Wenceslas Square (Prague)

Wenceslas Square has been the focus of city life in Prague for over 600 years, and has seen its fair share of upheaval, revolution and wild civic celebrations in its time. Resembling more a long boulevard than a conventional square, it stretches for over 750 metres in the New Town area of central Prague and pretty much everywhere in the city can be reached easily on foot from here. It is an excellent spot to start a walking tour or a night on the town while on cheap city breaks in Prague. The square is dominated by the monumental National Museum building, which houses over 14 million exhibits and makes for a fascinating adventure through the ages for art and history buffs. Another notable sight in Wenceslas Square is the Statue of St Wenceslas, the legendary 10th century Bohemian king who cuts a dashing figure on horseback.

 

The square is surrounded with a colourful mix of elegant art nouveau architecture, such as the spectacular facade of the Hotel Europa, art deco department stores, cafes, bars and tourist kiosks. On short breaks in Prague, you will find that nearby Old Town Square has more historic character, but Wenceslas Square is the beating heart of modern life and comes alive after dark. There are countless vibrant drinking holes within a stone's throw of the square that provide rich pickings for infamous Prague stag weekends.

 

On shopping city breaks in Prague, you can do much worse than start off at Wenceslas Square. This is where you will find the city's most impressive flagship department stores and fashion boutiques and as you head west towards the Old Town, you will encounter a host of smaller specialty stores and antique sellers along its attractive winding lanes. Christmas weekend breaks in Prague are full of festive cheer in Wenceslas Square with traditional Yuletide market stalls and twinkling illuminations.