DK Travel : Prague

At the geographical heart of Europe, Prague’s beautiful cityscape has been carved and sustained by a variety of emperors, artists and religious communities, from the Gothic exuberance of its castle and cathedral, to the dignity of the medieval Jewish Cemetery, and the 19th-century opulence of the “new” town. Under Communist rule, Prague was off the tourist map, but since 1989 the city has seen a surge of visitors eager to take in this spectacular city.

Náměstí Republiky

The odd couple of the Art Nouveau Municipal House and the Neo-Gothic Powder Tower are the centrepiece of Náměstí Republiky (Republic Square), facing the Czech National Bank’s stern façade and the Hybernia Theatre, currently undergoing renovation. The composer Frédéric Chopin stayed briefly at a house that stood at the corner of Hybernská and Senovážná. Behind the theatre, at Hybernská 7, is the former home of the Lenin Museum, closed in 1991 after the Communists had lost power. The unassuming Church of St Joseph huddles in the northeast corner of the square.
Náprstek

Good French food that won’t break the bank. The duck breast is excellent, as is the crème Catalane.
Národní banka vín

Wine investors can sample the National Wine Bank’s offerings before deciding whether to take a bottle home or leave it in a rented space in the cellar. Enquire about the next dégustation party.
Národní divadlo

The National Theatre’s curtain first raised for Bedřich Smetana’s opera Libuše in 1883; you can still see this or other Czech operas on the same stage today. Go to a performance, if only to appreciate the artistic work that went into creating the theatre.
Národní divadlo marionet

The National Marionette Theatre represents the pinnacle of the much-loved puppet genre, staging wonderful productions of Czech fairytales and other child-pleasing shows (in Czech). They also have the best Beatles tribute in town and a delightful marionette version of Don Giovanni (see Puppet Shows).
Národní třída

The end of Communism in Czechoslovakia began midway between the National Theatre and what is now the Tesco supermarket. On 17 November 1989, police put a brutal end to a pro-democracy march as it made its way to Wenceslas Square. A plaque under the arcade at Národní 20 marks where marchers and truncheons met.
National Gallery

The National Gallery’s extensive art collection is spread throughout the city in six locations. Kinský Palace holds the prints and drawings collection; St George’s Convent the Mannerist and Baroque art (see St George’s Convent); St Agnes’s Convent, medieval art; Sternberg Palace, the Old Masters; Veletržní Palace, the modern and contemporary collections (see National Gallery); and Zbraslav Chateau, the collection of Asian art.
National Gallery

One of the first Functionalist buildings in Europe, the Trade Fair Palace now houses the National Gallery’s collection of modern and contemporary art, including 14 Picassos.
National Museum

Palaeontology, mineralogy and a host of other “ologies”. The museum’s collections are scattered throughout the country, but the Wenceslas Square edifice is a cultural artifact in its own right.
National Museum

The National Museum’s collections are also spread throughout the country, but the flagship site is the historical and natural history collections housed in the eponymous building at the top of Wenceslas Square.

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Restaurant price categories

For a three-course meal for one with half a bottle of wine (or equivalent meal), taxes and extra charges.
- under Kč300
- Kč300–Kč500
- Kč500–Kč700
- Kč700–Kč1000
- over Kč1000