Prague – The City of a Hundred Spires

Boasting labyrinthine medieval cobblestone streets and a skyline punctuated by fairytale turrets and soaring spires, Prague is one of Europe’s prettiest cities. It’s a visual feast that thrills the senses – bulbous domes and steadfast steeples vie for attention amidst the medley of architectural styles that include Gothic and Baroque. Virtually untouched by the passage of time, the Bohemian capital of the Czech Republic is a joy to behold.

Shopping and sightseeing

The castle district
Also known as ‘Hradcany’, the hauntingly beautiful castle district with its opulent architecture perches on a hilltop above the rest of the city, peering out over the glittering Vltava River. Dominating the skyline is the breathtaking Prague Castle, the district’s star attraction. Built in the 9th-century by Prince Borivoj, its walls contain a palace, churches, manicured gardens and a monastery, all of which are a joy to discover. The Neo-Classical St Vitus cathedral, which took over 600 years to complete, is also well worth a visit whilst children will love the Toy Museum where cabinets overflow with all manner of toys and dolls.
Hradcanská District, Prague 1
Getting there: Metro Line A - Malostranska station, Tram 22 and 23 - Malostranska station
http://www.hrad.cz/

The Little Quarter
Tumbling down the hill below the castle district, the Little Quarter boasts magnificent views across the river towards the old town hall. Spend a day exploring the tiny cobbled streets, which will lead you through a maze of Baroque architecture topped with terracotta tiles into tranquil walled gardens overflowing with fragrant blooms. At its heart, Little Quarter Square, dominated by the picturesque church of St Nicholas, is a wonderful place to watch the world wander by.
Mala Strana, Prague 1
Getting there: Metro Line A - Malostranska Station
http://www.psalterium.cz/

The old town
The old town is home to the capital’s best markets, shops, restaurants and pubs and remains the nucleus of the city after thousands of years of existence. Staromestske Namesti, the central square, began life as the city’s main marketplace where merchants from all over Europe gathered to exchange goods. Today, its pastel-coloured Romanesque and Gothic buildings house pavement cafes that spill out onto the cobbles whilst the glorious town hall boasts a colourful animated clock.
Staromestské nám. 1, Prague 1
Getting there: Metro Line A - Staromestka stop, Tram 18 - Staromestka stop

Boat trip along Vlatava River
A relaxing boat trip is one of the best ways to see the sights of Prague. The city’s lifeblood, it flows past all of the famous sights.
Prices and times vary depending on the type of boat trip you decide on.
Getting there: The dock is located at the Èechùv Bridge near the Old Town Square or the Staromìstská metro station (line A).

Shopping
Prague’s best and busiest shopping street begins at Wenceslas Square. Lined with international, high street retailers and bespoke boutiques, this pedestrian only thoroughfare is Prague’s catwalk, where Czech’s fashionistas like to see and be seen.
Wenceslas Square, New Town, Prague 1

General Websites
http://www.czechtourism.com/
http://www.prague.cz/
http://www.prague.tv/

For the more adventurous

Chateau of Veltrusy
Surrounded by a sculptured park, this glorious Baroque chateau is filled with collections of porcelain and Asian art. Stroll around the tranquil gardens or take a seat in one of the delicate pavilions where you can admire the dark curved dome and elegant windows of the chateau.

Melnik
Melnik is the heart of Bohemia’s wine-growing region and offers some unparalleled wines, with many of the famous grapes descending from Burgundy vines imported by Charles IV. ‘Ludmile Bila’, a refreshingly crisp white, is the most popular.

Kutna Hora
The Medieval silver-mining town of Kutna Hora is a UNESCO World Heritage site and deservedly so. Home to the royal mint in the 14th-century, it provided most of the silver for the coins circulating Europe at this time and today it boasts a sublime palace and a grandiose Gothic cathedral. You’ll also find a fascinating ‘bone church’ in the nearby village of Sedlec, which contains over 40,000 human bones from people who died in the 30-year war and plague epidemic. From giant functioning chandeliers to a Christian cross, the bones have been fashioned into amazing decorations by a local wood-carver.
http://www.kostnice.cz/

Prague Zoo
Located in the stunning Troja basin, Prague Zoo boasts the prestigious title of being the first zoo to artificially breed a polar bear cub. Today, there are over 200 animals to marvel at, ranging from enormous African elephants to tiny field mice. The zoo is also home to the extremely rare breed of wild Przewalski horses.
http://www.zoopraha.cz/

Karlsbad
Karlsbad is Bohemia’s most famous spa town. At its height in the 19th-century, royalty and famous people came here from all over the world, including Beethoven, Chopin and even Karl Marx. With over 60 mineral springs of different temperatures, the delicious water not only has a wonderfully refreshing taste but is also renowned for its healing properties.
http://www.karlovyvary.cz/

		February
		Ball Season Themed balls take place in some of Prague's most awe-inspiring venues. Of particular note is the opulent Prague Opera Ball.
		April
		One World Film Festival The film festival screens thought-provoking documentaries, which aim to expose wrongs in the world and promote mutual understanding. www.oneworld.cz
		May/June
		World Festival of Puppet Art Prague is renowned for its handcrafted puppets and each year stages an international puppet show. Performances are acted out for large crowds and are particularly popular with children.
		June
		3rd June - Anniversary of Kafka’s death Famous for his surreal novels such as 'The Trial', Prague is the resting place of the illustrious writer Franz Kafka. Fans flock to his tomb in the New Jewish Cemetery (grave number 21-14-33) to pay their respects to this literary great.
		August/September
		Verdi Festival At the end of each opera season, the Czech State Opera dedicate three weeks to the works of the 19th-century Italian composer, Verdi. Performances usually include La Traviata and Aida. www.sop.cz/en
		September/October
		Prague Autumn Festival Some of the world's greatest orchestras and ensembles convene in Prague to mark the end of summer.
		November
		International Festival of Advent and Christmas Music In the run up to Christmas, over 60 amateur choirs descend on Prague's old town square and perform a cavalcade of traditional and modern songs and carols - guaranteed to get you in the festive mood. http://www.millenniumtravel.cz/christmas