Europe -> Eastern Europe -> Czech Republic

Introduction:
Prague is the cosmopolitan capital of the Czech Republic and is a must-see destination of Europe. Filled with narrow cobbled streets, stunning architecture and friendly people, this city does not fail to deliver.


History:
Human Habitation dates back to 6000 BC, and by 4000 BC the Germanic and Celtic tribes had established farming communities. By 600 AD the Slavs had settled across the Vltava River, and in the 9th Century the Great Moravian Empire conquered the area. This was also when the Prague Castle was established and a government formed. This is seen to be the establishment of the Prague we know today. Czechoslovakia became an independent nation in 1918, with Prague as the capital. In 1990 the states of Czech and Slovakia wanted independence and the borders were re-drawn to how they are today.



Things To See:
There is plenty to see in Prague, and lots to eat and drink.

The Old Town Square is really the heart of the city. Prague is all about relaxing and taking in the atmosphere, and the old town square is the perfect spot to people watch and let the culture wash over you. The Astronomical clock at the edge of the square dates back to the 13th Century, and for a few minutes every hour people crowd in to see the display. The Christmas and Easter markets in the Old Town Square are magical and well worth braving the cold and the crowds.

The Charles Bridge is a beautiful pedestrian bridge lined with statues, stallholders and buskers. Beware at night as it a haunt for pickpockets.

Cross the Charles Bridge and make you way to the 1000-year-old Medieval Prague Castle. The castle has been reconstructed 4 times, most noticeably are the Romanesque and gothic influences. The view from the castle looks down over the old town and all of Prague. The markets, which line the road up, are touristy but not tacky.

The Jewish quarter is also worth seeing, best done by a walking tour of the city.



Weather:
Prague has a mild climate with warm but wet summers; the average temp is 24?C. The winters are cooler, the mercury sits below 0?C and snow is frequent. The best times to visit are probably May and September.







Getting There:
There are multiple daily direct flights from most European cities to Prague. Train and bus from major European cities also easily access Prague.