Travel to Prague

Travel to Prague means arriving at Prague International Airport, PRG, also known as Václav Havel Airport Prague — the main airport of Prague, the Czech Republic’s capital. It is locate 10 miles west of the city’s center and handles some 20 million passengers.

In 2012, it was rechristen and name after Vaclav Havel, the Czech statesman, writer and one-time dissident. From 1989 to the dissolution of Czechoslovakia in 1992, he serve as the country’s (last) president. When, in that year, Czechoslovakia became the Czech Republic, Havel serve as its first president, from 1993 to 2003. As a writer, Vaclav Havel’s large canon includes plays, essays and memoirs.

Although Prague International Airport has four terminals, they are group in pairs — that is, the northern terminal complex (T1, T2) and the southern terminal complex (T3, T4). The two pair are not quite within walking distance of each other. But this is typically not a problem, since only Terminal 1 (Concourses A, B) and Terminal 2 (Concourses C, D) are used for scheduled flights. Also Terminal 3 is intended for private and charter flights.

Travel to Prague

For those traveling to Prague and facing a layover the airport does sport something of a rest, fun and relaxation center. That is, it has a mini-lounge, hotel rooms, internet café, refreshments and showers. This center is available in the transit or non-public area of Terminal 1.

The simplest way to travel to Prague city center from Prague International Airport is by pre-book private airport transfer or taxi. They cost more or less the same fair at $25, but a private transfer comes with add handling and service benefits. Another option is Uber, which has been operating in Prague since 2014. Uber drivers are usually waiting within a 5-minute distance of the airport, so the waiting times are short.

Cost, however, compares with the other options. The cheapest way to get to Prague city center is by bus and a station for this is right in front of the Terminal 2 (Exit D). A ticket costs around $1.50. Passengers take Bus 119 to Nadrazi Veleslavin, and then transfer to subway line A (green) to continue to downtown (Mustek) or any other station. Buses run every 6 minutes and operate from 4:23 AM to 23:42 PM, including the weekends.

Travel to Prague: Things to Do

Prague is fairly evenly divide by the Vltava River and it has a very telling subtitle: “The City of a Hundred Spires.” Among its special traits and endearments is its historic core, the Old Town Square, which comprises colorful Baroque buildings, Gothic churches and an Astronomical Clock that is a medieval holdover sufficiently updated to the 21^st century to offer an informative and animated hourly show.

Prague Castle

Quite simply, Prague Castle is a worldwide draw for virtually all types of travelers to Prague who want to explore the city. The ancient castle dates back to the 9^th century with many separate buildings, representing eras of architectural style spanning the past 1,000 years.

Moreover The location serve at the seat of power for Bohemian kings, emperors of the Holy Roman Empire and even Czechoslovakian presidents. Build in 970 AD, the fortress has endure many changes over the centuries. Prague Castle includes the Gothic St. Vitus Cathedral, the Romanesque Basilica of St. George, a monastery and several palaces, gardens and defense towers.

Charles Bridge

An earlier bridge, the old Judith Bridge, fail at this site, due to a flood, in 1342. In 1357, King Charles IV and his regime built this stronger one, which is compose of Bohemian sandstone. It was complete in the early 1400s. Like the earlier bridge, it crosses the Vltava River (the Moldau). Indeed, until 1841, it was the only means of crossing the river, making it a very important connection between Prague Castle and Prague’s Old Town and adjacent areas.

The bridge is about 2000 feet long and 33 feet wide and use as a bow bridge of 16 arches shields by ice guards. Three bridge towers also protect it, two on the so-call Lesser Quarter side (including the Malá Strana Bridge Tower) and one on the Old Town side, the Old Town Bridge Tower. A continuous alley of 30 statues and statuaries, most of them baroque-style Catholic saints, line the bridge. These, originally erect in the 1700s and have been replace by replicas.

The Clementinum and National Library

Some of Prague’s culturally richest buildings can found at The Clementinum, the site of the National Library, which has nearly seven million items (and more stored elsewhere). Its history dates from the dedication of a chapel to Saint Clement in the 11th century. In later medieval times, a Dominican monastery was founded there. In 1556, it became a Jesuit college. Then In 1622, the Jesuits transfers the Charles University library to the Klementinum. Also In 1654, the college merged with the University.

The Jesuits remain until 1773. That was when Empress Maria Theresa of Austria establish the Clementinum as an observatory, library, and university. Also The National Library took its place at the Klementinum in the years 1777-1782. In 1918 the newly establish Czecho-Slovak state took over the library. It formally became the country’s National Library. The amazing ceiling work in the library hall comprises a view of the Astronomical Tower and Mirror Chapel décor.

Old Town Square and Astronomical Clock: Travel to Prague

Old Town Square is the historic center of Prague. You can inspect the Tyn Church and other old churches here as well as the Jewish Quarter, dating from the 11^th century. The main highlight of the old town is the Astronomical Clock (dating from the 15^th century) that puts on a 15-second hourly show.

St. Vitus Cathedral

St. Vitus Cathedral is an expansive Christian church where one finds seating and tombs of both saints and Bohemian kings. It was built in 945 AD. It took about 500 years to complete. The church exemplifies the Gothic, Neo-Gothic and even Renaissance building styles. Bejeweled mosaics from the St. Wenceslas Chapel and precious stones on display are also viewable there.

Useful Tips for Travel to Prague

Money Exchange

You may well decide ahead of time not to exchange money on the streets when you are in Prague. Various different types of people may approach to assist with currency exchanges and it is recommended to simply politely say no to them. However, it is a good idea always to keep a decent amount of the national currency, the Czech Koruna, with you at all times in Prague, and also keep some of that cash on hand before landing at the airport in order to spend your time in Prague as safely and securely as possible.

Taxi Tips: Travel to Prague

Taxi drivers in Prague have a horrible reputation and you can avoid any tales of your own by resisting the urge to wave a cab on the street, especially those parked around train or bus stations. Do request the price in advance and also request a printed receipt at the end of the drive, which means the meter must be turned on. You can also use Uber. If you must use a taxi cab, do so by calling one of the main operators in Prague by phone. This guarantees a record of the ride and a cheaper fare (you should get a text message showing the approximate fare), as well professional driver decorum.

Walk: Travel to Prague

When in doubt you should always opt to walk to your destination and take in the gems and sights along the way. However, do not that the public transportation system in Prague is excellent and trams, subways, and buses are cheap, fast, safe, and reliable. Boarding tickets are available through any tobacco shop or newspaper stand, or in subway stops, but your tickets must be validated on entry in order to be usable.

Research

Generally, you should do your research well before going to Prague. Have your list of places to visit compiled well ahead of time. Do not just rely on lengthy or well-known tourist guides to come up with such a list of places. Rather, have the list ready to go when you’re ready to go. There are many places to visit in Prague. Manage your time efficiently so as to be able to visit more of them than you actually planned to, now that you’re really here.