Prague, with a population of around 1.3 million, is the capital of the Czech Republic and said to be one of the most popular cities in Europe. This picturesque city is brimming with baroque architecture and known as ‘The City of a Hundred Spires.’ One other great thing about Prague is that it is a very walkable city, so perfect for the first-time tourist.
This was my first time in Prague. I arrived late the previous evening after a short 2-hour flight from Manchester. I did have a short flight delay, but luckily it didn’t have too much impact on my trip. My hotel was in a great location, just off St. Wenceslas square in the New Town and central for visiting all the main attractions Prague has to offer.
So, after breakfast I set off down the road to St. Wenceslas Square, otherwise known as Svatováclavské náměstí. This World Heritage Site is more like a long avenue than the pedestrianised square I was expecting. It is, however, part of the historic centre of Prague and was primarily used to accommodate horse markets in the Middle Ages. The whole area is an eclectic mix of shops, cafes, and restaurants with plenty of established trees and benches for taking a break from the midday sun. The buildings on the square should be viewed carefully as you wander around, as they have varying architectural designs and are part of what makes this place so unique.
As well as offering everything the passing tourist would expect, the square has been home to many political demonstrations over the years and is therefore of great importance to the Czech people. At the lower end of the square, you can find many of the popular fashion brands in the large shopping area, and at the top end you will see the beautiful National Museum, also known as the Narodni Museum. The museum was founded in 1818 and has been recently renovated. The statue of St. Wenceslas can also be seen taking a prominent position in front of the museum.
If you are wondering whether the museum is worth visiting, then I would say a resounding: yes! The museum is extremely well presented and only cost the equivalent of around 10 British pounds per adult to enter. There is something for everyone here and I found myself staying for much longer than I had expected to. Attractions in the museum include the Halls of Minerals, Miracles of Evolution, Museum of Music, History of the 20th century, and a library. As well as being able to explore the culture and history of Prague here, you will be able to immerse yourself in the exquisite internal architecture that is not to be missed!
To end your day and/or take in a little refreshment, there is a gift shop and small café. Next to the museum outside is also a small park with a path leading around the back of the museum. There are a number of benches in the park too, many of which are nicely in the shade of the trees – so the perfect way to keep out of the heat of the sun.
My first day was nicely rounded off in the evening by a traditional Czech dish of pork knee served in a wonderful sauce and accompanied by homemade bread and little dishes of dips that included wonders like horseradish, mustard, peppers, and pickled onions. This was tasty and different, and it went down well with a couple of drinks!
