Prague:
is the capital city of the relatively small Czech Republic which lies in the heart of Europe, bordering Germany, Austria, Slovakia and Poland.
Prague (Praha) has become one of the most popular tourist destinations in Europe. No other European capital contains six hundred years of architecture so completely untouched by natural disaster or war. Prague's rich collection of Gothic, baroque, and Renaissance buildings has emerged unscathed from centuries of strife.
Prague has been called 'the Rome of the North'. Rome was built on seven hills, and Prague was built on nine hills: Letna, Vitkov, Opys, Vetrov, Skalka, Emauzy, Vysehrad, Karlov and the highest of all, Petrin. The mountains, forests and lakes surrounding Prague are enchanting and ideal for outdoor holidays as well as winter sports.
Central Prague is made up of four towns, joined together in 1784. The River Vltava (Moldau in German) divides the capital into two unequal halves: on the steeply inclined left bank, are Hradcany and Malá Strana Although Prague isn't as cheap as the days when tourists flocked to hemorrhage their wallets, this European haunt can still be done with frugality. To see just about everything the city has to offer on a budget, consider a Prague Card that gets you into 55 attractions and includes a free guidebook and additional discounts for ~ $36 dollars for four days. Strap on a pair of glass slippers and flutter through the fairytale-like Prague Castle. Want free not frugal? You can spend hours exploring the Charles Bridge with the other free birds. Get up close and personal with each of the 30 Baroque statues that line the bridge, tap your toes to local music and negotiate a fair price from one of the many artists selling original Prague postcards. Splurge for a cup of coffee or just take in the free sights and music along Old Town Square where vibrant entertainers, boutiques and cafes line the charming medieval streets. Grab your camera and a guide and walk through one of Europe's best preserved Jewish Quarters. Be sure to check the museums for free admission days including the National Gallery on the first Wednesday of every month.
