Daily Times

Cobblestones, bridges, palaces, parks and countless attractions, Prague will delight those seeking old-fashioned charm.

With its uniquely preserved historical centre, it oozes impressive architecture, breathtaking views and plenty of fabulous monuments.

All this and a flying time of less than two hours? It’s no wonder this rich city is a booming tourist destination with more than eight million annual visitors.

Close to popular Charles Bridge and down the hill from Prague Castle, this smart, boutique hotel was built by a 16th-century locksmith, hence its name. Its 25 rooms are stylish, with some boasting exposed original beams. In the morning, tuck in to a traditional Czech breakfast, including homemade bread and cakes.

Miss Sophie’s Hotel – this friendly little hotel, in a 19th-century Art Nouveau building, is situated in a quiet street in New Town, one Metro stop from famous Wenceslas Square. The 16 rooms vary in size, but all are tastefully decorated with greys and whites. Breakfast is served across the road at the company’s hostel.

Mosaic House – step inside and admire the Thirties mosaic adorning the entrance hall of this designer hotel, minutes from the National Theatre and Vltava River. Rooms are smart and quirky – if your budget permits, choose a superior double with a terrace overlooking the city. Music events are hosted in the ground floor La Loca Music Bar & Lounge.

Botel Albatros – anchored on Vltava River, not far from Charles Bridge and the Old Town, with views towards Prague Castle, this boat hotel, built in 1969, offers 86 basic, wood-panelled rooms, a restaurant and a top-deck terrace, ideal for a cool beer before dinner.

Prague Cards offer free or discounted entry to 80 different museums and attractions, including the National Museum, the Czech Museum of Music, Powder Tower and the Old Royal Palace, former home of Bohemian kings.

Although not covered by the Prague Card, don’t miss the Museum of Communism for an evocative reflection of life during the Communist era.

Prague is easily explored on foot – but pack a pair of comfy shoes to cope with the cobbled streets. If you want to splash out on a scholar-led three-hour walk, try Insight Cities.

Home of Pilsner, Czechs drink more beer than any other nation – which is not surprising given it’s as cheap as water in bars and restaurants. Sample craft beer in the Old Town at U Kunstatu, a 12th-century former palace. Or soak up the atmosphere in the Old Town Square.

IT looks like Blackpool Tower, but, apparently, the 63.5m-tall Petrin Lookout Tower, built in 1891 on Petrin Hill, was actually inspired by Paris’s Eiffel Tower. Its 299 steps are worth climbing to see sweeping views of the city. It costs £5.20, or it’s free with a Prague Card.

Don’t let the crowds put you off, Prague Castle – among the largest in the world – is a must. Dating from the ninth century, it comprises palaces, churches, fortifications and manicured gardens. A full ticket is £12 and lasts two days.

Prague is blessed with myriad parks away from the hubbub – perfect for a picnic. Grab some food at a supermarket or local bakery and sit under the shade of an ancient tree in 250-acre Stromovka Park, or watch boats gliding along the Vltava River.

Eska – a former fabric factory, this restaurant pays homage to the building’s past with exposed brickwork, girders and pipework. Traditional Czech dishes given a modern makeover is the name of the game here. Tuck in to cabbage schnitzel, mushrooms and vegetables for £9.60.

Prague is easily explored on foot — but pack a pair of comfy shoes to cope with the cobbled streets. If you want to splash out on a scholar-led three-hour walk, try Insight Cities

Lehka Hlava – choose to dine under the stars or under a lizard perched on a leaf at this veggie restaurant, thanks to impressive ceiling artwork. Hidden on Prague’s shortest street in a 500-year-old former teahouse, it’s a favourite of locals. Try a naked seitan burger with potatoes and vegetables followed by raspberry crumble, all for £12.

Cheap as chips, canteen-style restaurants were commonplace during the Communist era. Providing low-cost Czech fare for mainly locals, this no-nonsense, no-frills eatery is worth experiencing. Situated in the quiet, residential Petrska quarter, beef in pepper sauce with dumplings costs £3. Wash it down with wine or squash.

Manifesto Market – this food and culture market is Prague’s first no-cash space, and it’s brimming with enticing stalls that cater to all tastes. Try the lunch special at Minnie’s: mini pancakes and filling with a drink for £5.

Wander over to the elegant residential neighbourhood of Vinohrady, once blanketed in vineyards and admire the Neo-Renaissance and Art Nouveau architecture. For lunch, pop in to the unpretentious, vegan eatery Cafe Moment and try its white bean soup or stuffed peppers with tomato sauce and pasta with a glass of wine.

Prague is the capital and largest city in the Czech Republic, the 14th largest city in the European Union and the historical capital of Bohemia. Situated in the north-west of the country on the Vltava river, the city is home to about 1.3 million people, while its metropolitan area is estimated to have a population of 2.6 million. The city has a temperate climate, with warm summers and chilly winters.

Prague has been a political, cultural and economic centre of central Europe complete with a rich history. Founded during the Romanesque and flourishing by the Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque eras, Prague was the capital of the Kingdom of Bohemia and the main residence of several Holy Roman Emperors, most notably of Charles IV.

It was an important city to the Habsburg Monarchy and its Austro-Hungarian Empire. The city played major roles in the Bohemian and Protestant Reformation, the Thirty Years’ War and in 20th-century history as the capital of Czechoslovakia, during both World Wars and the post-war Communist era.

Prague is home to a number of well-known cultural attractions, many of which survived the violence and destruction of 20th-century Europe. Main attractions include Prague Castle, Charles Bridge, Old Town Square with the Prague astronomical clock, the Jewish Quarter, Pet?ín hill and Vyšehrad. Since 1992, the extensive historic centre of Prague has been included in the UNESCO list of World Heritage Sites.

The city has more than ten major museums, along with numerous theatres, galleries, cinemas and other historical exhibits. An extensive modern public transportation system connects the city. Also, it is home to a wide range of public and private schools, including Charles University in Prague, the oldest university in Central Europe.

Prague is classified as an “Alpha ?” global city according to GaWC studies and ranked sixth in the Tripadvisor world list of best destinations in 2016.

In 2019, the city was ranked as 69th most liveable city in the world, making it the most liveable city in former Eastern Bloc, ranking ahead of St Louis, Hong Kong and others. Its rich history makes it a popular tourist destination and as of 2017, the city receives more than 8.5 million international visitors annually. Prague is the fourth most visited European city after London, Paris and Rome.