Car Hire Prague - Mini guide to Prague

In less than ten years the Czech Republic’s capital city has suddenly become one of Europe’s most popular tourist attractions, as crowds throng into this medieval city to admire its beautiful vistas and incredible collection of ancient buildings. Undeniably romantic, is has a special charm and lively atmosphere.

Prague Castle (Prazsky Hrad), is the centerpiece of this magnificent city, and is arguably the largest castle in the world (570m by 130m). The country has been run from here for nearly a thousand years, and although access is restricted, highlights include Spanish Hall and Rudolf Gallery, St Vitius Cathedral, Old Royal Palace and Royal Garden. Other interesting drawcards are the Toy Museum, network of soviet-era tunnels and statues of the Battling Titans.

Adjacent to the castle is the suburb of Hradcany, a living museum with unchanged elements dating back 500 years. Hradcany Namesti and Loretanske Namesti are lovely squares surrounded by baroque and renaissance buildings, while the Strahov monastery dates from 1140 but took 6 centuries to complete. Mala Strana is a tiny cluster of narrow winding lanes at the foot of the the castle, so picturesque that it’s usually hosting at least one film crew. Strolling down the Nerudova Ulice is like being in an historical architecture text book.

The enormous Old Town Square (Vaclavske namesti - Wenceslas Square) is one of the city’s best known and has hardly changed pace in 10 centuries. Markets remain but it’s now tourists who keep it busy. It’s packed with pavement cafes, buskers and promotional beer wagons. Facing the square is the Old Town Hall (featuring the famous 600 year old Astronomical Clock), Powder Tower and Kinsky Palace. Leading from the square, the Charles Bridge (Karluv most) is the busiest and most historic of the bridges crossing the lovely Vltava river.

Wandering around the old Jewish quarter is a delightful surprise, with several ancient synagogues emphasizing the importance of Judaism in central Europe prior to WWII.

For a break from all the incredible architecture head for Petrin Hill, a vast park smack in the centre of the city with postcard-perfect views of the 'City of 100 Spires’. A network of paths and ponds and lakes make it excellent for a stroll and there is a funicular railway to Stefanik Observatory. Nearby is the Petrin tower, looking suspiciously like the Eiffel tower.