Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Bridge about hourly, are scenic and relaxing, though not informa-
tive (100-150 Kč).
s
Paddleboat Cruises
—Renting a rowboat or paddleboat on the
island by the National Theatre is a better way to enjoy the river.
You'll float at your own pace among the swans and watch local lov-
ers cruise by in their own paddleboats (40-60 Kč/hr, bring photo
ID for deposit).
SELF-GuIdEd trAM tour
ss
Welcome to Prague: Tram #22
Tram #22 makes a fine Prague orientation joyride. It runs roughly
every five minutes, and you can hop on and off as you like (26-Kč
transfer ticket valid 75 min—see page 44 for more about tram tick-
ets). There are more seats and less traffic early, midday, and late. Be
warned: Thieves like this route as much as the tourists.
Catch the tram in the New Town and ride it over the river,
through the Little Quarter, and up to the castle (stop: Pohořelec).
You'll see how easy it is to use the trams, get the lay of the land,
and zip effortlessly up to the castle (saving lots of sweat or a 200-
Kč taxi ride).
Start at the
Národní Třída
stop (facing the Metro stop of the
same name, catch the tram closest to the Metro, on the same side
of the street as the Tesco department store). The tram will turn
and rattle along National Street (Národní Třída).
At the next stop,
Národní Divadlo,
you'll see
Café Slavia fac-
ing the National Theatre, just before the tram crosses the river.
Survey the boat-rental scene (island with rental wharfs) and the
romantic beach island, and enjoy a great castle view. The Dancing
House (while hard to see) is 400 yards upstream.
The next stop,
Újezd,
faces a park. See the Monument to
Victims of Communism Who Survived—with devoured spirits on
the steps (uphill at the corner, described on page 96). A funicular
leads to the Eiffel-like Petřín Tower.
The tram then heads north from the
Hellichova
stop, paral-
leling Kampa Island on the river side (to the right). On the inland
side, the tram passes St. Mary the Victorious Church, popular with
pilgrims for its Infant Jesus of Prague. Entering the Little Quarter,
the tram goes uphill to the American Embassy (with the flag).
The tram stops next at
Malostranské Náměstí,
on the
Little Quarter's main square, dominated by the Church of Saint
Nicholas. From here you can hike up Nerudova street to Prague
Castle. Charles Bridge is just 100 yards away—catch a peek-a-boo
view through the gate.
Fifteen yards beyond the
Malostranská
Metro stop (also a
tram stop)
is the entry to the Wallenstein Palace Garden. Past the
