How to Find Prague's Best Tourist Spots

The magnificent Eastern European city of Prague, in the Czech Republic, has enjoyed a dramatic increase in popularity when it comes to tourism in the past decade or so. Every year, thousands of visitors from the rest of Europe and all over the world visit Prague to enjoy the sites of the beautiful and highly historical city. In fact, Prague is noted as one of the most visited cities on the entire European continent. So if you are planning on being one of those many tourists to go to Prague, here are some of your best bets for sightseeing.

Instructions

1. Visit the Prague Castle. The Prague Castle is the most popular tourist site in the entire city. It is the world's biggest ancient castle. In existence since the ninth century, the Prague Castle has three courtyards and an impressive wooden fortress. The castle is so vast that as a tourist you should allot yourself at least a few hours to see everything properly.

2. Go to the Basilica of St. George. This Basilica was founded in the tenth century by Prince Vratislav. It is Prague's best preserved Romanesque church, and has an amazing baroque facade. Be sure to check out the tombs of the Premysl royalty. Also look for the wooden crucifix on the wall and ask about the many eerie stories behind it.

3. Check out the Prague Jewish Quarter (also known as Josefov). This quarter was named after the emperor Josef II who helped improve the standard of living for many Czech Jews. Notable sites in the Prague Jewish Quarter include the Jewish cemetery which is Europe's oldest Jewish cemetery. There are many, many synagogues located here. The Jewish Quarter is an intriguing way to learn a lot about European and Czech Jewish history.

4. Walk through the Old Town of Prague. This is the oldest section of Prague, with mentions dating back as far as 1091. There are a lot of charming and interesting areas of Old Town, including Celetna Street which is named after bread rolls that were made there back in the Middle Ages. Also be sure to stop by Old Town Square which is Prague's main market place and home to many exquisite, colorful Gothic and Romanesque building structures.

5. Go to Kampa Island near Charles Bridge in Prague. Kampa Island is one of the most gorgeous, serene, and tranquil areas in Prague, boasting an idyllic park and quaint houses. The romantic ambiance of Kampa Island has earned it the enviable nickname "The Venice of Prague." There is also a museum here, called Museum Kampa which has a rather impressive selection of Central European Modern Art.

Tips & Warnings

• Prague has a lot of fascinating and remarkable historical neighborhoods. Be sure to check out Lesser Town and New Town to get an even deeper glimpse into Czech history.