By Tom Gannon, Lynn Travel Inc.
I often think about what is my favorite city among all of those that I have visited. In North America the finalists were: Chicago, New York, San Antonio, San Francisco, Quebec City, and Ottawa. I have not been to too many places in Asia, so it has to be Shanghai. In Australia, Sydney bests Melbourne. Buenos Aires is the clear winner in South America. Now comes the tough part, Europe. Your favorite city may not be on my list. I haven’t been to Scandinavia, yet. European semi-finalists include Paris, Strasbourg, Aix-en-Provence, Lisbon, Barcelona, Budapest, Dubrovnik, and Bucharest. The other prominent cities I haven’t visited are: Berlin, Krakow, and Tallinn.
What sets Prague apart? Phrases from travel literature start to paint a picture. It is a city of one hundred spires. It is an architectural textbook featuring Romanesque, Gothic, Baroque, Art Nouveau, and Cubist examples. I remember being so impressed by all the postings for concerts, especially classical music. The Germans won’t appreciate this but Prague is considered the “true” beer capital of Europe. Later we will mention the sights.
Those seeking the true Medieval heart of Europe will find it in Prague. The British global magazine, Time Out, voted Prague the most beautiful city in the world. The US News and World Report state that this once hidden gem is now a haven for travelers seeking awe-inspiring experiences at affordable prices. We stayed in a 5-star hotel, the Ventana, in the Old Town and paid just over $150 per night. If this hotel were in Chicago, however, it might only get 3 ½ stars. One can also stay in that historic part of town at the Ibis Praha Hotel for $70 a night. US News goes on to state “this bargain hunting legacy has a ticketing clock on it, so if you’re hoping to find a fire-sale price, now is the time to do so.” Other designations from the magazine include #1 Best Places to Visit in Eastern Europe, #1 Best Christmas Vacation Destination, and #2 Best Cheap European Vacation.
Much of Prague is walkable, but there is also an outstanding system of trams that crisscross the city. If you are staying in the Old Town you will have to walk to the edges to find public transportation or, for the hardy, walk across the Charles Bridge which is one of the city’s most important landmarks. It is 1692 feet long with 16 arches/pillars and was completed in 1402. It is an amazing feat of medieval engineering. Named for Emperor Charles IV, and since the 17th and 18th centuries, it is lined on both sides with statues of 30 saints. The goal was to mimic the St. Angelo Bridge in Rome with its statuary, primarily angels.
Prague Castle is the largest castle complex in the world. Frommer states it can be a bewildering proposition not only because of the size but that “the historical events and personalities behind the buildings are not well known.” The major components are: the main entrance, exterior courtyards, picture gallery, St. Vitus Cathedral, Old Royal Palace, St. George’s Basilica, Golden Lane, Dalibor Tower, Toy Museum, and Lobkowicz Palace. Near the castle, Petrin Hill may be accessed by a funicular railroad. It features a 1/5-sized copy of the Eiffel Tower rose gardens, with stunning views. Arthur Frommer publishes a nifty day-by-day guide to Prague written by Mark Barker and Rick Steves devotes 252 pages to the city in his Prague & the Czech Republic Book. The remainder of this article will list just some of the not to be missed sights: The Josefov Jewish Quarter features various synagogues, Ceremonial Hall, and the Old Jewish Cemetery.
St. Agnes of Bohemia Monastery is known for its gothic architecture. The Hidden Gardens of Mala Strana including the Wallenstein Palace Garden. The Astronomical Clock at the Old Town Hall is considered the city’s number one crowd pleaser.
The Dancing House which according to Rick Steves is nicknamed “Fred and Ginger” by American architecture buffs. It is the work of Frank Gehry of the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao, Spain, and Seattle’s Museum of Pop Culture fame.
The Vitava River may be enjoyed on a 50-minute, evening sightseeing tour, a dinner cruise, or a 45-minute canal tour in historical wooden boats. For landlubbers, a former ferry boat is now permanently docked and is a full-service restaurant and brewery known as Lod Pivovar. I have dined there and it is a fun experience with good food and drink.
We have not even scratched the surface on cuisine, restaurants, wines, and shopping, but hopefully, you have read enough to start packing your bags.
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