If you are seeking some culture and history this summer, then look no further than Prague. The city of Prague is a real delight for any culture vulture, and is sure to enthrall any lover of finer European indulgences. So what are you waiting for? Here is my list of the finest cultural and historical pursuits in Prague to get you started:
Art
Starting with Prague’s venerable artistic scene, there are galleries and art museums galore! From the traditional and themodern to the downright bizarre, there is surely something for every age, taste and budget in the city. The Josef Sudek Gallery is a great place to start. Most famously, the National Gallery art can be viewed at Veletržní Palace, which houses the largest collection in the city and is an architectural masterpiece to behold. This wonderful part of Prague culture also houses the National Library. On that note, and as you’ve probably gathered by now, an entire day can easily be absorbed here for those that are fascinated by all things art.
Music
Aside from arty pursuits, there are so many cinemas, theatres and cultural arenas in Pragueit can be almost overwhelming, but a great place to start is with the rich musical culture. There are many modern bands and live concerts to indulge in; or better yet there are classical orchestras, symphonies and traditional operas that really capture the rich heart of Czech musical culture. Again, a huge variety of musically thrilling pursuits are available, the only question is where to start!
Theatres
Prague boasts many animpressive venue to enjoy your cultural evening! Not to be missed is a performance at the National Theatre (NárodníDivadlo), one of Prague’s most esteemed and famous landmarks. Other prominent theatres include the Estates Theatre (Stavovské or TylovoorNosticovodivadlo) and the Rudolfinum, which also doubles as a concert hall and exhibition center, and is home to the Prague Symphony Orchestra and the Czech Philharmonic Orchestra. The Prague State Opera (Státní opera) performs at the Smetana Theatre, and tickets can be ordered from Prague Opera Tickets.
Festivals
Festivals go on throughout the year with the Prague Autumn International Music Festival and the Prague Spring International Music Festival being just two of the most popular. There are festivals for every genre of music too so don’t worry if none of the mentioned appeal to you. Other notable highlights include the Prague International Organ Festival and the Prague International Jazz Festival. Whatever you are into, and whatever time of year you come, Prague is sure to capture your musical heart with something to suit.
Museums
Museums in Prague are world-class, and they document a very vibrant history and bloody past. Of particular note is the National Museum (Národnímuzeum), which will enthrall visitors with its vivid descriptions of Prague conflict and European history. The Museum of the Capital City of Prague is also not to be missed; and for WW2 buffs,the Jewish Museum will intrigue no end. Also of note are the Museum of Decorative Arts in Prague, the AlfonsMucha Museum and theNáprstek Museum (NáprstkovoMuzeum). The museums in Prague are surely set to pack an inquisitive mind!
Many more historical and cultural delights beyond the above are waiting to be explored, so be sure to head to Prague this summer and experience the finer things in life!
Famous for having the largest collection of art, possibly in the world, Paris is undoubtedly considered one of the world's most refined cities. Whether you climb the Eifel Tower or spend hours in The Louvre, this is the place to indulge your artistic side. The culture here is vibrant, and the city boasts a very eclectic mix of almost every type of artistic persona and interest. But Paris is also a city of contrast; there are imposing palaces and striking boulevards, famous sculptures and grandiose monuments, but there are also simple gardens and hidden courtyards, friendly bakeries and intimate theatres. Paris is a playground for cultured grown-ups.
For romance and food: Rome
Most famous for food and imposing historical romance, Rome is an eternally popular tourist destination. A Mediterranean climate keeps visitors coming all year round, and the exquisite Italian cuisine ensures they always return! From the Coliseum and the world-class museums, to the vibrant nightlife and the sheer passion of discovering striking monuments and wonderful eateries round every corner, Rome is truly unique and enchanting. It will be hard to decide where to start though, what with an abundance of piazzas, churches, archaeological sites, art and history to see, and not to mention all the incredible food to eat.
Keep in mind that this list is barely the tip of the iceberg as there are so many other great cities in Europe too! So whatever your passion, be sure to discover it on the continent this summer.
(Photo by aigle_dore via Flickr)
Starting with Prague’s venerable artistic scene, there are galleries and art museums galore! From the traditional and themodern to the downright bizarre, there is surely something for every age, taste and budget in the city. The Josef Sudek Gallery is a great place to start. Most famously, the National Gallery art can be viewed at Veletržní Palace, which houses the largest collection in the city and is an architectural masterpiece to behold. This wonderful part of Prague culture also houses the National Library. On that note, and as you’ve probably gathered by now, an entire day can easily be absorbed here for those that are fascinated by all things art.
Music
Aside from arty pursuits, there are so many cinemas, theatres and cultural arenas in Pragueit can be almost overwhelming, but a great place to start is with the rich musical culture. There are many modern bands and live concerts to indulge in; or better yet there are classical orchestras, symphonies and traditional operas that really capture the rich heart of Czech musical culture. Again, a huge variety of musically thrilling pursuits are available, the only question is where to start!
Theatres
Prague boasts many animpressive venue to enjoy your cultural evening! Not to be missed is a performance at the National Theatre (NárodníDivadlo), one of Prague’s most esteemed and famous landmarks. Other prominent theatres include the Estates Theatre (Stavovské or TylovoorNosticovodivadlo) and the Rudolfinum, which also doubles as a concert hall and exhibition center, and is home to the Prague Symphony Orchestra and the Czech Philharmonic Orchestra. The Prague State Opera (Státní opera) performs at the Smetana Theatre, and tickets can be ordered from Prague Opera Tickets.
Festivals
Festivals go on throughout the year with the Prague Autumn International Music Festival and the Prague Spring International Music Festival being just two of the most popular. There are festivals for every genre of music too so don’t worry if none of the mentioned appeal to you. Other notable highlights include the Prague International Organ Festival and the Prague International Jazz Festival. Whatever you are into, and whatever time of year you come, Prague is sure to capture your musical heart with something to suit.
Museums
Museums in Prague are world-class, and they document a very vibrant history and bloody past. Of particular note is the National Museum (Národnímuzeum), which will enthrall visitors with its vivid descriptions of Prague conflict and European history. The Museum of the Capital City of Prague is also not to be missed; and for WW2 buffs,the Jewish Museum will intrigue no end. Also of note are the Museum of Decorative Arts in Prague, the AlfonsMucha Museum and theNáprstek Museum (NáprstkovoMuzeum). The museums in Prague are surely set to pack an inquisitive mind!
Many more historical and cultural delights beyond the above are waiting to be explored, so be sure to head to Prague this summer and experience the finer things in life!
Famous for having the largest collection of art, possibly in the world, Paris is undoubtedly considered one of the world's most refined cities. Whether you climb the Eifel Tower or spend hours in The Louvre, this is the place to indulge your artistic side. The culture here is vibrant, and the city boasts a very eclectic mix of almost every type of artistic persona and interest. But Paris is also a city of contrast; there are imposing palaces and striking boulevards, famous sculptures and grandiose monuments, but there are also simple gardens and hidden courtyards, friendly bakeries and intimate theatres. Paris is a playground for cultured grown-ups.
For romance and food: Rome
Most famous for food and imposing historical romance, Rome is an eternally popular tourist destination. A Mediterranean climate keeps visitors coming all year round, and the exquisite Italian cuisine ensures they always return! From the Coliseum and the world-class museums, to the vibrant nightlife and the sheer passion of discovering striking monuments and wonderful eateries round every corner, Rome is truly unique and enchanting. It will be hard to decide where to start though, what with an abundance of piazzas, churches, archaeological sites, art and history to see, and not to mention all the incredible food to eat.
Keep in mind that this list is barely the tip of the iceberg as there are so many other great cities in Europe too! So whatever your passion, be sure to discover it on the continent this summer.
(Photo by aigle_dore via Flickr)
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