Travel Guides: All Countries / Europe / Czech Republic / Prague
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| | | Fairytale city |  | Why go on holiday to Prague?
The historic heart of Bohemia, Prague, with its 100 spires, medieval cobbled streets, courtyards and amazing Gothic architecture, looks like it came straight out of a fairytale.
It may give you some idea of the utter gorgeousness of Prague if you remember that Milos Forman filmed the Oscar-winning Amadeus there.
To understand Prague it's best to think of it as five small towns each with its own character and treasures - all easily explored on foot.
How much does it cost?
As the city's grown in popularity, so have costs. Expect a three-night city break in a three-star hotel (April to June) to cost at least £400 per person. There are better deals in the winter months (Jan to March), costing around £300, often with an extra night thrown in free. Flights from around £120, B&B accommodation from £20.
When should I go?
May, June and September are the prime visiting months, with April and October chillier and slightly cheaper alternatives.
Most Czechs take their holidays in July and August so the city's hotels are full and tourist sights packed. Summer 12- 24C (55-75F) and winter 2-10C (35-50F).
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| | | Visit Prague Castle |  | What should I do when I'm there?
A walking tour of the city is a good idea as the whole place is one big architectural museum - with examples from the Romanesque, Gothic, Renaissance, baroque and art nouveau periods.
After getting your bearings by foot take a boat trip down the river, or delve deeper into the history by visiting the castles, museums and churches. See the buskers on the medieval Charles Bridge.
What are the things I shouldn't miss?
The huge Prague Castle, the nearby Military Historical Museum, National Gallery, and Loreta Convent. See the baroque Staromestske Namesti or Old Town Square, with St Nicholas church as well as the twin-steepled Tyn Church.
The art nouveau buildings on Wenceslas Square (Vaclavske namesti). Mala Strana or the Lesser Town, where you will find the Wallenstein Palace and gardens, and the splendid baroque St Thomas and St James churches.
If you like music then there are the Mozart and Smetana museums to visit.
Where can I put my feet up?
If you want a quiet float on the river to watch the sunset, rent a rowing or pedal-boat on Slovansky Ostrov, or from the pitch just north of Charles Bridge on the Old Town side, at the end of Platnerska off Krizovnicka.
There are longer boat trips (powered by engine, not you) from the Prague Passenger Shipping terminal on the right bank between Jiraskuv and Palackeho. At river height you will get a unique view of the town.
Or play a round at the Golf Club Praha, or swim at Podoli when the weather heats up.
What's outside Prague?
The countryside is within an hour's train or bus ride from Prague. It's rich in fine landscapes, good walks and interesting buildings.
Top of the list should be Krivoklat Castle and the Berounka River valley, and photogenic 14th-century Karlstejn Castle. The medieval silver-mining town of Kutna Hora is packed full of historic sites - when mining halted in 1726 the town virtually stopped.
If you have a few days try one of the glorious old spas such as Karlovy Vary, where you can swim in the open-air thermal pool after checking out the castle, churches, the Diana funicular railway and the Diana Tower.
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| | | Buy Bohemian crystal | | Where's good for nightlife?
From jazz to rock, ballet to drama, Prague has got it all. For reviews and up-to-date information get the Prague Post, PIS's Cultural Events and Do mesta Downtown.
The Rudolfinum and Smetana Hall offer classical music, many churches have organ recitals. The Reduta Jazz Club, AghaRTA jazz centrum and the U maleho Glena all present live jazz.
The Rock Cafe, Batalion, Klub 007 Strahov and Klub Ujezd have rock events and rock clientele, for cultural shows as well as bands try the alternative venues of the Palac Akropolis and the Malostranska beseda.
For dance clubs try the Northern Nove Mesto and Holesovice. There are seven theatres some of which show the famous 'magic theatre'.
Or you can stroll along Na prikope or Wenceslas Square where buskers play for the people thonging the late night cafes and bars.
What's the food like?
Czech cuisine is typically central European, with German, Austrian, Polish and Hungarian influences. Food is very filling with meat, dumplings, potatoes or rice topped with a heavy sauce and usually served with vegetables or sauerkraut.
If you are on a budget, stay away from the Old Town Square where prices are excessive - try the suburbs of Zizkov and Smichov for cheaper eats. Beer is one of the things Prague is justly famous for - enjoy.
What should I buy?
The main shopping strips are Wenceslas Square and along Karlova and Celetna between Staromestke namesti and namesti Republiky. Along Havelska and V Kotcich are the daily markets with fruit, vegetables, clothing and souvenirs.
Bohemian crystal is one of Prague's best buys find it at Sklo Glass shops in the Alfa Cinema Arcade. For bargains go to Jungmannovo namesti and Narodni. Folk ceramics are good at Keramika, inside the passage of Vaclavaski namesti 41.
If you'd like a Czech 'Harrods' experience the Kotva department store on namesti Republiky is the biggest in the country.
What is there for children to do?
There are plenty of activities for children around the city. Museums they'll like include the Toy Museum and the Aircraft & Space Exploration Museum.
For outdoor fun try the Zoo or Petrin Hill, a large park where parents and kids alike can take a break. In summer there are plenty of boats and paddle boats for hire on the river.
The Divadlo Minor has puppets and pantomime, as does the National Marionette Theatre.
Tourist office
Czech Tourist Office, Suite 29-31 Morley House, 320 Regent Street, London W1B 3BG Tel. 0207 631 0426.
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| | Available rental properties in Prague |
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