8 Reasons Why Prague Should Be On Your Travel Bucket List

Paulette Klein
Aug 31, 2018 · 7 min read

Located in the heart of Central Europe, Prague is a multi-faceted sparkling diamond of a city. It is a storied city with a fascinating history that uniquely blends medieval charm, Habsburg royalty, the scars of World War II, and the gray period of communist Soviet rule. This combination of Prague’s past creates a city so magical that is has become one of Europe’s top travel destinations.

If you’ve been wondering what makes Prague one of Europe’s most fascinating and most beautiful cities, here are 8 reasons why you should pack your bags and visit.

1. Historic Old Town Square

In the heart of Prague’s Old Town sits the medieval Old Town Square, home to several of the city’s “must see” attractions. The center of the square is marked by the Jan Hus Memorial and flanking Old Town Square are the world-famous Astronomical Clock, Old Town Tower, Church of St. Nicholas, Church of Our Lady Before Tyn, a beautiful park shaded by lush trees and welcoming benches, and numerous pubs and restaurants to indulge in traditional Czech food.

A Birds Eye View of Old Town Square From the Top of Old Town Tower
Another stunning view of Old Town Square From the Top of Old Town Tower
The Jan Hus Memorial can be found in the center of Prague’s Old Town Square
The Astronomical Clock is one of Prague’s top attractions. Photo Credit: Shutterstock/editorial
The Church of St. Nicholas is one of Prague’s most beautiful churches.
Church of our Lady Before Tyn

2. Discover Prague’s Jewish Heritage

Prague’s historic Jewish Quarter, also known as the Josefov section of the city, is a walkable journey into the history of its Jewish people. Must see attractions include the Maisel Synagogue, Old-New Synagogue, Pinkas Synagogue, Klausen Synagogue, Ceremonial Hall, Spanish Synagogue, the Jewish Town Hall, and the Old Jewish Cemetery. For more about Prague’s Jewish Quarter, click here.

The interior of the Maisel Synagoue
The Old-New Synagogue, Editorial Credit: Shutterstock
The alter inside the Klausen Synagoue
The Ceremonial Hall
The Moorish Interior of the Spanish Synagogue, Editorial Credit: Shutterstock
The Jewish Town Hall features two different clock faces — one has Hebrew numbers and turns counter clockwise and the other is a traditional clock with Roman numerals.
The Old Jewish Cemetery is one of Europe’s most historic cemeteries. dating back to 1439.

3. The Fairytale Streets of Mala Strana

The Mala Strana area is located on the opposite side of the Vltava River from Prague’s Old Town. Mala Strana with its orange-red roofs is a magical fairytale village with quaint shops, restaurants, museums, and winding cobblestone streets that will delight visitors of all ages as they discover the whimsical side of Prague. In this section of Prague, you will find the Franz Kafka Museum, several “Love Lock” bridges, the John Lennon Wall, Kampa Island, and St. Nicholas Church with its stunning green dome.

The stunning views of the green domed St. Nicholas Church and the signature orange-red roofs of the Mala Strana area.
“The Piss” statue is located in front of the Franz Kafka Museum an is one of Prague’s most unusual statues.
The John Lennon Wall was a symbol of the Czech’s people on their quest for freedom from communist rule. The wall is adorned with colorful graffiti.
Located on Kampa Island next to the Kampa Museum is a bizarre collection “Crawling Babies” statues by the famous David Cerny.
Although there are no shortage of love locks in Prague, the bridges of the Mala Strana are some of the world’s more famous ones.

4. Explore Prague’s Royal History

The Prague Castle complex and surrounding hilltop area give visitors a peek into the city’s royal past. From its Bohemian beginnings to its Habsburg splendor, Prague’s royal history comes alive as you tour the many buildings that make up this spectacular complex. The top attraction is St. Vitus Cathedral with its gothic spires and medieval gargoyles. Be sure to visit the Castle gardens for picturesque views of Prague, the Golden Lane with its storybook cottages, St. George’s Basilica, and the Old Royal Palace for an in-depth look at Prague’s royal past.

The beautiful St. Vitus Cathedral is a top attraction inside the Prague Castle complex.
The entrance to Prague Castle.
The beautiful soaring ceilings of the Great Banquet Hall inside the Old Royal Palace
The painted ceiling of St. George Basilica
The views of Prague from the Castle complex and Castle Gardens are simply breath-taking.
One of the many royal jewels worn by Prague’s royal families.

5. Soviet History and Communist Past

The storied past of Prague goes way beyond its medieval and royal history and includes life under Soviet rule. Visitors from the “West” can learn about what life was like during communist occupation and see first hand how the Czech people fought for independence and freedom. Wenceslas Square is considered to be the rally point for Czech freedom beginning with its 1918 independence from Habsburg rule, to the celebrations of the end of WWII, and later the spot where the Velvet Revolution took place.

To explore Prague’s Soviet past, be sure to visit St. Wenceslas Statue, the Museum of Communism, Hotel Jalta Nuclear Bunker, Monument of the Victims of Communism, and the Museum of Decorative Arts featuring stark photographs of Soviet life.

The statue of St. Wenceslas has been the meeting place for the birthplace of Czech freedom.
Wenceslas Square is a vibrant area in Prague’s New Town and is lined with shops and restaruants.
The Museum of Communism is a fascinating look into the history of Prague’s communist era.
Located near the foot of Petrin Hill, the Monument to the Victims of Communism is a haunting reminder of how communism broke the human spirit.

6. Charles Bridge

Built in 1357, the Charles Bridge was the first bridge to connect the Prague Castle area with its Old Town. This stunning, stone pedestrian bridge is the #1 attraction in Prague with visitors and tourists flocking there from early morning until evening. The Old Town Bridge Tower located at the eastern end of the bridge offers some of the most magnificent views of the Vltava River, Prague Castle, and Old Town.

Charles Bridge features 30 different statues that pay homage to several important saints. Be sure to admire the Crucifix of Jesus, the Statue of St. John of Nepomuk (legend has it if you rub its bronze plaque, you will one day return to Prague and is the bridge’s oldest statue), and the Statue of St. Luitgard (the bridge’s most valuable statue).

Charles Bridge was Prague’s first bridge that connected the Castle with its Old Town. Plan to visit early to avoid the massive crowds that flock here from mid morning until late afternoon.
The beautiful Crucifix of Jesus adorned with golden Hebrew letters is one of the bridge’s more popular statues.
The oldest statue on the Charles Bridge is the statue of St. John Neopmuk.
One of the 30 statues that adorn the Charles Bridge.

7. Unusual Sculptures and Monuments

Every city has its share of monuments and statues to honor their most prominent and important residents. However, Prague is a city that has a whimsical twist to their statues, sculptures, and monuments and the artistic bohemian side of these is something that should not be missed. For a map and list of Prague’s most unusual monuments, click here.

Located in Prague’s Jewish Quarter, the Franz Kafka Monument is a quirky sight.
Located on the banks of the Vltava River and Kampa Park is this whimsical display of marching yellow penguins.
Hidden in alleyway near Wenceslas Square is the Cubist Lamppost
One of Prague’s most fascinating sculptures is the mesmerizing Franz Kafka statue. This moving statue spins in pieces until it forms the head of the famous author.

8. Amazing Food and Czech Beer

One of the best things about traveling is being able to enjoy the local food and Prague has no shortage of mouth-watering restaurants to discover. If you’re looking for traditional Czech food, do try their traditional duck and be sure to wash it down with a pint of local Czech beer. Vegetarians will also have plenty of options as well. From street foods to five-star dining, it’s best to leave your diet at home.

Enjoying a traditional Czech prepared duck entree.
Prague’s Old Town Square has many amazing street food vendors.
Prague has no shortage of quaint cafes and restaurants.
Vegetarian will find fresh and delicious options.
One of the best places to have breakfast is the Bake Shop located between Old Town and Josefov.

Although I’ve listed 8 reasons to visit Prague, there is so much more to love about this city and so much more to explore. With its blend of cultural diversity, picturesque views, and history to explore, Prague should definitely be on the top of your travel bucket list.

All pictures unless noted are copyrighted by P.Klein and LifeTraveledInStilettos.com

Paulette Klein

Written by

Is a freelance writer, entrepreneur and recovering helicopter parent who is blogging her adventures @lifetraveledinstilettos.com

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