Prague, the capital of the Czech Republic, is a popular destination for tourists. It is ranked as the 20th most visited city in the world and hosts around eight million tourists each year. Whether you are backpacking during a gap year or looking to travel in your retirement, Prague offers a variety of sights and experiences that are sure to meet any traveler’s needs.

If you have seen a picture of Prague before, it is likely that you were looking at Prague Castle. This UNESCO World Heritage Site dominates the city skyline with its gothic towers and is the largest ancient castle in the world. Explore the history of the St. Vitus cathedral where generations of kings and queens have been coronated and walk around the quaint buildings of the Golden Lane, where you will be emersed in the lifestyle of 16th-century craftsmen.

Only a few minutes away from Prague Castle is the John Lennon wall. Lennon’s messages of happiness and freedom greatly resonated with the youth of Prague because many of them were involved in non-violent resistance towards Czechoslovakia’s communist leadership. After Lennon’s death in 1980, a mural was painted in his honor and as a reminder of what he stood for. The colorful graffiti-style wall tells the story of turmoil and perseverance within the city and is continuously changing as people are adding song lyrics and portraits. The wall is a popular stop for tourists, so make sure you get there early in the day to get a good photo.

Now that you have explored the Old Town of Prague, you’ll want to cross the St. Charles Bridge to explore the rest of the city. The bridge was commissioned in 1357 by King Charles IV and was adorned with Baroque statues in the 17th century. As you pass through the bridge, some of the statues may appear to be surprisingly shiny despite their age. This is due to the superstition that touching statues of certain saints will bring a person good luck and the constant rubbing by tourists is what keeps them polished. This bridge is often filled with street vendors and performers and is one of the most heavily trafficked areas of the city.

Another iconic landmark for the city of Prague is the astronomical clock, which was built in the 14th century. Located in Old Town Square, the Astronomical clock not only tells time but shows the date and the positions of the sun, moon, and earth. Make sure you do not miss “The Walk of Apostles”. At the top of every hour, figurines of Apostles march out of the tower, while a skeleton, representing death, strikes the clock.

After a long day of walking and exploring there is no doubt that you will be in need of a drink! The familiar brands of Budweiser and Pilsner originated in the Czech Republic and can be purchased for around one U.S. dollar. Prague is also full of local breweries that offer tastings. Surprisingly, one of the oldest breweries in the city is a monastery. The Břevnov Monastery created its brewery in the 10th century as a way to support themselves financially. The beautiful architecture and scenery of this monastery can be enjoyed while sipping on one of their homemade brews and is a wonderful way to enjoy an afternoon in Prague.

For travelers who have more of a sweet tooth, you might prefer to indulge in a Trdelník, a hollow cylindrical pastry covered in sugar. You can add toppings and fillings to yours such as ice cream, chocolate sauce, or whipped cream. Although they are designed for tourists and not eaten by locals, they are still a fun treat to try. If you are looking for a more authentically Czech dessert, strudl is the way to go. They are typically found in coffee shops or bakeries and taste great plain or a la mode.

Prague is a city with so much to offer. From history and architecture to delicious cuisine, it is a destination that any tourist is sure to enjoy!

Written by: Rachel Stenz

Sources: Schachtner, Prague Castle, Samolik, Břevnov Monastery