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.

National Technical Museum

The ultimate how-things-work museum, with exhibitions on mining, telecommunications and transport. Get a guide to show you the coal mine in the basement.
National Theatre

Patriotic Czechs funded the theatre’s construction twice: once in 1868 and again after fire destroyed the building in 1883. To see the stunning allegorical ceiling frescoes and Vojtěch Hynais’ celebrated stage curtain, take in one of the operas staged here; good picks are Smetana’s Libuše , which debuted on this stage, or Dvořák’s The Devil and Kate . Next door is Laterna Magika, where you can see black-light productions (see Laterna Magika).
Nerudova

The 19th-century Czech writer and poet Jan Neruda (1834–91) lived in the “House of the Two Suns”, at the top of the street that now bears his name. Lined with former palaces, Nerudova leads uphill from Malostranské náměstí, its many winding side streets leading visitors up to Prague Castle. Traditionally an artists’ quarter, the street is worth exploring for its many craft shops and galleries. It is also home to one of the most concentrated collections of historic house signs in the city (see House Signs).
New Castle Steps

The Royal Route, established in the 15th century for the coronation of George of Poděbrady, covered the distance from the Municipal House on the Old Town Square to the castle. The last stretch climbed the hill right about here, although the original steps were reconstructed during Empress Maria Theresa’s Hradčany renovation in the 18th century. Halfway up is a music pavilion, from which a brass quartet of the Castle Guard serenades the city each morning at 10am.
New Jewish Cemetery

The writer Franz Kafka’s memorial is here, as are those of many other Prague Jews who perished in the Holocaust (see The Jews in Prague).
New Town Hall

In 1419, an anti-clerical mob led by Jan Želivský hurled the Catholic mayor and his councillors from a New Town Hall window in the first of Prague’s defenestrations (see Prague’s Third Defenestration). The Gothic tower on the building’s eastern end was added a few years later; its viewing platform is open to the public. The crowds that gather round the tower’s base nearly every Saturday are there to congratulate newlyweds, married in the building’s Gothic hall.
New Year’s Day

The day after Silvestr is quiet, after the New Year’s celebrations.
Nostitz Palace

Have a look at the recent restoration work at this 17th-century palace while taking in a chamber music concert. The Nostitz family lent their name to the playhouse now known as the Estates Theatre.
Nostress

Yeah, I do call it No Stress, and really it isn't any stress at all. This little gem of a place to eat is simply fantastic! It serves french thai fusion food that is simply delicious, and with price tags that certainly won't leave you out of pocket you'll be glad you stepped inside. Interestingly, the furniture is all really unusual, and you can buy the items (not the actual one you sit at, but you can order your own). We had a 3 course meal there in the evening with beer and it cost us about £15 each. Also great for in the day time with cheap and cheerful and very tasty sandwiches.

Do go!
Novoměstský Hotel

A bit old fashioned, but the staff try very hard. Close to Karlovo Náměstí and the New Town Hall.

Jump to top

Hotel price categories

For a standard, double room per night (with breakfast if included), taxes and extra charges.
- under Kč1,500
- Kč1,500–Kč3,000
- Kč3,000–Kč4,500
- Kč4,500–Kč6,000
- over Kč6,000