Prague – The Golden City, The City Of Old

Commonly referred to as the “city of a hundred spires” or “the golden city”, Prague is a city of splendour, and for many it is one of the most beautiful cities on continental Europe.

Prague is the capital and largest city in the Czech Republic and for over 1000 years it has been the Czech state’s cultural and economic centrepiece. In 1992, Prague’s historic centre was included in UNESCO’s list of World Heritage Sites, and its architectural styles range from Renaissance and Baroque up to Art Nouveau and Cubist. Indeed, part of Prague’s historical core date back as far as the 14th century, so it’s easy to see why it is such a popular destination for those seeking to experience echoes of a bygone era.

Whilst Prague’s integrated transport system is an excellent way of getting around, with a choice of bus, trams and overland trains all of which are cheap and reliable, one of the more enjoyable aspects of visiting Prague is the accessibility of the old town, much of which can be traversed on foot, with many bars and cafes dotted around to provide sufficient pit-stops en-route.

Wandering the ancient, meandering streets of Prague is a rewarding experience in itself, but there are also many other activities to do to suit most visitors.

Prague’s Ball Season for example, is one of the year’s great highlights. Taking place between January and February each year, Prague’s finest venues host a variety of themed balls, from smart and traditional to policeman and ‘leather’ balls. So it’s probably worth researching a little in advance to ensure the correct dress code is adhered to!

Then there is Prague Castle, one of the largest medieval castles in the world, originally dating back to the 9th century, and now containing the crown jewels of the Bohemian Kingdom. Parts of the castle have been rebuilt since then and many additions have been made, therefore most architectural styles of the last millennium are represented here in some form, with palaces, gardens and a monastery all fighting for the visitor’s attention.

Whilst the city is easy to get around, it is just as accessible for international visitors, with
flights to Prague leaving frequently from London Heathrow, taking around only two hours to arrive.

So, for a city that offers so much history and culture and is in many ways so distinct from most parts of Western Europe, Prague is still just a short trip away. And whether it’s wandering the ancient streets of a bygone age, or dressing up and waltzing the night away during ball season, it’s little wonder Prague is known as the Golden City.