Standing in medieval beauty in Prague's Old Town Square is the 600-year-old monument of Orloj. An astronomical clock that displays the position of the sun and moon, it holds the city's folklore and is well-maintained for fear of ghost-filled legends. Watching it strike on the hour is a must do in Prague, drawing in a huge crowd right through the day to witness the spectacle of a dancing skeleton and live trumpeter dressed in medieval attire.
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PRAGUE
TRAVEL IN PRAGUE
Once known as the capital of the Kingdom of Bohemia, Prague is as exotic and mythical as its former title suggests. Now standing as a perfect synopsis to the modern day Czech Republic, both its historic corners and progressive pockets offer travel delight. Wandering around Prague will offer a lesson in medieval architecture, from the extravagant hourly display of the Astronomical Clock to the picturesque Charles Bridge. The portrait of Prague's more recent history has also been painted into the city, found most hauntingly in the 6 synagogues and cemetery of 12,000 tombstones in the Jewish Ghetto, or more upliftingly in The Lennon Wall scribed with odes of love and peace. The brightly coloured former houses of Golden Lane need to be on any Prague bucket list, as do the city's countless museums. From the Sex Machines Museum to the KGB Museum, and even the Prague Jewish Museum, which was once a hospital and later a Spanish Synagogue., there's no shortage of amazement to be found here in the Czech capital, and not all of it revolves around history. If your trip to Prague has flexibility, you best time it with a festival; the city's boutique beer celebrations put a sophisticated spin on Oktoberfest. There is also a Prague Dragon Boat Festival held in the name of charity, not to mention the Prague Fringe Festival celebrating cabaret, comedy, and all manner of theatrics, and the contemporary circus of Letní Letná held during August. Wash all your sightseeing down with a serve of Řízek schnitzel or Guláš beef stew. Prague is not a place you will soon forget.
FAST FACTS
Language: Czech
Currency: Euro
Electricity: 230V
Visas: Click here to see if you need a visa to enter Czech Republic.
Dialing Code: +420
Time Zone: (GMT +01:00 / CEST)
ABOUT CONTIKI
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THINGS TO DO IN PRAGUE
Watch the Astronomical Clock Strike an Hour
Walk down the Charles Bridge
Wandering over the Vltava River is a romantic Prague pastime that simply must be done. Although 18 bridges cross the 400 kilometres of this river, none have quite the fame and history of the Charles Bridge. In the many centuries it's been standing it has been victim to much damage and change, morphing from a horse and carriage way to an electric tram track and now standing protected as a pedestrian bridge. Opt to stroll the sandstone structure at dusk for ultimate scenery.
Visit the Old Jewish Ghetto
Often declared the most well-preserved collection of Jewish monuments in all of Europe, Prague's Old Jewish Ghetto is filled with stories and history. Most remarkably surviving the wrath of Hitler who opted to leave it standing as a "museum of an extinct race," it comprises of 6 synagogues and the largest Jewish cemetery in Europe. With a slightly haunted feeling and a pervasive sense of sadness from times gone by, it could be followed with a sample of local becherovka, the Czech bitters with 38% alcohol content.
Shop for handmade treasures on the Golden Lane
A tiny stretch of lane in Prague Castle with roots in the 16th century, Golden Lane is a collection of brightly coloured former houses presenting like a scene from a children's storybook. Now converted to museums and souvenir stores they make for a great scout for treasures, boasting everything from antique homewares to musical instruments, with a whole lot of postcards thrown in for good measure.
Spot a Seven-Foot-Tall Sigmund Freud
The peculiar yet monumental psychoanalyst Sigmund Freud was known to have a fear of his own death, a trait depicted in the monument ‘Man Hanging Out’ in Prague's Old Town. Visitors need to cast a glance up at the intersection of the streets Husova and Skorepka, and here they will spot a Bronze Freud hanging to the grips of life. Built in 1996 by artist David Cerny, it has often been mistaken for an actual suicide attempt, with calls often made to Czech police.
Take pictures by the Lennon Wall
A symbol of international ideals that has caused much controversy over the years, the Lennon Wall began its transformation from simple brick in the early 1980's. Beatles lyrics and odes to John Lennon still cover the walls despite being painted over numerous times by officials declaring it a sign of deranged youth following Western capitalism. A bright and artistic site now accepted as promoting love and peace, it is a popular spot to snap a photo when travelling.
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TOP 5 FESTIVALS IN PRAGUE
Your Prague holiday is not likely to be dull. But for a truly remarkable experience it should be timed with a festival. From international theatrics to heart pounding trance and dance, here's our pick of the best festivals in the Czech capital.
Letní Letná - Culture
Contemporary circus experiences don't come much better than Letní Letná, which commences with an elaborate parade through the picturesque streets of Prague's Old Town. Set to the backdrop of an antique circus but featuring plenty of modern marvels, this is all the reason you need to visit Prague during August.
Prague Dragon Boat Festival - Culture & Sports
With more than 30 teams entering into a competition of charitable team-building fun, the Prague Dragon Boat Festival is a highlight of the Czech spring calendar. Held at Prague's idyllic žluté lázně it draws a big crowd of supporters and showcases the good-natured spirit of the Czechs.
Czech Beer Festival - Culture
For a more boutique take on Oktoberfest simply visit Prague in May, when the 17-day Czech Beer Festival is in full swing. Pouring up 70 national beers and another 50 from beyond Czech borders, it's one of the liveliest Prague festivals you could hope to attend.
Prague Fringe Festival - Art
Cabaret, comedy, and all manner of theatrics bring the Czech capital to life during the annual Prague Fringe Festival. Held at numerous venues over the historic Malá Strana district, this 9-day event draws in artists and entertainers from all over the world.
Transmission - Music
Now an international export held in Melbourne and Bangkok, Transmission is best attended in its original birthplace of Prague. Bringing trance music and unimaginable laser light shows together under one roof, this is the kind of music festival that will ring in your ears and memory for years to come.
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TOP 5 MUSEUMS & GALLERIES IN PRAGUE
Soviet spies, crumbling Spanish synagogues and mysterious sex toys. There's no set theme to the menu of museums in the city of Prague. Step outside your comfort zone and learn a thing or two in the process, each one deserves to be on your itinerary.
The KGB Museum
Spy cameras, torture devices and rare photographs make the KGB Museum a fascinating insight into this frightening era in the Soviet's history. Employing some 480,000 civilians until its demise in 1991, understanding the KGB offers significant insight into the history of the Czech Republic.
Prague Jewish Museum
Once a hospital and later a Spanish Synagogue, the building of the Prague Jewish Museum has had its share of transformations. Formed to preserve artefacts and historical traditions unique to the Jewish communities of the Czech Republic, it has become one of the most popular Prague museums to visit.
Sex Machines Museum
This obscure collection of objects is about as outlandish as any museum gets, showcasing the history of human pleasure through old-fashioned sex machines. Though this may not tickle everyone’s fancy, masochists or anyone with a lively curiosity will really get their kicks here.
Karel Zeman Museum
Dubbed an international genius of cinema and a master of special effects, the late Czech film director Karel Zeman did much to earn his own museum. A small but interactive space found near the Charles Bridge, visiting this museum can see you riding a flying machine or walking around the moon.
Museum of Communism
From art to education, family routine to propaganda, this museum takes an in-depth look at life submerged in communism. Covering the Stalinist era and the totalitarian regime of the Czech Republic from 1948 until 1989, it is a haunting lesson in the country's tumultuous history.
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FOOD IN PRAGUE
With all the meaty hallmarks of Eastern European cuisine combined with plenty of regional quirks, the food in Prague is sure to keep you busy. From zelnačka to guláš, koleno to Řízek; we're suggesting them, all you need to do is learn how to pronounce them.
Guláš
This hearty and traditional Czech dish is a staple of Prague restaurants. A delicious stew of beef and onions, it's gently simmered until tender, and served with delicious Czech-style knedlíky (steamed and sliced dumplings).
Best eaten at - U Kalicha, Na Bojišti 1733/12
Koleno
This outsized chunk of roasted pork knuckle is a Prague food classic. With crispy skin and wonderfully succulent meat, it's typically served with mustard and horseradish and pairs excellently with an ice-cold Czech beer.
Best eaten at - Restaurace KolonialŠiroká 25/6
Zelnačka
Zelnačka is known to the English-speaking world as 'cabbage soup', but it's infinitely more delicious than the name suggests. A rich and creamy soup made with cabbage, sauerkraut and smoky sausage, trying it is a must do when visiting the Czech Republic.
Best eaten at– Kolkovna Olympia, Vítězná 7
Best eaten at– Kolkovna Olympia, Vítězná 7
Řízek
This Czech-style schnitzel consists of a piece of meat - normally pork or chicken - beaten out until thin and tender, then coated in breadcrumbs and fried until crisp and golden. It's usually served with dumplings or potato salad.
Svíčková na smetaně
A true Czech favourite, this dish of tender beef sirloin is cooked in a rich and creamy sauce, then served with dumplings and cranberry sauce on the side as the perfect compliment.
Best eaten at - Café ImperialNa Poříčí 15
Best eaten at - Café ImperialNa Poříčí 15
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