Prague for

Are you planning to visit the “City of a Hundred Spires” for the first time? If yes, then read this blog to plan your itinerary for exploring the beautiful city of Prague in Central Europe. 

1. Scratch the map

Prague is the capital city of Czech Republic in Central Europe and was historically the capital of the Bohemia region. It sits on the Vltava River, the longest river in Czech Republic.

2. How to reach

Prague airport also known as Vaclav Havel Airport is well connected to different European and non European countries.

3. Number of days

You can cover the main attractions of Prague in 3-4 days during your first visit. However, this city has a lot more to offer and one would possibly need a full week to fully enjoy and imbibe its history and rich culture. 

3. Tour Highlights

Prague is a beautiful city full of architectural wonders. 

• Day 1 (morning) : Start your first day in the beautiful the Old Town Square and visit the lovely monuments in this part of the city. Then visit Charles Bridge and explore the streets of Lesser Town.

• Day 1 (evening) : Take an evening criuse on Vltava river and enjoy a completely different view of the important lankdmarks from the water. 

• Day 2 (morning) : Visit the Prague Castle and 

• Day 2 (evening) : Take an evening criuse on Vltava river and enjoy a completely different view of the important lankdmarks from the water. 

3.a  Astronomical Clock

A trip to Prague is incomplete without visiting the Prague Astronomical Clock also known as Prague Orloj. This is the oldest operating astronomical clock in the world which was built around 1410. In addition to showing the time, it also accurately tracks movement of planetary bodies. At the beginning of every hour from 9 AM – 11 PM, the Walk of the Twelve Apostles can be seen behind the two small windows above the astronomical dial in the clock tower. Remember to arrive atleast 15 minutes before the show starts since the area gets very crowded.

3.b  Old Town Tower

After the Apostles show, climb to the top of the Old Town Tower (i.e the top of the Clock Tower) to get mind blowing views of the Old Town Square and the surrounding regions. You can either buy the ticket online or at the counter itself during your visit. I would suggest to also buy tickets for the elevator since the steep climb is quite an exercise!

3.c  Church of Our Lady before Tyn

One of the most magnificent buildings in the Old Town Square, this Gothic church was built in the 14th century. The unique feature of the church exterior are its two towers each with eight spires. 

3.d  Vltave river cruise

The Matera Cathedral is a Roman Catholic Church and a famous landmark built on the highest point of the city with its bell tower perched above all the buildings. To the north of the Matera Cathedral lies the Sasso Barisano, while to the south is the Sasso Caveoso. In front of the Cathedral, is the Piazza Duomo which is a historic square with a beautiful viewpoint overlooking the valleys below. Inside the Cathedral, one can see beautiful paintings and elaborate nativity scenes.

3.c Palombaro Lungo

Palombaro Lungo is an underground cistern in the Piazza Vittorio Veneto. Also, known as the "Cathedral of Water", this is the largest cistern in Matera and was used for collecting rain water till possibly 1920 when the Apulian aqueduct installed public fountains for water supply in the city. Since then the cistern is unused, but is open for visitors after payment of a small fees.

4. Personal Recommendations

• Number of days: Consider spending atleast 2-3 nights in Matera to imbibe the magic of this city. If you don't have enough time, then atleast spend one night in Matera to view the city lit up at night. It's a completely different experience compared to how the city looks during the day.

• Pack light: Note that cars cannot go upto your hotels and the entire city of Matera is full of steps. You will have to carry your own luggage from the main square to your hotel. So remember to pack as much light as possible.

• Hotel stay: Consider staying in a cave hotel in the city of cave dwellings! We stayed at Hotel Sassi in the old town with a beautiful view of the Matera Cathedral and Sassi district in front. In terms of cost, it is reasonable and in terms of location, possibly one of the best! Also, the hotel is maximum 4-5 minutes walk from the city centre where taxis will drop you. So you will not need to carry your luggage for a long while.

• Guided walking tour: A walking tour is one of the best ways to learn about Matera's history and how it has evolved over ages. 

4. Goodbye Notes

If you are ready to be mesmerized by Matera, then also check my blogs on Polignano a Mare and Alberobello so that you can combine all the three destinations in a single trip! 

• Polignano a Mare 

• Alberobello