Prague City Guide

The beautiful city of Prague is situated along the Vltava River in central Bohemia. Prague is the largest city and also the capital of the Czech Republic. The foundation of Prague dates back to the Paleolithic Age. The city was founded by Princess Libu'e and Premysl, her husband and founder of the Premysl Dynasty. This city became the seat of Kings of Bohemia and an important place for trading. Prague has a number of nicknames, such as City of a Hundred Spires, The Golden City, The Left Bank of the Nineties, The Mother of Cities, and The Heart of Europe.

Prague is connected to many important world cities by several direct flights that are not too costly. Ruzyn is its international airport and is located in the west of Prague. Prague is also connected by rail and has two international train stations. Eurocity trains connect Prague to Berlin, Vienna, and Budapest. Tourists can also use the bus to reach Prague which has highway connections from all directions. Accommodations are available to suit most budgets.

Prague has turned into a popular tourist destination after the fall of the Iron Curtain. Since Prague was one of the few European cities comparatively untouched during the World Wars, most of its historic architecture has been preserved. Tourists flock to visit its ancient buildings and murals. A varied collection of architectural forms from Art Nouveau to Baroque, Renaissance, Cubist, Gothic, Neo-Classical, and ultra-modern can be seen.

Tourists can visit all the places of interest by taking walking tours, bus tours, or boat tours. A number of companies offer interesting walking tours of Prague. Some walking tours may have themes such as ghosts, Kafka, and legends. A two hour boat tour on the Vltava River takes tourists past the Prague Castle District and Lesser Town. The Prague by Night tour is three hours long and tourists can enjoy onboard dining and cruising. It is followed by a one-hour coach trip to Prague's most beautiful squares. Nightlife in Prague is quite active and entertaining.

Spring is the best time to visit Prague when temperatures are 8-14°C/46-57°F. April and beginning of May are also conducive when the temperatures reach 15-25°C/59-77°F.

Since 1992, historic centers of Prague have been included in the UNESCO list of heritage structures.

Prague provides detailed information on Prague, Accommodations In Prague, Prague Apartments, Hotels In Prague and more. Prague is affiliated with 4 Star Prague Hotels

Cheap Flights to Prague

Prague is one of the most favored tourist destinations in Europe. This city has withstood the destruction of world war and boasts of several historical sites. Official statistics on flight information to the international Prague airport state that Prague is a popular European destination. There are a number of airlines flying to Prague of which some offer discount tickets from time to time. To avail a cheap ticket, a tourist must find a company that offers discount tickets and book in time so that there is no trouble in traveling business or economy class.

Prague is connected to major cities worldwide through many airline carriers. In order to find discount flight deals to and from Prague, a number of dedicated websites use robot air travel finders. They are air flight search booking engines that persistently seek out low cost and discount flight deals to assist people in finding low airfares. They work on an international level, and people simply need to use the Internet to find cheap flights to Prague.

In the last couple of years, the number of airlines and flights between the U.S. and Prague has also increased. If tickets are booked a couple of months in advance, clients may be hopeful of cheaper rates. Prior to finalizing a cheap flight deal, it is worthwhile for potential customers to be completely sure about their travel plans. This is because most airlines companies do not offer a refund or delayed bookings if customers choose to cancel their cheap flight tickets. More often than not, when cheap flight options are declared, they prove to be short-term offers. Such bumper flights are not promoted for only a limited period of time. As such, customers need to make prompt bookings. Postponement in booking often results in missing out on the deal.

Frugal Travel Tips For Prague

Prague is a favorite destination for many backpackers. The youth culture gives the city vitality and the frugal travel deals are plentiful.

The Prague Card

Most European cities offer a city card which for one flat, reasonable fee gives the traveler discounts and free admission to attractions. In Prague, this city card is an especially good deal. For 740 CZK, travelers gain free entrance to over 50 city attractions including Prague Castle attractions. For an additional 220 CZK, travelers can obtain a 3 day unlimited transit pass.

The Prague Card can be purchased at the airport, tourist information booths, and some hotels.

Royal Route

The Royal Route is a picturesque winding street leading from the gates of the old town to Prague Castle. It is clearly marked on the sidewalk with a silver arrow (the silver line). Along the route are sights such as the House Of The Black Madonna, Old Town Square (with its wonderful Astronomical Clock) and Charles Bridge.

Note: There are quaint though expensive shops lining the Royal Route. For inexpensive souvenirs, one of the many markets would be a better choice. For the classic Prague souvenir, the famous Bohemian Crystal, try stores as far away from the touristy old town as possible.

Charles Bridge

The Charles Bridge is a beautiful pedestrian bridge and ranks as one of the most photographed attractions in the city. The bridge truly comes to life at dusk with buskers, artists and musicians lining it.

Changing Of The Guard

There is admission charged to entry Prague Castle but watching the changing of the guards is free. The guards are changed every hour (this attraction can get crowded so try to see it early in the day). Once a day at noon, there is a grander display. Unlike guards at other castles, travelers can stand next to these Royal Guards for great photo opportunities.

Saving money on these experiences will allow the frugal traveler to splurge on the rather pricey but not to be missed Prague Castle and a purchase of the fine Bohemian Crystal and other glassworks.

Hostels in Prague

Prague, the capital of Czech Republic, has been given heritage status by UNESCO. Prague is a favored destination for many tourists for its inspiring beauty and history that has been preserved in spite of war. Tourists of all types can get favorable accommodations to suit their budget in the city. For the economy traveler, the most suitable type of accommodation is the hostel.

There are many luxurious hotels in the city near important tourists? sights. Travelers having an economy budget require a comfortable and inexpensive alternate accommodation. Reservations for hostels may be made in advance to avoid disappointment and inconvenience. Rooms in hostels are not like luxury suites in a hotel with attached bathrooms and television. Hostel accommodations range from a shared room in a university or a single room with a shower. The cost of these rooms could be just a quarter of the price of a hotel room.

Hostel beds are let out to tourists when universities and schools shut for the summers during the month of June and onward. Dormitories are also in demand for economy tourists. It is extremely difficult to find a reservation in the cheapest youth hostel during public holidays and the festive seasons of Christmas and Easter or during the peak tourist months in the summer.

Generally accommodations are available in rooms for two to eight persons. These are dormitory accommodations. Separate male and female dormitories are available. There is a choice of accommodation in apartments for 4 and 5 persons, complete with its own WC/shower and satellite television. Toilets and bathrooms with hot showers are available on each floor.

Hostels are open all year for 24 hours a day with no check in or out timings. Prices include breakfast, linens and a towel, and taxes. In some hostels, there is a TV room with free internet connection and a restaurant that serves meals at reasonable prices. Some hostels offer only bed and breakfast services.

Prague Nightlife

Prague is a well established tourist destination in central Europe. It has been an important venue for many important world events in recent years. It is one city that has escaped destruction during the World Wars. There are many architectural styles and monuments and a vibrant nightlife, all of which attract tourists.

Prague?s sophisticated cocktail bars, whisky lounges and trendy DJ-bars entice tourists of all ages. Tourists have a choice between roughly three price ranges available in different night spots. Some are expensive to suit wealthy locals and tourists. Cheaper and mediocre spots are frequented by the young tourists, backpackers, and expatriates. Some trendy economical places cater to young locals and knowledgeable visitors. Many bars are open late, and the clubs are open even later.

There are nightclubs with table dancing and strip shows. There are a number of disco, jazz, and dance clubs that dot the city. There is no strict dress code in most clubs. The minimum age for alcohol consumption is 18 years, and drinks are inexpensive. Marquis de Sade and Templova 18 are some of the popular bars.

A casino is an important part of nightlife and is big business in Prague. Evening dressing is essential to enter a casino. The minimum age for gaming is 18 years, and a passport or ID is required. Entrance fees are high. Many luxury hotels have their own casinos.

There are many discos in Prague that play music of all genres, but world music attracts greater attention. Some of these clubs, as they are known, have vegetarian restaurants, art galleries, and strip shows. There are some venues where local musicians often meet up for late-night jam sessions to entertain tourists who are interested in live music.

Reduta Jazz Club is remembered as the club where President Clinton attempted to create a friendly image by playing the sax for President Havel.

Central Prague Hotels

Prague is a small centralized city, with all of its attractions clumped together in the center part of the city. Because of this there are many hotels available in central Prague for you to stay in. If you stay in a hotel already in the central part of the city you will no longer need to use the public transportation to get to where you want to go. As soon as you step out of your hotel all of the activities and sights are already there.

However, with the convenience comes a price to pay. The hotels in central Prague are usually much more expensive than those in the outer part of the city.

Staying in a Central Hotel

With the small size of Prague you generally do not need to pay the extra money to stay in the central part of the city. The hotels in the outskirts of town are only a few minutes away using the very reliable public transportation. The time to travel from your hotel to the tourist spots are not too time consuming if you are worried about spending your entire vacation on a bus or train.

However, if you do not wish to use the public transportation while in Prague, and do not care about the extra costs, then it is not a bad idea to book accommodations in a hotel that is more centralized.

Booking Early

The hotels in the central part of Prague are generally the ones that fill up the fastest. They tend to be the more popular places to stay among tourists. Therefore, if you intend on staying in these hotels you should book early, at least a few weeks in advance, especially if you plan to visit Prague during April to October, or during the holiday season, which are Prague's high tourism season. During this time, it would be nearly impossible to find a hotel in central Prague in the last minute. You will probably need to arrange your reservations at least three to four weeks in advance if you intend on staying in one of these hotels during the high season.

Weather in Prague

Prague, the capital city of the Czech Republic is geographically located 50°05'N 14°26'E at an elevation of 180-400 m AMSL and has an area of 496 km². The city was founded in the 9th century and is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Europe. Tourists enjoy visiting old buildings and art that have survived the ravages of war. Buildings that have withstood the ages exhibit varied styles of architecture. This is a focal point of Prague?s tourism. Weather conditions and seasons in Prague need to be kept in mind in order to fully enjoy this beautiful city.

Winter in Prague is very cold and can be a major deterrent for those who cannot tolerate extreme conditions. Heavy winter clothing and shoes are a must for protection against freezing temperatures that go below -10°C/14°F. It becomes dark after 4:00 pm in December and 5:00 pm in February. For tourists willing to brave the severe cold, a white winter is the most beautiful thing to see in Prague. Most tourist attractions and museums have shorter opening hours in winter. Christmas markets and New Year decorations make Prague lively and festive.

During March, temperatures in Prague may go below 0°C/32°F but can rise up to 8-14°C/46-57°F. From the end of April to the beginning of May, temperatures reach up to 15-25°C/59-77°F. This may be the time to visit Prague, as there are no tourist crowds and hotel accommodations are easy to obtain.

In summer, temperatures vary from 20 to 27°C/68-80°F but can sometimes reach up to 30-35°C/86-95°F. Rains in summer are quite common. This is Prague?s most crowded tourist season, as the days are longer and tourist spots are open late.

Autumn in Prague brings about a burst of changing colors and makes the city look magical. Until mid-October, the temperatures are fairly high and can reach up to 15-18°C/58-64°F. Skies can become overcast and days start getting colder. Snowfall occurs from the beginning of November when temperatures fall below 0°C/32°F.

Hotels In Prague

Prague, the capital city of the Czech republic, is incidentally also the largest city in the republic. It boasts of an ancient lineage and the city witnessed great architectural feats as early as the twelfth century. Prague boasts of renowned Jewish centers, historic monuments and bridges. UNESCO has enlisted Prague in its prized list of world heritage sites. This has influenced the already booming tourism industry and Prague has to cater to a continuous flow of tourists and travelers. This is an intimidating task for the tourism ministry, which continuously strives to increase the revenue generated by tourism. Private and multinational hoteliers respect the increased income opportunities generated through regular reservations. This prompts them to offer better hospitality and services.

Numerous Prague hotels boast of unique entertainment avenues, recreation activities and living quarters. When in Prague, tourists may select from a wide range of listed as well as renowned hotels. These hotels may be star rated and offer reservations for two, three and even four bedroom accommodations, studios and suites. It is important for tourists to keep in mind the number of people who need to be accommodated.

A number of these hotels are timeshare vacation properties. On the basis of the size and rating of a living quarter, hotel rates vary. Apart from basic hotel information that is available, when deciding upon a particular Prague hotel it s advisable for potential tourists to enquire. This helps to understand and analyze the options in order to avail of a reasonable deal. Tourists should make reservations in advance, in order to avail of discount hotel rates in Prague. This enables tourists to make reservations at quality hotels and spend much less. Most Prague hotels are supervised and examined by a common regulatory body that aims at ensuring standard tariffs and taxes.

Prague Apartments

When visiting the historic city of Prague, tourists are often faced with the dilemma of selecting the right accommodation option. Along with being the largest city, Prague is also the capital of the Czech republic. The city has been listed as a world heritage site by UNESCO, which has increased its popularity as a tourist destination. Prague boasts of an instrumental apartment setup that is strategic in housing Czech residents. Most apartment units are part of a condominium that offers living quarter ownership rights to an individual, making them responsible for maintenance.

Prague also boasts of budget apartments that are considered to be convenient living options for travelers. Tourists who are part of European tours need to locate and identify accommodation within a budget. The availability of economic apartments makes it possible for tourists to stop over at the city. A number of hotels offer apartment bookings. This could range from studio apartments to multi bedroom lodgings. Most often students, who visit Prague, opt to live in the Prague apartments. They are offered at reasonable rates and students can avail of discounts on presenting identification cards.

A number of people opt to live at Prague service apartments during their visits. They are well equipped lodging options and may even be star rated. These apartments cater to a limited number of visitors at a time and are well staffed, providing prompt services. This makes them popular with actors, sportspersons, business tycoons and celebrities. The most common Prague apartments are the listed timeshare vacation properties. They are mostly part of vacation condo setups that are built specifically to cater to tourists. Reservations at such apartments are offered to timeshare members. Ordinary tourists may choose to live at these apartments, but would be required to pay higher tariffs and taxes than the members.

Prague Tourism

Prague is the largest city and the capital of the Czech Republic. It is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Europe. Prague can be reached by air, bus, and rail from important cities in Europe. There are a number of airlines that offer cheap tickets to Prague. The best season to visit Prague is during the spring when the city is not very crowded by tourists. However, the period of heavy tourist traffic occurs in the summer. Winters are severe, but visitors who do not mind the cold are able to enjoy the beauty of Prague covered by snow.

Tourists may explore Prague by opting for sightseeing tours conducted and organized by tour companies. These companies offer a wide choice of packages, which include important tourist destinations. Tourists are taken to the Castle, also called Hrad?any, which is the highest point in Prague, Lesser Town, or Mala Strana, the settlement around the castle, and the Old Town, or Stare M?sto, which is located on the right bank. Other tourist spots are New Town or Nove M?sto, the fourteenth century district in the south of Old Town and a Jewish Town called Josefov, which is an old Jewish ghetto. Tour operators also include Charles Bridge, museums, and galleries. Tourists can take organized trips by tram, bicycles, and micro scooters, which are an inexpensive way to travel through the picturesque city.

Companies that offer excellent walking tours of Prague include themes of ghosts, Kafka, and legends. ?Ghost trails? lead tourists through the haunted streets and alleys of the Old Town, providing an insight to Prague's infamous spirits. The Riverboat Tour is a pleasant way to view some key monuments and sights of the city that may otherwise be missed. Old town and architecture tours are a study in Romanesque, Gothic, Baroque, Neo-Classical, and Art Nouveau styles.

Prague has a vibrant nightlife. There are nightlife packages to suit tourists of every budget. The Czech capital has a sophisticated club atmosphere but is still distinctly reminiscent East Berlin. Many bars are open till late. Accommodations are also available, ranging from the most luxurious hotels to economy hostels.

Prague is considered to be one of the world's most beautiful cities and has become a popular filming location for international productions and Hollywood motion picture companies.

Prague provides detailed information on Prague, Accommodations In Prague, Prague Apartments, Hotels In Prague and more. Prague is affiliated with 4 Star Prague Hotels