How Many Tourists Visit Prague Each Year
As for capturing History with Awesome Architecture and its vibrant culture that Prague is one among the top destinations for the tourists everywhere around the world. If you are curious about just how many people visit to this charming European city every year, then you are in the right place. In this article we take a step closer to the thousandth visitor per year of Prague and see what attracts them to this special place of a visit.
The Appeal of Prague
First off, before delving into the statistics, here is a brief on what makes Prague the world’s most popular tourist destination:
- Historical Importance: Prague is famous for history dating back to days of olden times. The city has numerous UNESCO World Heritage Sites such as The Prague Castle, Charles Bridge and the Old Town Square.
- Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque architecture Buildings: form a pretty cityscape that leaves visitors in wonder. Every corner of Prague has its special charm from such examples and monuments as the Prague Astronomical Clock up to districts as bohemian-like Mala Strana.
- Culture and Arts: Prague’s cultural scene is alive with international class theatres, museums, and galleries. The city hosts a number of festivals and events annually such as the Prague Spring International Music Festival and the Prague Christmas Markets.
- Gastronomy: Czech food is hearty and delicious and there are many popular dishes like goulash, svíčková, trdelník which are sure to satisfy every food enthusiast’s taste fingers. The city is also home to a flourishing craft beer scene, ensuring that it is a dream destination for beer aficionados.
Tourist Arrivals in Prague
Tourist traffic to Prague has been rising steadily throughout the years. The city attracted around 8.81 million tourists in 2019, the biggest number for the Czech capital ever. However, these numbers have plummeted in recent times due to COVID-19 pandemic and resulting travel restrictions.
It is worth to mention that the majority of Prague tourists are citizens of neighboring European countries, then North America and Asia. Thanks to its convenient central location in Europe and prime transportation links the city is easily on offer for visitors from all over the world.
Popular Tourist Attractions
During the time you explore Prague, the well-tourist sight seeing is also including is this:
- Prague Castle: The oldest castle in the world must be seen. It overshadows the city’s skyline and is home to some of the ancient treasures such as St. Vitus Cathedral and the Gold Street.
- Charles Bridge: Iconic to Prague, Charles Bridge boasts stunning views of the Vltava River and links the Old Town with the Lesser Town.
- Old Town Square: On the heart of Prague’s historic district is the Old Town Square which is home to Prague Astronomical Clock as well as a collection of architectural masterpieces.
- Petrin Tower: Known as the Prague Eiffel Tower, offering a view 63 meters into the sky this tower gives a beautiful over view of Prague.
Tourism Trends and Tips
Some useful tips for a great stay in Prague as a tourist are:
- Peak season: The warmest time of year in Prague – June to August is the busiest, a plethora of tourists descending upon the city. Think about visiting during the shoulder season in the spring or autumn when the weather remains nice and fewer guests to navigate.
- Beyond the Center: Although Prague’s historic center is truly exciting, don’t overlook the possibility of venturing into areas like Vinohrady and Žižkov, which provide a more genuine local taste.
- Public Transit: Prague has a convenient and inexpensive public transit system. Benefit from the trams, buses, and the metro to travel quietly around the town.
- Pick up Some Czech: English isn’t as commonly spoken in the hospitality industry as English is in other major destinations, learning some basic Czech phrases such as “hello” (ahoj), “thank you” (děkuji), “goodbye” (na shledanou) will go a long way in making a connection with the locals.
Conclusion
It’s undeniable that Prague has a certain charm, which is demonstrated by the millions of tourists who come to visit every year. Its historical importance, stunning beauty of its center, rich cultural life and mouth-watering food make it a place that is simply unique. Whether you’re planning on visiting Prague at a later point in your travels or are just curious about this magical city, this article should have given you a good understanding of Prague’s annual tourist traffic and why so many find it a joy to explore.
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