DK Travel : Prague

At the geographical heart of Europe, Prague’s beautiful cityscape has been carved and sustained by a variety of emperors, artists and religious communities, from the Gothic exuberance of its castle and cathedral, to the dignity of the medieval Jewish Cemetery, and the 19th-century opulence of the “new” town. Under Communist rule, Prague was off the tourist map, but since 1989 the city has seen a surge of visitors eager to take in this spectacular city.

Franz Kafka Bookshop

Here you can find a wide range of Czech literature in translation, coffee-table books and catalogues from recent exhibitions next door at the Municipal Gallery, plus classical music CDs.
French Institute Café

Students at the Institut Français and other Francophones gather here for coffee, quiche and a read of the French newspapers. The garden is a peaceful spot on sunny days.
Friends

The name fits. Prague’s best gay cocktail bar has a steady following among expat and local men who are less interested in cruising than in just having a drink with like-minded folks. The owner Michael will tell you what’s what.
From Hell

The Hughes brothers turned Saská Alley near Charles Bridge and other Malá Strana locations into Jack the Ripper’s foggy London in 2001. Off-screen, Johnny Depp retreated to the smoky depths of the Blue Light bar on Josefská.
From the New World

With his 1893 ninth symphony, Dvořák incorporated the style of black folk songs.
Galerie Boema

The gifts and reproductions here run from merely eccentric to downright creepy. Take home a Torah pointer or scale replicas of gargoyles from St Vitus’s Cathedral.
Galerie Mánes

Occupying the southern tip of Žofín Island, this contemporary art gallery hosts both Czech and foreign artists.
Galerie u bílého jednorožce

Tucked in an 11th-century cellar under Týn Church, the Gallery at the White Unicorn specializes in hand-painted silk ties, scarves and throws, many with local motifs. Unique wood, leather and fabric gifts, too. Watch your step on the stairs.
Gallery Bambino di Praga

The souvenir shop across the street from the Church of Our Lady Victorious, named after the miracle child (see Church of Our Lady Victorious), raised many eyebrows when they claimed to have coined the word “Pokémon”– an acronym, they say, for their slogan “Power of the Bambino Keep up the Monde”.
Gambrinus

In light and dark varieties, this is the best-selling beer in the country.