How to plan a successful city break in one of Europe’s most adored cities. One of the most stunning capitals in Europe is Prague, sometimes known as the City of a Hundred Spires. It is a city full of contradictions: it is a border between the modern West and the old Iron Curtain; it is both old and new; it is both romantic and wealthy; and, most of all, it is completely international.
The Golden City is littered with architectural treasures from more than a thousand years of construction, and millions of tourists visit each year to appreciate them. Prague is undoubtedly having a moment in 2018, with the Czech Republic commemorating both the 100th anniversary of Czechoslovakia and the 25th anniversary of the Velvet Divorce that divided the former country in two.
Activities in Prague
Ascend to the castle
The most well-known landmark in the city is Prague Castle, which rises above the left bank of the Vltava. Historical structures, churches, museums, and galleries can be found within its boundaries, as well as the renowned Golden Lane where Franz Kafka resided from 1916 to 1917. Visit after 5 pm to escape the crowds; the grounds are free to enter (some attractions demand a fee).
Vltava River crossing
There are various bridges that span the gap between the Old Town and the castle, with the Charles Bridge being the most well-known. Further, it is blocked off from traffic so that people can stroll around as buskers perform, artists sell their crafts, and 30 saints keep watch from their pedestals.
Hear the timer go off.
Since 1410, the Orloj, a renowned astronomical clock in Prague, has chimed. The clock, which is a stunning component of the Old Town Hall Tower, starts the procession of the 12 apostles every full hour from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m.
Be amazed by the astronomical clock in the Old Town.
The National Gallery, Veletrn Palác, houses the largest collection of artwork in the Czech Republic, including pieces by world-renowned artists like Van Gogh and Gustav Klimt; admission is 500 CZK (£17). With 20,000 pieces of glass, including Renaissance Bohemian glass, ceramics, textiles, and furniture, the recently renovated Museum of Decorative Arts dazzles visitors. Admission is 150 CZK (£5).
Go back in time
The ikov television tower, which rises more than 216 meters above the ground and is Prague’s tallest structure, was first constructed to block Western broadcast transmissions. Further, ten enormous crawling kids were briefly affixed to the side of this communist artifact by Czech artist David Ern in 2000. The tower also has a viewing deck and a café, in addition to the 70m-tall One Room Hotel.
Accommodations in Prague
Less than a mile from Charles Bridge, the eco-friendly Mosaic House offers eco-friendly accommodations (sharing, private, and a female-only dorm), live entertainment, and a garden. Shared quarters start at 618 CZK ($21), per room.
Young, independent travelers who accept modern technologies will love the new MEET ME 23. This hostel, which is close to the main train station, has a 3D printer, a virtual reception via smartphone, and an on-site café serving Czech cuisine and beverages. B&B doubles starting at 2,539 CZK ($86).
Places to eat
The town of St. Martin, which bears the name of the patron saint of vintners, is tucked away on a little, cobblestoned street beneath the castle complex. Select from cuisines from around the world or from the Czech Republic, but make sure to get the greatest sauerkraut soup in town.
Prague is home to many delicious chlebky (open-faced sandwiches), but Bistro Sisters is home to some of the greatest. The typical topping of potato salad and ham is mouthwatering, but you may also try something different like beets, goat cheese, and caramelized walnuts on rye bread.
Nae Maso, regarded as the greatest butcher in town, uses traditional cooking methods and regional ingredients to serve premium meat from Czech farmers. Moreover, request the trio of sausages, which includes a traditional sausage, a beef sausage, and a debrecener (pork sausage), along with some mustard and warm bread. The beef tartar is a draw for locals.
Since its debut in 1902, Café Louvre has entertained notable guests like Franz Kafka and Albert Einstein. The restaurant offers breakfast, lunch, and dinner, with traditional Czech fare like confit duck leg with red cabbage and potato dumplings or beef goulash with Carlsbad dumplings on the menu.
Where to drink
Teak walls, chandeliers, a marble staircase, and live piano music from 5 to 11 p.m. pay homage to Café Slavia’s vibrant past. Playwrights, performers, the Bohemian set, and anti-communist dissidents have all hung out here throughout the years; it is located beside the National Theatre.
Vinotéka U Mouenna, a tiny establishment with a big selection, offers both Czech and international wines. You now have the opportunity to experience wine from southern Morovia because the nation does not export many of its vintages, if any at all. If in doubt, go with the white wine since it tends to be of higher quality due to the lack of sunlight hours.
At Bonvivant’s, a cocktail bar with a tin ceiling, bartenders dressed in lab coats, Jazz Age fixtures, and no menu, there are drinks galore all day. Further, try some Czech specialties like the Merunkovice drink, Slivovitz plum brandy, or the herbal liqueur Becherovka.
A place to shop
Pernkv sen, run by two in-law sisters, is a one-stop store for all things gingerbread, a staple of Czech baking. Purchase handcrafted and expertly decorated candies, cakes, and biscuits, or purchase a hard-baked gingerbread Christmas ornament to bring home.
On Havelská Street in the Old Town of Prague, there is just one preserved market that goes back to 1232. Fresh honey, marionettes, wooden toys, and Czech delicacies are among the items available at the stalls, which mostly sell fruit and vegetables.
Palladium is not your typical shopping center because of its history and the unique characteristics of the location. In the heart of Prague, a magnificent, red structure that was formerly a barracks now houses 170 stores and 30 restaurants on five stories.
Architecture’s best feature
An interior architectural masterpiece, the Czech National Library of Technology (NTK) features more than 200 drawings by avant-garde artist Dan Perjovschi on the concrete walls of the atrium.
Bolts and nuts from Prague
What kind of money do I need?
Czech koruna, at a rate of about 30 CZK per pound.
What dialect do they use?
Czech.
Do I need to tip?
Yes, somewhere between 10% and 15%. Rounding to the closest 20 CZK or 100 CZK is the simplest option.
What is the difference in time?
GMT+1.
Public transportation
The main public transportation options are the inexpensive, effective, and tightly integrated tram and metro.
How long is the flight from the UK?
2 hours or so.
Top view
For breathtaking views of the Charles Bridge, the Vltava River, and Prague Castle, climb the 138 steps to the summit of the Old Town Bridge Tower.
