Prague: Capital of the Czech Republic

Yes, Prague (Praha) is absolutely a place in the world — one of Europe's most beautiful and historic cities.

Basic Facts

• Country: Czech Republic (Czechia)
• Status: Capital & largest city
• Population: ~1.3M (city), ~2.7M (metro)
• Location: Central Bohemia, on Vltava River, 50.1°N, 14.4°E
• Time Zone: CET (UTC+1) / CEST (UTC+2)

Why It's Famous

• Architecture: Romanesque rotundas, Gothic cathedrals (St. Vitus), Baroque palaces, Art Nouveau (Municipal House), Cubist, Functionalist — largely undamaged in WWII
• Landmarks: Prague Castle (world's largest ancient castle complex), Charles Bridge (1357), Old Town Square & Astronomical Clock, Jewish Quarter (Josefov), Vyšehrad, Petřín Tower
• Culture: Mozart (Don Giovanni premiere), Dvořák, Smetana, Kafka, Kundera, Mucha; world-class orchestras, theaters, beer culture
• UNESCO: Historic Centre inscribed 1992

Practical Info

• Currency: Czech Koruna (CZK) — not Euro
• Language: Czech (English widely spoken in center)
• Airport: Václav Havel (PRG) — 20 min to center
• Transit: Metro (3 lines), trams (iconic), buses — integrated, cheap, efficient
• Best times: Spring (Apr–May), Fall (Sep–Oct); Dec for Christmas markets

Neighborhoods to Explore

• Staré Město (Old Town): Tourist core, Astronomical Clock, Týn Church
• Malá Strana (Lesser Town): Baroque palaces, gardens, Kafka Museum, below Castle
• Hradčany (Castle District): Prague Castle, St. Vitus, Golden Lane, Loreta
• Josefov (Jewish Quarter): Synagogues, Old Jewish Cemetery, Kafka birthplace
• Nové Město (New Town): Wenceslas Square, National Museum, dancing house
• Vinohrady / Žižkov / Karlín: Residential, great food/beer, local vibe