Prague

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Understand 

This magical city of bridges, cathedrals, gold-tipped towers and church domes, has been mirrored in the surface of the swan-filled Poltava River for more than ten centuries. Almost undamaged by WWII, Prague's medieval center remains a wonderful mixture of cobbled lanes, walled courtyards, cathedrals and countless church spires all in the shadow of her majestic 9th century castle that looks eastward as the sun sets behind her. Prague is also a modern and vibrant city full of energy, music, cultural art, fine dining and special events catering to the independent traveler's thirst for adventure.

It is regarded by many as one of Europe's most charming and beautiful cities, Prague has become the most popular travel destination in Central Europe along with Bratislava and Krakow. Millions of tourists visit the city every year.

Prague was founded in the later 9th century, and soon became the seat of Bohemian kings, some of whom ruled as emperors of the Holy Roman Empire. The city thrived under the rule of Charles IV, who ordered the building of the New Town in the 14th century - many of the city's most important attractions date back to that age. The city also went under Hapsburg rule and became the capital of a province of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. In 1918, after World War I, the city became the capital of Czechoslovakia. After 1989 many foreigners, especially young people, moved to Prague. In 1992, its historic center was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. In 1993, Czechoslovakia split into two countries and Prague became capital city of the new Czech Republic. 

Climate

The weather conditions in Prague correspond to the overview mentioned in the previous paragraphs. But the fundamental is that it has temperate climate with variations throughout the year.
In the winter Prague has definitely its own magic. The snow may cover the surface but it sooner or later melts so it doesn't usually last till too long. However, the weather is of course pretty unpredictable so it may as well burst into snow storm but it is not very common.
Spring season - is maybe one of the best times to come for a visit, especially in the month of May. All the nature wakes up after months of hibernation. The cherish atmosphere when everything comes back to their lives is all around. Summer months - are a very popular touristic season and no wonder why. The weather is warm and sunny but sometimes the heat waves are overwhelming so the people with respiratory problems may have some trouble. The rain showers come up more often than any other time.
Colorful and chilly - these two characteristics define the fall/autumn season. Getting dressed warmer is a must because the wind and overcast sky may get in your way. Nevertheless there are also these beautiful sunshine days that literally call you out for a walk.

Talk

Czech is the official language of Prague and the Czech Republic. Simple words and phrases in other Slavic languages (for example Serbian/Croatian/Bosnian and Polish) are also commonly understood. Slovak can also be acceptable to a certain extent, as Czech and Slovaks have historically understood each other without the need of a translator. Both languages are very similar and mutually intelligible to a very wide extent.
Most young people speak English very well, you will also have no problem speaking English at restaurants and bars. Many restaurants have English menus. The people at counters in train and metro stations, and police officers rarely speak English. Russian is widely understood by people who were attending school before the Velvet Revolution in 1989, but the language is too different from Czech to be understood without study. In addition, some people may dislike using Russian even if they know it because of the Soviet occupation of the Czechoslovakia in 1968 and Communist history in general. Many Czechs also have some knowledge of German. People studying after 1989 and even some older people can speak English. However, learning Czech will surely endear you to the locals.

Drink

Pubs (in Czech "hospoda") abound throughout Prague, and indeed are an important part of local culture. The exact brand of beer usually vary from pub to pub, and recommendations are difficult to give as natives are usually willing to argue at lengths about their preferences. The most internationally recognized beers are Pilsner Urquell (Plzeňský Prazdroj) and Budweiser Budvar (Budějovický Budvar). There are other brands famous among Czechs like Gambrinus. If you are looking for a beer brewed in Prague, go for Staropramen. Usual prices for a half-liter glass are between 20 and 35 CZK, based on the brand and locality, while certain restaurants at tourist areas like the Old Town Square are known to charge more than 100 CZK for an euro-sized glass. At a grocery store a half liter bottle may cost 15 CZK. Drinking in public is illegal in Prague, but if you are not drunk and disorderly, or in a large group, it will probably not cause trouble. Don't be afraid to experiment with different beer brands, even if they are not mentioned in this article.

In Prague it is customary, especially at beer halls, to sit with a group of people if there are no free tables, so go ahead and ask if you can join. Prague has also many excellent tearooms (in Czech čajovna) which serve different kinds of teas from around the world.

History of Prague 5500 BC-4500 BC: First evidence of continuous occupation of the area around Prague, by various Germanic and Celtic tribes. Trade routes leading from Southern to Northern Europe pass through the area. Around 500 BC: One of the Celtic tribes, the Boii, are the first inhabitants known by name. The Boii named the region Bohemia and the river Vltava. 6th century: Arrival of the Slavs. Slavic settlements are established alongside the Germanic settlements around Prague. The Slavs eventually become the dominant people. 8th century: First settlement established on the site of present day Prague, in the Lesser Town (Mala Strana). 9th century: Settlement established on a hilltop site above the Lesser Town, which leads to the construction of Prague Castle. Around 870: Foundation of Prague Castle. Around 926: Construction of a Romanesque rotunda, the original church built on the site of St. Vitus Cathedral in the grounds of Prague Castle. 965: Prague first reported in the narration of Ibrahim Ibn Jakub, a merchant. 973: Foundation of Prague bishopric. 10th century: Foundation of Vysehrad on the opposite bank of the Vltava river. 1085: Prague becomes the residence of the first Bohemian king Vratislav I. 1172: Construction of Judita´s Bridge, the predecessor of Charles Bridge, and the 2nd stone bridge in Central Europe. Around 1230: Establishment of the Old Town (Staré Město). 1257: Premysl Otakar II formalises the establishment of the Lesser Town, giving it town status and encouraging migrants from Northern Germany to settle here. 1310-1346: John of Luxembourg rules as the King of Bohemia. Around 1320: Hradcany, the area around Prague Castle, is established. 1338: Foundation of the Old Town Hall - the importance of the city increases. 1344: Prague bishopric upgraded to archbishopric. Construction of St. Vitus Cathedral begins (finishes in 1929). 1346-1378: Charles IV epoch - Prague becomes the capital of the Bohemian Kingdom and the Holy Roman Empire. 1348: Foundation of the New Town (Nové Město) and Charles University, the first university in Central Europe. 1419-1437: Attempts by the clergy to reform the church result in the Hussite's revolutionary movement lead by Jan Hus, the reform preacher and martyr. 1526: The Hapsburg dynasty ascends the Bohemian throne (lasts until 1918). 1583-1611: Rudolf II becomes the king of Bohemia. Prague becomes the emperor's residence and the centre of social and cultural life. 1618-1620: Defeat of the Czech nobles´ uprising; the Czech language and Czech national consciousness begin to decline. 1784: Union of the four hitherto independent Prague urban units (Hradcany, Lesser Town, Old Town and New Town). 1784-1848: Period of Czech national revival, beginning of the industrial revolution, establishment of Czech institutions. 1918: Proclamation of the independence of Czechoslovakia. Prague becomes the capital of the new state. 1939-1945: Occupation of Czechoslovakia by Nazi Germany. 1945: The Prague uprising and the "liberation" of Prague by the Soviet army. 1948: Czechoslovak coup d'état - Communist Party of Czechoslovakia, with Soviet backing, assumes control of the country, leading to four decades of communist dictatorship. 1968: Prague Spring - period of political liberalisation lead by Alexander Dubček, who was elected the First Secretary of the Communist Party of Czechoslovakia. Efforts to reform communism were ultimately thwarted by the invasion of Czechoslovakia by the Soviet Union and other members of the Warsaw Pact. 1989: The Velvet Revolution, so named because it is non-violent, starts on the 17th November. Student and other popular demonstrations against communism result in the collapse of communist rule, and the country's conversion to a parliamentary democracy. Vaclav Havel is elected President of Czechoslovakia. 1990: First free elections after the communist era. 1993: January 1, Czechoslovakia splits in two and the Czech Republic is founded. 1993: January 26, Vaclav Havel elected first president of the Czech Republic. 1999: March 12, Czech Republic becomes a member of NATO. 2004: May 1, Czech Republic joins the European Union (E.U.). 2008: January 1, Czech Republic accedes to the Schengen agreement and removes internal borders with Schengen area countries. This allows travel to and from these countries without checks, both at land borders and airports.

famous restaurants  1. Bellevue Restaurant          Bellevue is considered by many critics to be Prague's premier restaurant. Situated in a chateau-like     building close to the river, Bellevue serves superb cuisine in fine, elegant surroundings, whilst affording diners good views of Charles Bridge and Prague Castle across the water. A fine dining experience, with some of the best wines in Prague.

Address: Smetanovo Nab. 18, Old Town, Prague 1

2.Kampa Park Restaurant

Kampa Park Restaurant, one of Prague's finest restaurants, is set in an exclusive location beside the river on  Kampa Island, right next to Charles Bridge. Kampa Park offers flamboyantly presented international fare,      including a superb selection of fresh seafood, classic Czech wild game dishes and innovative meat selections.

Address: Na Kampe 8b, Lesser Town, Prague 1

3.Francouzska Restaurant

Gold & crystal chandeliers hang elegantly from the high ceiling of the Francouzska Restaurant. With gleaming tableware and fresh flowers spread throughout, the restaurant simply sparkles. During the day huge windows facing out on to Republic Square flood the building with natural light. Perfect anytime, day or night. Live piano every night.

Address: Republic Square 5, Old Town, Prague 1

4.Terasa U Zlate Studne Restaurant

Terasa U Zlaté Studně is one of the 'hidden secrets' of the Lesser Town, tucked away in the cobbled back streets of this delightful quarter, and set on the roof of a hotel. As you enter the restaurant, a panoramic view over Prague unfolds, taking in the terracotta rooftops of the Lesser Town, the Vltava River and across to the spires and towers of the Old Town.

Address: U Zlate studne 166, Lesser Town, Prague 1

5.Celeste Restaurant

Set on the top floor of the famous Dancing House, Celeste is a stylish, air-conditioned restaurant with a delightful menu and magnificent views over Prague. Prague Castle, the Vltava River and Charles Bridge all lie before you in panoramic splendour. In the summer, guests can also dine on the rooftop terrace.

Address: Dancing House, Rasinovo Nabrezi 80, New Town, Prague 2