Central Europe, Denmark, Mongolia, Hong Kong

Prague is one of Europe's oldest and most beautiful capitals, with a history stretching back more than 1,100 years. It developed around the 9th century when the first castle was built on a hill overlooking the Vltava River. By the Middle Ages, Prague had become the capital of the Kingdom of Bohemia and one of Europe's leading centres of trade, learning, and culture.
Bohemia was one of the historic lands of the Czech people, alongside Moravia and part of Silesia. During the 14th century, under Charles IV, Prague flourished. He founded Charles University in 1348—the first university in Central Europe—and commissioned many of the city's most famous landmarks, including the iconic Charles Bridge.
Over the centuries, Bohemia became part of the Habsburg monarchy and later the Austro-Hungarian Empire. After the empire collapsed following World War I, the Czech lands united with Slovakia in 1918 to form the new nation of Czechoslovakia.
During World War II, Nazi Germany occupied the country. After the war, Czechoslovakia came under communist rule until the peaceful Velvet Revolution of 1989 restored democracy.
On 1 January 1993, Czechoslovakia peacefully separated into two independent countries in what became known as the "Velvet Divorce." The western Czech lands became the Czech Republic, with Prague as its capital, while the eastern region became Slovakia, with Bratislava as its capital. The split was amicable and remains one of the world's best examples of a peaceful separation of nations.
Today, Prague is the capital of the Czech Republic and is celebrated for its remarkably preserved medieval architecture, rich cultural heritage, and centuries-long role as the historic heart of Bohemia.

My impression - it is very pretty with obviously very differing styles of architecture evident. Beautiful streets with very tall colourful and decorated exteriors. People are pretty friendly considering they're Slavs who are known for being a bit reserved and stand-offish.

The capital is very clean and safe. Other tourists have mentioned that also. You don't see many beggars or homeless, the odd ones you do are very meek, you barely notice them. There is a very obvious policie presence so maybe they move them on to somewhere else.
Addit; after my move to a hotel close to the Train station, I see some dirty peeps wondering around and sleeping on benches in the park. Still not many though.

They have trams, buses, and that funny European thing of a trolley bus- a bus that runs like a tram. Both old and new versions.
And of course trains and cars. You don't see the trains in town but I think they are underground. The train station has 3 sublevels.

It is known as the city of 100 spires - churches everywhere. With that thing, of lots of shiny gold decorations on statues and spire tops. And many bridges, the river flows through the middle of the city.
Cannibas is ok, freely sold in dedicated shops, smell it being smoked.
Most places you have to spend a penny to go to the public loo, or if you're lucky can pay by card these days.

Interesting fun fact- I was wondering about the connection between Bohemia ( old Czech) and being a "Bohemian" as I don't see any Boho types here- they're very European chic.
So....Wiki says...
"Literary and artistic bohemians were associated in the French imagination with the roving Roma people, often referred to as "gypsies". Romani were called bohémiens in French because they were believed to have come to France from Bohemia.". ....there you go!!Leggi altro