00:01On this episode of Travel Smart I've got 48 hours to explore the city of a
00:05hundred spires, Prague. It's a city filled with history, art and this famous
00:10fairy tale skyline. I'm here to see how much you can really fit into a few days,
00:18taking in the landmarks and learning a few local tricks along the way.
00:27Prague is a great option for a city break that looks picturesque in pretty much any
00:32weather. Flights from the UK take an average of two hours and, most importantly, they're
00:37cheap, meaning it's a great destination for a last minute trip.
00:40First stop is getting into town. Now you should skip the pricey airport taxis and take the
00:45number 59 bus. This links straight to line A of the metro and for about a pound you'll
00:52be in the city centre in less than an hour.
00:58Once you're in, Prague is one of the most walkable cities in Europe. The main sites all close together
01:03and you can cross from the castle to the far end of the old town in about 20 minutes or
01:08walk the full stretch of the tourist zone in just under 40.
01:13But if your feet give up, public transport here is quick, clean and well connected.
01:18A 24 hour ticket includes buses, trams and the metro, all for under a fiver.
01:22And the trams aren't just practical, they can also be part of the experience.
01:27Tram 22 takes you past some of the most scenic parts of the city,
01:30past the castle and through the old town. It's basically a sightseeing tour for locals.
01:40You can't come to Prague without crossing the Charles Bridge. It's been standing since the 14th
01:44century and is lined with statues. It gets busy, but it's all part of the atmosphere with musicians
01:50and artists along the way. If crowds aren't really your thing, Prague has no shortage of bridges to
01:56take in the views with less people around. From here, head towards the old town square.
02:03This is the real heart of the city. It's surrounded by pastel buildings and gothic towers
02:07and home to one of Prague's most famous landmarks, the Astronomical Clock.
02:15Every hour, crowds gather here to watch the display. But a top tip from locals is not to stand
02:20directly in front of the dial. The little figures appear in the windows at the top, so it's best
02:25to stand slightly off to the side. The castle complex towers above the city and it's easy to see
02:32why it's one of the most visited spots in Prague. You can wander through the courtyards without even
02:36needing a ticket. It's one of the best places to get a sense of the city's history. But if you
02:42want
02:42the same views without the crowds, head for the castle gardens instead. These sit just below the
02:49main complex and are usually a lot quieter with panoramic views of the city once you've tackled
02:54the stairs. And if you come up here later in the day, here's a handy tip. The Golden Lane is
03:00free
03:00to enter after 5pm, so you can wander through these colourful old houses without the crowds or the cost.
03:09Beyond the landmarks, Prague has an incredible creative energy that sits alongside all of its history.
03:14Modern art is everywhere, from sculptures and murals to installations hidden in courtyards.
03:22One of the most famous is the rotating Franz Kafka head by Czech artist David Czerny. It's made up of
03:28mirrored plates that twist and turn, reflecting the city around it. You'll find a few of his artworks dotted
03:33across Prague and they're always surprising. The Zizkov Television Tower is another landmark that blends the
03:39city's old and new sides. It's one of the more unusual buildings in Prague, with churny sculptures of
03:46giant babies crawling up its sides. Head up to the viewing deck and you'll get one of the best panoramas
03:51in the city.
03:58We're at Cantina, a spot popular with locals set inside a grand old bank. Here you grab a card on
04:04arrival, order meat by weight and watch the chefs carve cuts right in front of you, all while the
04:10beers are poured from taps built in to marble counters. Czech food is all about comfort, with slow
04:16cooked meats and rich sauces on most menus. You'll also see plenty of goulash, fried cheese and pork
04:23knuckle, real warmers for the colder months. The kind of food made to go hand in hand with a refreshing
04:28beer. And speaking of beer, this is where Prague really shines. Now most traditional spots serve tank
04:34beer, unpasteurised lager, poured fresh from chilled copper tights. You might also spot rows of chimney cakes
04:45sold on almost every corner, often called a Czech delicacy. Skip them, it's all a bit of a tourist
04:50trap. They actually come from Hungary and are seen locally as more of a novelty. If you want something
04:56truly authentic, duck into a traditional bakery or cafe instead. Keep an eye out for a Vienna Czech or
05:03Vitranik, dense pastries filled with cream or caramel that locals love.
05:11It's a lot of custard. It's nice, it's just really cold.
05:20I would definitely recommend the castle gardens. The colours blended in with the gothic architecture
05:26is really stunning. Even just solitude, there was no one around. Also definitely a spot for couples,
05:31but also it might just be a city for everyone. There's been young children around, it does seem to cater
05:36to
05:36most types of tourists. Prague is a place that packs a lot of character into a small space.
05:43Now every street seems to tell a story and even in just 48 hours you can really get a feel
05:48for the
05:48rhythm of the city. Think old charm, creative energy and a little bit of mischief. There is still so much
05:54that I haven't had time to see, but that's the best part. This genuinely does feel like a city that
05:59you'd want to return to time and time again. More travel inspiration and city guides, head to
06:04independent.co.uk forward slash travel. See you next time.
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