Prague Through a Tourist's Eye
I recently visited the City of Prague, also known as “the golden city of spires” on Vltava River. I found Prague very attractive, and the thousand-year history was visible particularly in the architecture. The touristy Old Town, the Prague Castle, the Little Quarter and the Jewish Town made a deep impression on me with beautiful medieval, gothic- and baroque-style churches and renaissance residential buildings, museums, cafes and theaters. One could wander through the meandering streets of Prague for days in a row and continuously discover hidden alleyways and unique views.
The Communist era left a visible mark on the city’s architecture as well, but the historical part has been preserved well and revived. The Museum of Communism is a good place to learn about the terrifying atmosphere and horrors of that era.
A city makes an impression on a first-time visitor through its architectural layout, and people. Particularly people working in the service sector like hotels, restaurants, museums, and shops are the first tourists interact with. Unfortunately, I was not impressed by the Czech tourist service community. Compared to Japan, the Czech service workers did not strike me as very polite or helpful. I wonder if this attitude is manifest only to foreigners or it is rather universal. This is also the case in Moldova and other Central and Eastern European countries. I wonder about the reasons for such attitudes and behavior.
I had wonderful weather in Prague for pictures, so I want to share a couple with you.
Karlov Most and Praha Castle 
View of Church of Our Lady before Tyn from Old Town Tower 
Vltava River in Sunset
Comments:
Beautiful photos!
Maybe service workers attitudes are influenced by not having any incentives since they don’t get tips or commissions for doing well and can’t get fired for doing poorly due to strong socialist job regulations. This is the same as teachers in the US, and why schools are so bad. Also many are probably highly educated, but working in a job that they feel is beneath them. Just my guess.
Prague is a beautiful city and tourists all over the world go there for holidays. And if you were in Prague once, you will miss it if you leave and you will always have desire to come back.
Prague was my first solo trip outside of the United States. It was an amazing experience and has kicked off a life of travel no matter what it takes. I don't have anyone in my life that is able to commit to going anywhere with me so I have to just go on my own. Prague was a great first destination. I have been outside of the country before but it was on a tour and that just isn't the same. The reason I chose Prague was because of the mysterious element of the region itself. I wish I had more time to explore outside of Prague but the week I got to spend in the city was a good taste. Prague is just how I imagined it. Almost straight out of a spy movie, as cliche as it sounds. Not a better place in Europe to walk, stroll, and take in all the wonderful sights. I recommend Prague to ANY traveler. I went in March which is off-season for tourism and I ended up getting excellent weather. I almost wish it had been cloudy and rainy for at least a day or two so I could have gotten to see Prague how it is supposed to be seen. Dark, dreary and haunted.
I really enjoyed reading your blog. Prague is a very popular tourist destination receiving over 3 million visitors per year. It offers the contrasts of the past with bridges, cathedrals, gold-tipped towers and church domes, and that of a modern metropolis full of energy, music, and art. The architecture of Prague includes Romanesque, Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque as well as classical buildings and Art Nouveau. Prague is also a city of bridges, 14 alone crossing the river Vltava. Prague is also a ‘Green City’ with numerous parks and forest areas. There is no better time to invest in Prague property. A real estate investment in Prague provides a high potential for returns due to the strength and stability of the political and economic environment.
Prague’s allure is found in it’s history, most evident through the architecture in the areas of Mala Strana and Stare Mesto (Old Town) where lies Prague Castle, Charles Bridge above the Vltava River, Old Town Hall, Tyn Church and Old Town Square with a memorial to one of Prague’s favorite sons, Jan Hus, a Protestant reformer 100 years before it was trendy. Most of my time in Prague was spent in these areas with occasional wanderings through Nove Mesto (New Town) and a day-excursion down to the medieval town of Cesky Krumlov. Experiencing this gem of Eastern Europe, it’s food in Prague restaurants, it’s beer and it’s people has been the best holidays I could have had (aside from surrounded by family).
Prague hotels