old town square Archives - 2bearbear Singapore Travel Blog: Travel | Food | Hotels | Flights

Top 6 Things to do in Prague and Attractions in Prague Czech Republic!

Amazing view of Prague at viewing point outside monastery

There are so many things to do and attractions in Prague! Here we will take you through the top 6 attractions and things to do in Prague which we think all visitors to Prague should not miss!

1. Prague Castle & St. Vitus Cathedral

At the top of our list is Prague Castle & St. Vitus Cathedral!

This iconic castle can be seen from many parts of Prague as it sits atop overlooking the entire city! At about 600m long and 150m wide, it is the biggest ancient castle in the world! Do take time to check out Golden Lane as well as other intricate architectures within its compound.

Tip: Dont miss the change of guard on the hour!

2. Old Town Square and Astronomical Clock

360 View of the Old Town Square in Prague

To take a step back in time, a visit to Old Town Square would definitely do the trick. The square is laden with historical architectures and structures, each telling a history of their own. The highlight of the square is Astronomical Clock where it will have a little “performance” on the hour!

Tip: Observe the intricacies of the Astronomical Clock, it tells 3 different times and the calendar date as well!

3. Charles Bridge

Many would say “what is a visit to Prague without a visit to the scenic Charles Bridge?”. Indeed, you can take in the sights and have a leisurely stroll down this ancient bridge. The Prague Castle, Hunger Wall and Petrin Hill can be easily observed from here.

Tip: Be on the look out for pick-pockets and try not to buy souvenirs from here as they are usually pricier as compared to other souvenir shops.

4. Petrin Hill

Petrin Hill not only offers magnificent views of the entire city of Prague. There are other smaller attractions such as the Petrin Tower, Hunger Wall, Funicular as well as the Hall of Mirrors. Of course, the best view of Prague can be seen from here.

Tip: Take a stroll from here to the monastery and have a freshly brewed beer!

5. Wenceslas Square

Statue of St. Wenceslas on his horse (National Museum Wenceslas Square)

For night life and shopping, look no further than Wenceslas Square! Here you will find pubs, restaurants, entertainment venues and lots of shopping opportunities. A statue of St. Wenceslas on his horse (in front of the National Museum) lies at the northern end of the square.

Tip: Check out the Koruna Palace and its glass dome!

6. Municipal House

Used to be the seat of Bohemian Kings, the Municipal House today houses exhibitions and is also a venue for performances of the arts. For visitors, do take time to enjoy the intricacies of the building, on the inside and outside.

Tip: While you’re here, why not enjoy a leisurely afternoon tea at the Kavárna obecní Dům / Municipal House Cafe?

Hotel Deals

For your convenience, we have arranged for the best hotel deals in Prague right here!

If you enjoyed our content, “Like” us on Facebook Today!

Remember to leave your comments for 2bearbear Singapore Travel Blog in our comments section below!

Posts related to Prague Czech Republic

Top 6 Things to do in Prague and Attractions in Prague Czech Republic
Attractions and Things to do in Prague : Day 4-6 of Europe Trip

Attractions in Prague

Prague Castle – The most iconic architecture in Prague
Petrin Hill via the Funicular – Amazing View of Prague and Hall of Mirrors Awaits
Municipal House Prague – Enjoy a cuppa at Kavárna obecní Dům while reveling in the arts
Wenceslas Square Prague – Shopping , Dining , Cinemas and more
Charles Bridge Prague – Beautiful Architecture with Stories and Legends to Tell
Old Town Square Prague – History, Astrological Clock and more
Astronomical Clock Prague – Work of A Genius

Hotel that we stayed in Prague

Hotel Roma Prague Czech Republic – Great room at an excellent price

Updated on January 3, 2021November 14, 2012attractions Czech Republic Europe holiday Old Town Square Places of Interest Prague Singapore Travel Blog Travel Travel Blog Travel Tips vacation

Old Town Square Prague – History, Astrological Clock and more!

Church of our Lady at Tyn Old Town Square Prague

The Old Town Square is the old city centre of Prague. It was at the old town square that the cross roads of several long distance roads met. Hence at that time, the old town square of Prague was known throughout the world in the 11th century and was also a market place.

360 View of the Old Town Square in Prague

View of Old Town Square at night

Today, the old town square of Prague is home to an array of pubs and cafes as well as major attractions such as the Astronomical Clock, Church of our Lady Tyn as well as the St. Nicholas Protestant Church.

See Top Face - Astro Clock is able to tell 3 different times! — See Top Face – Astro Clock is able to tell 3 different times!

St. Nicholas Protestant Church Old Town Square Prague

If you observe carefully at the towers of the church, you will notice that one of the tower is actually “fatter” than the other tower. Our guide – Monika, joked that the architect was tipsy that night and drew out the wrong measurements. The fact is that the “fatter” tower actually represents Eve (pregnant) while the thinner tower represents Adam.

The Jan Hus statue is located right in the centre of the Old Town Square. It was erected on 6 July 1915 to mark the 500th anniversary of the reformer’s death.

You may also notice white crosses on the floor near to the astronomical clock. It represents the protestants that were executed during persecution.

Crosses to represent protestants that were executed

Also, if you notice carefully, you’ll see that the wall beside the Astrological Clock is actually partially “sectioned” off…

Wall that extended to St. Nicholas Church Prague Old Town

This originally extended all the way to St. Nicholas Church. However, it was hit during WW2 and this is what remains of it today.

Another interesting fact about the Old Town Square is this building…

Building where Albert Einstein played violin Prague Old Town

Referring to the blue and grey building, this was a place where Albert Einstein used to chill out when he was in Prague. He even played the violin there to show off! 🙂

There are actually so many things to do in Prague and especially in this Old Town Square, it is so full of rich history! Take time to discover them!

For your convenience, we have arranged for the best hotel deals in Prague right here!

If you enjoyed our content, “Like” us on Facebook Today!

Posts related to Prague Czech Republic

Top 6 Things to do in Prague and Attractions in Prague Czech Republic
Attractions and Things to do in Prague : Day 4-6 of Europe Trip

Attractions in Prague

Hotel that we stayed in Prague

Hotel Roma Prague Czech Republic – Great room at an excellent price

Updated on January 3, 2021November 7, 2012Astronomical Clock attractions Czech Republic Europe holiday Places of Interest Singapore Travel Blog Travel Travel Blog Travel Tips vacation

Astronomical Clock Prague – Work of A Genius!

Calendar of the Astronomical Clock in Old Town Square Prague

The Astronomical Clock is also known as the town hall clock. Situated in the Old Town Square, the Astronomical Clock is the most iconic and popular part of the square. The tower dates back to 1338 and the clock was installed in the early part of the 15th century.

The Astronomical Clock is unique because of the amazing features that it has PLUS the fact that it was made about 700 years ago, makes it even more amazing. Here are the features…

The Walk of the Apostles at Astronomical Clock

Every hour on the hour, there will be a show of figures of the Apostles and other moving sculptures. Take a look at the video…

The Walk of the Apostles – Astronomical Clock

The show ends with a rooster crow, much to the amusement and delight of the audience.
Thereafter, a trumpeter will appear at the top of the tower to announce to the city (on all 4 sides of the tower), that it is the next hour has arrived.

Trumpeter of the Astronomical Clock

Astronomical Clock as as Calendar

Yes! It is true! Take a look at the picture here…

If you notice, on the outer most ring, there are days inscribed there. In this way, each and every single day of the year is displayed on this clock! All this while the clock ticks away, tells the time, moves the hands of the clock and the discs on the calendar!

The Astronomical Clock tells 3 different times! – The Astronomical Dial

Firstly, the position of the golden hand over the Roman numerals on the background indicates the time in local Prague time. Secondly, the position of the Sun over the curved golden lines indicates the time in unequal hours. Last but not least, the position of the golden hand over the outer ring indicates the hours passed after sunset in Old Czech Time.

Can you believe it?! This clock must have been designed by a genius!

For your convenience, we have arranged for the best hotel deals in Prague right here!

If you enjoyed our content, “Like” us on Facebook Today!

Posts related to Prague Czech Republic

Top 6 Things to do in Prague and Attractions in Prague Czech Republic
Attractions and Things to do in Prague : Day 4-6 of Europe Trip

Attractions in Prague

Hotel that we stayed in Prague

Hotel Roma Prague Czech Republic – Great room at an excellent price

Updated on January 3, 2021May 19, 2012attractions Europe holiday Maastricht Markt Places of Interest The Netherlands Travel Travel Blog Travel Tips vacation

Markt aka the market square in Maastricht

The Markt is one of the 2 squares in Maastricht. The other being Vrijthof square.

The Markt is of course where our hotel was – The Hotel De La Bourse. There are some interesting structures and buildings which we want to bring to your attention…

Statue of Johannes Petrus Minckelers in Maastricht- guy who invented gas light

The “Eternal Burning Flame” is a statue in the middle of Markt Square in Maastricht that remembers Johannes Petrus Minckelers (aka Jean-Pierre Minckelers) as the inventor of illuminating gas. It shows him holding a torch that is lighted with fire. You can actually feel the heat when you stand close to it.

The other noteworthy structure has got to be the City Hall aka Stadhuis. The bells of the city hall chimes on the hour and we managed to catch the last bit of it here…

Bell chimes from the City Hall in Maastricht

There’s another statue of an old lady here in the Markt. Anyone knows who she is and what she stands for? There are also trucks that park at the side of the Markt and sell sandwiches and fish, somewhat like a mini market. The sides of the square are also lined with shops ranging from restaurants to boutiques.

We will now leave you with a video that covers the entire Markt Square. Hope it brings you the feel and vibe of the Markt in Maastricht!

For your convenience, we have arranged for the best hotel deals in Maastricht right here!

In and around Markt Square Maastricht

If you enjoyed our content, “Like” us on Facebook Today!

Things To Do And Attractions In Maastricht : Day 2 And 3 Of Europe Trip

River Maas Maastricht : Enjoy The Sights Along This Famous River

Stadsomwalling And Helpoort – City Fortifications Of Maastricht

Vrijthof Square Maastricht : Time To Chillax!

Michelin Restaurants In Maastricht

Markt Aka The Market Square In Maastricht

Hotel De La Bourse Maastricht : A Great Room At A Great Price!