Prague Pointers

Despite the droves of tourists and the propensity of thievery, there are tricks of the trade for tourists wanting to make the most of their visit. Though magnificent from the outside, the castle's inside leaves much to be desired. The short tour at about $13 is all that is needed, if anything at all. A bit underwhelming on the inside, the outskirts of the castle complex is free to roam around. And the tourist highlight (St. Titus Cathedral) can be visited free of charge any day, or for Mass on Sundays.

For the music-lover visiting Prague, buy concert tickets at the Estates Theatre box office rather than street-side vendors. Not only will the performance be better and cheaper, but the inside of Estates is truly a memorable experience. Opened in the late-1800s, this theatre saw Mozart’s premiere of Don Giovanni in 1787. Sitting in the velvet seats and leaning over cushioned balcony barriers truly transports you to a time when powdered wigs were the fashion and classical music ruled.

Also worth a wander is Vyšehrad: Prague’s second largest castle complex. Though the castle itself has since been destroyed, the views from here are outstanding and you won't battle crowds like the other Prague attractions. Also housed there is one of the most picturesque cemeteries I've ever seen, where national heroes like Dvorak and Capek are buried. And if intricately carved headstones and mausoleums aren’t your cup of tea, a must-visit are the rampart casements at Vyšehrad. Spanning over 2 kilometers, tourists can climb through these tunneled passageways much like the way soldiers would in the case of a surprise attack. And the large room at the casement’s end offers a true surprise: the original statues of the Charles Bridge are housed here. That’s right, folks…those which currently stand on display on Old Town’s most prized attraction are mere replicas. (The tourist bureaus like to conveniently keep that under wraps.)

While Prague may frustrate travelers with pickpockets and crowds, there are plenty of ways to enjoy Prague people-free and pocket-friendly.