress walls, which are far less crowded than the castle heights. Walk the ramparts to enjoy spectacular, panoramic views of the river, the city bridges, and the red rooftops of Prague below.

Designed by Croatian-Czech architect Vlado Milunić and Canadian-American architect Frank Gehry, the Dancing House (Tančící dům) is a masterpiece of deconstructivist architecture. Standing on the Rašín Embankment, its fluid curves resemble a pair of dancers (popularly nicknamed "Fred and Ginger").

Walk along the riverside to capture its twisting contours, then head up to the rooftop terrace for drinks with a sweeping 360-degree view of the Vltava River and the Prague Castle. It offers a stunning modern contrast to the city's ancient Gothic spires.

• Avoid Tourist Currency Booths: Many old-town exchange booths charge massive hidden commissions. Use bank ATMs for local Czech Koruna.
• Buy a Public Transit Ticket: Buy a 24-hour or 72-hour ticket at any metro station for unlimited travel on trams, metros, and buses.
• Bargain Outside the Center: Dine in the neighborhoods of Vinohrady or Karlín for authentic Czech food at a fraction of old-town prices.

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