A WEEKEND IN PRAGUE

Trips to Prague Combine Rambling Castles with a duo of Vibrant Town Squares, all Washed Down With Some of the Best Beer in Europe.

The City of a Hundred Spires

Despite its nickname, today Prague has more than 500 spires dotting its skyline, including the iconic Prague Castle and the impressive St Nicholas Cathedral.

The city boasts architecture dating back to the Renaissance and Baroque periods, and all the way up to the Cubist and Art Nouveau styles of the 20th century, so it’s no wonder the horizon’s become crowded with these soaring peaks.

For the best views, climb the 299 steps to the top of the Petrin lookout tower – it’s got a panoramic sweep of the city.

Old Meets New

Prague’s done the double – it’s got a square in the old town, and one in the new town, too.

The Old Town Square’s home to an 80-metre-high church, and the third-oldest astronomical clock in the world. In Wenceslas Square, in the new town, you’ll find the National Museum, the statue of St Wenceslas, and a whole host of shops, cafés and nightclubs.

An Artist’s Haven

Prague’s roots lie firmly in art and culture, and it boasts a history of over 800 years.

Alongside the classic paintings and sculptures on display in places like St Agnes’ Convent, you’ll come across plenty of street art as you wander the city’s avenues. The most notable can be seen on the John Lennon Wall – Prague’s answer to Berlin.

The Jewish Quarter

You’ll find Prague’s Jewish Quarter, known locally as Josefov, nestled between the Vltava River and the Old Town Square. It’s home to six synagogues, and the Jewish Museum, which contains artefacts that survived the Second World War.

The Spanish Synagogue is renowned as being the most beautiful in Europe, thanks to its impressive golden-domed ceiling and Arabic designs.

Nightlife

Prague’s nightlife scene has suffered over the decades from a disproportionate number of reports on the stag and hen parties that maraud through the city.

While groups of same-sex international revellers in superhero costumes can certainly still be spotted, the city has recently clamped down on such raucous shenanigans, leaving visitors to enjoy the real after-dark scene – which is diverse and vibrant, ranging from jazz bars tucked away in dimly lit cellars and swanky cocktail spots, to cosy, welcoming taverns and pumping techno clubs.

Much of the action is centered around the Old Town and Mala Strana.