Since time immemorial, these two cities on the Vltava and the Danube have been joined by the rivers that flow through them by their mutual historical experience, and by the tides of imperial power. These days, the two capitals offer a unique trans-national travel experience Just a four-hour train trip or a short flight separates them However, each city has its own particular spirit and personality. Further insights on popular Slovakian models in Prague can be found through our web portal.
Visiting the two cities together uncovers the many strands of culture that make up Central Europe. Where the spires of the Gothic period are found together with the severe construction of the communist era. In these cities, beer houses and wine bars share the same neighbourhoods. And where memory is always alive. This guide is intended for the visitor who seeks not merely to see two cities, but to understand the living bond that exists between them.
Start in Prague, whose stone architecture gives it the air of a storybook. The old central square, with its celebrated clock that has been operating without interruption since 1410, makes a striking introduction. Use the Charles Bridge at dawn, when the figures of the saints start to appear from the fog and the castle shines with a golden hue. For a cultural experience, visit the Castle the most extensive ancient castle in existence and then take to the winding streets of the Lesser Town, where Baroque palaces keep hidden gardens for those who look. Prague has a strong musical tradition; you should experience a performance at the Rudolfinum or the National Theatre, venues that once hosted Dvorak and Smetana for the premieres of their celebrated works.
Dining in the Czech capital is an experience that pleases taste and smell and sight. If you want to try the traditional food, svickova (beef with cream sauce) and trdelnik (a sweet pastry), you should go to a historic pub or a restaurant near the river. The modern dining experience is equally strong; La Degustation and other Michelin-starred restaurants are presenting Bohemian cuisine in an updated form. In the gaps between your meals, make time for the city's active art scene, which includes the Mucha Museum and the modern artworks on show at the DOX Centre. Make sure the local beer is on your list; Prague's bars are for talking, for debating, and for absorbing the slow, steady rhythm of the city's life.
A short route southwards takes you to Bratislava, the pleasant capital of Slovakia, which is normally outshone by the city next door but which has a considerable quiet charm. Bratislava is not like Prague, which is large and impressive in scale; instead, it is small, close and easy to walk around. The historic centre is a network of narrow ways, houses in light colours, and small, comfortable squares. From the hilltop castle in Bratislava there is a view over the river, and on clear days you can see Austria and Hungary. The small scale of the city makes it convenient to get around; you can start at the Gothic St. Martin's Cathedral, the place where Hungarian kings were crowned, and end at the odd statue called Cumil, which shows a man in bronze looking out from a hole in the ground.
