Perfect Honest Prague Guide For First-Timers

Summary

In this detailed guide to Prague, the Honest Guide takes viewers on a leisurely walk through the city's iconic sites, offering insider tips from a local's perspective. Starting at the Powder Tower, the tour highlights hidden gems like unique cafes, affordable shops, and the best places to enjoy traditional Czech food and coffee. Along the way, the guide encourages visitors to avoid tourist traps, offering alternatives like local stores, restaurants, and stunning spots with historic significance. With recommendations for food, drinks, and scenic views, this guide provides both practical advice and the chance to truly experience Prague beyond the typical tourist route.

Takeaways

• 😀 Start your walk in Prague with a local coffee at Goacher, known for its traditional Czech sweet, the colache. It's the only place along the walk to get this delicious treat.
• ☕ For a sit-down coffee experience, visit the Cubist-style Grand Cafe Orient, located in a building called the Black Madonna.
• 💸 Avoid overpriced touristy mini markets and buy water at local stores like Jaapa, where prices are much more reasonable.
• 🎭 Discover hidden gems like a cozy coffee shop inside the Gad Theater, offering a peaceful break and a student-centered atmosphere.
• 🍝 Pasta Fresa, a small restaurant in Prague’s Old Town, is known for serving some of the best pasta in the city, located in a charming underground cellar.
• ⛪ Many churches, like the one behind the speaker in Old Town Square, offer free entry at certain hours, allowing you to explore without paying admission.
• 🕰️ The Astronomical Clock is a must-see, but make sure to stand at the right angle to view the hourly wooden apostles' show.
• 🍽️ For a great dining experience, visit the 420 restaurant, known for its stunning interior and high-quality food, though it can be pricey.
• 🌍 For more budget-friendly meals, try Las Adas, a hidden gem offering Mexican food in a Gothic cellar behind the Royal Way.
• 💡 Explore the lesser-known symbols on buildings around the city, like the golden pear and white shoe, as you walk through Prague’s touristy streets.
• 🎓 Check out Café Damu, a hidden spot attached to an art school, offering a relaxed environment where locals and students hang out.

Q & A

What is the starting point of the walking tour in Prague?

The walking tour starts at the Powder Tower, also known as the Powder Gate, which is one of the iconic landmarks in Prague.

What is the traditional Czech treat mentioned in the script, and where can you get it?

The traditional Czech treat mentioned is called 'koláče,' which is a round dough filled with various fillings, including cream cheese. You can get them at 'Goacher,' a small coffee place in Prague.

What is the recommended coffee place for those who want to sit down and enjoy their coffee in Prague?

The recommended coffee place for sitting down and enjoying your coffee is 'Grant Café Orient,' which is housed in a Cubist building and offers a lovely balcony to relax on.

What should visitors be cautious of when buying items in tourist areas of Prague?

Visitors should be cautious of the mini-markets in tourist areas, as they often sell items at inflated prices aimed at tourists. It's better to find local stores like 'Jaapa' for more reasonable prices.

What is a hidden gem in Prague mentioned in the tour, and what makes it special?

A hidden gem in Prague is the coffee place attached to the 'Gad Theater,' located on Onna Street. It is a quiet spot away from the crowds, where locals and students frequently visit. It offers a peaceful atmosphere for a coffee break.

What is the restaurant 'Pasta Fresa' known for?

Pasta Fresa is known for serving some of the best pasta in Prague. It's located in a small, narrow hallway, but it leads to a beautiful underground space that adds to the charm of the dining experience.

What advice is given about the Astronomical Clock in Prague's Old Town Square?

Visitors should be careful not to stand in the wrong angle while waiting for the show at the Astronomical Clock. Many tourists mistakenly look at the clock, expecting something to happen, but miss the actual wooden Apostles turning in the windows.

What is the '420 Restaurant' known for, and why is it recommended?

The '420 Restaurant' is recommended for its breathtaking interior and unique food. It has a Gothic cellar and serves delicious Czech cuisine. It’s a great place to visit, although it’s considered on the pricier side.

What are some of the symbols found on Prague's buildings, and what is their significance?

On Prague's buildings, you can find symbols such as a golden pear or a white shoe. These symbols can be fun to spot, especially for children, and they are often hidden among the tourist crowds.

What unique experience does the 'Cafei' offer in Prague?

At 'Cafei,' visitors can enjoy a coffee and also make their own mug, which is a unique experience. It is located on Nerudova Street, leading up to Prague Castle, and offers a beautiful space to relax and enjoy a coffee.