10 Things a Visitor Must Do or See in Prague

Cities often are synonymous with a contemporary, cutting-edge way of life. Yet, even the most modern city is influenced by its past. History shapes a city’s identity and helps distinguish it from other places. Mr. Harper highlighted seven cities worldwide that weave their vast, vibrant pasts with the present, creating historically significant travel destinations. Area Harper Alliance partners share insight all guests should know before they go.

Prague has been a political, cultural and economic center of Central Europe for more than 1,000 years. The seat of two Holy Roman Emperors, it became the capital of Czechoslovakia (now the Czech Republic) after World War I. It is a city of startling grandeur, with exquisite baroque palaces lining both banks of the Vltava River, while high above soar the gothic spires of Prague Castle and St. Vitus Cathedral. But for many modern travelers it is more recent history—that of the Prague Spring and the Velvet Revolution—which makes their visit particularly poignant. The exuberant city of today is a vivid reminder of the dreary and dangerous years of the Cold War and Soviet occupation.” – Mr. Harper

1. Wander through the streets of the city’s historic center, a UNESCO World Heritage site

2. Visit Prague Castle. Be sure to spend time in the gothic St. Vitus Cathedral at the castle.

3. Admire the baroque St. Nicholas Church in the Lesser Town (Mala Strana) Square. Watch the animated figures of the Astronomical Clock emerge every hour. The clock dates from the 1400s and is located on the southern side of the Old Town Hall.

4. Watch the animated figures of the Astronomical Clock emerge every hour. The clock dates from the 1400s and is located on the southern side of the Old Town Hall.

5. “Take a night walk amid the open-air sculpture gallery on the pedestrian-only Charles Bridge, which has spanned the Vltava River for more than 600 years,” Sturm suggests.

6. Explore Josefov, the Jewish Quarter, which includes the remains of Prague’s former Jewish ghetto.

7. Visit Strahov Monastery, one of the world’s oldest monasteries of the Premonstratensian Order.

8. “Take in a panoramic view of Prague and its many spires from several high points around the city, including Petrin Tower and the Zizkov TV Tower,” Sturm suggests.

9. Enjoy a musical performance or opera at the neoclassical Estates Theatre, where Mozart conducted the world premiere of “Don Giovanni” in 1787.

10. “Walk around the narrow streets of Novy Svet, near the castle in the Hradcany district,” recommends Sturm.

6 Examples of Prague’s Diverse Architectural Style

1 Municipal House art nouveau

2 Black Madonna House cubist

3 Rudolfinum neo-Renaissance

4 Church of St. Peter and Paul at Vysehrad gothic

5 Dancing House modern

6 Loretta baroque. Don’t miss the 27-bell carillon playing a Marian song, Sturm notes.