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Boutique hotels

Prague Overview

Czech Republic

Cityscape
Picturesque pages from history
City life
Truly Bohemian

A cobblestoned fairytale rich in culture and counterculture, Prague is an architectural medley of antique churches, brutalist relics and art nouveau facades.

The Bohemian pride in culture and fringe arts is transforming its warehouse districts, with new bars and galleries, clubs and restaurants – Prague’s post-Communist renaissance has given its gastronomic fortunes a fillip, too.

Perfectly Prague

Join locals at Barácnická Rychta, a wonderful old beer hall on Trziste in Malá Strana. Take in an opera at the Baroque Estates Theatre, where Mozart premiered Don Giovanni. Listen to trad jazz at the art nouveau Café Imperial on Na Porící.

Local Knowledge

Taxis
Definitely avoid hailing them on the street since many drivers try to get away with the 'scenic route' and not turning on the meter. Try AAA Radio Taxis on 2211 0 2211 or 14 0 14.

Tipping culture
A small cover charge and extras for bread are normal, as is a tip – round up to the nearest CZK 10.

Packing tips
Trainers (fancy shoes may not be able to negotiate the hills and slippery cobbles); opera glasses.

Recommended reads
The Castle by Franz Kafka; Laughable Loves by Milan Kundera; Prague Tales by Jan Neruda; On the Sky’s Clayey Bottom by Zdenek Urbánek. The Visible World by Mark Slouka.

Cuisine
Pork, dumplings and sauerkraut still reign supreme, but the new Prague offers far more than rib-stickers; fashionable international cuisine is available all over town. Veggies can have a hard time; book ahead.

Currency
Czech koruna; CZK 30 = about €1.

Time zone
GMT +1.

Dialling codes
Country code for Czech Republic: 420. Prague: no code.

Do go/don't go
Winters can be freezing, summers scorching and busy – the best times are late spring and early autumn. If you don’t mind the cold, and periodic smog alerts, the city is lovely in snow.