First, remember your favorite childhood fairy tale. Maybe it was "Hansel and Gretel," "Rapunzel" or even "Sleeping Beauty!" Whatever it was, imagine stepping forth into this fairy tale. What would you see? A picturesque castle? Miniature cobblestone streets? A garden of ruby red roses? This is as close as I can come to even beginning to describe the magnificent city of Prague. Its uncanny resemblance to a real life fairy tale is astonishing, and I can guarantee that there is no place in the world quite like it. These are just a few reasons to fall head over heels for Prague.
1. The picture perfect Vltava River.
A beautiful river stretching for 270 miles across much of central Bohemia. The river makes a lovely addition to the already remarkable landscape. (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vltava).
2. Old Town Square.
Located in the Old Town quarter of Prague, it spans between Wenceslas Square and Charles Bridge. It features many attractions such as the famous medieval astronomical clock as well as the Gothic church of Our Lady Before Tyn. The square is also a major venue for street performers and vendors.
3. The exhilarating nightlife.
Lucerna, Chapeau Rouge, Retro and Roxy are just a few of Prague’s better-known nightclubs. If you prefer a quiet night of drinks and conversation, there are hundreds upon hundreds of bars and hole-in-the-wall pubs all throughout the city.
4. The city’s historical architecture.
Just about wherever you go in Prague, you will be surrounded by beautiful architecture, detailed and unique with character. Czech Baroque architecture is most commonly sighted amongst the larger landmarks and this refers to the architectural period of the 17th and 18th century in Bohemia (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Czech_Baroque_archit...). However, a vast number of architectural styles occupy the city giving it this fairy tale like ensemble.
5. The best (and cheapest) beer that you will ever taste.
It comes as no surprise that beer is the largest consumed beverage amongst the Czech population; it is simply wonderful. In fact, Czechs consume more beer than any other place in the world! The most popular beers are pale lagers or pilsners. One of Czech's most common beers is Pilsner Urquell, the world's first ever pilsner beer (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Beer_in_the_Czech_Re...).
6. Dumplings, cabbage and goulash… OH MY!
If you are either vegetarian or looking to shed a few pounds, Prague is certainly not for you! Czech cuisine usually consists of meat (typically beef) with heavy cream-based sauces served often with cabbage or potatoes. Dishes are also typically served with dense bread dumplings, typically potato based. Goulash or guláš is a meat stew, one of the more common dishes found at traditional Czech restaurants throughout Prague.
7. Charles Bridge.
Charles Bridge is just one of the 18 bridges which crosses the Vltava River in Prague. Out of the 18 bridges it is probably the most historic and beautiful with its 30 Baroque-style statues featured along its walls. It is certainly a sight to see
(https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Charles_Bridge)!
8. The Prague Castle and its grounds.
The grounds consist of not only Prague Castle but the even more impressive St. Vitus Cathedral along with several other important, historical buildings. In the springtime, the ground's gardens are open to the public featuring a stunning display of trees and flowers.