Introduction
Prague is the capital and the largest city in the Czech Republic and is located on the banks of the Vltava River.
Home to well over a million people, the city has an oceanic climate, which draws holiday-goers to the city to enjoy warm weather activities in the summer and cold weather sports in the wintertime.
The Best Time to Visit
Most tourists prefer to visit Prague in the spring and summer, when the temperatures are warmer and more pleasant for enjoying outside activities.
However, although it is windy and cold from November to March, tourists still enjoy visiting the capital during popular holidays, such as Christmas and New Year's.
Activities
Prague offers a number of interesting activities for tourists.
If you enjoy your beer, then you won't want to miss visiting a Prague brewery and sampling the brew or signing up for a beer spa bath to de-stress and relax.
Bobsleighing is also another popular activity, which allows participants to ride over a curved track at speeds as high as 60 kph.
Other activities include go-karting, magnum shooting, clay pigeon shooting, and touring Prague by tram. Paintball, zorbing, quad biking, and traveling by Segway are also offered.
Beaches
Although Prague is landlocked, it still features a shoreline in the form of Smichov Beach, an urban strand located along the banks of the Vltava River. Close to many of Prague's historic buildings and attractions, the sandy beach lies next to the heart and centre of Prague. Holiday-goers to the beach can enjoy sunning beside the stream or participate in beach games, such as badminton or volleyball.
Sights and Attractions
Prague has a seemingly endless number of sights and attractions to visit. Especially, if you enjoy East European history, you'll find that this city offers a treasure-trove of historic buildings.
Located in Old Town Square, the Church of Our Lady before Tyn dominates the Prague skyline with its Gothic spires. Established in the late fourteenth century, the Tyn church is a stunning building to view by day or by night.
Another notable attraction is the Dancing House, which was built in the early to mid-1990s, and sits along the Vltava River. The contemporary glass building is also home to the Celeste Restaurant, one of Prague's leading fine-dining establishments.
The Prague Castle is another attraction that is a must-see site when visiting the Czech capital. Not only is it Prague's main tourist attraction, the building is also the biggest medieval castle in Europe.
The St. Vitus Cathedral, located at the site, is the most recognized landmark in the capital.
Not on the regular sightseeing circuit, the Jindrisska Tower provides visitors with panoramic views of the city. The tower, which was originally built in the latter part of the fifteenth century, was rebuilt after a fire in the mid-part of the 1700s before being renovated yet again in the later part of the 1800s in the Gothic style.
Nightlife
If you are looking for nightlife entertainment, then you'll find it in Prague. Bars and clubs are open from dusk until dawn and make it easy for holiday-goers to enjoy a night out on the town while staying in the Czech capital.
The Lavka Bar and Club is a 24 hour venue that offers a range of activities and entertainment. In the day time, there's food on offer and everything from theatre and music performances to the chance to take a sailing trip. In the evening, the venue becomes a popular club. It's a unique venue.
For serious clubbers, the Karlovy Lazne Club is the place to party. Taking up five floors, the popular club is the largest in Central Europe.
The Nebe, which is situated on Wenceslas Square, offers a great dining and drink selection. Liked by locals and travellers alike, the Nebe provides a dance floor that stays open till dawn.
If you are looking for atmosphere, then you'll no doubt want to visit the Double Trouble Bar and Club. The small club, which is located in a Gothic cellar, is a favourite Czech haunt of local and holiday club-goers.
Or, if you really want to expand your clubbing experience, visit the Zizkov area of Prague, known to have more bars per square foot than any other place in Europe.
Restaurants
Visitors to Prague can choose from a number of dining experiences, from casual to fine dining.
A cellar bar and eatery, the Bar Bar, showcases the work of local photographers and artists and serves Czech specialties as well as international dishes.
The Iron Curtain Propaganda Pub should also be placed on your itinerary. Situated behind Old Town Square, the establishment offers Czech dishes, locally made beer, and Communist-postered walls.
An affordable eatery, the Jama Bar and Restaurant is located off Wenceslas Square and serves local fare international cuisine, including American food and Tex-Mex specialties.
Accommodations
Hotel accommodation in general is reasonably priced in Prague and are close to the many attractions as well as the Smichov Beach.
The Hotel Golden Tulip Prague Terminus is located in Nove Mesto (or New Town) and is only moments away from some of Prague's major attractions. Situated next to the train station as well, the hotel offers broadband Internet access as well as satellite TV.
The Hotel Vitkov, is only a short distance from the Old Town Square and trendy cafes and eaterie as well as a large number of parks as well. The budget hotel is a great option for anyone travelling on a budget.
TheHotel Svornost is situated close to Prague's historical district and offers a peaceful getaway from the bustling city.
The Hotel Antik, located in Old town in the centre of Prague, is a four-star boutique hotel that provides city tours. Reservations for the theatre or tickets for sporting events can be made and purchased at the reception area in the hotel.
The Hotel Golden Staris located in the Castle District or Hradcany in Prague and sits next to the Prague Castle. Featuring a stairway that is close to 300 years old, the Baroque hotel is furnished with historical furniture, giving it an antique atmosphere.