Traveladvice Prague, 3 day vacation

Prague is the capital and the largest city of the Czech Republic, with a population of 1.3 million people. With a long history of over 1,000 years, Prague has been a flourishing city for centuries.

There are many attractions and landmarks that are worth visiting in this magnificent city, but a 3 day tour should give you enough time to visit the most important landmarks and sights. Starting with the historic centre of the city, that has become part of the UNESCO World Heritage and the Prague Castle, there are plenty of things to see in do in this destination.

DAY 1

• After you have breakfast, start your first day of exploring Prague with its most iconic structure. The Prague Castle stands tall over the city, dominating the view. The history of Prague Castle dates back to the 9th century, when the first known building was erected on the site. In the 12th century it was replaced by a Romanesque palace. And in the 14th century it was rebuilt in the Gothic style, under the reign of Charles IV. A further reconstruction of the Royal Palace then took place under the Jagellons at the end of the 15th century. Today, Prague Castle serves as the historical and political centre for both city and state. A Changing of the Guard ceremony takes place every hour at the front gates. The ceremony at noon includes a fanfare and banner exchange.
• Inside the castle perimeter, you will also visit the St. Vitus Cathedral, the St. George Basilica, the Powder Tower, as well as the Rosenberg Palace. Vitus Cathedral (Katedrála svatého Víta) is the spiritual symbol of the Czech state, and a Gothic masterpiece. Work on the cathedral was commissioned by Charles IV and began in 1344 upon the site of an earlier 10th century rotunda. In all, it took nearly six centuries to complete. It is free for visitors to enter the first part of St. Vitus Cathedral. A ticket must be purchased to visit the whole cathedral. St. George’s Basilica is the oldest church building within thePrague Castle complex. It is also the best-preserved Romanesque church in Prague. Entrance to St. George’s Basilica is included as part of the admission ticket to the Prague Castle complex. The Powder Gate can trace its origins back to the 11th century, when the original gate was one of 13 entrances to Prague’s Old Town.
• The visit of the castle will take you most of the day. Go up on the hill, until you reach the Strahov Monastery. This elevated area of the city offers visitors a calm oasis, somewhere to stroll around, enjoy views over theLesser Town (and indeed the whole of Prague), and to visit one of the city’s finest churches. Strahov Monastery, and its surrounding area, has a serene, meditative quality, however its library is its most important feature, which comprises one of the oldest monastic collections in the country.
• Next, go up to the Petrin Hill, where you will climb the Observation Tower for a beautiful view over the city. A small version of Paris’s Eiffel Tower, Petrin Observation Tower was built in 1891 for the Jubilee Exhibition. The view is magnificent and well worth the 299 step climb to reach the viewing platform. On a clear day it is possible to see the highest peak in the Czech Republic, Snezka, which is 150km from the tower.
• Have dinner and spend your evening in Lesser Town Square, close to the castle.

DAY 2

• After breakfast, start your day from where you left off, in the Lesser Town Square. The Lesser Town Square (Malostranské náměstí) lies at the heart ofthe Lesser Town (Malá Strana), and has been the hub of this side of the river in Prague since the 10th century. At the centre of the square is the magnificent  Nicholas Church, the Lesser Town’s primary landmark. All around are a mixture of restaurants, quaint old pubs, small shops and a host of international embassies housed in the wonderful old Baroque buildings. Construction of St. Nicholas Church Lesser Town Square began in 1703 on the site of the former Parish Church of St. Nicholas, the records for which date back to 1283.
• Next, go to the Lesser Town, set on the banks of the Vltava river. The Lesser Town, also known as the Lesser or Little Quarter, clusters around the foothills ofPrague Castle, across the river from the Old Town. The Lesser Town (Malá Strana) is almost too picturesque for its own good – with its ancient burgher houses, quaint side streets and  Nicholas Church, the Lesser Town is a favourite setting for movies and commercials.
• After lunch, pass over the Charles Bridge, the 14th century stone bridge linking the two sides of Prague. This magnificent structure is one of the city’s finest attractions, and is the main pedestrian route connecting the Old Townwith the Lesser Town (Malá Strana) and Prague Castle. From Charles Bridge visitors enjoy fairy-tale views of the Prague skyline. The entrance to Charles Bridge is marked at both ends by towers: the Old Town Bridge Tower and the Malá Strana Bridge Tower.
• After you cross the bridge, head over to the Old Town Square, is one of two main squares in Prague (Wenceslas Squareis the other, just 5 minutes walk away). With its ancient buildings and magnificent churches, this is one of the most beautiful historical sights in Europe. The most notable sights on the square are the Old Town Hall Tower & Astronomical Clock, Tyn Church and  Nicholas Church. The Astronomical Clock, built in to one side of the Old Town Hall Tower, dates from the 15th century. To fully appreciate the clock’s intricate construction, join the crowd in front of the tower to observe the procession of the Twelve Apostles: on the hour, every hour, a small trap door opens and Christ marches out ahead of his disciples, while the skeleton of death tolls the bell to a defiant statue of a Turk.
• Next, head over to the Jewish Quarter, known as Josefov, is located between theOld Town Square and the Vltava River. Its torrid history dates back to the 13th century, when the Jewish community in Prague were ordered to vacate their disparate homes and settle in one area. Return towards the centre of Old town and have dinner in one of the restaurants found in Wenceslas Square. Wenceslas Square is really a boulevard, measuring 750m long by 60m wide. It was originally laid out as the Prague horse market 650 years ago.

DAY 3

• After you have breakfast in the beautiful Old Town Square, visit the National Museum. The National Museum (Národní Muzeum) in Prague is made up of two buildings: The Main Building is the original, the interior of which is closed for renovation until June 2015. The other is the New Building, which became part of the National Museum in 2009. This remains open, and is the dark building to the left of the Main Building as you face it fromWenceslas Square.
• Next, head towards the river to visit the National Theatre. On your way visit two of the most charming churches of Old Town. Jilji Church in Prague is one of the most beautiful churches in the Old Town, set amongst the narrow streets and quaint old buildings that make up this area of the city. It is located just a few minutes walk from theOld Town Square. St. Clement’s Cathedral in Prague forms part of the outer wall of the Klementinum, the largest and most historic complex of buildings in the Old Town.
• The National Theatre in Prague is a stunning neo-Renaissance building dating from 1868-83. It is instantly recognisable from the river, its golden roof gleaming in the sunshine on fine weather days. For Czech people, the National Theatre is one of the most important cultural institutions in Prague – since inception, a symbol of the Czech National Revival.
• For a quiet and peaceful afternoon, head over to the Visehrad area of Prague. Few areas of Prague are as quiet and peaceful as Vysehrad. Visitors can enjoy pleasant walks through the landscaped gardens, and admire fine views over the Vltava River from the remains of the castle walls. The gardens at Vysehrad also make a good place for a picnic. The two dominant spires seen from all around belong to the SS Peter & Paul Church. The impressive interior of the church has been restored and is open to visitors. Other attractions include huge statues depicting figures of Czech Mythology, some pleasant cafés and the Rotunda of St. Martin. Finish your day with a charming evening cruise on the Vltava. Experience the magnificence of Prague by night with a dinner river cruise through the city centre, whilst enjoying the entertainment of a talented jazz band. Many famous Prague attractions border the river. As you sail up stream, passing underCharles Bridge and through the city lock, guests will enjoy unique views of this beautiful city.

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