Introduction
There is magic in the air, medieval cobbled streets are filled with tourists, and street musician are playing their music on elegant bridges over a swan-filled river. Is this an imagination or reality? Perhaps, both and it is Prague, the capital of Czech Republic. One of the most beautiful cities in the world, Prague became a hot tourist destination only in the last decade of 20th century after the country went through a smooth transition from communism to democracy. Many tourists who are visiting the city for long, claim that the magic of Prague has been tainted by the influx of western tourists and the dominating culture brought by them. The claim is not without reason. As you move around in the city streets in the high season, you might hear more English than the Czech. Don't lose heart as Prague still has much charm left in coffers to entertain you.

What to do
Entire city of Prague is an open museum and its images have varied meanings for the different segments of visitors. Prague has such spellbinding charm that most of your time would be spent just appreciating the city's architecture, music, culture, and solitude. Then you have the option to move out of the town (if your permits) then you have the entire Czech hinterland on your disposal.

City at a Glance

Latitude 50, 5 N Longitude 14, 26 E Population 1,220,000 Language Czech Religion Christianity Telephone Code 02

History
The region around Prague was inhabited by the Palaeolithic and Neolithic men as early as 5000 to 2000 BC, but the place that is known as Prague today was settled only in the second half of 9th century. According to the legends, the city was founded by Princess Libuse and her husband Premysl of Premyslid Dynasty. After the eclipse of Premyslids in the 13th century, the city came under the House of Luxembourg. Charles IV, the Luxembourg King and emperor of Holy Roman Empire had his capital in Prague and he took considerable interest in the development of the city. The city played a significant role in the Reformation Movement and for the next 200 years the it received tremendous growth. But, the defeat of Protestant forces and subsequent execution of twenty seven commoners and nobles at the hand of Roman Catholic Habsburgs led the city to devastation. It ceased to be the capital of empire and subsequent plagues expedited the decay process.

The return of peace and Industrial Revolution in the subsequent centuries paved the way for evolution of modern Prague. The city became capital of Czechoslovakian Republic in 1918 and population of the city grew briskly in the coming decades. Surrender of most parts of Czechoslovakia to the Germans in 1938 under Munich Treaty created many setbacks to the city but that was not for long. The city rebelled in 1945 against German occupation till the Red Army of USSR came to help them out. The reconstruction of the city began under the communists in the coming decade. In 1989, Czechoslovakia went through a smooth passage from Communism to Democracy and from 1990, Prague became one of the most sought after destinations in Europe.

Weather and Best Season to Visit
February is the coldest month and also the month to savour the beauty of Prague in all aloneness on the Charles Bridge. Summer months are usually the most preferred season when buses full of travellers descend in the city. The best season to get the best out of the city without confronting the backpacker crowds are Spring, especially May to October.

Attractions
Prague Castle (Praský Hrad)
The work on this fortress began in the 9th century and it has been a continuous process. The castle overlooks entire city located on the Malá Strana side of the river. Main attractions inside the castle are St. Vitus Cathedral, Chapel of St. Wenceslas, Royal Palace, St. George's Basilica, and Golden Lane.

Old Town Square (Staroměstské náměstí)
Centred on a massive memorial to Jan Hus, the 15th-century religious reformer, Staroměstské is the most gorgeous baroque square in the city. The square is also home to some of the prettiest buildings in the city and always crowded with tourists and street performers. SOme of the structures that surround the square are Old Town Hall and Church of Our Lady Before Týn.

Charles Bridge (Karluv most)
Constructed in the 14th century, this is the loveliest span in entire Europe full of musicians, street performers, pedastrians, craft peddlers, and caricature artists. This is also the most photographed landmark of Prague along with Prague Castle. Most of the statues here are the copies of the originals that have been moved inside to protect from the weather.

National Gallery at Sternberk palace Sternberskýpalác)
Housed in a grand palace built in the 17th century near the castle, the works in the gallery include the likes of Rembrandt, Brueghel the Elder, Klee, and Munch. There are also collections by impressionists and post-impressionists like Delacroix, Rodin, Monet, Rousseau, Gaugin, Seurat, van Gogh, and many cubist paintings by Picasso and Braque.

Jewish Quarter (Josefov)
Situated on the north end of the Old Town, Jewish ghetto is the home of Jews before 10th century. Main points of attraction are Maisel Synagogue, Old-New Synagogue, Old Jewish Cemetery, and Pinkas Synaggue.

Strahov Monastery (Strahovskýklášter)
Known for its library collections of over 125,000 volumes and long baroque hall, the monastery was built in the 12th century by Premonstratensian monks.

IMPORTANT FESTIVALS AND EXHIBITIONS
Festivals and events are an year-round activity in Prague though some of them are certainly better than others. Paleni Carodejnic or the Burning of the Witches is an event that has its route even before Christ. There are all-night bonfire parties held on Kampa Island and other parts of the city. Prague Spring International Music Festival in April and May marks the time when the city is full of tourists. Other festivals are Prague International Book Fair in May, Mozart Festival in September, and Christmas and New Year celebrations at the seasons ending.

PLACES NEARBY
Karlštejn Castle
The most popular day trip from Prague taking 45 minutes by trains takes you to this highly picturesque castle built in 14th century. See the Audience Hall and Imperial Bedroom in the palace representing the best of austere, medieval way of life.

Kutná Hora
The small village that in 14th century minted silver coins that became one of the foremost currencies of the continent still look life almost same. main attraction are the cathedral, Bone Church, and center of the village, all well preserved. You can reach Kutná Hora in one and half hours by bus from Prague.

Terezín
Built in the 19th century by the Nazis to serve as a transition camp from where the prisoner would be sent to the death or concentration camps of Auschwitz and Treblinka. The place has been designed as a city/fortress and main fortress today houses a Museum of the Ghetto, Minor Fortress, and National Cemetery.

AFTER HOURS
Night life in Prague gives enough options to the visitors to indulge in their favourite activity. From a heated argument at a noisy pub to dancing your night out in a night club, there are enough to make you feel comfortable. Many of the tourists confine their evenings to just stroll in the cobbled streets of Old Town. Classical music is the forte of Prague and there are enough performances to have your evenings on a musical note.

SHOPPING
Influx of big European brands and shopping chains has changed the way shopping was being done in Prague. Major shopping areas such as Wenceslas Square, Na Prikope, Myslbek Center are all full of European brands though you may have the objects on the bargained price here than most of the major cities in other parts of Europe. For traditional Czech handicrafts and other items go to the streets surrounding Old Town Square. The objects that you might find interesting enough to buy are wood carvings, garnets, handmade toys, and typical Czech glass and porcelain.

WHERE TO STAY
Rooms in Prague though not as much costly as they are in the Western Europe, but they are certainly costlier than most of the places in Eastern Europe. The best accommodation can be traced in Staré Město and Mála Strana. Don't believe on the touts selling rooms on unbelievable rates on the railway station and other places where you would disembark.

WHERE TO EAT
Some of the best restaurants in the city are located near the major attractions like Prague Castle and Old Town Square. But, they are also the costliest restaurants in town. Go away from the centre of Prague and you would probably get inexpensive but reasonably good restaurants. hovězí polévka s játrovymi knedlíčky (liver dumplings in beef stock) is the best of soups in Prague. Also check out knedlíčky, svíčková na smetaně, pečená kachna, zjic, and ovocné knedlíčky.

TRAVEL INFORMATION
Air Travel Resources
Ruzyne Airport situated at a distance of around 20 km from the city centre and connected to many destinations in Europe, Middle East, and North America. CSA Czech Airlines is the national carrier that has extensive connections all over the world. From the airport, a shuttle bus would take you to Dejvicka, a Metro terminus in the north.

Land
Buses to Prague from other places in Europe costs significantly less than the trains and provide better convenience. There are connections to Vienna, London, Budapest, and Warsaw to name few from where you can take direct buses to Prague. There are direct trains from Vienna, London, Berlin, and Paris apart from many other destinations to take you to Prague.

Local Transport
The Tram system in Prague is a good way of moving around in the city and is amply supported by the buses. The Prague Metro has three lines only but they still cover the city centre without any problems. Driving your own car or cycling in the city is not recommended due to bad traffic conditions. Single transport ticket that is available at many places including computerised ticket counters.

TRAVEL RESOURCES
Tourist Office
Czech Tourist Authority (Prague)
Vinohradská 46, PO Box 21, 120 41 Prague 2
Tel: (02) 24 25 79 59. Fax: (02) 24 24 75 16.

Airlines
Air France
Vaclavské nam. 10, Praha 1
Tel: 02/2422 7164

Alitalia
Na Mustku 9, Praha 1
Tel: 02/2419 4150

Austrian Airlines
Revolucni 15, Praha 1
Tel. 02/231 3378

British Airways
Ovocny trh 8, Praha 1
Tel. 02/2211 4444

CSA Czech Airlines
V celnici 5, Praha 1, next to the Renaissance Hotel
Tel. 02/2010 4111 or 02/2010 4620

Lufthansa
Parízska 28, Praha 1
Tel: 02/2481 1007