~ Powder Tower ~
by Heavens-Mirror
The Powder Tower is one of my favourite monuments in Prague. Just look at the beauty of it. Originally a Gothic city gateway that was part of the fortifications of the Old Town (Stare Mesto). The tower's significance grew at the end of the 14th century, when, on the site where the Municipal House (Obecni dum) stands today, Wenceslas IV had a complex of courtyards constructed in its vicinity, enabling monarchs to enter the city. The tower thus became the starting point of coronation processions.
In 1475 Matej Rejsek enhanced its appearance with a radical reconstruction. It was given its current name in the 17th century, when the tower served as a storage facility for gunpowder. It was severely damaged during the Prussian siege of 1757, losing practically all of its sculptural adornments.
In the 1880's Josef Mocker rebuilt it in the spirit of Neo-Gothic purism. It now stands 65 m tall. 186 stone steps lead to a gallery that offers an incredible view of the city. Inside there is a permanent exhibition of Prague's towers as well as a collection of photographs by Ladislav Sitensky. Open daily from 10am till 6pm.
Hradcany
by Cool-123
Prague's finest churches and museums are found in Hradcany, the wonderful castle district stretching along a hilltop west of the river. During weekends and summer, Prague Castle is packed with sightseers. I saw the changing guards.
Tip on tipping
by jolsen05
Many guidebooks will tell you the proper tip is no more than 10%, 15% for excellent service. If you aren't on a tight budget, disregard this advice. For those of us using the Pound and the Euro (soon my dollar as well), many of our meals and drinks in Prague are relatively dirt cheap. Yet the people serving us these delectible treats aren't making much money, and are working long hours. Usually, I'll sit down for a meal and get excellent service from a hardworking waitress who, quite frankly, shouldn't be smiling at the end of a 10 hour shift. My bill will be so cheap, I'll give about a 50% tip (make sure to ask the server if they actually receive the tip first). It's good to know a couple extra pounds can help a hardworking Czech local, and a beautiful Czech smile is well worth the price.
Go Karting at Hotel Diplomat
by deeper_blue
If you're travelling to Prague in a group, travel to Hotel Diplomat (nearest stop Dejvica on the green line) for some go-karting. It's reasonably priced and it's large enough to show off your Schumacher skills.
Walking Mala Strana
by mbsimjam
If you have the time, while you are in Prague, for a leisurely stroll, investigating the ins and outs of Mala Strana is a very cool way to explore the city. There are so many small corners to go around, where you will find so many things you never expected.
Just start at Charles Bridge, and leave the touristy mess behind you. You may find a cool little pub for the locals, or the students (many of which are housed in Mala Strana), or a small cafe in the depths of a 14th century building, or a view of the city that you cannot get anywhere else. Just explore and you will find the jewels that make this city the wonder that it is!
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Giant bronze babies clamber over the TV tower
Gravestones and Surrounding Buildings
One of the Synagogues
early morning view
