Prague – The Local Experience

Prague – The Local Experience – The history of the Czech Republic is infused with legends that are important threads in the cultural identity of its people. Today, they are proudly independent, after centuries of changing borders and rulers that have each contributed to the country’s oral history and folklore – from the legend of Prague’s founding and naming by a mythical Slavic princess and prophetess, to the eerie tale of the Golem, a monstrous creature tasked with protecting Prague’s Jews. Czechs are generally quite reserved in person, but once you get to know them you’ll appreciate their friendliness and warmth.

Drinking

With the world’s highest beer consumption per capita, the Czech Republic is a nation of people who don’t stop after just one pint. A empty glass at a pub is automatically a signal to the bartender, an unspoken “bring another!” Just wave them down to let them know when you’re on the last round. To brush shoulders with locals, head for a pub outside the city centre, such as U Jelínků on Charvátova Street. If sipping a brew isn’t to your liking, make a stop at the Saturday farmers’ market on the embankment between Palacký and Railway Bridges.

Drinking in Prague

The Arts

Prague is a layered town in every meaning. There is a richness of history and architecture in such a small geographical space; medieval, baroque, Gothic, and contemporary buildings are nestled in the city, not to mention stunning examples of Art Nouveau and the charming and playful ‘Dancing House’ by Vlado Milunic and Frank Gehry.

Treasure Hunt

Go on a treasure hunt for the irreverent surrealist sculptures of David Cerny that form a quirky constellation across Prague. Political themes are deftly handled in his sarcastic installations, acting as a counterweight to the saturated grandeur of the city.

David Cerny sculpture in Prague

Watch out..!

Some are easy to spot: guided tours offered for free, Segway tours, or 1-hour boat trips along the Vltava River. The Christmas markets in the Old Town are packed from the end of November until they close in late December; try the one at Namesti Miru instead. U Fleků Restaurant and other breweries like it are popular with visitors, but skip them in favour of local pubs like U Vystřeleného oka.

Taxi drivers in Prague are notorious for cheating tourists. Never get into a cab that isn’t clearly marked with its affiliated company, and don’t hail one off the street. It’s safe to order a cab by phone or through your hotel’s taxi service.

By organising your experience with Ormina Tours we’ll make sure you get all the help you need. Whether it be a Private Journey, customised to suit your preferences, or part of our Berlin to Budapest Small Group Journey, our local guides will go above and beyond to give you the best experience possible.