Prague

Prague sits in central Czech Republic on the Vltava River as one of Europe’s most beautiful capitals with Gothic spires, baroque buildings, and medieval bridges that survived World War Two intact. It’s cheaper than Western European capitals with excellent beer and lively nightlife. The old town packs tight with tourists but side streets stay quieter. Communism ended in 1989 with the Velvet Revolution and the city opened up fast. Three to four days covers the main sights and lets you explore neighborhoods beyond the center. The city sprawls but trams connect everything efficiently.

Castle and Charles Bridge

Prague Castle complex sits massive on the hill dominating the skyline as the largest ancient castle in the world. St Vitus Cathedral inside has Gothic spires and stained glass by Mucha. Golden Lane is the tiny colorful houses built into the castle walls where goldsmiths and guards lived. The views from the castle grounds stretch across red rooftops. Charles Bridge connects the castle side to old town lined with 30 baroque statues and street artists selling paintings. It gets packed midday so go early morning or evening. The bridge tower on old town side has views if you climb the stairs. Crossing the bridge at sunrise with mist on the river beats the crowds completely. Lesser Town below the castle has baroque palaces and quiet streets worth wandering before heading across.

Old Town and Beer Halls

Old Town Square centers around the astronomical clock that does a show every hour with apostles appearing in windows. Crowds gather to watch but it’s underwhelming. Tyn Church with twin Gothic spires towers behind. The square fills with Christmas markets in winter. Jewish Quarter north has preserved synagogues and the old cemetery with thousands of gravestones layered on top of each other. Wenceslas Square is more modern and commercial with the National Museum at the top. U Fleku beer hall serves dark beer brewed onsite since 1499 with Czech food and accordion music.

Food is goulash, svickova beef with cream sauce, roast pork with dumplings, trdelnik chimney cakes, smažený sýr fried cheese, pilsner urquell, becherovka liquor.