Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
nouveau extravagance.
Join the crowds in the Old Town Square to witness the
Astronomical Clock
Admire the skill of master craftspeople at the
Museum of Decorative Arts
Staré Město backstreets.
Explore: Staré Město
If the labyrinth of narrow streets around the Old Town Square can be said to have a
'main drag', it's the so-called Royal Way, the ancient coronation route to Prague
Castle, running from the Powder Gate along Celetná to the Old Town Square and
Little Square (Malé náměstí), then along Karlova and across Charles Bridge.
To the north of the Old Town Square, half-a-dozen historic synagogues, a town hall
and the Old Jewish Cemetery are all that survive of the once-thriving Jewish quarter
of Josefov - the slice of Staré Město bounded by Kaprova, Dlouhá and Kozí. Most of
the district's buildings were demolished around the turn of the 20th century, when
massive redevelopment saw the old slums replaced with expensive new apartments.
To the south, the meandering lanes and passageways between Karlova and Národní
třída are Prague's best territory for aimless wandering. When the crowds thin out late
in the day, this area can cast such a spell that it's quite a surprise to emerge from its
peaceful backstreets into the bustle of the 21st century.
Local Life
on the traditional
pivnice
(small beer hall)
,
has proved a hit with Praguers looking for
good Czech food and beer at reasonable prices. Meanwhile, students from Charles
