The Beyond News

Prague is the capital and largest city in the Czech Republic, the 13th largest city in the European Union and the historical capital of Bohemia. Situated on the Vltava river, Prague is home to about 1.3 million people, while its metropolitan area is estimated to have a population of 2.7 million.The city has a temperate oceanic climate, with relatively warm summers and chilly winters.Prague is a political, cultural, and economic centre of central Europe complete with a rich history. Founded during the Romanesque and flourishing by the Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque eras, Prague was the capital of the Kingdom of Bohemia and the main residence of several Holy Roman Emperors, most notably of Charles IV.  It was an important city to the Habsburg Monarchy and its Austro-Hungarian Empire. The city played major roles in the Bohemian and Protestant Reformation, the Thirty Years' War and in 20th-century history as the capital of Czechoslovakia between the World Wars and the post-war Communist era.

Prague is home to a number of well-known cultural attractions, many of which survived the violence and destruction of 20th-century Europe. Main attractions include Prague Castle, Charles Bridge, Old Town Square with the Prague astronomical clock, the Jewish Quarter, Petřín hill and Vyšehrad. Since 1992, the extensive historic centre of Prague has been included in the UNESCO list of World Heritage Sites.The city has more than ten major museums, along with numerous theatres, galleries, cinemas, and other historical exhibits. An extensive modern public transportation system connects the city. It is home to a wide range of public and private schools, including Charles University in Prague, the oldest university in Central Europe.Prague is classified as an "Alpha-" global city according to GaWC studies. In 2019, the city was ranked as 69th most liveable city in the world by Mercer. In the same year, the PICSA Index ranked the city as 13th most liveable city in the world. Its rich history makes it a popular tourist destination and as of 2017, the city receives more than 8.5 million international visitors annually. In 2017 Prague was listed as the fifth most visited European city after London, Paris, Rome, and Istanbul.

Foods in Prague :

1. Vepro-knedlo-zelo :
This might seem similar to pork and sauerkraut you might eat in the US (as is common with many families on New Year’s Day). The pork is roasted, and served with stewed cabbage and dumplings. You’ll find that lots of dishes in Czech Republic involve dumplings and that is a great thing as they are scrumptious! The dumplings are not mixed in but instead are piled on the side of the plate. In this area of the world. you’ll see ‘Knedlo’ spelled in a variety of ways from country to country and it’ll also be a dumpling. You will sometimes get light gravy with this.

2. Chlebícky :
This is a cute little sandwich! I had mine without a piece of bread on top, and typically they are served open face like this. Depending on the toppings you could have this any time of day, even breakfast! This will be served in both restaurant and street side shops. Like tapas, you can eat these in two or three bites. Eat a lot for a whole meal or make it just a snack. 

3. Smazeny syr :
This is the best savory treat you might have in Prague! Deep fried cheese! AKA heaven! You just can’t go wrong with any variation of this, and Czech people do it right serving it with fried or salad. You’re already eating deep-fried cheese, so why not go ahead and get the fries with it? Go for it.

4. Palacinky :
This is the classic dessert dish to have in Prague. It is simple yet delicious and perfect after a big savory meal. It is similar to a crepe, but you would have to taste it to realize it is something different. They put their own spin on it with a different cooking technique and perhaps even a secret ingredient. Although this is a dessert to many, you could stuff it with savory bits like meat or cheese and eat it as a meal. It’s really up to you and I suggest you try it both ways.

5. Trdelník :

These are called chimney cakes. You have to try this unique dessert! They take a raw dough and wrap it up on a stick then put it over the flames until the outside gets nice and crispy. The inside is soft and if you want, filled with jam or chocolate sauce. You can eat it just like this or you can have them put butter, sugar, or even cinnamon on top! There are a variety of ways to try this so make sure to have two or three or even four.

6. Kolace :
One last dessert just in case you still weren’t convinced the food here is the best, a tasty little pasty. This is simple and filled with jam or poppy seeds or maybe even cheese, and you’re going to love it. Pick one up from any bakery!These are some of the most classic dishes you will find in Prague and other cities in Czech Republic, as well as this region of the world (although they will have different names and slightly vary). Food here is rich and simple. That is what makes it very classic and something you want to eat daily! Enjoy.

Weather & geography in Prague :

Prague has a humid, continental climate, with warm summers and cold winters. Temperatures range from January's average daily high of 32°F (0°C) and low of 22°F (-4°C) to July's average daily high of 76°F (24.5°C) and low of 56°F (14°) Average annual rainfall is about 30 inches, distributed throughout the year.

Per day Cost in Prague :

How much money will you need for your trip to Prague? You should plan to spend around Kč2,042 ($94) per day on your vacation in Prague, which is the average daily price based on the expenses of other visitors. Past travelers have spent, on average, Kč489 ($23) on meals for one day and Kč154 ($7.10) on local transportation. Also, the average hotel price in Prague for a couple is Kč2,480 ($114). So, a trip to Prague for two people for one week costs on average Kč28,585 ($1,319). All of these average travel prices have been collected from other travelers to help you plan your own travel budget.

History of Prague :

Prague became the capital of independent Czechoslovakia after the fall of the Austro-Hungarian empire in 1918. Prague Castle became the place for the first president of Czechoslovakia, Tomáš Garrigue Masaryk. In between World War I and World War II, Prague became closer to Paris. During World War II (1939 - 1945), Prague was occupied by Nazi - Germany. After the war, Czechoslovakia was re-established as an independent state, and Sudeten Germans were thrown out and sent back to Germany and Austria.

In 1946 the communists (KSC) became the dominant party and formed a coalition government with other socialist parties. In 1948 the communists seized power and many democrats fled the country. In the 1950’s the country suffered harsh repression and decline, Stalin style practices adopted by the KSC (Communist Party of Czechoslovakia) proved to be more damaging than anything. Eventually, those in charge of the KSC were executed.

On 17th November 1989, the Velvet Revolution started in Prague that ended communism thus making Czechoslovakia a democratic country. In January 1990, the first democratic elections were conducted, making Václav Havel the president. On 1st January 1993, Czechoslovakia was split into two independent countries, Slovakia and Czech Republic. Prague became the capital of Czech Republic.

The Czechs’ relations with Germany and Austria in the year 2000 were tense due to the Czechs’ refusal to remove the Temelin nuclear power station in southern Bohemia. Also, the removal of German Sudetens after World War II, stripping them of their Czechoslovakian citizenship, still remains an issue. Despite political apologies, German Sudetens are still prevented by law from re-claiming their property.