Prague
Prague is a fascinating and, in the mystical footsteps of Golem, a magical place that has experienced a rebirth since the fall of the Iron Curtain. But Prague has also become sophisticated and expensive and no longer needs to shy away from comparison with other capital cities. As one of the oldest and largest cities in Central Europe, which was largely spared the destruction of the Second World War, it is now a first-class tourist destination. Prague's Old Town has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1992.
Prague's election as "European City of Culture 2000" brought the metropolis popularity and a rush of visitors. Today, the metropolis exudes energy and economic dynamism, which is reflected in the increasing number of business and leisure travelers. As a result, the call for international hotels and comprehensive services has become louder, as luxury hotels were previously rather rare here.
But now the market is on the move. Until now, the only hotel of the highest standard was the Four Seasons in a classicist palace on the Old Town side. Some time ago, however, the Asian hotel group Mandarin Oriental opened its fourth hotel in Europe on the Lesser Town side. This is a measure of the international importance attributed to this up-and-coming city.
Hollywood of the East
There are many names for Prague: Charles IV also referred to Prague as the "Golden City", and since the beginning of the 19th century it has also been called the "City of a Hundred Spires" due to its numerous church towers and onion-shaped domes. Prague's magnificent architecture, some of which is over 1000 years old, is what makes the city so unmistakable. The architectural styles in Prague are very diverse. You will find Romanesque, Gothic, Renaissance, Baroque, Rococo, Classicist, Empire, Art Nouveau and Cubist buildings, churches, towers and other structures and artifacts. Old Town Hall, Charles Bridge, Hradčany - these are the most famous places in Prague that you must see. The well-preserved city center, the historic buildings, the winding alleys of the Old Town, the wide view that opens up from Charles Bridge and Prague Castle watching over everything - Prague has a special charm. The Jewish ghetto was located in the Josefov district until 1896. Today you can visit the Jewish cemetery, the synagogue, which is one of the oldest in Europe, the Jewish town hall and five other synagogues. Prague's Jewish community can look back on a thousand years of history. During this time, Jews have helped shape the life and culture of the city.
Since the end of the Prague Spring in 1968 and the collapse of communism, Prague has attracted artists from all over the world. Painters, musicians, designers and writers have transformed the magnificent Golden City into one of the hippest meeting places for cosmopolitan scenesters. Small, winding streets with cafés, restaurants, clubs, galleries and boutiques invite you to linger. The city has also become famous for its impressive number of concert halls and theaters. International film productions have discovered Prague in recent years, as the city is right on trend and, as the "Hollywood of the East", is the location for many international films.
Prague has also developed in culinary terms: In addition to long-established, down-to-earth traditional restaurants, stylish gourmet temples are now attracting more and more cosmopolitans. Hearty and fatty, a powerful enemy in the battle for the slim line - this has been the verdict on Bohemian cuisine since the 19th century. Meat with dumplings, followed by a high-calorie pastry dish, accompanied by a quaffable beer - this is the standard fare in simple Prague restaurants. But of course, so-called international cuisine has also found its way here, and the restaurants of luxury hotels as well as
newly opened gourmet temples offer culinary art at a high level.
Designer stores and scene
Prague no longer has anything to hide when it comes to shopping. All international designers are represented on Pariser Straße. The nightlife pulsates in various trendy bars and clubs such as Duplex, a well-known dance club that is also popular with celebrities. Mick Jagger celebrated his 60th birthday here during the Rolling Stones tour. The M1 Lounge with its industrial look, on the other hand, is inspired by New York's Meatpacking District. Not forgetting the Prague beer pubs, as beer can be described as the national drink of the Czechs. Prague locals choose their favorite pub based on the beer served there, and the choice is huge. Perhaps the most famous brewery in Prague can be found in U Fleku, where dark beer has been brewed since 1499 and served in the associated pub.
Prague is actually a very safe city, but be careful with cabs. If you don't want to fall into the hands of the cab mafia, you should definitely order an AAA cab. Of course, you can also travel in style in a hotel limousine, but then you will pay three times as much, which is not too bad considering the low cab prices. You should also be careful with bureaux de change, which often charge outrageous exchange rates, so check carefully beforehand. All in all, today's Prague is characterized by a vibrant mix of visitors - from romantics to business travellers.
Thomas Mann once said: "I am glad to be here once again, in this city whose architectural magic is almost unique among all the cities of the world; I am happy to be guided once again by a friend's hand through its open and hidden beauties ..."
Photo: ©Trixi-H_pixelio.de
In Prague, the clocks are moving faster again. Tourism is booming like never before, and first-class hotels and restaurants are discovering an increasingly discerning clientele.
Highlights
Connoisseur special tip:
Experience Prague from a different perspective? A balloon ride offers an unforgettable experience and a unique opportunity to experience this beautiful city from a bird's eye view. You will be picked up from your hotel at around 4 p.m. and after a short introduction to the art of ballooning, you will float above the Golden City for around an hour.
www.toptravelprague.com
Or you can take off in the picturesque landscape of Konopiste Castle and experience a romantic sunrise over the South Bohemian ponds! After landing, a champagne baptism and breakfast in the middle of nature await you.
www.ballooning.cz
DIPLOMATISCHE VERTRETUNGEN
in Germany
Embassy of the Czech Republic
Wilhelmstraße 44, Berlin 10117
Phone: +49 30 226380
Fax: + 49 30 22638169
E-mail: berlin@embassy.mzv.cz
www.mzv.cz/berlin
in Austria
Embassy of the Czech Republic
Penzingerstraße 11-13, 1140 Vienna
Tel.: +43 1 89958111
Fax: +43 1 8941200
E-mail: vienna@embassy.mzv.cz
www.mzv.cz/vienna
Lage
Tschechische Republik
Fläche
496 km²
Bevölkerung
1,247 Millionen
Sprache
Tschechisch
Religion
Predominantly Roman Catholic
Weather
Kontinentalklima mit heißen Sommern und kalten Wintern, Spätfrühling und Frühherbst sind die besten Reisemonate, aber auch sehr überfüllt.
Beste Reisezeit
Spätfrühling und Frühherbst, der meiste Regen fällt in den Monaten Mai-August
Klima
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
| Max. Temperaturen | 1 | 3 | 9 | 13 | 19 | 22 | 25 | 24 | 21 | 14 | 7 | 2 |
| Min. Temperaturen | -3 | -3 | 0 | 4 | 8 | 12 | 14 | 14 | 10 | 7 | 2 | -2 |
| Sonnenstunden | 2 | 3 | 4 | 6 | 8 | 8 | 9 | 9 | 7 | 4 | 2 | 1 |
| Regentage | 6 | 6 | 6 | 8 | 9 | 9 | 8 | 8 | 7 | 7 | 6 | 7 |
Zeitverschiebung
Mitteleuropäische Zeit (MEZ) mit europäischer Sommerzeit
(kein Zeitunterschied).
Währung
Währungseinheit: Tschechische Krone (CZK),
1 Tschechische Krone = 100 Hellers, 100 CZK = ca. 4 EUR
Visa
für Deutsche und Österreicher: Visumfrei für einen unbegrenzten Aufenthalt. Notwendig
ist der mindestens noch für die Aufenthaltsdauer gültige Reisepass, bei einem Aufenthalt bis zu 3 Monaten genügt der gültige Personalausweis.
Für Schweizer: Visumfrei für 90 Tage. Notwendig sind: Mindestens noch für die Aufenthaltsdauer gültiger Reisepass, die nationale Identitätskarte.
Nähere Informationen bitte direkt bei Ihrer Botschaft erfragen!
Eating in Prague - a culinary experience
Bohemian cuisine is quite rustic and similar to Austrian and southern German cuisine. The dishes are usually plentiful and hearty. The traditional starter is soup (usually pea, tomato or goulash soup). The most common main course is roast pork or sauerbraten with a cream sauce, served with potatoes, the famous Bohemian (bread, bacon or potato) dumplings or cabbage. Smoked meat slices and schnitzel are also typical dishes. Desserts include apple strudel, pancakes and Buchteln (steamed dumplings) filled with fruit and sprinkled with sugar and poppy seeds.
Nightlife in Prague - something for everyone
The nightlife in Prague is very intense and offers something for everyone. This is why young people in particular like to come to Prague often. Drinks and entrance fees are really cheap compared to other cities and resorts. Whether you want to dance the night away in one of the many music clubs or discotheques, enjoy a cocktail or beer in a bar or be entertained by live music, Prague's nightlife is rich in variety and only ends in the early hours of the morning. So partying all night long is no problem. On Prague nights, you can meet young people from all over the world and many locals who are easy to socialize with.
Sights in Prague - Discover the fascinating old town
Prague is one of the oldest cities in Europe. As it was largely spared the destruction
the destruction of the Second World War, Prague's historic buildings are still
Prague's historic buildings are still very well preserved today.
The Old Town has been a World Heritage Site since 1992.
Prague Castle with St. Vitus Cathedral, Charles Bridge, the Old Town Square
with the Teyn Church, the Ungelt, the Town Hall and the Astronomical Clock are
famous Prague sights.
Prague Castle, situated on Hradčany Hill, has been the seat of the head of state for centuries.
the seat of the head of state for centuries.
Today, the castle, built in the 9th
Today, the castle, built in the 9th century, is the residence of the Czech president.
The famous St. Vitus Cathedral is located in the middle of the complex.
Charles Bridge, one of Prague's landmarks, was built in the 14th century.
It connects the Old Town with the so-called "Lesser Town".
Hotels
