Prague is a center of culture, classical music and literary life, but what makes this city most memorable is the magical feeling it evokes, the feeling of stepping back in time.
Staré Mesto, Prague's Old Town
The magic begins in Old Town Square, where cobble-stoned streets are lined by well-preserved 900-year-old architecture. When the clatter of horse hooves echoes off the walls, it's easy to imagine a knight in shining armor galloping towards you even if it's only one of the many tourist-toting horse carriages giving visitors a romantic ride.
Old Town's magic can also be savored in the many restaurants that offer tranquil hideaways to indulge in a romantic meal.
In December, Old Town is the scene of Prague's biggest Christmas Market, when drifting snow caresses the age-old spires then falls gently over old-style wooden stalls. A sparkling Christmas tree hovers over the market, and the scent of mulled wine lures visitors to stroll among vendors' stalls selling handmade wooden toys and embroidered scarves.
At any time of year, the view from the Old Town Hall's14th-century tower is stunning. Descend in time to catch Prague's legendary Astronomical Clock coming to life. Dating to 1410, the clock adorns the side of the town Hall tower. On the hour, a parade of Apostles passes by while the bell rings and then finally announces the time.
After watching the Astronomical Clock , browse the many shops in Old Town. An evening performance of a marionette show at Old Town's Museum of Marionette & Puppet Cultures is a unique experience. First, show goers view the museum's large display illustrating the evolution of puppets, then they watch a sultry marionette rendition of a show such as Don Giovanni, one of Mozart's most popular operas.
Charles Bridge, once the Route of Kings and Queens
From Old Town, walk along the Royal Route to Charles Bridge. Dating from the 14th century, Charles Bridge crosses the shimmering River Vltava, connecting Old Town to Prague Castle and the Little Quarter (Malá Strana). Legend says that the bridge withstood wheeled traffic for 600 years due to its mortar being mixed with eggs. Pedestrianized since WWII, the bridge is always bustling with people admiring its baroque towers, statues of saints and city views, or browsing among artists who line the bridge selling their work.
Prague Castle, the Largest Ancient Castle in the World
From Charles Bridge, climb to Prague Castle, a huge complex of houses, towers, churches, gardens and monuments. Inside the Royal Palace, capture the romance of days of old in Vladislav Hall. Serving as the seat of Bohemian princes, its vaulted ceilings oversaw many royal banquets, coronations and even jousting contests. The latter explains the Riders' Staircase, built with wide, shallow steps for knights on horseback.
St. Vitus Cathedral, where the kings of Bohemia were crowned and buried, is the dominating structure of Prague Castle; its many gothic towers add to the city's spire-studded skyline. It houses the crown jewels and the tomb of "Good King" Wenceslas and is so richly decorated with Renaissance paintings, gold, jewels and priceless artwork, it is almost overwhelming.
Prague Castle's Golden Lane boasts no rosy cherubs, statues or vaulted ceilings. Instead, miniature cafés, shops and cottages line this tiny thoroughfare. Less luxurious but just as reminiscent of a fairytale setting as the castle, this dead-end street dates to Rudolf II von Habsburg's reign (17th century). A strange recluse, he is said to have dabbled in the science of alchemy. In fact, alchemists who fell out of favor were imprisoned in the White Tower that guards the lane's west side.
More recently, artists and writers lived here, including the existentialist writer Franz Kafka who stayed in number 22 from 1916-1917.
Petrin Hill
After a day with Kafka and kings, a funicular railway ride up the side of Petrin Hill takes visitors to Prague's largest green space, great for quiet walks. Later, stop halfway down the hill at Nebozizek Restaurant for a romantic dinner and enchanting views of this magical "City of a Hundred Spires."
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