Prague Introduction

Prague, the capital of the Czech Republic, is one of the most beautiful cities in the world.Its uniquely preserved historical centre, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1992, reflects eleven centuries of history.

Basic Information About Prague:

Capital City of the Czech Republic (EU Member since 2004): 1,243,000 residents

Language: Czech (but you'll be fine speaking English or German)

Currency: Czech crown (koruna) (CZK)

Time Zone: Central European Time (GMT+1), summer time – Central European Time +1 (GMT+2)

Climate: mild – average yearly temperature 9°C; during the summer 19°C; during the winter -0.9°C

Airport: Václav Havel Airport Prague, 30 minutes from the centre, www.prg.aero

The historical centre has been a part of UNESCO's World Heritage List since 1992

For more about Prague, its treasures and attractions, plus practical tips, visit www.prague.eu

6 Reasons to Visit Prague

(Image source: www.prague.eu)

Understand History

Where else could you find a thousand years of European architectural history in just a few square kilometres? Because the city survived the World Wars almost unscathed, it's easy to imagine how things looked hundreds of years ago. Let yourself be carried back to the time of knights, alchemists, artisans, and ancient royalty. Surround yourself with the atmosphere of days gone by.

Inspirational Prague

Without the creative energy of its residents, the city would be just an empty husk. People of all professions and opinions meet here and create a unique culture and spirit. The city of a hundred spires has always been an inspiration – Mozart wrote Don Giovanni in Prague, French poet Apollinaire celebrated it in his work, and Franz Kafka and Václav Havel wrote in its cafés and pubs. Even today, Prague is a centre for many forms of artistic talent – from music and fine art to modern theatre and dance.

Prague's Green Treasures

Royal gardens with fountains, parks in both the orderly French and romantic English styles, urban orchards sprinkled with benches, enclosed Renaissance and Baroque gardens with peacocks and colourful fish, scenic viewpoints on Prague's hills... Praguers and visitors alike come here to play sports, have a picnic, read a book on a bench, or simply relax and enjoy the scenery.

A Mosaic of Tastes and Aromas

Many peoples, many tastes – throughout history, a variety of cultures have made their mark on the Czech lands. Since the time of the Austro-Hungarian Empire (1867–1918), Czech cuisine has taken on aspects of Viennese, Bavarian and Hungarian cooking, such as a passion for wild mushrooms and game, dumplings (both sweet and savoury), thick sauces, and wonderful pastries with poppy seeds, quark or jam. And of course don't forget the beer – Czechs are known for brewing the best beer in world.

The Vltava River

The Vltava is to Prague as the Seine is to Paris or the Thames is to London. On the left bank you'll find the Castle, and on the right bank the Old Town. Connecting them is the famous Charles Bridge. Head down to the river, stroll the bustling riverbank and stop for coffee in one of many cafés. Feed the swans, see the houses and palaces go by from the deck of a steamship, or, on a hot summer day, rent a rowboat or pedal boat and float over to one of its islands.

City of Romance

Prague is the most romantic city in Europe, full of magical spots just made for love: the islands and banks of the Vltava, gardens, picturesque alleys in the historical centre, a cosy box at the opera, a ride in a classic car or horse-drawn carriage, Charles Bridge at dawn. Prague offers countless places to declare your love or even propose marriage.

Never the Same

Prague Springs. Flowering trees and forsythia, lovers' kisses, and the tangible energy of a city awakening from its winter sleep.

Prague Summers. Life moves outdoors. Beer gardens serve up dewy half-litres of golden nectar, the Vltava teems with rowboats and paddle boats, the streets come alive with festivals, and a pleasant chill wafts from cellars of ancient buildings.

Autumn in Prague. Colourful and aromatic. The Prague you know from black and white photos, sunlight piercing the fog and smoke, enveloped in a light mist – the most beautiful Prague of all.

Prague Winters. Christmas markets on Prague squares and cosy pubs where you can enjoy warm soup and mulled wine. Glittering icicles hanging from the eaves, and evening walks through the park in the quiet dusk.

Holidays

1 January - New Year

Good Friday

Easter Monday

1 May - Labor Day

8 May - Liberation Day (1945)

5 July - Cyril and Methodius Day - the Slavic Christianity Prophets

6 July - Master John Hus burning at the stake (1415)

28 September - Day of the Czech Statehood

28 October - Independent Czechoslovak State Proclamation Day (1918)

17 November - Day of a Struggle for Liberty and Democracy

24 December - Christmas Eve

25 December - Christmas Day

26 December - St Stephen's Day