Weather of Arabia - Lonely Planet blog - Most people start their visit to the Czech Republic in Prague, the cradle of Czech culture and one of the most interesting European capitals
Famous for its Gothic architecture and magnificent Prague Castle, this vibrant city has beer gardens, modern and traditional cafés, and an evolutionary food court. Start planning your trip with this guide to the best things to do.
Whether alone in the early morning mist or crossing the bridge in the midday crowds, crossing Charles Bridge is the ultimate Prague experience. Built in 1357, this beautiful bridge connects the Old Town and the Lower Quarter. Local legend has it that eggs were used to create the bricks for its construction, making 16 elegant arches that have held together for over 500 years. Climbing the Tower Bridge on the Old Town side provides a panoramic view of this intricate bridge with Prague Castle rising above it in the background.
Prague has become a haven for specialty coffee lovers. Different types of coffee are available such as slow drip coffee, iced coffee and chemical coffee - they've got all tastes covered. The famous Vinohrady district has the largest concentration of trendy coffee shops, but you can find good coffee all over the city.
However, you might be more interested in experiencing the charm of the old days in one of Prague's traditional cafés. Grand Cafe Orient Housed in an impressive cubist building near Old Town Square, Café Imperial takes you back to the time of the First Republic.
Planning tip: Want to enjoy some live music with your coffee? Head to Kavárna Slavia, once a popular destination for late Czech President Vaclav Havel, where a professional pianist plays live every evening from 5pm.
More than 1,000 years of history are dissolved within the walls of Prague Castle on the hill, a collection of churches, towers, halls and palaces almost like a village in itself. This UNESCO World Heritage site is the cultural and historical heart of Czechia - a huge storehouse of collections of material treasures and because it has served as the backdrop for many important historical events such as the coronation of the Kings of Bohemia and the election of Vaclav Havel as President of the Republic in 1989. The jewel of the castle, St. Vitus Cathedral, is an impressive display. for Gothic architecture.
Planning tip: Also make time to stroll the magical, albeit tourist-packed, Golden Route. This ancient path is marked by small, colorful houses, originally built as residences for the castle guards, and later home to local goldsmiths, hence its current name.
Baroque buildings are abundant in Prague, especially in the Little Quarter area. St Nicholas Church is a great example. Decorated with rich frescoes and a large green dome, this cathedral represents one of the finest Baroque galleries in Central Europe.
The Cuban era may have been short-lived, but Prague found a special appreciation for this style. Hydrangeas can be studied at the House of the Black Maiden in the Old Town, which houses a small museum of Czech Hydrangeas, as well as the Cuban-designed Grand Cafe Orient.
The magnificent Prague Astronomical Clock was built in the Middle Ages: it is the oldest working clock in the world. At the top of each clock, 12 mechanical messengers navigate between the small doors above the clock face. Crowds of visitors gather every hour to witness this fun spectacle.
Local tip: Thieves are known to take advantage of people's focus on the watch, so you need to be careful with your belongings.
By heart, we mean classic Czech dishes such as svechkova (beef sirloin and bread balls dipped in a generously creamy sauce), vibro kandelo zylo (roasted pork with cabbage and bread balls), fried cheese, and some staples widely adopted from neighboring countries, such as goulash and schnitzel. These traditional meals can be sampled at a local chain of taverns called Lokal, which serves dishes so well prepared that they will satisfy even the pickiest Czech elderly. And don't forget to drink refreshing beers to aid digestion, such as the Pilsner Urquell, Prague-made Staropramen, or the delicious dark Kozel.
Local tip: Microbreweries have popped up in Prague, too. One of the locals' favorites, Dva Kohouti's microbrewery is located in the once-industrial Karelin neighborhood and is now a hipster attraction.
On sunny days, you will find many of the Czech public relaxing on the banks of the Nablavka River. It is lined with boats selling refreshing drinks, from classic sausages to beers and cocktails - day or night. At sunset, it is a special place to relax in Prague. If you want to do it the Czech way, take a bottle of wine, fellow travelers, and a blanket to sit on. Drag your feet over the water and watch the pelicans and penguins float by.
Planning tip: On Saturdays, the farmers' market is a great time to visit, with organic foods, fresh baked goods, and live music.
Not the Eiffel Tower, but a similar facility on Prague's skyline is the steel observation tower Petrin Tower, which sits atop Petrin Hill. If you feel like working out, you will enjoy the Petrin Hill Walk with many places to stop and enjoy the beautiful views of Prague. The other option is to take a mini train to the top. Where you can use the same tickets that you use on the trains and metro.
Planning tip: Once you reach the top of the hill, climbing the actual Petrin Tower can be quite intimidating. If you are up for the challenge, you will be rewarded with great views.
Prague is home to many green places, with many shaded rest areas. Plus, the beer gardens are a great attraction, especially in the summer heat. Mountain parks such as Letna Hill or Rigrovi Sade offer views of the city.
If you're longing for a more natural escape, Prague has some great walking opportunities just one step away from the city centre. One of the most popular mountain hikes for locals in Prague is the Prokopski Odoli Valley, which features paths winding through forests and meadows. Divuka Sharka is another wonderful and wilder area to explore with streams and marshes.
These two neogothic towers belong to the characteristic form of Prague and are part of the Church of St. Peter and Paul, on top of Vysehrad Hill. The historic fortress of Vysehrad was built during the 10th century and became the seat of the first Czech ruler, King Vratislav II of the Primésled dynasty, a century later.
A walk through the stately cemetery next door takes you to the final resting place of many famous Czechs, such as composers Bedrich Smetana and Antonin Dvorak, as well as famous writers Karel Šapek and Jan Neruda.
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