Prague Activities

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.

Viewpoint

The best view is from the top of Petrín Tower; take the funicular to the top of Petrín Hill and then make the long walk up this mini Eiffel Tower. (Remember to take change for the ticket machine, or buy a ticket in the newsagent at the foot of the hill). The TV Tower is a winner; sip on a cocktail or have dinner here. The castle grounds have two spots from which to peer over red-roofed Prague: the Garden of Paradise on the ramparts, and the Castle Steps (Thunovská).

Arts and culture

For information on theatre and art exhibitions, pick up a Prague Post. The views from Museum Kampa are almost as much of a treat as the modern-art exhibitions (www.museumkampa.cz). The Jewish Museum and Cemetery is the largest of its kind in Central Europe, with one of the world's most extensive collections of Judaic art. Galerie Rudolfinium (www.galerierudolfinium.cz) is among the best for contemporary art, and Galerie Jelení, operated by the Center for Contemporary Arts (www.fcca.cz), hosts the most experimental exhibitions.

Something for nothing

A walk on Petrín Hill – the biggest and greenest of Prague’s seven hills.

Shopping

The pretty tree-lined street Parízská in Josefov has been nicknamed ‘French Street’, as it means Paris, and has many fashionable boutiques and restaurants. We loved the shoes at Vicini, and Deco Interior on Stupartská. If you want decent souvenirs – such as wooden puppets in every imaginable guise – head to Malá Strana. Books are big among Prague residents: the Globe bookstore at 6 Pštrossova, wonderful Café Rybka, round the corner at 7 Opatovicka, and Antikvariát Dobrá Kniha, near Hotel 987, at 4 Dlázdená, are just a handful of the city's literary treasuries.

Activities

Prague couldn't be more musical, with concerts daily. The fare is mostly Mozart and Handel, but when the surroundings are as OTT ornate as the Chapel of Mirrors in the Clementinum, who needs the avant-garde? To reserve seats at any performance, contact Bohemia Ticket, 16 Na Príkope (+420 224 227 832; www.bohemiaticket.cz). or ask your hotel to do so for you.

And...

Take a boat cruise or the metro out to the castle at Vysehrad, a sprawling and rocky hilltop ruin whose gardens and panoramic views make it an unusual romantic day-trip. There is also the Slavin cemetery here which is Prague’s answer to Père Lachaise in Paris.