Old Town Prague is a good example of external influences mixing with local traditions 漏 Jason Najum / 老澳门六合彩开奖记录
Prague is a continental epicenter. It鈥檚 not only the Czech Republic鈥檚 capital, but arguably the region鈥檚 most culturally relevant city. And the word is out, with tourism on the rise. Yet there鈥檚 more there than the usual tourist to-do list.
Prague鈥檚 history is one of external influences mixing with local traditions. Home to the great kingdoms of Bohemia and one-time capital of both the Holy Roman Empire and the Habsburg鈥檚 Austro-Hungarian dynasty, Prague has always been a cultural crossroads. Today, its role as regional metropolis has helped build a vibrant local cultural scene, one with a decidedly Czech flavor.
Old World Prague living (and drinking)
Prague鈥檚 Old Town (Star茅 M臎sto) is where most visitors eventually find themselves. It鈥檚 a beautiful district, restored and well-maintained, offering Prague鈥檚 baroque take on old world plazas and cathedrals. Even though the Czechs do a good job of keeping things Czech, the quarter has inevitably taken on some tourism aesthetics, so one must dig a bit deeper for more untouched local experiences. Beer is a necessary part of any Czech exploration, so even if you don鈥檛 partake, have a seat and soak it all in. Traditional beer halls are like wood-carved time machines, offering carb-heavy glimpses into yesteryear.
In the heart of the Old Town you鈥檒l find U Zlat茅ho Tygra, a popular old-time hangout that has managed to host visiting presidents while still giving priority to its local clientele. It鈥檚 a good example of a classic Czech pub. For a step deeper into the local watering hole community, walk across the Charles Bridge and find . This is a local鈥檚 spot 鈥 walking in, the apparently surly bartender will assess your beer-drinking authenticity, sometimes turning clients away. Yet behind the harsh exterior are warm suds-slingers looking for a laugh 鈥 so if you鈥檙e given a hard time, just smile and say 鈥渃ome on, just one.鈥 Chances are he鈥檒l let you in.
Hanging Out Like a Local
Continue your exploration into the local scene with a stop at . A spot for those on the slightly grungier end of the hipster spectrum, 窜谩锄别尘铆 offers cheap beers with live local music and art events 鈥 a rare find in the increasingly touristy Old Town.
A short walk outside of the Old Town, located in the city鈥檚 bustling 鈥渘ew town鈥 (Prague 1) you鈥檒l find . Hidden on a quaint side street, this cafe/bar hybrid is a low-key local hangout, with budding artists on display and regulars drinking on the front stoop. A great option for work or play, day or night.
Next head to , the riverfront area just outside the downtown core. This local favorite offers a variety of boat-bars and street food stalls, with great options for Czech food and drink in a lively outdoor environment. If on a budget, do as the locals do and pick up a corner store pilsner and just sit by the river and people-watch. On summer Saturdays pass by the 狈谩辫濒补惫办补 Farmer's Market (until 2pm for late-risers).
For more outdoor chilling, head across the river to 尝别迟苍谩, a city park built into the riverfront hills. The views alone are worth the short trek, but enjoy the afternoon and have a cold draft beer and some grilled sausage in the 尝别迟苍谩 Beer Garden. This tree-covered haven serves food and drink until 10pm on summer weekends.
Don鈥檛 forego the culture
If the arts are more your scene, explore the nearby Hole拧ovice neighborhood. This former slightly sleazy industrial area has revitalized into one of Prague鈥檚 coolest districts. is an arthouse cinema showing a range of popular and independent films. is an artist鈥檚 collective offering Czech modern art, and DOX is one of Prague鈥檚 premiere contemporary museums. For more local events, head a few minutes west into Prague 6 to for live music and other cultural happenings.
Finally for a peak into where the cool kids hang, the guys from are moving their underground yet very popular Sunday Jam Sessions to an outdoor garden setting for the summer. Definitely worth checking out.
Prague is both a city of obvious beauty and hidden treasures. Exploring these local gems and spending time in neighborhoods like Hole拧ovice, 沤i啪kov and Vr拧ovice will give you a better appreciation and fuller view of one of Europe鈥檚 most compelling cities.
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