Difference between revisions of "Prague and Dresden"

Revision as of 21:35, 9 April 2018

Prague

Prague is called the "Golden City" by its inhabitants, and if you get up really early and find a spot on a rooftop or tower to watch the sun come up, you know why they say that. Prague also has become a tourist magnet, so many of the little streets in the downtown area can be pretty crowded.

The downtown area is separated by the Vitava river, the Old Town (Staro Metska) on the west and the "Little Village" (Mala Strana) in the west. The connection between are a number of bridges, the oldest being the Charles Bridge with it's two toll towers. The bridge and the surrounding areas on each side are where most of the attractions in Prague are located.

Prague and surrounding Bohemia (Czech) have a unique, very hearty cuisine. This area is also where the modern day beer was invented, and it shows. Bring good appetite and stay thirsty.

Where to stay

As with Budapest, there are many good places to stay here, but make sure you're close to downtown. The subway system takes some getting used to.

My place to stay in Prague is the Hotel U Tri Pstrosu (Hotel At the Three Ostriches), which is right at the eastern end of the Charles Bridge. The place has quite a bit of history -- it used to be the bar where King Charles watched the progress on the bridge being build -- the bridge now carrying his name. It's definitely a medieval building, walls some 3-4 ft thick, 500 year old wooden ceilings etc. Get a room that has a view over the bridge, and you'll have all the evening entertainment you'll need just by looking out the window. The place has also a very good restaurant downstairs and a beer garden right on the bridge as well. You're right in the middle of Mala Strana (the Small Town) with it's many small alley ways that lead you from one little square to the next, with many good shops and restaurants.
It's a good value, and it's not on every travel site - booking.com has it here: https://www.booking.com/hotel/cz/u-3-pstrosu.html?aid=356980 .

Another good hotel, not too far from here, and with a awesome restaurant is the Aria Hotel. However, it doesn't have the view over the bridge.

What to see

Staro Metske (The Old Town)

The Prague Old Town with it's famous square is right across the bridge in eastern direction, through the western toll tower of the bridge and pretty much straight thru a labyrinth of small alleys and streets until it opens into the Old Town Square (Staro Metske Namesti). Two of the main attractions in the old town are right here, the 600 year old Astronomical Clock in the town hall tower at the western end of the square, and the Tyn Church across the square at the eastern end. If you think the slight difference in size of the church towers at the Tyn church is a optical illusion, it isn't, they are indeed slightly different in size and symbolize a man and a woman. The square is full of rstaurants and coffee's, but it is also pretty touristy here.

At the south-easternn end of the square starts Celetna street. This is one of the many shopping streets in downtown, so check the stores along the way. The street leads up to the Powder Gate.

Next to the gate is the Municipal House ("Obecni Dum"), styled in Art Nouveau architecture. Inside is on the left is a really nice, upscale restaurant that is still reasonable. The you gonna love the architecture in that place, stop by for a snack or coffee.

You can follow the main street in front of the Municipal House towards the river - there are some big shopping malls along the way. Once you're on the river make a left and follow the river until you're back at the Charles Bridge, Or you can zig-zag through the old town. If you can keep your general bearing towards the west, you'll always eventually wind up at the river, turn left until you see the Charles bridge - you can't really get lost.

Mala Strana ("Little Quarter")

This is one of my favourite places in Prague, and your hotel is right there. Just wander around the little alleyways that sometimes cross over side channels of the main river, and where you come across tiny squares, with small shops and restaurants. The area was at times inhabited by Italians (and Germans too), the architecture of the small houses glued to each other still shows this.

Eventually, you'll run into the Lennon Wall (or just look for it), and have one of the famous Trdelník' (a cake on a stick that is available throughout the town, but best in Mala Strana). Towards the north is the embassy area of the Czech Republic, and you'll see many official vehicles and persons.

Prag Castle (Hrad)

Right to the north from Mala Strana rises the Hradschin hill, which is topped by the Prag Castle ("Hrad"). It's the largest castle complex in the world. The areal includes St. Vitus Cathedral (Czech Monarchs are buried here), the Royal Palace, St. George's Basilica and the Golden Lane. Unfortunately, the Golden Lane is now pay-access only, which cuts down on the masses of tourists going down the little alleyway, but it's pretty steep to go thru a alley with tourist shops. However, if you're there, I'd say go for it, it's one of the unique views of Prague.