Travel Goals

1. Climb to Everest Base Camp.
2. Climb Mt Kilimanjaro.
3. Learn to Scuba Dive.
4. Visit every continent.
5. See the Galapagos Islands.
6. Sail down the Amazon River.
7. Climb Ayer's Rock.
8. Ride the Trans-Siberian.
9. Go into space.
10. Go wild at La Tomintina.
11. See the sunrise from Mt. Fuji.
12. Gaze at Borobudor.
13. Visit the Pyramids
14. Safari in East Africa.
15. Go to the World Cup!
16. See Machu Picchu.
17. Join the Century Club.
18. Visit Antarctica.
19. Do development work.
20. See Petra Jordan.
21. Backpack the Eastern Block.
22. See the Northern Lights.
23. Vegas Baby! Vegas!
24. Greek Island hop.
25. Cycle Tuscany.
26. Visit India.
27. Lounge in the Seychelles.
28. See Morocco.
29. Oktoberfest!
30. Caravan across the Sahara.
31. Visit Tibet.
32. Fly first class.
33. Go to Israel.
34. Carnival!!!!
35. Mardi Gras!
36. Cannes Film Festival.
37. Sundance Film Festival.
38. Eat a sushi meal at NOBU
39. Pacific Island hop.
40. Spend a night in the Ice Hotel.
41. See Glacier National Park.

Book Your Travel Here!!

Prague (Praha) has been the center of the Czech state for over 1100 years. It has a population of over one million and is widely considered to be one of the most beautiful cities in Europe and is among the most visited cities on the continent. Since 1992, the historic center of Prague has been included in the UNESCO list of World Heritage Sites. My trip there in 2006 was the first stop on my continental Europe tour and I couldn’t picture a more beautiful city to start in. I love Prague so much that I extended my trip there. I couldn’t get enough of it. It’s beautiful, it’s historic, and it’s cheap.

Prague was founded in the late 9th century and became the center of Bohemian kings, some of whom ruled the Holy Roman Empire. The city thrived under the rule of Charles IV, who ordered the building of some of the areas that draw the most tourists today. Over the centuries, it became a major center for European Jewry, artists, and performers. After World War I, the city became the capital of Czechoslovakia and, in 1993, Czechoslovakia split into two countries and Prague became capital city of the Czech Republic.

Prague’s compact medieval center remains a wonderful mixture of cobbled lanes, courtyards, cathedrals and countless church spires in the shadow of her majestic 9th century castle. The city center was amazing. The Jewish Quarter, one of the oldest parts of the city, is an amazing area that opens up a window into the city’s Jewish history. Prague had one of the biggest Jewish communities in the world before the Nazis. Temples and graveyards here date back to the 12th century. Going here will give you a good history of European Jewry.

The Old Town square contains many historic churches, the astronomical clock, and a town center filled with cafes, tourist shops, and the occasional football (soccer) game. Cross the historic bridges, where artists still line the bridges selling their wares. I found amazing paintings and works of art on the famous Charles Bridge that I had not been traveling, would have scooped up for my own. There are beautiful pieces on these bridges from talented artists. Once you cross the river, you can walk to Prague Castle. I thought the name was a bit of a misnomer as it was more a fort and church than a classical castle. Nonetheless, it provides excellent views of the city and is filled with amazing architecture. Afterwards, head and see St. Vitus Cathedral, an amazing Baroque style church.

Prague has become the most popular travel destinations in Central Europe and millions of tourists visit the city every year. Though not as cheap as it used to be, the city is still amazingly cheap by western standards. Beers cost a dollar, hostels cost 10 dollars a night, and food only a few dollars. Like anywhere, you can drop your bank account if you want but I managed to want for nothing and still only spend 20-25 dollars a day. With so many cheap flights around Europe, this city sees alot of weekend warriors who come in on Friday and leave on Monday. British males come especially for stag parties and wild weekends where they can get a lot of beer for their pound. The city has a definite party atmosphere but it is easy to avoid that and just bask in the city’s historic and artistic past.

Prague is a can’t miss stop for any tour through Europe. There is something for everyone here and it’s just stupidly beautiful that it overloads your senses. Everywhere you go, you feel like you are walking in the 15th century. Prague is a city where my camera went into overtime. Go book your flight now.

6 Responses to “The Saturday City: Prague”

1. Tim Ramsey on July 26th, 2008 10:52 am

   I recently came accross your blog and have been reading along. I thought I would leave my first comment. I dont know what to say except that I have enjoyed reading. Nice blog.

   Tim Ramsey

2. Theresa on July 26th, 2008 9:00 pm

   I need to get back to Prague. Everyone loves it, but I have to admit that it ranked at the lower end of scale for me when I visited it while living in Germany and touring Europe. I think part of the problem was that I visited in late November and it was so damn cold that I just wanted to get inside and couldn’t really enjoy just wandering around. Next time I’ll go when the weather’s better and see what I think. (I did appreciate that it was cheap, though.)

3. Mark H on July 26th, 2008 11:18 pm

   One of my favorite cities too. Extraordinary place with a real zest for life.

4. Anthony on July 27th, 2008 3:46 am

   Cities to add for next trip: Salisbury, Prague… keep ‘em coming.

5. NomadicMatt on July 27th, 2008 10:55 am

   @theresa: I bet it was cold! I went in september and the weather was beautiful…though it did rain for 2 days…

   @anthony: I have plenty!!!

6. Cuckoo on July 28th, 2008 2:17 am

   I agree with Anthony. Keep them coming.

   Your Saturday posts are quite informative and detailed unlike my weekly affairs.

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