Prague has a rich history that begins in the 9th century, when the first village was founded on the banks of the Vltava River. Over the centuries, the city has become an important European centre of political, cultural and economic life. In the Middle Ages, Prague was one of the most important cities in Europe, as evidenced by its many monuments and historical buildings. Charles University, the oldest university in Central Europe, was founded at this period.
The historic centre, with its tangle of charming streets, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is worth exploring on foot, step by step.
What to visit in Prague?
The most famous attractions include Prague Castle, Charles Bridge, Wenceslas Square and Old Town Square. Every year Prague hosts the Prague Spring Music Festival. The city is known for its rich cultural scene with many theatres, museums, and galleries. The most famous theatres include the National Theatre, the Theatre in Front Of The Curtain and the State Opera House. In addition, you can walk through the picturesque streets of the Old Town or take a stroll along the Vltava River.
Local specialties are interesting for tourists, who could find many excellent restaurants, breweries, and pubs where you can enjoy local specialties and traditional Czech beer. Nature lovers will enjoy the Divoká Šárka Nature Reserve or the Prokopské údolí. In summer you can meet in Letenské or Riegrovy sady.
Prague is a renowned place for hosting the world's most important sporting events. The city hosted the last IIHF Ice Hockey Championship in 2015. O2 arena hosted the European Indoor Athletics Championships in the same year. Major sporting events include the Prague Marathon, which each year draws several thousand runners from all over Europe.
The region around the capital offers many sights and natural scenery. One of them is Karlštejn Castle or the mythical Říp Mountain. There are several hiking trails, cycle paths and parks for nature lovers around Prague. The most popular ones include the Kokořínsko region, Český kras or the Český ráj with its sandstone cliffs and scenic villages.