Book flights to Prague

First on the list of things to do when travelling to Prague ought to be a trip on the Vltava River. Dividing the city in two, it allows visitors an understanding of local geography, with the Castle District and the Lesser Town on one side, and the New Town and the Old Town on the other. In addition, it doesn’t get much more romantic than cruising down the river surrounded by soaring Gothic spires, Cubist architecture, and beautiful gardens. You can either hire your own boat or climb aboard a guided cruise-ship and enjoy a leisurely dinner.

No trip to Prague is complete without a visit to Prague Castle, the largest ancient castle in the world. Take a stroll through history as you wander around its courtyards, museums and garden and see the seat of Czech kings, emperors and presidents for thousands of years. Sitting atop a hill, Prague Castle is a symbol of the Czech Republic and is one of its stand-out attractions that make the city one of the most beautiful in the world. 

Prague offers plenty to do for visitors who want a break from sightseeing. If you want to relax and unwind during your trip to Prague, you can immerse yourself in the city’s café culture. Cafés are almost part of the wallpaper in Prague and there are plenty in which you can enjoy a leisurely coffee and watch the world go by. Some of the local cafés have achieved near-legendary status among coffee fans and are patronised by locals and visitors alike.

In the height of summer, you’ll find most of the locals seeking respite from the heat in one of the many public swimming pools here. If you go from the city centre upstream along the Vltava, you will arrive in the city district of Podolí. In addition to the large swimming facility that comprises an indoor pool and a summer outdoor pool in the area, you can also find the Yellow Spa, a sports and leisure complex directly on the bank of the Vltava River, which is known for its grassy beaches. There you can play netball, beach volleyball and table tennis or indulge in water skiing or paddle-boarding. You can also rent boats, bikes, scooters and skates. The complex also houses several food and beverage venues as well as a dance hall and a playground for children.

There are plenty of restaurants serving excellent food, from Svíčková, sirloin steak prepared with vegetables in cream sauce, to an extraordinary range of delicate desserts. If you do have a sweet tooth, be sure to try trdlenik; a sugared pastry roasted over an open flame, dusted with cinnamon, and topped with nuts. The Old Town is the best place to go for traditional food.

Shopping is something of a national pastime in Prague and your trip wouldn’t be complete without exercising your bargain-hunting muscles. The main shopping areas are in the Republic Square and Wenceslas Square. Here you’ll find local businesses rubbing shoulders with big, international names and you’ll find everything from handmade jewellery to designer clothing. For something on the quirkier side, head into the Old Town, where you’ll find boutique stores tucked among the cobbled alleyways.