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Czech Republic : Prague - July 2010

Country Code: Dial 0 for Czech Republic

Prague is one of Europe’s shining stars come the summer, with its glorious beer gardens and numerous festivals – including the celebration of jazz and classical music that is the Prague Proms. Grab some sunscreen and join Julie O’Shea in The Golden city

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. , www.czechtourism.cz).

STARÉ MESTO

Start your visit with a tour of the city’s wonderful medieval Old Town.

Sleep soundly – Housed in a renovated 13th-century building, Betlem Club Hotel (9 Betlémské Námestí, tel. , betlemclub.cz, rooms from €50/CZK 1,250) boasts its very own gothic cellar, and friendly staff.

Culture vultures – The Municipal House (5 Námestí Republiky) hosts the annual international music festival Prague Proms (events running until 22 July, pragueproms.cz), featuring the Czech National Symphony Orchestra.

Must eat – A veggie-lover’s delight, Lehka Hlava (2 Borsov, tel. ) has a wide selection of goodies including eggplant tartar, smoked tofu and an excellent spinach quesadilla. It’s also one of the city’s few non-smoking restaurants.

Must drink – It may be small, but there’s always a party going on at Hany Bany (5 Veleslavínova). Beer, cocktails, live music and boisterous crowds are always on hand.

Shop til you drop – Find everything from souvenirs to a coffee table at the massive Kotva department store (8 Námestí Republiky).

NOVÉ MESTO

The city centre, or ‘new town’, is full of great eats and hip cafés.

Sleep soundly – Relax with a pot of afternoon tea at the family-run Hotel 16 (16 Katerinská, tel. , hotel16. cz, rooms from €69/CZK 1,799).

Culture vultures – Check out the latest photo exhibition at the Leica Gallery (28 Školská), which also organises workshops, seminars and lectures.

Must eat – Bredovský Dvur (13 Politických Veznu, tel. ) has one of the best lunchtime deals in town. Enjoy a plate of pork ribs with a pint or three of unpasteurised Pilsner Urquell.

Must drink – Inspired by the American film Sideways, Vinárna Bokovka (8 Pštrossova) has an extensive two-page European wine list.

Dance the night away – The Rock Café (20 Narodni) ushers in a mix of local pop and rock bands on a weekly basis.

VINOHRADY

This trendy district is one of the best places in the city to soak up the sun.

Sleep soundly – Sieber (55 Slezská, tel. , sieber.cz, rooms from €220/CZK 4,480) is one of the neighbourhood’s most upmarket hotels. Those on a budget should try Hotel Triska (105 Vinohradská, tel. , hotel-triska.cz, rooms from €54/CZK 1,400).

Must eat – Serving authentic Vietnamese dishes, Ha Noi (57 Slezská, tel. ) is known for its spring rolls, noodle soups and modest prices.

Must drink – With its outdoor big screens, Riegrovy Sady beer garden (entrance on the corner of Italska and Polska streets) is bound to be a popular spot during this summer of football.

VYŠEHRAD

With sweeping views, this hilltop fortress is ideal for picnicking or leisurely afternoon strolls.

Sleep soundly – Located on fortress grounds, the cosy U Šemíka Hotel (36 Vratislavova, tel. , usemika. cz, rooms from €76/CZK 2,000) is within walking distance of the main attractions.

Culture vultures – The twin neo-gothic spires of the Church of St Peter and St Paul (5b V Pevnosti) are iconic features of the Prague cityscape. Behind the church is the Vyšehrad cemetery, final resting place of many Czech artists.

Must drink – Hospudka Na Hradbách (144 V Pevnosti) has Gambrinus and Pilsner on tap, plenty of outdoor seating and a fantastic barbecue.

Compiled by Julie O’Shea