Rick Steves Says This Fun European Capital Is Full Of 'Evocative Old World Charm'

There is a mystique about the city of Prague in the Czech Republic. Tourism in the fairytale-esque capital is on the rise, and for good reason. Its gorgeous architecture and fascinating history are a draw for travelers, but if you've ever been there, you know there's also a friendly charm that is hard to describe. The city has survived a history of battles, changing borders, and the Cold War, and produced creatives like writer Franz Kafka, director Milos Forman, and ex-President and playwright Václav Havel. On his website, travel pro Rick Steves says of the place, "Few cities can match Prague's over-the-top romance, evocative Old World charm...and tourist crowds. Prague is equal parts historic and fun." From the beautiful Prague Castle and iconic Charles Bridge to the moving John Lennon Wall and beer spas, there is a fascinating variety of things to do. This is one of those cities that imprints on your soul, and you can't afford to miss out on its beauty and spirit.

You may not want to bother with renting a car here. Václav Havel Airport Prague is less than 12 miles from the city, and you can take a bus from the airport to the city center. Prague also has a great metro system, which runs between major points in the city. Steves tells us that "point-to-point train tickets are cheap in the Czech Republic, as they are in neighboring countries to its north and east," and says that a rail pass might be a good idea for travelers who want to do some sightseeing outside of the city.

You can't visit Prague without hitting Prague Castle, which holds the Guinness Book of World Records title for the largest ancient castle in the world. It's also a UNESCO World Heritage site, and dates back to the late 9th century. You can walk through the Royal Gardens, and marvel at the 14th-century Gothic cathedral where kings and queens had their coronations. The 15th-century Old Royal Palace has an absolutely gorgeous vaulted ceiling, and the 16th-century Rosenberg Palace has breathtaking murals on the walls and ceiling. There are even tours available that take you to spots in the castle that you usually can't get to, like the Royal Crypt. Leave yourself lots of time to enjoy this place.

The 12th-century Old Town Square is another must-see location, as is the astronomical clock on the Old Town Hall. The Hall itself was the site of the Prague Uprising against Nazi forces, though it was largely destroyed in WWII. It has since been repaired and now stands as a symbol of resilience. Make sure you wander across the iconic stone-arched Charles Bridge, built between 1357 and 1402 with its numerous statues. It's the perfect picture-taking location for social media or just for the memories.

Of course, you don't have to simply hit the major tourist spots. Steves says, "Rather than a checklist of museums, Prague is a fine place to wander around and just take in the fun atmosphere. Plan some worthwhile activities: Take a self-guided tram tour, hire a local guide, enjoy a concert, or go for a scenic paddle on the river." Hiring a local guide is something Steves says is a great splurge, and can help you find some hidden gems.

There are lots of ways to experience the fun side of Prague that Steves mentions. During the holiday season, Old Town Square gets all gussied up and puts on one of the best Christmas markets in Europe, with a storybook setting. Visit the John Lennon Wall at the Maltese Gardens, decorated with tributes and lyrics. Steves calls this "one of the most inspiring sights in the Czech Republic," which began as an homage to Lennon after his death in 1980, and despite being repeatedly painted over, it endures. There are even pencils and chalk to add your own tribute. (No spray painting allowed, though.)

For a unique experience, check out one of the city's beer spas like Bernard Beer Spa, where you can soak in a tub of beer while also drinking beer. In fact, your fee of around $125 for an hour-long soak includes unlimited Bernard Beer. The city also has some really atmospheric bars, including Black Angels Bar in the basement of the Hotel U Prince. You can also check out the medieval vibes of U krále Brabantského, which opened in 1375, and according to legends, had hidden passageways for royalty to come drink. 

Finally, Steves has suggestions for day trips from Prague, like the town of Kutná Hora with its bone church, the Sedlec Ossuary, or the walled town of Terezín that was once a Jewish ghetto in WWII. However, if we're going with the theme of history, you may want to visit the neo-gothic Konopiště Castle which is 30 minutes south. This was home to Archduke Franz Ferdinand, whose assassination started WWI, and you can see not only his living spaces, but, on the macabre side, the bullet that killed him.