Prague
Overview
From the cobbled streets of Prague's Malá Strana district to majestic Prague Castle, first-time visitors can easily explore the city centre on foot. Rest those weary feet on a Vltava River boat trip or in a riverside restaurant. Second-time visitor? Take a boat to Troja to see its chateau, or take in panoramic city views from the top of Prague's TV Tower. But don't leave without sampling a Gambrinus beer.
Background
Prague is divided by the Vtlava River, crossed by the historic Charles Bridge, built in 1357 and now one of the city's landmarks. Explore Prague Castle, home to Emperors and the current President, high atop Malá Strana's cobbled streets and red-tiled roofs. Wander the parks that flank the castle, Letná and Petřín, home to a scale model of the Eiffel Tower. Then cross the river for the historical heart of Prague. Marvel at Gothic towers around the Old Town Square and the synagogues in Josefov, the Jewish Quarter.
First-time visit
Rise at dawn to enjoy Charles Bridge all to yourself, before the crowds of visitors arrive. Then join centuries of visitors and wander along the Royal Way through Old Town Square and past the intricate Astronomical Clock, which has been ticking since the 15th century. Once you're across the Vltava River, the road leads up to Prague Castle's courtyards and towering St Vitus Cathedral. Wander without aim in Josefov, the Jewish Quarter and Vyšehrad, Prague's second, rocky castle. Rest your weary feet with a cruise on the Vltava River and decide on which of the many riverside restaurants you're going to dine in. They all have great views.
Return visit
Venture a few metro stations to Žižkov and take the lift up the landmark communist-built TV Tower, which boasts panoramic 360-degree views of the city. Look out for the babies crawling up the building. Created by sculptor David Černý, they make a great topic of conversation as you sip a local Gambrinus beer in a nearby pub. Take a river cruise to Troja along the Vltava River, where there's plenty to see from the Troja Chateau to the Zoo and Botanical Gardens. Or lose yourself in the Art Nouveau world of Czech artist Alphonse Mucha at the Mucha Museum in Prague's Old Town.
airports
Prague Airport
Essentials
Fast becoming one of Europe's busiest airports, Prague-Ruzyne in the Czech Republic's capital handles almost 13 million passengers annually. The 16 km- (10-mile) journey south into Prague takes around 25 minutes by taxi.
Airport Facts
- Airport code
- PRG
- Airport website
- Prague Airport website
- Airport tel
- +420 (0) 220 113 321
- No. of terminals
- Three, although Terminal 3 only handles private flights.
- Distance from city centre
- 16km (10 miles) north of Prague.
- Transport between terminals
- Terminals 1 and 2 are adjacent to each other and it takes about 20 minutes to walk between them.
- Airport parking
- There is free short-term (15 minutes) parking outside both terminals, suitable only for dropping off and picking up passengers. Long-term covered parking is in Parking C, opposite Terminal 1 and the cheapest option is found in Parking D, an eight-minute walk to either terminal, or one stop on the public bus. Pay by cash or credit card at the machines in the car park.
- Time Zone
- GMT +1 (+2 in summer).
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