Prague is a charming city on the Vltava river, the city of hundreds of spires and domes and beautiful façades. In this kid-friendly city, you don’t need public transportation as all attractions can be reached on foot.
A Family Vacation in Prague - A gem among the cities of Europe.
PLACES TO VISIT
The Prague Castle in the district of Hradčany, the most significant historical monument and the symbol of the Czech Republic is UNESCO World Heritage site. Built in the 19th century, it is still the residence of the head of state. It consists of the Old Royal Palace, St Vitus Cathedral, St George’s Basilica, Golden Lane with Daliborka Tower and Rosenberg Palace.
St. Vitus Cathedral is the coronation church and the largest church in Prague. It is a part of the Prague Castle complex.
Charles Bridge (Karlův most), a stone Gothic bridge across the Vltava river connects the Old Town and Lesser Town. It is decorated with towers and baroque statues along both sides.
The splendid Baroque complex of Clementinum includes the Astronomical Tower, the Baroque Library and three churches. St Clement's Cathedral is very popular for concerts of classical music.
The Old Town Square (Staroměstské náměstí) is the most significant square of historical Prague founded in the 12th century, with the Old Town Hall, the unique astronomical clock known as Orloj, the Church of Our Lady before Týn, the Baroque Church of St. Nicholas, and the Rococo Kinský Palace or the Prague National Gallery, and the monument of Jan Hus.
The Jewish quarter (Josefov), located between the square and the Vltava River, preserves the history of the former Jewish Ghetto from the 13th century with six synagogues, the Jewish Ceremonial Hall and the old Jewish Cemetery.
The Powder Tower is the colossal entrance of the coronation processions of Czech kings entering the Old Town.
Wenceslas Square (Václavské náměstí), the commercial and administrative centre of the city is where you will find cinemas, theatres, banks, hotels, restaurants and shops but also the National Museum.
Art lovers will probably visit the National Theatre, the house of three artistic ensembles: opera, ballet and drama.
The Dancing House is an example of deconstructivist architecture.
PRAGUE FOR FAMILIES
The Prague Puppet Show is in the Prague Municipal Library building in Old Town.
Prague Zoo is one of the top zoos in the world for its various inhabitants. Kids can ride ponies, visit an Amazonian-village-themed play area, and of course have a snack or pancakes at the restaurant.
Visitors can take a Prague Venice Boat Tour in the vintage wooden riverboats along the Vltava River to the Little Devil canal.
Vojanovy Sady is the park where parents can have some rest watching the kids playing at a little playground and a lot of open space under the fruit trees.
Petrin Lookout Tower that resembles the Eiffel Tower used to be an observation tower, but today is a tourist attraction. Kids will enjoy reaching the 1,000-feet-high top on a funicular ride.
MUSEUMS & GALLERIES
There are a lot of museums in Prague, but the following are must-see: the Jewish Museum, Strahov Library, Mucha Museum, Museum of Communism, The Museum of Decorative Arts, the National Museum of Agriculture, the National Technical Museum and the National Gallery in Prague.
ACCOMMODATION
Visitors can book family rooms in central Prague locations if they want to avoid public transportation. Family apartments with kitchenette are also a good solution. Cribs and infant beds are available at request.
WHAT TO EAT
In numerous restaurants, visitors can have a beer and try Roast Pork With Dumplings and Cabbage, Guláš, Kuladja Polévka or mushroom soup, Česnečka or garlic ‘hangover’ soup, Sausages in dark beer and Potato Pancakes. On the street, they can buy trdelník, a cake made from rolled dough, grilled and topped with sugar and walnut mix.
USEFUL TIPS
· Prague is not a big city, so there are less traffic and smaller crowds, which means less stress for children and their parents.
· There are a lot of parks and playgrounds.
· Lots of restaurants have play areas.
· You can walk with your kids around most attractions without using public transportation.
· Most restaurants are family-friendly and offer children’s menus or smaller portions.
· There is enough to do in any weather.
TIME TO VISIT
The best times to visit Prague are the spring and early fall. The weather is mild then and the city isn’t crowded. Winters can be chilly and in the summer prices go up.
HIDDEN GEMS
An interesting place is a provocative Proudy, a statue of two men peeing endlessly in the basin in the shape of the Czechia in front of the Kafka Museum.
Unique Underground Bars In Prague are an excellent rescue from long Prague winters or the heat in the summer. The Black Angel Bar is one of the best with its special cocktails in great unique glasses.
Globe Bookstore And Café is the first English based bookstore with high ceiling walls stacked with books, plus a restaurant and a café.
Kampa Island in the Vltava River in central Prague is one of the most beautiful city islands in the world, with the museum dedicated to modern European art.
In Prague, there are a lot of Tea Houses where visitors can sit and relax in the silent company of students studying.
Vietnamese Food came to Prague with the Vietnamese workers in the socialism period. There are several restaurants where you can try the spicy oriental food.
The Lennon Wall in Malá Strana used to be a normal wall but since the 1980s it is filled with John Lennon-inspired graffiti and lyrics from Beatles songs.
TRANSPORTATION
Public transportation in Prague isn’t too complicated. It consists of The Prague Metro, trams, and City Buses. Visitors can also use Taxi or Uber services. A relatively cheap public Airport Shuttle connects the airport and the city center.
Prague is so full of interesting kid-friendly attractions, gorgeous parks, affordable food and family-friendly hotels and apartments that it should be included in your list of must-see cities of Europe.
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