Prague

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.

Pictured: Hotel Josef

Boutique hotels in Prague

Our round-up of the hippest hideaways and boutique hotels in Prague

Getting there

Planes, trains, automobiles, or maybe even helicopter – we tell you the best way to go.

Worth getting out of bed for

Highlights the best Prague has to offer, from art and culture to fun-packed activities; we've even found the most inspiring place to enjoy the views from.

Eating, drinking & dancing

We've tracked down the best cafés for people-watching, the bars with the coolest cocktails, the most accomplished restaurants and the liveliest local nightlife in Prague.

Smith Maps

Here is the map of Prague; each Mr & Mrs Smith hotel is marked by a flag; click it for more details.

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.
Dialing 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.