Fodor’s Prague: with the Best of the Czech Republic PDF
Preview Fodor’s Prague: with the Best of the Czech Republic
CONTENTS Cover Copyright About This Guide Welcome To Prague Prague Images 1 EXPERIENCE PRAGUE Prague Today Prague Planner What’s Where Prague Top Attractions Prague Like a Local Prague Top Experiences Great Itineraries Best Festivals in Prague Best Tours in Prague 2 EXPLORING PRAGUE Staré Město (Old Town) Josefov (Jewish Quarter) Malá Strana (Lesser Quarter) Hradčany (Castle Area) Pražský Hrad (Prague Castle) Nové Město (New Town) and Vyšehrad Vinohrady and Žižkov Letná, Holešovice, and Troja Karlův most (Charles Bridge) 3 WHERE TO EAT Planner Restaurant Reviews Best Bets for Prague Dining Eating and Drinking Well in Prague 4 WHERE TO STAY Planner Hotel Reviews 5 PERFORMING ARTS Planner Classical Music Film Performance Arts Centers and Major Venues Puppet Shows and Black-Light Theater Theater and Dance 6 NIGHTLIFE Planner Staré Město Josefov Malá Strana Hradčany Nové Město Vinohrady Žižkov Smíchov Letná, Holešovice, and Troja Prague’s Beer Culture 7 SHOPPING Planner Staré Město Malá Strana Hradčany Nové Město Vinohrady Žižkov Smíchov 8 DAY TRIPS FROM PRAGUE Day Trips from Prague Planning Kutná Hora Karlštejn Křivoklát Mělník Český Šternberk Konopiště Castle Lidice Terezín 9 SOUTHERN BOHEMIA Welcome To Southern Bohemia Planning Český Krumlov Tábor Písek Třeboň Jindřichův Hradec Hluboká nad Vltavou České Budějovice 10 WESTERN BOHEMIA Welcome To Western Bohemia Planning Karlovy Vary Cheb Františkovy Lázně Mariánské Lázně Plzeň 11 MORAVIA Welcome To Moravia Planning Třebíč Telč Mikulov Brno Olomouc MAPS Staré Město (Old Town) Josefov (Jewish Quarter) Hradčany (Castle Area) Pražský hrad (Prague Castle) Nové Město (New Town) and Vyšehrad Vinohrady and Žižkov Letná, Holešovice, and Troja Prague Dining Where to Eat in Prague Where to Stay in Prague Kutná Hora Český Krumlov Karlovy Vary Prague Metro TRAVEL SMART PRAGUE ABOUT OUR WRITERS ABOUT THIS GUIDE Fodor’s Recommendations Everything in this guide is worth doing—we don’t cover what isn’t—but exceptional sights, hotels, and restaurants are recognized with additional accolades. Fodor’s Choice indicates our top recommendations; and Best Bets call attention to notable hotels and restaurants in various categories. Care to nominate a new place? Visit Fodors.com/contact-us . Trip Costs We list prices wherever possible to help you budget well. Hotel and restaurant price categories from $ to $$$$ are noted alongside each recommendation. For hotels, we include the lowest cost of a standard double room in high season. For restaurants, we cite the average price of a main course at dinner or, if dinner isn’t served, at lunch. For attractions, we always list adult admission fees; discounts are usually available for children, students, and senior citizens. Hotels Our local writers vet every hotel to recommend the best overnights in each price category, from budget to expensive. Unless otherwise specified, you can expect private bath, phone, and TV in your room. For expanded hotel reviews, visit Fodors.com . Restaurants Unless we state otherwise, restaurants are open for lunch and dinner daily. We mention dress code only when there’s a specific requirement and reservations only when they’re essential or not accepted. Credit Cards The hotels and restaurants in this guide typically accept credit cards. If not, we’ll say so. EUGENE FODOR Hungarian-born Eugene Fodor (1905–91) began his travel career as an interpreter on a French cruise ship. The experience inspired him to write On the Continent (1936), the first guidebook to receive annual updates and discuss a country’s way of life as well as its sights. Fodor later joined the U.S. Army and worked for the OSS in World War II. After the war, he kept up his intelligence work while expanding his guidebook series. During the Cold War, many guides were written by fellow agents who understood the value of insider information. Today’s guides continue Fodor’s legacy by providing travelers with timely coverage, insider tips, and cultural context. WELCOME TO PRAGUE One of Europe’s best-preserved cities, Prague has a romantic riverside location enhanced by graceful bridges and a magnificent skyline punctuated with medieval church spires. Its historic Old Town follows a plan laid out 1,000 years ago, with ancient squares and winding cobblestone streets. Haunting Prague Castle looms large across the Vltava River, rising above the exquisite Charles Bridge. Add extravagant, fairy-tale architecture; memorable classical music; and, these days, good food and drink, and it’s easy to see why Prague charms everyone who visits. TOP REASONS TO GO Historic architecture: Gothic, baroque, Renaissance, Art Nouveau—it’s all here. Prague Castle: This Gothic fortress and soaring cathedral were Kafka’s inspiration. Jewish heritage: Historic synagogues and sights reflect an 800-year-old legacy. Old Town Square: The city’s pulsing heart fans out below the twin-spired Týn church. Excellent beer: Czechs brew the best pilsner, and Prague pubs know how to pour it. Classical music: Musicians from Dvořák to Mozart made their mark in Prague.
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