Prague Guide

With a culture scene as dense as Prague's and a history as long, even the most astute and dedicated traveler will find that some of Prague's most delicious morsels fall through the crack. While Prague, with a population numbering fewer than one and one half millions, is not the impenetrable fortress found in other landmark cities such as New York, its labyrinthine layout certainly has its share of twists and turns.

More than this, Prague is a city where something of historical import or architectural beauty may easily slip by the traveler's dazzled eye and whirring imagination. While even a cold call on this central European capital city will reward tourists with an unforgettable experience, taking a few measures to get the most out of the city you've come so far to see may be the smart decision.

Guidebooks and the city's official literature are one thing, but to get a boots on the ground perspective of Prague, it pays to have a local on board as your side. The gregarious may be able to cull one from the many friendly and willing folks found in Prague's public thoroughfares and public houses, but barring this, there are several excellent professional Prague guides quite capable of directing you to the best the city has to offer.

As in many countries with developing economies, in some parts of town, such as train stations, out-of-towners are likely to be approached by less than reputable touts offering shady services and unsavory tours. Smart travelers will do well to try one of the city's many official, licensed Prague guides, all of whom must sit for examinations and in other ways prove their capability.

Prague guides offer tours centered on several aspects of Prague life and culture. If you are a student of music, you may want to take a composers tour, which will take you through the haunts of composers past and present--you just may learn something about why so many great composers have been captivated by Prague.

Other tours vary in terms of specificity. If you're a Prague newbie, the right move may be to take a basic walking tour to familiarize yourself with some Prague highlights. On the other hand, there are tours which document the events of the Velvet Revolution, and tours that focus on the life and habitats of the incomparable Franz Kafka. There are tours which focus on every aspect of art, culture and history in Prague.

Official Prague guides are very professional and surprisingly affordable, especially for groups. Tours are generally three hours in duration and represent the shared expertise of Prague's culture mavens and tourism officials. Visitors are also welcome to put together their own tour program, and Prague guides can help you overcome practical hurdles such as language barriers as most are also available to provide limited concierge-type services.