Prague as a Phenomenon

Prague – the fifth most visited city in Europe, a historical fairytale town, a cosmopolitan bridge between the East and the West, the capital of the Czech Republic, and most importantly, our home – is one of the greatest places in the world to live. Situated in the geographical heart of Europe, Prague has one of the largest and most dynamic expat populations in Europe thanks to the city’s affordability and accessibility. It is also one of Europe’s safest and greenest metropoles and has a great, affordable and dense public transport network, ranked 5th in the world. Education and scientific research, as well as arts, crafts and entrepreneurship, all have a strong tradition in Prague, which is also the reason why there are numerous opportunities for skills and knowledge development and great potential to learn.

Discover the phenomenon of Prague

In 2021, it was voted the most beautiful city in the world, beating Paris and New York. With its low criminality rate, it is the 3^rd safest and one of the greenest cities, where forests, parks and gardens currently cover some 20% of the city’s area. Prague is never "off-season" and it is a known fact that the Czech capital is the most cultured city in Europe, with the largest number of theatres, museums and monuments in proportion to the number of local residents. Countless historical palaces, extravagant modern buildings and green spaces with breathtaking views of a city whose fame, according to legend, touches the stars, offer the perfect environment for unique experiences that are literally at your fingertips.

It was in 1902 when twenty-two-year-old Guillaume Apollinaire arrived in Prague and an evening stroll through the city inspired him to write a short story. He titled the short story Le passant de Prague (The Prague Walker), and back then no one knew that precisely this young Frenchman would become famous around the world as the founder of modern poetry. Like many visitors, Apollinaire leaves his hotel to see the city, and this is where his story starts. He soon meets a bizarre stranger in whom he swiftly recognises the legendary Ahasuerus, the eternal Jew who has wandered the world since the time of Jesus Christ. It is he, this time bearing the name Isaac Lakedem, who becomes the poet’s guide through Prague. Of course, you don’t have to be a poetry lover to enjoy truly enchanting strolls around Prague, but Apollinaire’s short story is indeed one of the most captivating texts about the city.

If you would like to find someone to take you around, just like Lakedem did with Apollinaire, consider going for a guided tour. Walks with a local buddy, who is ready to share their knowledge of facts as well as urban stories, are readily available and can be adjusted to individual needs. You can choose either from regular, private or customised tours, not just around the historical centre of the metropolis but also unusual places and themed explorations. All our guides have not only the highest-grade licenses, but also regular follow-up training.

Eight towers, eight different views

Seeing one of the most beautiful cities in the world from above is a must. You can do so by walking to the top of Vítkov hill, Riegrovy sady or the popular hang-out spot at “Stalin”, but it won’t be the same as having a close-up look from one of the 8 historical towers, part of the UNESCO-listed historical centre. You will get stunning views of Prague’s medieval pattern of squares, the labyrinth of streets, mosaic of red roofs and bridges over the Vltava River. It is a truly unforgettable treat for visitors and locals alike. You can soak up the breathtaking blend of architectural styles and enjoy a bird’s eye view of Prague, the City of a Hundred Spires.

A fun fact about this enchanting maze of streets: the naming was incited by the inhabitants themselves. It was enough for one or two craftsmen of the same profession to settle in the street and the name was born. Similarly, names were inspired by location, character, goods sold, an event or a well-known resident. Although some streets and squares have changed names several times during their existence, many Prague streets have kept their names for centuries. As we walk through the city, we can imagine why people used to go there. Masná (meaty) and Rybná (fishy) Street, for example, can be found near Old Town Square, where the town’s main market was located. When people came to this square to shop, they might end up getting meat or fish. Why these goods were not sold directly on the square is not hard to guess. Masná and Rybná streets were far enough away from Old Town Square to avoid the unpleasant odours that both of those shops brought with them. It is also quite logical that Rybná is even further away from the square, which also means that it is closer to the river, and so on. 

If you are curious to get a glimpse of the history of what we call now the “urban layout” of Prague, it is well worth translating the random names of streets in the city centre whilst strolling through the city. However, if you want to go beyond learning from street names, and would like to see the interiors of the stunning architectural heritage and really make the most of the city, be sure to get a Prague Visitor Pass (PVP). The pass gives you free admission or discounts for over 70 experiences.

With the PVP, you can enjoy unlimited travel by metro, tram, funicular, city buses and ferries throughout Prague, including the journey from the airport and back. It is the easiest way to get to know the city, visit unique historical monuments, museums and galleries, take advantage of guided tours of the city or go on a Vltava River cruise.

Golden Czech Hands

There is endless proof that Prague has always been an inspiring city for successful people. Some of them have been globally renowned scientists whose inventions have helped millions of people and truly pushed the envelope in science. Alongside scientific discoveries, however, there are also centuries of artistic creation and top-quality craftsmanship demonstrated in many fields, particularly in the gold and silversmithing trades. Only people who knew how to cultivate their own curiosity and inspiration achieved such great works of art as the talented craftsmen that have lived and worked in Prague since the Middle Ages. Today, art and design and the related way of life are still alive in Prague. One can easily spot it by taking a closer look at the superior level of applied arts and designer products created by talented “golden Czech hands,” as the common saying goes.

If you would like to buy an original gift, designed and made locally, you can do so at the first shop with the “cultivated souvenirs” commissioned by the City of Prague on the newly reconstructed ground floor of the Old Town Hall. These original gifts come from the workshops of local artists and feature distinct craftsmanship, original design and premium materials. You can be sure that they are 100% designed and made by people who love living and working in Prague and thus strive to create something valuable for those who wish to cherish a precious memory of their home town and care about the quality and sustainability of local heritage.

Unforgettable experiences

A truly meaningful and unforgettable experience is always created by ourselves and often the devil is in the detail. Having access to special tailor-made and concierge services and exclusive slow tourism experiences might sometimes be the best option, when you want to make the time spent with your loved ones just perfect. Not many people know it is possible to book a private tour of Prague’s most important cultural monuments or hire them to host a social event, such as a private concert or gathering with a toast. The truth is that exceptional occasions deserve exceptional treatment and it’s best to enquire at the right place, such as a well-connected concierge service (available at the e-mail address concierge@prague.eu or at +420 221 714 714).

All events are organised with respect for the high cultural value of Prague’s heritage monuments and with a knowledge of their fundamental role in spreading the good reputation of Prague and the Czech Republic abroad.