Prague, Czech Republic Guide - - Hotels, Restaurants, Nightlife - Classic Travel

Enchanting churches with gold-capped spires and Renaissance castles saturate Prague. The capital of the Czech Republic consists of winding cobblestone roads that connect historic monuments that have miraculously remained after years of strife, revolution and war. UNESCO’s World Heritage lists Prague on its roster of the best-preserved medieval cities.

While the arts and theater scene is a recent addition to the city, it is nonetheless flourishing with a distinct Czech imprint. Catch a weekly poetry reading, playwright’s work, or jazz concert. Tour the galleries with up-and-coming comtemporary artists, or browse through museums that both encapsulate the history and charm of this city.  The Old Town and its famous square offer an unrivaled romance that attracts tourists and locals alike. Restaurants and shops abound along the many pedestrian malls radiating from the town square. A short walk from Old Town Square is the famous Charles Bridge, the perfect spot for a lifelong photo memory.

During a visit to Prague, explore Lobkovicky palac, a baroque 17th century building that contains a variety of religious relics and display of crown jewels; or set out to Zahrada Valdstejnskeho palace, a magnificent garden that encloses "The Grotto" a sculpture of imaginary rock formations and water that drips through it. Every place in Prague testifies to the city's endurance and perseverance through the ages.

Activities

Kampa Museum
U Sovovych mlynu 2
Tel. 420.257.286.147
www.museumkampa.cz
This Museum displays contemporary and modern art by prominent central artists from the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Poland, Hungary and the former Yugoslavia.

National Museum
Vaclavske namesti 65
Tel. 212.352.376
www.nm.cz/english
National Museum is the largest and oldest of all the museums in the country. Built as a scientific institution for organizing natural scientific and historic collections, National Museum provides a great look at the primeval history of Eastern Europe, as well as natural science finds.

Kralovska Zahrada
U Prasneho mostu ulice and Marianske hradby ulice near Chotkovy Park
Tel. 224.373.368
www.prague-info.cz
Having endured destruction in the form of wars and neglect, this garden has somehow remained one of Prague’s gems. With lovely views of St. Vitus’ Cathedral and the Royal Summer Palace in its eastern end,strolling around Kralovska Zahrada is a wonderful way to relax. On a visit here, make sure to check out the Micovna, or Ball Game Hall, with peculiar and intriguing graffiti on its walls.

Rudolfinum
Alsovo nabrezi 12
www.rudolfinum.cz
Completed in 1885 this museum consistently has the best of curators for its exhibits.

Bazilika svateho Jiri
Namesti U sv. Jiro
Tel. 224.373.368
Dedicated to St. George (who slayed the dragon), Bazilika savteho Jiri is a church built in the 10th century. With its red exterior and warm yellow interior, it is the best-preserved Romanesque artifact in the Czech Republic.

Dining

U Modre Ruze
Old Town
Rytirska 16
Tel. 224.225.873
www.umodreruze.cz
Located in a 15th century cellar, this restaurant serves authentic Czech food. A piano player heightens the romantic ambiance.

School
Smetanovo nabrezi 22
Tel. +420 222.222.173
www.school.cz
Don't let the name fool you.  This is a very good restaurant on the Charles River.  There pre-fixed dinner at 890 Koruna (USD46.00) is an amazing deal for a gourmet dinner.  We've only heard good things.

Kampa Park
Little Quarter
Na Kampe 8B
Tel. 296.826.102
www.kampagroup.com
This beautifully located restaurant, situated right next to the Charles Bridge, serves fine contemporary food and is a popular favorite.

Vino di Vino
Vezenska 3
Tel. 420.222.312.999
www.vinodivino.cz
Great place for lunch! This small wine bar in the old town serves italian food of the Piedmont region.

David
Little Quarter
Trziste 21
Tel.257.533.109
www.restaurant-david.cz
For a trip to another era, step inside the country-style dining room of this relaxing haven tucked into a hillside in a quiet corner of the "Little Quarter." The carefully prepared menu features Czech International cuisine also has warm service. Be sure to try the hearty and traditional game dishes.

Bellevue
Smetanovo nabrezi 18
Tel. 222.221.443
www.pfd.cz
With delicious and perfectly prepared menu choices, such as filet of fallow deer or pasta with lobster and spinach puree, plus a gorgeous view of the Prague Castle, Bellevue is a must. 

La Gustation
Hastalska 18
Tel. 420.222.311.234
www.ladegustation.cz
As the name implies this restarurant is not ala carge but 3 tasting menus of 7 courses each.  That does not include the little extras that the chef throws in (amuse-bouch). Plan on dining for 3 hours and spending around USD125.00 per person.  It is all wonderful and in a very sleek ambiance.

Pálffy Palác
Valdštejnská 14Prague, Czech Republic 11800
Tel. 257-530-522
www.palffy.cz
French romantic restaurant set in a small palace close to the castle and in the Little Quarter. Food is excellent. Good local wine list.

Cerny Kohout (Black Rooster)
Vojtesska 9
Tel. 420.251.681.191
www.cernykohout.cz
Owner Vojtech works the kitchen while his wife waits tables giving this small restaurant a mom and pop kind if feeling.  While the style of cooking is Provence there also seems to be an Asian influence going on here.  The Duck, being an example seems more Peking then French.  Having said that it, everyone loves it.

Celeste
Rasiinovo Nabrezi 80
Tel. 420.221.984.160
www.celesterestaurant.cz
Chef Gwendal Le Ruyat serves inventive and intensely flavored French gourmet meals at this restaurant which is located on top of Pragues most prominant modern building designed by Frank Gehry and Vlaso Milunic.

Bohemia Bagel
Dukelskych hrdinu 48
Tel.420.220.806.541
www.bohemiabagel.cz
Great bruch place for expats or anyone craving American fare.  The menu inludes bagel sandwiches, burgers and even pigs in a blanket.

La Finestra in Cucina
Platnerska13
Tel. 420.222.325.325
www.lafinestra.cz
The restaurants focus is on meat specialties include Argentine steaks and other high profile imported cuts.  However, it is the pork that is absolutely the best.  It is roasted slowly at a low temperature and served with a thick Montelpulciano wine reduction and, of course, mashed potatos.

Sansho
Petrská 25
Tel. +420.222.317.425
www.sansho.cz
Founded by Englishman Paul Day, who became familiar with oriental spices and cooking while working at a butcher shop in London's Chinatown, Sansho offers a daily menu of fusion dishes made from only organic meats.  With outstanding service and a fine selection of Sicilian wines, Sansho is certain to provide you with a great meal. Reservations required.

U Balbínů
Jungmannova 22
Tel. +420.226.804.980
www.ubalbinu.cz
A restaurant for beer lovers, U Balbínů specializes in great beers from many local breweries with rustic dishes to match.  Along with the wide selection of beer, they have various soups, cold cuts, and great Czech cheese. 


  

Shopping

Boutique Tatiana
Dusni 1
Tel. 224.813.723
www.tatiana.cz

Resorces

Sabai Studio
Slovansky dum, Na PrÌkope 22, Stare Mesto
Tel. 224.451.180
www.sabai.cz
Sabai Studio provides Thai and aroma massages in Prague, a perfect way to unwind.

City Walks
Tel. 222.244.531
http://www.prague-walkingtours.com/index.html
With nine thematic walking tours, City Walks’ English-speaking guides proffers great ways to explore Prague and learn the history of this city.

Nightlife

Cafe Cafe
Rytirska 10
Tel. 224.210.597
www.cafe-cafe.cz