Prague is quite simply one of the most stunning cities in Europe.
Prague has become the archetypal post-communist city success story with seemingly not a month going by without another city being hailed as the ‘New Prague'.
This is a city where ambling around the impressively well-preserved historice core, stopping off for a fortifying glass of one of the excellent local beers , popping into boutique shops or one of the many museums is the real pleasure. Theres a new new generation of glamour-loving contemporary entrepreneurs riding high over the city, living their bohemians lifestyles who live for life and not their salaries.
What to do and see
First stop for most visitors is ambling around the impressively well-preserved historic core vitising Prague Castle an ancient symbol of the Czech lands, the most significant Czech monument and one of the most important cultural institutions in the Czech Republic.
From the castle at the east entrance is an absolute not-to-miss, exquisite small museum of the Lobkowicz family's remarkable and varied collections called the Lobkowicz Palace.
It is the most beautiful and significant cultural sites in Europe
built in the mid-16th century.
A not to miss is hte Astronomical Clock which has been pulling in crowds since 1490, many visitors
mention it as one of the most outstanding things to see in Prague.
Charles Bridge is another highly visited spot, claiming to be one of the most beautiful bridges in Europe, built in 1172.
The Old Jewish Cemetery, a place where all Prague's Jewish residents were burried until the late 1600s, it is one of the most important historic sites in Prague's Jewish Town.
Perched on the bank of the Vltava River is the National Theater another popularlandmarks in Prague. The neo-renaissance building is used to present both ballet and opera and is a rich cultural and artistic institution.
Eating and Drinking
You can have a relatively cheap lunch or dinner in a pub, accompanied by a world famous Czech beer. Czech cuisine is quite heavy iteselt, lots of meat (usually pork or beef) served with dumplings, potatoes or rice, in a sauce. Traditional Czech food is pork with dumplings and sauerkraut (veprove, knedliky a zeli), served always with a glass of beer. The traditional starter is hot soup.
The usual drink is draught light beer, but a number of beer halls, including U Fleku and U Kalicha also serve special strong dark lagers.
U Zpevack,
Na struze 7, Prague 1
is a cosy little pub becoming Pragues expat haven.
U Sadu, U Skroupovo Namesti, Prague 3 is an absolute must if you happen to be in the vicinity of the TV Tower, it's even worth going out of your way to visit this lively place.
The Café Louvre is one of Prague's top coffee-house, a place to chill out over breakfast or continue throughout the day eating the traditional Czech cuisine.
Kolkovna set in a quaint location in the heart of the Old Town, offers an art nouveau interior and traditional pub grub.
Cafe Savoy is the neo-Renaissance decor charming restaurants. A place for pastries and coffee, serving under ornate chandeliers.
Where to stay
When looking for accommodation you should check both the price and hte distance from the town centre. It maybe bettter to find accommodation further from the centre as Prague is quite small and the public transport is very effectiive, the deals further out will be much better.
Horse House offers a 15th century address with a friendly clean atmosphere, which is walking distance to the Prague Castle.
Hotel Elite offers a special place, shrouded with myths and legends and central to the city.
Castle Steps offers you castle view rooms and also near the Charles Bridge, self catering spacious apartments.
Around Prague
Not far from Prague is Karlstejn, a fmous Czech castle overlooking Berounka river, this is one of the most popular tours outside Prague.
Karlovy Vary, is the world famous spa town founded in 1350. It'spicturesque region and wilderness is a must see.
Konopiste is a huge castle built in the first half fo the 14th century. It includes art and crafts covering the Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque period. This is less than 50 kilometres from the capity of Prague city.
Terezin was a Nazi transit camp for European Jews, its a humbling and sobering place to visit , only an hour away from the city.
Prague for the Solo Traveler
Pilsner Urquell Brewery & Caves sightseeing tour. Their tour begins with a film showing the evolution of Pilsner Urquell, followed by a visit to the brewery's museum, full of historical beer brewing equipment. Pilsner Urquell has invested heavily in the displays, to recreate this old world.
The Czech Folk Night is an evening of traditional Czech hospitality at its best. Enjoying a delicious 3 course dinner served with unlited drinks, plus a full entertainment progrramme festuring Czech folk music, song and dance.
