Diversity in unity in Prague quarters and districts.

Arrival in Prague

We were very excited about the idea to visit the capital of Prague in November.

We were hosted at The Emblem hotel, located in the very center of the city. It offers 59 rooms, a lounge space to chill out, a restaurant, a bar and a Spa.

The M Spa is located on the last floor of the building and has a rooftop terrace with a private jacuzzi. It’s the perfect spot for enjoying a view of the city, in particular during the golden hour, or escaping from the traffic of the urban center and re-equilibrate yourself.

Anyway, the city center is full of tourists but not so chaotic.

Prague 1 is the hearth of the city and comprises the districts of Malá Strana (Lesser Quarter), Staré Město (Old Town), and Nové Město (New Town).

We were in the Old Town so we decided to dedicate the first day exploring this zone.

First day

The heart of Prague’s historical center is the Old Town Square. It is a good place to start your Prague visit. You will find the Týn Church towering over the Square and, on the opposite side of it, the Astronomical Clock on the Old Town Hall. You can climb to the top of the Tower in order to enjoy a breathtaking view of the Square. We didn’t because it was under renovation.

Around Old Town Square you will find lots of charming streets full of shops and cafes and other pretty places. Taking Melantrichova street you will reach Wenceslas Square instead of Celetná alley that brings you to the Powder Tower, one of the historical entrances to the Old Town, near to the exquisite Municipal House.

My tip is to climb the Powder Tower for enjoying the view from the above: it’s very suggestive.

We also climb one of the Towers on the side of the Charles Bridge. The view of the Castle and the Old Town but also of the Bridge itself is breath-taking.

We decided to walk across the Charles Bridge on our first day because we want to study it in order to come back again and take some shots later at night or earlier in the morning. Why? For enjoying the magnificent view of the Prague Castle all lit up and avoiding the crowds.

In fact, all the three morning we woke up early at sunrise but it was worth it. Even if it was foggy as you can see.

Not far from here there’s the the Jewish Quarter (Josefov).

There are lots of Synagogues in here, and also the Old Jewish Cemetery and the Ceremonial Hall. 

Second day

As I have already said, Prague has different quarters and the second day was dedicated to Malá Strana.

After having an amazing breakfast in the hotel with pancakes and hot scrambled eggs with bacon and other delicatessen we went out to explore this area.

Passing through Charles Bridge you will reach this zone in Prague and its lovely alleys.

First, we spent some time on Kampa Island, which is just down off of Charles Bridge. We walked in the park enjoying the view of the bridge and across the river.

Returning back to the center of Lesser Quarter, you will find John Lennon Wall.

It’s perfect for taking a shot with that colorful background. There is also a young artist that can take a professional-quality pic for you. He is very talented: this is the link of his Facebook page.

The rest of the day could be spent strolling through the picturesque streets of Malá Strana and its heart Malostranské náměstí, a beautiful square.

Of course you cannot leave this area without visiting the Castle. The Castle area in Prague is called Hradčany.

There are many possibilities in order to reach this building: taking the tram or the bus or walking there on foots. Of course we decided for the last option.

You will not find one single castle on the hill, but a series of buildings, a few churches and hundreds of years of history. Before walking through the castle entrance, walk to your right for a nice view overlooking Prague near Hradčanské náměstí (Castle Square).

Going ahead there is Strahov Monastery with its beautiful Convent and Library. Visit it!

Third day

Last but not least, we have to visit the New Town zone in Prague.

The name creates a misunderstanding because the area was built in 1300s.

Consequently, Nové Město has historic buildings and squares, around which much of the modern development of the city has taken shape. In fact it is graced with more modern hotels and amenities than elsewhere in the city. It also has excellent metro and tram connections so it’s an ideal area to stay, full in shopping, commerce, restaurants, entertainment and nightlife.

Everything is surrounded by Wenceslas Square, the heart of the New Town. The facades are colorful and fancy.

The pillar of modern architecture in Prague is anyway the Dancing House.

A gallery and a restaurant with a terrace offering a 360° view of Prague can be visited in the building on the top floor meanwhile in two floors there is now a hotel.

It’s fascinating that this is set in a fine location by the Vltava River. Its design is unique, and especially striking in the city centre because it is a modern building surrounded by historic architecture but it’s in perfect symbiosis.

For other tips, please don’t hesitate to write me an email or comment below.