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Czech Republic : Prague - December 2008 Country Code: Dial ++420 for Czech Republic
There’s no place like Prague
during the holiday season. With
its famed Christmas markets
redolent with mulled wine and
honey gingerbread, the Czech
capital gives the phrase ‘winter
wonderland’ a whole new meaning.
So bundle up and follow Julie
O’Shea down the ‘Golden City’s’
cobbled streets
Getting around
Ruzyne International Airport
Bus: The number 119 bus runs between the airport and the Dejvicka metro station (which is on the A line) every 7 to 20 minutes. Tickets cost €1/CZK 28 and are valid for 60 minutes on weekdays and 90 minutes on weekends. They can be used on all buses, trams and metros.
Taxi: A taxi ride to the city centre from the airport will take about 30 minutes and cost approximately €25/ CZK 704, but always negotiate the price before you set off.
Tourist information: 46 Vinohradka, Prague 2 (tel. (0)221 580 111, www.czechtourism.cz).
STARE MESTO
Prague’s dazzling old town puts on a
good show at this time of year. Decked
out in tinsel, garlands and coloured
lights, the city will get you in the
holiday spirit in no time.
Sleep soundly – The reasonably
priced Hotel Ibis Prague Old Town is
just a short walk from the city centre.
Culture vultures – Take in a show at
the Rudolfinum (12 Alsovo Nabrezi,
rudolfinum.cz), home to the Czech
Philharmonic Orchestra.
Must eat – Stoleti (21 Karoliny Svetle,
tel. (0)222 220008) serves up dishes
inspired by 20th-century icons. Enjoy a
Greta Garbo avocado appetiser or a
sizzling Ernest Hemingway steak.
Must drink – Don’t leave the markets
without having a glass or two of the
seasonal beverage svarak (mulled wine),
which is sold at most of the open-air
food stands around Stare Mesto.
Dance the night away – Whether
you’re into hip-hop or soul, N11 Music
Club and Lounge (11 Narodni) has
something for everyone.
Shop til you drop – Enjoy a day
browsing the gift booths at some of the
city’s biggest Christmas markets, held
in the Old Town and Wenceslas Squares.
They’re open from 9am and run until 1
January. Pick up handmade wooden
toys and sweet-smelling soaps.
VINOHRADY
Take advantage of all the cool bars
and restaurants scattered throughout
this trendy district.
Sleep soundly – Steps away from
Namesti Miru, Hotel Tosca will
cater to your every whim.
Must eat – Craving Italian? Pop over to
Rossini (26 Chopinova, tel. (0)222
729041). Equally as tasty is Aromi (78
Manesova, tel. (0)222 713222), a familyrun
Italian that offers fresh seafood and
an extensive wine list.
Must drink – Unwind with a few drinks
and a game of pool at Corner Bar &
Bistro (64 Manesova).
Shop til you drop – Pick up some last
minute gifts at the intimate Christmas
market on Namesti Miru. This small
neighbourhood market attracts a
local crowd and is the
perfect place for some
leisurely holiday
shopping. It’s open
daily from 9am and
runs until 1 January.
NOVE MESTO
The city’s new town is tourist central,
offering a great mix of clubs, bars and
top-notch restaurants.
Sleep soundly – Check in at Hotel
City Inn, which is conveniently
located in an old historic building near
the main train station and public transit.
Culture vultures – Built in 1906, the
Jubilee Synagogue (7 Jeruzalemska)
may not be one of the oldest in Prague,
but its Moorish revival design is certainly
impressive enough to warrant a look.
Must eat – Try the extensive nacho
selection or BBQ ribs at Buffalo Bill’s
Restaurant. For some great lasagne and
homemade soup specials, go to Therapy
(30 Skolska, tel. (0)284 825515).
Must drink – Sports fans will
appreciate the jovial atmosphere at
Lions (19 Krakovska).
HOLESOVICE
This tiny residential neighbourhood
offers some great nightlife away from
the hubbub in the city centre.
Sleep soundly – Cosy and quiet, Sir
Toby’s Hostel is one of the best deals in town.
Culture vultures – The newly opened
DOX Centre for Contemporary Art
(34 Osadni) is generating a lot of buzz
at the moment, mainly for its largerthan-
life exhibitions.
Must eat – Head to Bohemia Bagel
(48 Dukelskych Hrdinu, tel. (0)220
806541) on Taco Thursdays for
enchiladas and Margaritas.
Dance the night away – One of the city’s bestloved
nightspots,
Mecca (3 U Pruhonu)
has it all; great food,
drinks and music.
Compiled by Julie O’Shea
Previous issues for Prague
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