The Old Town is largely considered to be the heart of Prague, covering a large portion of Prague 1. From the multitude of shops, cafés and restaurants to the serenity of Hastalke Square with its cathedral and quiet bistros, you can surely find something for everyone. All major sites and tourist attractions are within walking distance as Prague city centre is surprisingly compact.
Art and Culture:
No trip to Prague would be complete without a visit to the Prague State Opera. Originally opened as a German stage in 1888, many famous composers and opera stars have trodden the boards here, including Gigli, Mahler, Strauss and Wagner. Go to www.opera.cz for up-to-the-minute listings.
The stunning Estates Theatre is perhaps most famous as Mozart's venue for the premiere of Don Giovanni on 29th October 1787. Today it is host to many contemporary, national and international artists.
Places to visit:
Being the oldest and richest quarter of Prague, you will find the greatest concentration of attractions within Prague. The Old Town square, packed with shops and restaurants is not a bad place to start your exploration of central Prague, the Romanesque stone buildings which have been lovingly preservec are unique in Europe.
Many visitors feel a sense of wonder and awe when they see the beautiful facade of Municipal House (Obecní Dům). It first opened in 1912 on the site of King's Court which was the first official residence of a Bohemian monarch.
A collective of painters and sculptors were hired to create an Art Nouveau masterpiece, and taking centre stage is the largest concert hall in Prague, Smetana Hall. Crammed with frescos and sculptures which are beautifully lit from the original skylights, this is a popular tourist attraction.
The stunning St. Nicholas Church, designed by Kilian Ignaz Dientzenhofer, was completed in 1735, but the beautiful baroque façade became visible in 1901. Nowadays, the beautiful white façade of the church, decorated with sculptures by Antonín Braun, glimmers in the corner of the square, hit by the sun during the day and lit by strong white lights at night.
Famous Monuments:
The Powder Gate can be traced back to the 11th century, when the original gate was one of 13 entrances to Prague's Old Town. In the 17th century it was used to gunpowder, but today it is home to the Prague Towers exhibition. Those with a bit of energy can climb the steps to a viewing platform which has a great view of the Old Town. To this day, Power Gate retains a sooty look, a nod to its chequered past.
Nightlife:
U zlatého tygra (The Golden Tiger) is one of the few Old Town drinking establishments that has clung onto its soul, and relatively low prices. President Havel took Bill Cliton there to show him an example of a traditional Czech pub.
Chateau is a local legend, with a sinfully dark red interior and super chilled-out atmosphere. The even darker cellar room provides a dance area which is a good counterpart to the relaxed atmosphere of earlier in the evening.
Caffrey's is a popular Irish pub and although you will encounter Old Town prices, this is justified by the authentic Irish breakfast and first-class Guinness. The pub also screens live sporting events and is a frequent haunt of tourists and stag nighters.
Studio 54 doesn't hot up until the morning so arrive fashionably late and don't forget the obligatory sunglasses.
Iron Door offers cheap drinks in a wide brick cellar, strewn with 1970's chairs and sofas. The white VIP rooms offer a retreat for stressed out clubbers, and you can listen to cool R&B Wednesday-Sunday.
Gastronomy:
Whether you fancy traditional Czech fare, or international cuisine, Prague will not disappoint.
Svejk was made to recreate the look of an authentic Czech beer hall and is great for traditional Czech food like wild boar, pork and duck served with dumplings cabbage and potent local beer.
The Lemon Leaf serves mainly Thai cuisine although they do offer some non Thai alternatives. Good and affordable prices ensure this restaurant is always popular.
Don Giovanni has a fantastic view of Charles Bridge, and is a very popular Italian restaurant with locals and tourists.
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