{"id":12903,"date":"2021-11-29T09:45:58","date_gmt":"2021-11-29T14:45:58","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/exploringed.com\/?p=12903"},"modified":"2022-11-28T08:52:03","modified_gmt":"2022-11-28T13:52:03","slug":"czech-republic-prague","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/exploringed.com\/czech-republic-prague\/","title":{"rendered":"Prague \u2013 Most Visited City in Eastern Europe"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t<div data-elementor-type=\"wp-post\" data-elementor-id=\"12903\" class=\"elementor elementor-12903\" data-elementor-post-type=\"post\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<section class=\"elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-6b13622 elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default\" data-id=\"6b13622\" data-element_type=\"section\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-b00d7a7\" data-id=\"b00d7a7\" data-element_type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-3e5acc49 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"3e5acc49\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Prague is popular. So popular that eight million, mostly foreign, tourists go there annually. It\u2019s convenient to get to with an array of air, rail and road connections. Once there, you can visit many attractions for free or eat at haute cuisine restaurants. It really does have something for everyone, from all-night clubs to classical music concerts. You can stroll on one of the most famous bridges in the world, the Charles Bridge, or sit in one of the hundreds of cafes and enjoy delicious desserts. For a world traveler, it\u2019s a must-go destination.<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph --><!-- wp:heading -->\n<h2><strong>Why We Went to Prague and How Long to Visit<\/strong><\/h2>\n<!-- \/wp:heading --><!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>In August and September 2021, my wife Khadija and I went on a\u00a0 <a href=\"https:\/\/exploringed.com\/driving-vacation-in-eastern-europe\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">five-week drive through Eastern Europe<\/a> and visited many of the great cities of the region. We were excited about going to Prague, as neither one of us had been there. We spent a jam-packed four days and didn\u2019t see all the attractions we would\u2019ve liked, but no one could see every historic site, museum and quirky statues in a week or even two. In this map, you can see some of the places we went to.<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph --><!-- wp:gallery {\"ids\":[12914],\"linkTo\":\"none\"} -->\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery columns-1 is-cropped\">\n<ul class=\"blocks-gallery-grid\">\n<li class=\"blocks-gallery-item\">\n<figure><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"850\" height=\"535\" class=\"wp-image-12914\" src=\"https:\/\/exploringed.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/2-Prague-Map.jpg\" alt=\"Prague Map\" data-id=\"12914\" data-full-url=\"https:\/\/exploringed.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/2-Prague-Map.jpg\" data-link=\"https:\/\/exploringed.com\/?attachment_id=12914\" srcset=\"https:\/\/exploringed.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/2-Prague-Map.jpg 850w, https:\/\/exploringed.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/2-Prague-Map-600x378.jpg 600w, https:\/\/exploringed.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/2-Prague-Map-300x189.jpg 300w, https:\/\/exploringed.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/2-Prague-Map-768x483.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 850px) 100vw, 850px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/figure>\n<!-- \/wp:gallery --><!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The Prague historic area is located in five of the city\u2019s 112 cadastral areas (subsections of municipal districts). On one side of the Vltava River:\u00a0<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph --><!-- wp:list -->\n<ul>\n<li>Old Town (Star\u00e9 M\u011bsto) with the Old Town Square<\/li>\n<li>New Town (Nov\u00e9 M\u011bsto) with Wenceslas Square<\/li>\n<li>Jewish Quarter (Josefov)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<!-- \/wp:list --><!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>On the other side:<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph --><!-- wp:list -->\n<ul>\n<li>Castle District (Hrad\u010dany) with Prague Castle<\/li>\n<li>Lesser Town (Mal\u00e1 Strana)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<!-- \/wp:list --><!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Charles Bridge is the main pedestrian route linking the two sides of Prague. The street signs indicate which section of the city you are in.<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph --><!-- wp:image {\"id\":12920,\"sizeSlug\":\"full\",\"linkDestination\":\"none\"} -->\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"850\" height=\"563\" class=\"wp-image-12920\" src=\"https:\/\/exploringed.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/3-DSC_8260-Kafka-Plaza-Sign.jpg\" alt=\"Kafka Square Sign\" srcset=\"https:\/\/exploringed.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/3-DSC_8260-Kafka-Plaza-Sign.jpg 850w, https:\/\/exploringed.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/3-DSC_8260-Kafka-Plaza-Sign-600x397.jpg 600w, https:\/\/exploringed.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/3-DSC_8260-Kafka-Plaza-Sign-300x199.jpg 300w, https:\/\/exploringed.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/3-DSC_8260-Kafka-Plaza-Sign-768x509.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 850px) 100vw, 850px\" \/><\/figure>\n<!-- \/wp:image --><!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The sign indicates you are at the intersection of Maiselova and Franz Kafka Square, in Old Town (Star\u00e9 M\u011bsto). Praha is the Czech spelling of Prague.<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph --><!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The Prague Tourist Information centers are fantastic. They give you as much time as you need and have numerous maps and brochures to help you.<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph --><!-- wp:image {\"id\":12923,\"sizeSlug\":\"full\",\"linkDestination\":\"none\"} -->\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"850\" height=\"667\" class=\"wp-image-12923\" src=\"https:\/\/exploringed.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/4-IMG_6059-Khadija-at-Old-Town-Hall-Tourist-Info-Office.jpg\" alt=\"Khadija at Old Town Hall Tourist Info Office\" srcset=\"https:\/\/exploringed.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/4-IMG_6059-Khadija-at-Old-Town-Hall-Tourist-Info-Office.jpg 850w, https:\/\/exploringed.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/4-IMG_6059-Khadija-at-Old-Town-Hall-Tourist-Info-Office-600x471.jpg 600w, https:\/\/exploringed.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/4-IMG_6059-Khadija-at-Old-Town-Hall-Tourist-Info-Office-300x235.jpg 300w, https:\/\/exploringed.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/4-IMG_6059-Khadija-at-Old-Town-Hall-Tourist-Info-Office-768x603.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 850px) 100vw, 850px\" \/><\/figure>\n<!-- \/wp:image --><!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>When we arrived, the world had been through a year and a half of Covid. International travel was restarting. Under this circumstance, Prague probably had less than half of its normal tourism level, but it was still bustling. We were told that in pre-pandemic times, sometimes people were shoulder-to-shoulder when crossing the Charles Bridge. In our case, we easily walked over it anytime of the day.<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph --><!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>I recommend a minimum of three days to get a taste and a week to do it justice. You could spend more than a week If you use it as a base to travel around nearby parts of the Czech Republic. This post is just a glimpse of what the city offers.<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph --><!-- wp:heading -->\n<h2><strong>\u00a0Is Prague Safe?<\/strong><\/h2>\n<!-- \/wp:heading --><!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Prague is definitely safe in the tourist areas. We were warned about pickpockets. The police try to keep control of them and their success waxes and wanes. Late at night or early morning, there could be drunk revelers which potentially could cause problems, but seldom does<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph --><!-- wp:image {\"id\":12930,\"sizeSlug\":\"full\",\"linkDestination\":\"none\"} -->\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"850\" height=\"563\" class=\"wp-image-12930\" src=\"https:\/\/exploringed.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/6-DSC_8331-Drunk-Revelers.jpg\" alt=\"Prague Drunk Revelers\" srcset=\"https:\/\/exploringed.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/6-DSC_8331-Drunk-Revelers.jpg 850w, https:\/\/exploringed.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/6-DSC_8331-Drunk-Revelers-600x397.jpg 600w, https:\/\/exploringed.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/6-DSC_8331-Drunk-Revelers-300x199.jpg 300w, https:\/\/exploringed.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/6-DSC_8331-Drunk-Revelers-768x509.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 850px) 100vw, 850px\" \/><\/figure>\n<!-- \/wp:image --><!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Here, as everywhere you travel, employ basic safety precautions and use common sense to avoid problems.<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph --><!-- wp:heading -->\n<h2><strong>How to Get Around in Prague<\/strong><\/h2>\n<!-- \/wp:heading --><!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>We walked for hours each day. Luckily, we had good shoes because many of the sidewalks and streets are stone and hard on the feet.<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph --><!-- wp:image {\"id\":12934,\"sizeSlug\":\"full\",\"linkDestination\":\"none\"} -->\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"850\" height=\"563\" class=\"wp-image-12934\" src=\"https:\/\/exploringed.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/7-DSC_8020-Prague-Stone-Sidewalks.jpg\" alt=\"Prague Stone Sidewalks\" srcset=\"https:\/\/exploringed.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/7-DSC_8020-Prague-Stone-Sidewalks.jpg 850w, https:\/\/exploringed.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/7-DSC_8020-Prague-Stone-Sidewalks-600x397.jpg 600w, https:\/\/exploringed.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/7-DSC_8020-Prague-Stone-Sidewalks-300x199.jpg 300w, https:\/\/exploringed.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/7-DSC_8020-Prague-Stone-Sidewalks-768x509.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 850px) 100vw, 850px\" \/><\/figure>\n<!-- \/wp:image --><!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>On our second day, we learned how to take the Prague Metro (subway), trams and buses.<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph --><!-- wp:image {\"id\":12938,\"sizeSlug\":\"large\",\"linkDestination\":\"none\"} -->\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-12938 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/exploringed.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/8-DSC_8429-Prague-Tram.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1400\" height=\"927\" srcset=\"https:\/\/exploringed.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/8-DSC_8429-Prague-Tram.jpg 1400w, https:\/\/exploringed.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/8-DSC_8429-Prague-Tram-600x397.jpg 600w, https:\/\/exploringed.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/8-DSC_8429-Prague-Tram-300x199.jpg 300w, https:\/\/exploringed.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/8-DSC_8429-Prague-Tram-1024x678.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/exploringed.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/8-DSC_8429-Prague-Tram-768x509.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1400px) 100vw, 1400px\" \/>\n<figcaption>We bought an inexpensive 72-hour ticket. Other options are for 30-minute, 90-minute and 24-hour periods.<br \/><br \/>We parked our car in the hotel garage and it was by far the most expensive of our trip at \u20ac35 ($40) \/ night. I suppose we could\u2019ve found something cheaper, but it was a hassle as driving in Prague was confusing with narrow one-way streets and traffic.<br \/><br \/>Like everywhere, ride sharing is available. So far, Prague is the only city in the Czech Republic where Uber is available.<\/figcaption>\n<\/figure>\n<!-- \/wp:image --><!-- wp:heading -->\n<h2><strong>Is Prague Expensive?<\/strong><\/h2>\n<!-- \/wp:heading --><!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Food and drink in most restaurants and cafes, especially for beer and wine, are noticeably cheaper than in Western Europe. Other items, such as clothes, seemed to be similar to other European countries.<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph --><!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>When we were there, one US$ equaled about 21 CZK (Czech korunas or crowns in English) and about 25 for the \u20ac. Some hotels, shops and restaurants accept Euros, but many only take Czech korunas.<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph --><!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>When withdrawing cash from an ATM, be sure to use only a bank and not a stand-alone machine, as the exchange rate is much better. When charging on your credit card or using a debit card, select the local currency and not your home currency. I tested it a couple of times and found that charging in US$ cost almost 10% more.<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph --><!-- wp:heading -->\n<h2><strong>Old Town (Star\u00e9 M\u011bsto) Square<\/strong><\/h2>\n<!-- \/wp:heading --><!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>We crossed <strong>Old Town Square<\/strong> several times each day. It\u2019s a fun place to hang out to people-watch and admire the many architectural styles, as you can see from this bird\u2019s-eye view from the Old Town Hall tower.<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph --><!-- wp:image {\"id\":12942,\"sizeSlug\":\"full\",\"linkDestination\":\"none\"} -->\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"850\" height=\"563\" class=\"wp-image-12942\" src=\"https:\/\/exploringed.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/9-DSC_8528-Old-Square-from-Old-Town-Hall.jpg\" alt=\"Prague Old Square from Old Town Hall\" srcset=\"https:\/\/exploringed.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/9-DSC_8528-Old-Square-from-Old-Town-Hall.jpg 850w, https:\/\/exploringed.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/9-DSC_8528-Old-Square-from-Old-Town-Hall-600x397.jpg 600w, https:\/\/exploringed.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/9-DSC_8528-Old-Square-from-Old-Town-Hall-300x199.jpg 300w, https:\/\/exploringed.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/9-DSC_8528-Old-Square-from-Old-Town-Hall-768x509.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 850px) 100vw, 850px\" \/><\/figure>\n<!-- \/wp:image --><!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>On the right is the gothic <strong>Church of Our Lady before T\u00fdn<\/strong>. In the left corner is the rococo Kinsk\u00fd Palace. The ship-looking, grey structure on the lower right is the Jan Hus Monument. He was a Church reformer who inspired Hussitism, a predecessor to Protestantism. Many past visitors may not recognize the white Marian (Virgin Mary) Column which was completed in August 2020. It\u2019s a reconstruction of a column standing from 1650 to 1918.<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph --><!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>On the other side of the square is the baroque <strong>St. Nicholas Church<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph --><!-- wp:image {\"id\":12945,\"sizeSlug\":\"full\",\"linkDestination\":\"none\"} -->\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"850\" height=\"850\" class=\"wp-image-12945\" src=\"https:\/\/exploringed.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/10-DSC_8489-Prague-Old-Square-Saint-Nicholas-Church.jpg\" alt=\"Prague Old Square Saint Nicholas Church\" srcset=\"https:\/\/exploringed.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/10-DSC_8489-Prague-Old-Square-Saint-Nicholas-Church.jpg 850w, https:\/\/exploringed.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/10-DSC_8489-Prague-Old-Square-Saint-Nicholas-Church-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/exploringed.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/10-DSC_8489-Prague-Old-Square-Saint-Nicholas-Church-100x100.jpg 100w, https:\/\/exploringed.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/10-DSC_8489-Prague-Old-Square-Saint-Nicholas-Church-600x600.jpg 600w, https:\/\/exploringed.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/10-DSC_8489-Prague-Old-Square-Saint-Nicholas-Church-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/exploringed.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/10-DSC_8489-Prague-Old-Square-Saint-Nicholas-Church-768x768.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 850px) 100vw, 850px\" \/><\/figure>\n<!-- \/wp:image --><!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The star of the square is the <strong>Astronomical Clock on the Old Town Hall<\/strong>. It has an astronomical dial and a monthly calendar dial with the 12 signs of the zodiac. Crowds gather every hour from 9 AM till 11 PM to watch &#8220;The Walk of the Apostles&#8221;.<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph --><!-- wp:video {\"id\":12948} -->\n<figure class=\"wp-block-video\"><video src=\"https:\/\/exploringed.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/11-Prague-Astronomical-Clock-video.mp4\" controls=\"controls\" width=\"300\" height=\"150\"><\/video><\/figure>\n<!-- \/wp:video --><!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>I really liked the skeleton with an hourglass (grim reaper?) and the Turk figure with a lute (decadent pleasure?).<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph --><!-- wp:image {\"id\":12952,\"sizeSlug\":\"full\",\"linkDestination\":\"none\"} -->\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"850\" height=\"638\" class=\"wp-image-12952\" src=\"https:\/\/exploringed.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/12-DSC_7963-Astronomical-Clock-Skeleton-and-Turk.jpg\" alt=\"Prague Astronomical Clock Skeleton and Turk\" srcset=\"https:\/\/exploringed.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/12-DSC_7963-Astronomical-Clock-Skeleton-and-Turk.jpg 850w, https:\/\/exploringed.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/12-DSC_7963-Astronomical-Clock-Skeleton-and-Turk-600x450.jpg 600w, https:\/\/exploringed.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/12-DSC_7963-Astronomical-Clock-Skeleton-and-Turk-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/exploringed.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/12-DSC_7963-Astronomical-Clock-Skeleton-and-Turk-768x576.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 850px) 100vw, 850px\" \/><\/figure>\n<!-- \/wp:image --><!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>In the tower, we saw the Apostle figures in the mechanism which rotates them.<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph --><!-- wp:image {\"id\":12955,\"sizeSlug\":\"full\",\"linkDestination\":\"none\"} -->\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"850\" height=\"850\" class=\"wp-image-12955\" src=\"https:\/\/exploringed.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/13-IMG_6207-Prague-Astronomical-Clock-Apostles.jpg\" alt=\"Prague Astronomical Clock Apostles\" srcset=\"https:\/\/exploringed.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/13-IMG_6207-Prague-Astronomical-Clock-Apostles.jpg 850w, https:\/\/exploringed.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/13-IMG_6207-Prague-Astronomical-Clock-Apostles-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/exploringed.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/13-IMG_6207-Prague-Astronomical-Clock-Apostles-100x100.jpg 100w, https:\/\/exploringed.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/13-IMG_6207-Prague-Astronomical-Clock-Apostles-600x600.jpg 600w, https:\/\/exploringed.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/13-IMG_6207-Prague-Astronomical-Clock-Apostles-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/exploringed.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/13-IMG_6207-Prague-Astronomical-Clock-Apostles-768x768.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 850px) 100vw, 850px\" \/><\/figure>\n<!-- \/wp:image --><!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The <strong>Old Town Hall Tower<\/strong> can be entered for \u20ac10 or CZK250, I highly recommend it for the 360-degree view and great scenes like this.<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph --><!-- wp:image {\"id\":12959,\"sizeSlug\":\"full\",\"linkDestination\":\"none\"} -->\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"850\" height=\"563\" class=\"wp-image-12959\" src=\"https:\/\/exploringed.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/14-DSC_8523-View-from-Tower.jpg\" alt=\"View from Old Town Hall Tower\" srcset=\"https:\/\/exploringed.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/14-DSC_8523-View-from-Tower.jpg 850w, https:\/\/exploringed.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/14-DSC_8523-View-from-Tower-600x397.jpg 600w, https:\/\/exploringed.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/14-DSC_8523-View-from-Tower-300x199.jpg 300w, https:\/\/exploringed.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/14-DSC_8523-View-from-Tower-768x509.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 850px) 100vw, 850px\" \/><\/figure>\n<!-- \/wp:image --><!-- wp:heading -->\n<h2><strong>New Town (Nov\u00e9 M\u011bsto)<\/strong><\/h2>\n<!-- \/wp:heading --><!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>We visited the <strong>National Museum<\/strong> (N\u00e1rodn\u00ed muzeum) to check out its historical, artistic and natural history collections and current exhibitions. It was time well spent, but the most memorable part was the neoclassical building and especially the interior steps.<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph --><!-- wp:image {\"id\":12961,\"sizeSlug\":\"full\",\"linkDestination\":\"none\"} -->\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"850\" height=\"589\" class=\"wp-image-12961\" src=\"https:\/\/exploringed.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/15-DSC_8038-Stairs-of-National-Museum.jpg\" alt=\"Stairs of the Prague National Museum\" srcset=\"https:\/\/exploringed.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/15-DSC_8038-Stairs-of-National-Museum.jpg 850w, https:\/\/exploringed.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/15-DSC_8038-Stairs-of-National-Museum-600x416.jpg 600w, https:\/\/exploringed.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/15-DSC_8038-Stairs-of-National-Museum-300x208.jpg 300w, https:\/\/exploringed.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/15-DSC_8038-Stairs-of-National-Museum-768x532.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 850px) 100vw, 850px\" \/><\/figure>\n<!-- \/wp:image --><!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong>Wenceslas Square<\/strong> is a bustling stretch of retail stores, restaurants, hotels, street vendors and a line of buildings from five to eight stories of various architectural styles. It\u2019s really a boulevard in the shape of an extended rectangle. It has had many notable celebrations and demonstrations. The best view is from the top of the steps of the National Museum by the statue of St. Wenceslas on a horse.<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph --><!-- wp:image {\"id\":12964,\"sizeSlug\":\"full\",\"linkDestination\":\"none\"} -->\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"850\" height=\"563\" class=\"wp-image-12964\" src=\"https:\/\/exploringed.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/16-DSC_8031-Wenceslas-Square-from-Nat-Museum.jpg\" alt=\"Wenceslas Square from National Museum\" srcset=\"https:\/\/exploringed.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/16-DSC_8031-Wenceslas-Square-from-Nat-Museum.jpg 850w, https:\/\/exploringed.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/16-DSC_8031-Wenceslas-Square-from-Nat-Museum-600x397.jpg 600w, https:\/\/exploringed.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/16-DSC_8031-Wenceslas-Square-from-Nat-Museum-300x199.jpg 300w, https:\/\/exploringed.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/16-DSC_8031-Wenceslas-Square-from-Nat-Museum-768x509.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 850px) 100vw, 850px\" \/><\/figure>\n<!-- \/wp:image --><!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>It took us about 30 minutes from Old Town Square through non-tourist commercial streets to find the <strong>Dancing House (Tan\u010d\u00edc\u00ed d\u016fm)<\/strong>. It was designed by Frank Gehry and others and built in 1996.<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph --><!-- wp:image {\"id\":12967,\"sizeSlug\":\"full\",\"linkDestination\":\"none\"} -->\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"850\" height=\"563\" class=\"wp-image-12967\" src=\"https:\/\/exploringed.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/17-DSC_7976-Tancici-dum-Dancing-Building.jpg\" alt=\"Tanc\u030ci\u0301ci\u0301 du\u030am Dancing Building\" srcset=\"https:\/\/exploringed.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/17-DSC_7976-Tancici-dum-Dancing-Building.jpg 850w, https:\/\/exploringed.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/17-DSC_7976-Tancici-dum-Dancing-Building-600x397.jpg 600w, https:\/\/exploringed.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/17-DSC_7976-Tancici-dum-Dancing-Building-300x199.jpg 300w, https:\/\/exploringed.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/17-DSC_7976-Tancici-dum-Dancing-Building-768x509.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 850px) 100vw, 850px\" \/><\/figure>\n<!-- \/wp:image --><!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Gehry originally named the house Fred and Ginger (after the dancers Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers), but thankfully that Hollywood name didn\u2019t stick.\u00a0<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph --><!-- wp:heading -->\n<h2><strong>Jewish Quarter (Josefov)<\/strong><\/h2>\n<!-- \/wp:heading --><!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>My most vivid memory of the Jewish Quarter is the <strong>Franz Kafka Statue<\/strong>, here pictured with our guide Tomas.<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph --><!-- wp:image {\"id\":12971,\"sizeSlug\":\"full\",\"linkDestination\":\"none\"} -->\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"850\" height=\"850\" class=\"wp-image-12971\" src=\"https:\/\/exploringed.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/18-IMG_6162-Kafka-Statue-Ed-with-Guide.jpg\" alt=\"Prague Kafka Statue\" srcset=\"https:\/\/exploringed.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/18-IMG_6162-Kafka-Statue-Ed-with-Guide.jpg 850w, https:\/\/exploringed.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/18-IMG_6162-Kafka-Statue-Ed-with-Guide-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/exploringed.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/18-IMG_6162-Kafka-Statue-Ed-with-Guide-100x100.jpg 100w, https:\/\/exploringed.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/18-IMG_6162-Kafka-Statue-Ed-with-Guide-600x600.jpg 600w, https:\/\/exploringed.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/18-IMG_6162-Kafka-Statue-Ed-with-Guide-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/exploringed.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/18-IMG_6162-Kafka-Statue-Ed-with-Guide-768x768.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 850px) 100vw, 850px\" \/><\/figure>\n<!-- \/wp:image --><!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Kafka was a native of Prague, although he spoke and wrote in German. He is known for his fantastical, absurd and bizarre stories (e.g., \u201cThe Metamorphosis\u201d, in which the protagonist wakes up as a huge cockroach). The statue references the author in a scene from his early short story, \u201cDescription of a Struggle&#8221; which is a murky, surrealistic three-part tale with multiple interpretations. In one he is having a dialogue with an acquaintance who is actually himself. The lower body is a hollow suit and the small one is Kafka.<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph --><!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The Jewish history in Prague is mostly one of various levels of discrimination with a few instances of relative tolerance. In the 16<sup>th<\/sup> century, the Habsburgs expelled them twice. Yet in the early 18th century, the Jews accounted for about one-fourth of Prague&#8217;s population, making it the most populous Jewish city in the world. This level of affluence and acceptance was not sustainable and they were expelled again in 1745. During the Nazi occupation, over 85% of the Jewish population in the country (then called the Protectorate of Bohemia and Moravia) were killed. The main historical buildings are from the 19<sup>th<\/sup> century in an art nouveau style and synagogues from different periods, such as the <strong>Spanish Synagogue<\/strong>. It\u2019s the newest synagogue, completed in 1868 in a Moorish Revival style on the grounds of the oldest synagogue.<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph --><!-- wp:image {\"id\":12974,\"sizeSlug\":\"large\",\"linkDestination\":\"none\"} -->\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"678\" class=\"wp-image-12974\" src=\"https:\/\/exploringed.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/19-DSC_8271-Spanish-Synagogue-1024x678.jpg\" alt=\" Prague Spanish Synagogue\" srcset=\"https:\/\/exploringed.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/19-DSC_8271-Spanish-Synagogue-1024x678.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/exploringed.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/19-DSC_8271-Spanish-Synagogue-scaled-600x398.jpg 600w, https:\/\/exploringed.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/19-DSC_8271-Spanish-Synagogue-300x199.jpg 300w, https:\/\/exploringed.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/19-DSC_8271-Spanish-Synagogue-768x509.jpg 768w, https:\/\/exploringed.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/19-DSC_8271-Spanish-Synagogue-1536x1017.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/exploringed.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/19-DSC_8271-Spanish-Synagogue-2048x1357.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n<!-- \/wp:image --><!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>We missed going to the Jewish Cemetery (Star\u00fd \u017eidovsk\u00fd H\u0159bitov) but it will be the first thing we visit when we return. Graves are from the 15<sup>th<\/sup> century to the 18<sup>th<\/sup> century.<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph --><!-- wp:heading -->\n<h2><strong>Charles Bridge<\/strong><\/h2>\n<!-- \/wp:heading --><!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong>Charles Bridge<\/strong> is arguably the most famous landmark in Prague. The gothic stone bridge, connecting the Old and Lesser Towns, was built in the 14<sup>th<\/sup> century. We crossed it a few times and on our last day we went in the early morning fog<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph --><!-- wp:image {\"id\":12978,\"sizeSlug\":\"large\",\"linkDestination\":\"none\"} -->\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"678\" class=\"wp-image-12978\" src=\"https:\/\/exploringed.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/20-DSC_8369-Ed-on-Charles-Bridge-1024x678.jpg\" alt=\"Prague\u2019s Charles Bridge\" srcset=\"https:\/\/exploringed.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/20-DSC_8369-Ed-on-Charles-Bridge-1024x678.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/exploringed.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/20-DSC_8369-Ed-on-Charles-Bridge-600x397.jpg 600w, https:\/\/exploringed.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/20-DSC_8369-Ed-on-Charles-Bridge-300x199.jpg 300w, https:\/\/exploringed.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/20-DSC_8369-Ed-on-Charles-Bridge-768x509.jpg 768w, https:\/\/exploringed.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/20-DSC_8369-Ed-on-Charles-Bridge.jpg 1400w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n<!-- \/wp:image --><!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The bridge has 30 baroque statues and most are copies with the originals in museums. One of these is of <strong>St. John of Nepomuk<\/strong>, who was executed and thrown into the river from the bridge.<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph --><!-- wp:image {\"id\":12980,\"sizeSlug\":\"large\",\"linkDestination\":\"none\"} -->\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"678\" class=\"wp-image-12980\" src=\"https:\/\/exploringed.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/21-DSC_8358-St.-John-of-Nepomuk-Statue-1024x678.jpg\" alt=\"St. John of Nepomuk Statue\" srcset=\"https:\/\/exploringed.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/21-DSC_8358-St.-John-of-Nepomuk-Statue-1024x678.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/exploringed.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/21-DSC_8358-St.-John-of-Nepomuk-Statue-600x397.jpg 600w, https:\/\/exploringed.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/21-DSC_8358-St.-John-of-Nepomuk-Statue-300x199.jpg 300w, https:\/\/exploringed.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/21-DSC_8358-St.-John-of-Nepomuk-Statue-768x509.jpg 768w, https:\/\/exploringed.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/21-DSC_8358-St.-John-of-Nepomuk-Statue.jpg 1400w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n<!-- \/wp:image --><!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The bridge is anchored by towers at each end, here\u2019s the Old Town side.<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph --><!-- wp:image {\"id\":12982,\"sizeSlug\":\"large\",\"linkDestination\":\"none\"} -->\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"678\" class=\"wp-image-12982\" src=\"https:\/\/exploringed.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/22-DSC_8346-Charles-Bridge-Tower-1024x678.jpg\" alt=\"Prague\u2019s Charles Bridge Tower\" srcset=\"https:\/\/exploringed.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/22-DSC_8346-Charles-Bridge-Tower-1024x678.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/exploringed.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/22-DSC_8346-Charles-Bridge-Tower-600x397.jpg 600w, https:\/\/exploringed.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/22-DSC_8346-Charles-Bridge-Tower-300x199.jpg 300w, https:\/\/exploringed.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/22-DSC_8346-Charles-Bridge-Tower-768x509.jpg 768w, https:\/\/exploringed.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/22-DSC_8346-Charles-Bridge-Tower.jpg 1400w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n<!-- \/wp:image --><!-- wp:heading -->\n<h2><strong>Lesser Town (Mal\u00e1 Strana)<\/strong><\/h2>\n<!-- \/wp:heading --><!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>As we entered Lesser Town, we saw a statue of a troll-like figure called a <strong>\u201cvodn\u00edk\u201d<\/strong> in a canal. This statue of a mustached, pipe-smoking water fairy with swollen fingers is one representation.<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph --><!-- wp:image {\"id\":12985,\"sizeSlug\":\"full\",\"linkDestination\":\"none\"} -->\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"850\" height=\"563\" class=\"wp-image-12985\" src=\"https:\/\/exploringed.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/23-DSC_8170-Vodnik-water-spirit-on-Canal.jpg\" alt=\"Vodni\u0301k Statue in Prague\u2019s Lesser Town\" srcset=\"https:\/\/exploringed.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/23-DSC_8170-Vodnik-water-spirit-on-Canal.jpg 850w, https:\/\/exploringed.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/23-DSC_8170-Vodnik-water-spirit-on-Canal-600x397.jpg 600w, https:\/\/exploringed.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/23-DSC_8170-Vodnik-water-spirit-on-Canal-300x199.jpg 300w, https:\/\/exploringed.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/23-DSC_8170-Vodnik-water-spirit-on-Canal-768x509.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 850px) 100vw, 850px\" \/><\/figure>\n<!-- \/wp:image --><!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>They live in a pond or under a bridge, sometimes causing mayhem like breaking dams and drowning people and animals.<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph --><!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Not far away is the psychedelic <strong>John Lennon Wall<\/strong>, full of graffiti and \u201cAll You Need is Love\u201d with the last word in several languages.<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph --><!-- wp:image {\"id\":12988,\"sizeSlug\":\"full\",\"linkDestination\":\"none\"} -->\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"850\" height=\"563\" class=\"wp-image-12988\" src=\"https:\/\/exploringed.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/24-DSC_8174-Khadija-by-John-Lennon-Wall.jpg\" alt=\"Khadija by John Lennon Wall\" srcset=\"https:\/\/exploringed.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/24-DSC_8174-Khadija-by-John-Lennon-Wall.jpg 850w, https:\/\/exploringed.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/24-DSC_8174-Khadija-by-John-Lennon-Wall-600x397.jpg 600w, https:\/\/exploringed.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/24-DSC_8174-Khadija-by-John-Lennon-Wall-300x199.jpg 300w, https:\/\/exploringed.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/24-DSC_8174-Khadija-by-John-Lennon-Wall-768x509.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 850px) 100vw, 850px\" \/><\/figure>\n<!-- \/wp:image --><!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>This is a curious place for a memorial of the Beatle who was fatally shot by a deranged young man. He was only briefly in Prague once. Yet here, he became an anti-war hero for many young Czechs and an unknown artist painted his image on the wall. Afterwards others added to it, eventually eliminating the original image. The wall has been a point of anti-government resentment, especially after the Prague Spring where the Communist government eliminated short-lived democratic reforms.\u00a0<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph --><!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The wall belongs to the Sovereign Military Order of Malta, whose church and monastery complex is located behind the wall. Over the years, they have whitewashed it, but images kept reappearing and they have now accepted it as a permanent and ever changing mural.<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph --><!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>I clearly remember Khadija breaking into tears when listening to the memorial service of John Lennon on the radio when the song \u201cImagine\u201d was played. Thus, I understand how this memorial could have a permanent influence in Prague.<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph --><!-- wp:heading -->\n<h2><strong>Castle District (Hrad\u010dany)<\/strong><\/h2>\n<!-- \/wp:heading --><!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong>St. Vitus Cathedral<\/strong> (Katedr\u00e1la sv. V\u00edta) dominates the city skyline and is the most identifiable building in the Prague Castle complex and the spiritual symbol of the Czech Republic.<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph --><!-- wp:image {\"id\":12991,\"width\":838,\"height\":838,\"sizeSlug\":\"full\",\"linkDestination\":\"none\"} -->\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-12991\" src=\"https:\/\/exploringed.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/25-IMG_6154-Ed-Khadija-St-Vitus-Church.jpg\" alt=\"St Vitus Church, Prague\" width=\"838\" height=\"838\" srcset=\"https:\/\/exploringed.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/25-IMG_6154-Ed-Khadija-St-Vitus-Church.jpg 850w, https:\/\/exploringed.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/25-IMG_6154-Ed-Khadija-St-Vitus-Church-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/exploringed.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/25-IMG_6154-Ed-Khadija-St-Vitus-Church-100x100.jpg 100w, https:\/\/exploringed.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/25-IMG_6154-Ed-Khadija-St-Vitus-Church-600x600.jpg 600w, https:\/\/exploringed.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/25-IMG_6154-Ed-Khadija-St-Vitus-Church-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/exploringed.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/25-IMG_6154-Ed-Khadija-St-Vitus-Church-768x768.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 838px) 100vw, 838px\" \/><\/figure>\n<!-- \/wp:image --><!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Construction on this gigantic, gothic masterpiece was started in the 14<sup>th<\/sup> century. Cathedrals invariably take a long time to complete, in this case almost six centuries. The cathedral is a place of burial of several patron saints, sovereigns, noblemen and archbishops. Czech kings and queens have also been crowned here.<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph --><!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Tours are available of the interior, especially of the spectacular St. Wenceslas (the \u201cGood King Wenceslas\u201d of the Christmas carol) Chapel, but we didn\u2019t (next time). We stepped into the cathedral and found a soaring arched ceiling, stained glass windows and elaborate gold-mosaics, anchored by the recently installed (2018) statue of Saint Adalbert, the patron saint of the Czech state, in the nave.<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph --><!-- wp:image {\"id\":12995,\"sizeSlug\":\"large\",\"linkDestination\":\"none\"} -->\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"678\" class=\"wp-image-12995\" src=\"https:\/\/exploringed.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/26-DSC_8222-St-Vitus-Church-Interior-1024x678.jpg\" alt=\"St Vitus Church Interior\" srcset=\"https:\/\/exploringed.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/26-DSC_8222-St-Vitus-Church-Interior-1024x678.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/exploringed.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/26-DSC_8222-St-Vitus-Church-Interior-scaled-600x397.jpg 600w, https:\/\/exploringed.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/26-DSC_8222-St-Vitus-Church-Interior-300x199.jpg 300w, https:\/\/exploringed.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/26-DSC_8222-St-Vitus-Church-Interior-768x509.jpg 768w, https:\/\/exploringed.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/26-DSC_8222-St-Vitus-Church-Interior-1536x1017.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/exploringed.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/26-DSC_8222-St-Vitus-Church-Interior-2048x1356.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n<!-- \/wp:image --><!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The <strong>Prague Castle<\/strong> area is the biggest in the world according to the Guinness World Book of Records. If you like architecture and history, you could easily spend a day there. One place not to miss is the Castle Square with a palace, fountain and ornate, guarded entrance.<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph --><!-- wp:image {\"id\":12997,\"sizeSlug\":\"full\",\"linkDestination\":\"none\"} -->\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"850\" height=\"563\" class=\"wp-image-12997\" src=\"https:\/\/exploringed.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/27-DSC_8213-Entrance-to-Prague-Castle-Square.jpg\" alt=\" Entrance to Prague Castle Square\" srcset=\"https:\/\/exploringed.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/27-DSC_8213-Entrance-to-Prague-Castle-Square.jpg 850w, https:\/\/exploringed.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/27-DSC_8213-Entrance-to-Prague-Castle-Square-600x397.jpg 600w, https:\/\/exploringed.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/27-DSC_8213-Entrance-to-Prague-Castle-Square-300x199.jpg 300w, https:\/\/exploringed.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/27-DSC_8213-Entrance-to-Prague-Castle-Square-768x509.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 850px) 100vw, 850px\" \/><\/figure>\n<!-- \/wp:image --><!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>\u00a0It\u2019s also the official residence of the president.<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph --><!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Throughout the complex, you can see remains of the castle wall.<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph --><!-- wp:image {\"id\":13001,\"sizeSlug\":\"full\",\"linkDestination\":\"none\"} -->\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"850\" height=\"638\" class=\"wp-image-13001\" src=\"https:\/\/exploringed.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/28-IMG_6143-Prague-Castle-Wall-St-Vitus.jpg\" alt=\"Prague Castle Wall &amp; St Vitus\" srcset=\"https:\/\/exploringed.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/28-IMG_6143-Prague-Castle-Wall-St-Vitus.jpg 850w, https:\/\/exploringed.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/28-IMG_6143-Prague-Castle-Wall-St-Vitus-600x450.jpg 600w, https:\/\/exploringed.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/28-IMG_6143-Prague-Castle-Wall-St-Vitus-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/exploringed.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/28-IMG_6143-Prague-Castle-Wall-St-Vitus-768x576.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 850px) 100vw, 850px\" \/><\/figure>\n<!-- \/wp:image --><!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>While the complex center is mobbed with tourists, on the outskirts you may be able to see some local life, such as these children playing in a medieval make-believe.<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph --><!-- wp:image {\"id\":13004,\"sizeSlug\":\"full\",\"linkDestination\":\"none\"} -->\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"850\" height=\"563\" class=\"wp-image-13004\" src=\"https:\/\/exploringed.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/29-DSC_8193-Children-Medieval-Acting-in-Prague-Castle-Complex.jpg\" alt=\"Children Medieval Acting in Prague\" srcset=\"https:\/\/exploringed.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/29-DSC_8193-Children-Medieval-Acting-in-Prague-Castle-Complex.jpg 850w, https:\/\/exploringed.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/29-DSC_8193-Children-Medieval-Acting-in-Prague-Castle-Complex-600x397.jpg 600w, https:\/\/exploringed.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/29-DSC_8193-Children-Medieval-Acting-in-Prague-Castle-Complex-300x199.jpg 300w, https:\/\/exploringed.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/29-DSC_8193-Children-Medieval-Acting-in-Prague-Castle-Complex-768x509.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 850px) 100vw, 850px\" \/><\/figure>\n<!-- \/wp:image --><!-- wp:heading -->\n<h2><strong>Outside of the Historic Area<\/strong><\/h2>\n<!-- \/wp:heading --><!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The unexpected treat was a visit to the <strong>National Technical Museum<\/strong> which documents scientific achievements in the Czech Republic and in the world. Each of the five floors was fascinating with exhibits on astronomy, architecture, printing presses and other fields. The highlight was the large hall with vintage cars, trains and planes.<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph --><!-- wp:image {\"id\":13007,\"sizeSlug\":\"full\",\"linkDestination\":\"none\"} -->\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"850\" height=\"563\" class=\"wp-image-13007\" src=\"https:\/\/exploringed.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/30-DSC_8089-Prague-Tech-Museum-Vintage-Cars.jpg\" alt=\" Prague National Technical Museum\u2019s Vintage Cars\" srcset=\"https:\/\/exploringed.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/30-DSC_8089-Prague-Tech-Museum-Vintage-Cars.jpg 850w, https:\/\/exploringed.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/30-DSC_8089-Prague-Tech-Museum-Vintage-Cars-600x397.jpg 600w, https:\/\/exploringed.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/30-DSC_8089-Prague-Tech-Museum-Vintage-Cars-300x199.jpg 300w, https:\/\/exploringed.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/30-DSC_8089-Prague-Tech-Museum-Vintage-Cars-768x509.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 850px) 100vw, 850px\" \/><\/figure>\n<!-- \/wp:image --><!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>I highly recommend crossing the Vltava River and exploring this wonderful museum. While there, take a break at the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/BethesdaBar\/\">Bethesda Caf\u00e9<\/a>, a few blocks away.<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph --><!-- wp:heading -->\n<h2><strong>Where to Eat and Stay<\/strong><\/h2>\n<!-- \/wp:heading --><!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>If nothing else, Prague is a culinary experience. There are so many restaurants, pubs and cafes, you can always find something you like. At least once, you should try traditional Czech dishes like goulash and knedl\u00edky (bread dumplings).<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph --><!-- wp:video {\"id\":13023,\"align\":\"center\"} -->\n<figure class=\"wp-block-video aligncenter\"><video src=\"https:\/\/exploringed.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/31-IMG-6057-Ed-Eating-Goulash-and-Knedliky-in-Prague-Video.mp4\" controls=\"controls\" width=\"300\" height=\"150\"><\/video><\/figure>\n<!-- \/wp:video --><!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>We had an exceptional Italian meal at <a href=\"https:\/\/linka.lacollezione.cz\/en\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">La Bottega Linka<\/a> which uses the special <a href=\"https:\/\/www.xoven.cz\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">X-Oven<\/a>, has an extensive wine offering and serves everything fresh.\u00a0<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph --><!-- wp:image {\"id\":13013,\"sizeSlug\":\"full\",\"linkDestination\":\"none\"} -->\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"850\" height=\"1016\" class=\"wp-image-13013\" src=\"https:\/\/exploringed.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/32-IMG_6109-Khadija-at-Bottega-Linka-Restaurant.jpg\" alt=\"La Bottega Linka Prague\" srcset=\"https:\/\/exploringed.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/32-IMG_6109-Khadija-at-Bottega-Linka-Restaurant.jpg 850w, https:\/\/exploringed.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/32-IMG_6109-Khadija-at-Bottega-Linka-Restaurant-600x717.jpg 600w, https:\/\/exploringed.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/32-IMG_6109-Khadija-at-Bottega-Linka-Restaurant-251x300.jpg 251w, https:\/\/exploringed.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/32-IMG_6109-Khadija-at-Bottega-Linka-Restaurant-768x918.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 850px) 100vw, 850px\" \/><\/figure>\n<!-- \/wp:image --><!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The service was outstanding. I wanted a type of draft beer they didn\u2019t have, but they sent someone down the street to a bar to procure one for me.<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph --><!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Another terrific place was <a href=\"https:\/\/engawapraha.cz\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Engawa Yakiniku &amp; Sushi<\/a>, a Japanese restaurant. I thought it might be good as there were Japanese businessmen there when we walked in. It turned out to be great. A waiter told me that the Japanese master chef is one of five in Prague.<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph --><!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>For a pub experience in a place that serves mainly local people, try out <a href=\"http:\/\/www.hlavkuvdvur.cz\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Hl\u00e1vk\u016fv Dv\u016fr<\/a> in New Town.<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph --><!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>There are many hotels of every price to stay. We stayed in the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hotel-paris.cz\/en\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Hotel Paris Prague<\/a>, a rather upscale place for us, but well worth it. The buffet breakfast was quite good and I loved the art nouveau\u00a0design and decorations.<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph --><!-- wp:image {\"id\":13012,\"sizeSlug\":\"full\",\"linkDestination\":\"none\"} -->\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"850\" height=\"563\" class=\"wp-image-13012\" src=\"https:\/\/exploringed.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/33-DSC_8010-Ed-in-Mirror-in-Prague-Paris-Hotel.jpg\" alt=\" Hotel Paris Prague\" srcset=\"https:\/\/exploringed.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/33-DSC_8010-Ed-in-Mirror-in-Prague-Paris-Hotel.jpg 850w, https:\/\/exploringed.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/33-DSC_8010-Ed-in-Mirror-in-Prague-Paris-Hotel-600x397.jpg 600w, https:\/\/exploringed.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/33-DSC_8010-Ed-in-Mirror-in-Prague-Paris-Hotel-300x199.jpg 300w, https:\/\/exploringed.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/33-DSC_8010-Ed-in-Mirror-in-Prague-Paris-Hotel-768x509.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 850px) 100vw, 850px\" \/><\/figure>\n<!-- \/wp:image --><!-- wp:heading -->\n<h2><strong>Final Thoughts<\/strong><\/h2>\n<!-- \/wp:heading --><!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Prague was special in so many ways. If I had to rate my favorite things, I would say it\u2019s a tie among the architecture, such as these buildings by the entrance to the National Museum\u2026<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph --><!-- wp:image {\"id\":13017,\"sizeSlug\":\"full\",\"linkDestination\":\"none\"} -->\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"850\" height=\"563\" class=\"wp-image-13017\" src=\"https:\/\/exploringed.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/34-DSC_8032-Buildings-by-National-Museum.jpg\" alt=\"Busts in Prague National Museum\" srcset=\"https:\/\/exploringed.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/34-DSC_8032-Buildings-by-National-Museum.jpg 850w, https:\/\/exploringed.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/34-DSC_8032-Buildings-by-National-Museum-600x397.jpg 600w, https:\/\/exploringed.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/34-DSC_8032-Buildings-by-National-Museum-300x199.jpg 300w, https:\/\/exploringed.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/34-DSC_8032-Buildings-by-National-Museum-768x509.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 850px) 100vw, 850px\" \/><\/figure>\n<!-- \/wp:image --><!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>\u2026and the people, like the charming Linda who is a medical student and fluent Czech, English, German, Italian and even knows a little Korean.<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph --><!-- wp:image {\"id\":13020,\"sizeSlug\":\"large\",\"linkDestination\":\"none\"} -->\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" class=\"wp-image-13020\" src=\"https:\/\/exploringed.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/36-IMG_6107-Linda-at-Bethesda-Cafe-1024x768.jpg\" alt=\"People of Prague\" srcset=\"https:\/\/exploringed.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/36-IMG_6107-Linda-at-Bethesda-Cafe-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/exploringed.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/36-IMG_6107-Linda-at-Bethesda-Cafe-scaled-600x450.jpg 600w, https:\/\/exploringed.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/36-IMG_6107-Linda-at-Bethesda-Cafe-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/exploringed.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/36-IMG_6107-Linda-at-Bethesda-Cafe-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/exploringed.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/36-IMG_6107-Linda-at-Bethesda-Cafe-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/exploringed.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/36-IMG_6107-Linda-at-Bethesda-Cafe-2048x1536.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n<!-- \/wp:image --><!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>It\u2019s no surprise that Prague is one of the most visited cities in the world!<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Prague is popular. So popular that eight million, mostly foreign, tourists go there annually. It\u2019s convenient to get to with an array of air, rail and road connections. Once there, you can visit many attractions for free or eat at haute cuisine restaurants. It really does have something for everyone, from all-night clubs to classical [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":6,"featured_media":12908,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1,94,427,428],"tags":[],"jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/exploringed.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Couple-Walking-Over-Charles-Bridge-With-Title.jpg","meta_box":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/exploringed.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/12903"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/exploringed.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/exploringed.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/exploringed.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/6"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/exploringed.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=12903"}],"version-history":[{"count":98,"href":"https:\/\/exploringed.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/12903\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":17162,"href":"https:\/\/exploringed.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/12903\/revisions\/17162"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/exploringed.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/12908"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/exploringed.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=12903"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/exploringed.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=12903"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/exploringed.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=12903"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}