Prague City Breaks

What is the Attraction of a Weekend in Prague?

2011-01-31T08:21:00.001-08:00

The landlocked country of the Czech Republic holds a true gem at its centre. Prague is of course its capital city, but this is not the only reason why you should consider a visit to it, especially if you are thinking about escaping for a long weekend.

Firstly it offers a fairly short flight time, no matter where you are flying from in the UK. This means you will have the maximum amount of time to actually enjoy your destination, instead of spending half of the weekend travelling from place to place.

But with that in mind you can also benefit from knowing you are right in the heart of Europe, in a country you may well never have visited before. It will certainly give you a taste of something different.

Prague packs in lots of charming sights as well, making this a superb destination to head for if you love sightseeing. One of its key attractions is the architecture, which is simply stunning for the most part. Prague managed to duck a lot of the damage Europe had inflicted on it during World War II. This means you can see much of the architecture from a time when other countries were left looking at ruins.

Key sights to watch out for include the Dancing House, a building that seems to defy all modern planning laws – and indeed the law of gravity as well. The Charles Bridge will allow you to wander across the river and see both sides of Prague, connecting the Old Town with some newer parts in the process. As a bridge which only allows pedestrians to cross, this provides you with a classic way to enjoy seeing more of this stunning city.

There is no doubt that there are many attractions in Prague. They are varied and have different reasons for bringing you to see them, but they all blend to create a city that is truly memorable. Can you imagine not taking the opportunity to see what makes Prague tick? You will regret it if you don’t find out the answer.

Visiting Letna Gardens In Prague

2010-12-30T00:06:00.001-08:00

Prague is a city so you would naturally think of all the different types and styles of buildings within its confines. As the capital city of the Czech Republic it has plenty more than just buildings to offer though. It can be all too easy to forget the fact that it has green spaces, just as many other cities do. Just as New York has Central Park among others and London has numerous Royal parks to explore, so Prague has Letna Gardens. And just as you would make time to see those parks in New York and London among other cities, you should also make the time to see Letna Gardens in Prague.

It doesn’t much matter what time of the year you choose to visit Prague for a city break either. Of course the weather will be more pleasant during the summer months, allowing you longer to sit and relax in the park’s surroundings. But you can also wander through the park during the colder months, perhaps as a respite from some of the sightseeing activities you can do in the city itself. Whatever time of year you go, you should ensure you see Letna Gardens for their beauty and for the views you can get as well.

Known locally as Letenske Sady, Letna Gardens are on a hill, looking down over Prague itself. As such they provide a nice way to get a totally different view of Prague and also to escape from the hustle and bustle of sightseeing for a while. There are plenty of places to sit down and relax while you are there, perhaps taking the opportunity to enjoy a beer or two as well. Indeed there is a beer garden here (enough of a draw for some people to make the trip) and it gives you a wonderful view down over Prague.

If you’ve heard of the Prague Metronome you will find this in the park as well; it replaces the old statue of Joseph Stalin that once bore witness to very different times. In any event you will enjoy your time in Letna Gardens, however long you choose to spend there.

Where Can You Entertain The Kids In Prague?

2010-12-01T07:14:00.001-08:00

It’s a question you will probably ask yourself at some point during any holiday. But Prague isn’t really somewhere that immediately makes you think of lots of options in this sense. If you are visiting the city with your kids in tow, it pays to know about places such as Detsky Ostrov.

This is better known among some visitors as Children’s Island. It is in Ujezd and it is quite easy to find if you know where to look. It is a good solid playground with lots of activities and things for the children to do. If you want to give them some time to run around and expend some energy you just have to go there for a couple of hours and relax while they do just that.

It is called Children’s Island because it really is set on an island – the smallest one that exists in Prague. You will find the island not far from the National Theatre, which is on the opposite bank of the river. You will no doubt be glad to hear that the play area has a sandy base, so there are no hard surfaces to fall on. There are countless different pieces of play equipment and you will find that it has definitely been built with children (and adults) in mind.

For instance there are plenty of benches where you can sit and relax while your children play. You will have an uninterrupted view of the play area and you can also benefit from the fact that there is just one entrance and exit to the park. This means you won’t have to worry about your kids running off. Make use of the restaurant that is also to be found on the island – it provides good refreshments of all kinds to replenish everyone’s energies.

The location of Children’s Island is such that you will be able to stop and start your sightseeing around a trip to the island itself. It means you can have a nice break in the middle of the day, grab lunch at the restaurant perhaps and allow your kids to blow off some steam as well. It’s the perfect antidote.

Have You Seen The Lennon Wall?

2010-11-01T09:07:00.001-07:00

If you are going to Prague you’ve probably made a mental list of all the places and sights you want to see while you are there. But there is one famous (or perhaps that should be infamous) sight you definitely shouldn’t miss.

It’s called the Lennon Wall, and as you might suppose from the name it has to do with John Lennon. The wall seems to have been taken over as something of a shrine to the memory of Lennon after he was murdered back in 1980. Beatles fans and fans of John himself have added many different items and statements to the wall, and these are what make it worth seeing.

The good news is that you can visit the wall on your way to or from other sights in Prague. You will find it in Grand Priory Square and despite attempts by some to paint over the artwork and graffiti on the wall, the latter has always come back with a vengeance.

One of the notable things about it is that it is never the same for very long. Other images and notes are constantly added so even if you have popped by while in Prague on a previous break, the chances are it will have changed since you were last there. It is nice to spend just a few moments looking at all the images and messages that are there. Furthermore, since we are fast approaching the 30th anniversary of John Lennon’s death, it seems appropriate that more artwork will probably be added.

Some say the wall is not worth a visit and it could certainly be the case that a special trip to this part of Prague is probably not worth the time. But of course fans of John and the Beatles may say otherwise. Only you will know whether you truly want to pay a visit or not, but it is certainly a focus for many things – above all peace and harmony. As such it is a nice focal point and yet another way to remember a man whose legacy still lingers on, some thirty years after he passed.

Things To Do When The Sun Goes Down On Prague

2010-10-01T05:35:00.001-07:00

When you have booked a weekend in Prague (or perhaps even treated yourself to a longer break there) the first thing on your mind will probably be making a shortlist of venues to see during the day. Prague is packed full of delightful places to see and things to do, but of course you don’t stop thinking about enjoying yourself when the sun goes down, do you?

Of course not, which is why it pays to consider how you will be spending your evenings as well. Luckily Prague has a very lively nightlife, which means you should consider where you will be staying quite carefully before you book anything. If you love nothing better than a nice relaxing and laid back meal, followed by a drink, a stroll and then an early night, make sure you’re not staying in the middle of one of the liveliest streets.

The good news is that if you like clubs and bars you won’t go thirsty or short of entertainment either. In fact many of the locations you could visit stay open well into the small hours and through until morning in some cases too.

Be sure to explore both the Old Town and the New Town while you are in Prague. Not only do they both offer much to see and do during the daytime, you will also be able to benefit from the wide range of clubs that come alive after dark.

A classic example in the Old Town is Karlovy Lazne. Since it boasts a full five floors you might think you are entering a department store rather than a club. But it’s a popular venue with many people and you will certainly be tempted to spend a good few hours there.

Back in the New Town you could try out the Duplex Club and café in Wenceslas Square. This is a key area worth visiting at any time, so make sure you make your way back to the top floor of the Duplex Club building to see a different side of Prague at night.

Vysehrad Castle – A Place Of Memories And Legends

2010-09-01T08:23:00.001-07:00

Prague is a city of many stunning sights. One of the biggest of them all has to be the castle of Vysehrad. Located on a hill looking down over the Vltava River, it looks even more imposing than it would do otherwise. It is also a much bigger site than you might expect, because the name does not just apply to the castle. It also applies to the whole area, so you can visit this without seeing inside the castle if you wish.

But what can you expect to see? Is it worth a visit to see a castle dating back from the 10th century, as well as the surroundings which crowd up against it?

The short answer is a resounding yes. This is a quieter area than some other parts of Prague, and indeed there was a time when it wasn’t part of the city at all. It was only in the early 1880s that the area joined with the city and became known as part of it.

One thing you will soon notice about Vysehrad is the abundance of greenery in the area. Trees, shrubs and plants are all over the place, giving this a smooth and calm feel and one that is totally different from much of the rest of the city. The castle may be in ruins compared to its glory days but you can still watch over the walls and gaze down on the river below.

You have two choices if you want a bite to eat while you are busy exploring this area of Prague. There are a few nice cafes dotted around that will happily serve you a variety of items. But there is nothing better on a sunny day than to enjoy a relaxed picnic, provided you plan it adequately in advance.

You can visit several locations in Vysehrad as well while you are there. For instance there is the gothic cellar and St Lawrence’s Basilica as well. Be sure to spend some time exploring the area – you never know what chunks of history will be revealed to you.

Much To See In The Mucha Museum

2010-08-03T05:47:00.001-07:00

Every major location has its fair share of museums and in most places some are better than others. Some focus on art while others tell you about the history of the location you are in. But there will always be a handful of museums that are insightful and interesting to boot.

If you happen to be in Prague you should definitely make the effort to see the Mucha Museum. This acts as a tribute to Alfons Mucha, who is known as one of the best Czech painters in existence. If you know anything at all about art nouveau in France, you will probably have heard of his name. But regardless of whether you have or not you will certainly come out of this museum knowing a lot more about him than when you went in.

It is a small museum but no less interesting for that. You’ll guess from the name that it features his work and no one else’s, so you’ll get an insightful look at his work and life. It even has pages from Mucha’s sketchbook on display, allowing you to see his sketches in their original form.

This museum is definitely a real treat for art lovers of all kinds. But even if you don’t know much about art it is still worth taking a look round, and you have from 10am until 6pm to do so each day.

You can find the museum in the New Town area of Prague, at Panska 7. Once there you can even watch a documentary telling you more about the life of this celebrated artist. He may be much better known in Prague and other European countries than he is in the UK, but you’ll be glad you explored more about his life by visiting the museum while you are there.

If you love his style and artwork you’ll also be pleased to know there is a museum shop inside the museum itself. This gives you the opportunity to see some of Alfons Mucha’s designs on items you can take home with you. What better way to have some more permanent memories of your time in this museum in Prague?

Is It Right To Visit A Cemetery While On Holiday?

2010-07-02T06:25:00.000-07:00

It does sound a little unlikely doesn’t it? A cemetery isn’t exactly the kind of location you would pick to visit on any kind of holiday. But there are some that offer a fascinating experience and an insight into the past of the location you are in.

One such example of this is the Old Jewish Cemetery in Prague. You will find it in Jewish Quarter, very appropriately, and you will soon see it is unlike any other cemetery you may have seen before.

The one phrase we can think of that applies to this cemetery is higgledy piggledy. As soon as you see a picture of it or set foot inside you will find out why. This amazing place has fallen into a state of disrepair, but this has done nothing to take away the haunting feel of the place.

The tombstones are all very close together and they tend to tumble over one another in their fight for some space. But it is this tumbledown nature of the cemetery that makes it such a draw for visitors who want to see another side of Prague.

One thing worth noting is that the cemetery is not a recent entity. Instead it has graves which date back to the mid 1400s. You will see many that stretch from this time all the way to the late 1700s, so you can see there is a wide range of history here that is revealed through closer inspection.

But perhaps the most revealing thing is that there are a full dozen layers of graves here. Due to Jewish tradition older graves cannot be removed, hence the layers that were added on over the years. This is certainly a cemetery that cannot be rivalled in its sense of history, depth and feel. If you feel a little odd making the decision to see the cemetery when you first arrive in Prague, you will soon be glad you did. When you have seen it for yourself you will never view another cemetery in quite the same way again.

Exploring The Jewish Quarter in Prague

2010-06-03T02:46:00.001-07:00

There are many different areas of Prague that are well worth a visit, and in this sense it is much like any other major city in the world. But there are some areas that do stand out among all the others, and one of these is the Jewish Quarter.

You may also see it referred to as Josefov, which means the same as Jewish Quarter. It is a town quarter and the famous Old Town of Prague wraps right the way around it. It may seem hard to believe but the first settlement of Jews in Prague is believed to have been almost a thousand years ago. While this particular Jewish Quarter does not date back quite that far, it still holds plenty of history and fascination, and thus presents us with a superb place to visit while in Prague.

What will you see here? Well, the history may not stretch back a thousand years but it does go back to the 13th century, which is when Jews were told they could no longer live all over the city. Instead the Jewish Quarter was created so they could all reside in the same place. Given these conditions it was not surprising that the area was also referred to as a ghetto in some times and cases.

You can see then that even today you can learn a lot by visiting this part of Prague to see how lives were lived back then. We may now be in the 21st century, but there is still much to see here that gives you a flavour of what life would have been like centuries ago.

The whole area went through a redevelopment around a century ago, which transformed it into the area you will see today. There are still many landmarks which are much older than this though, so the Jewish Quarter really does act as a living history book in the streets of Prague.

Don’t miss this unique slice of history when you arrive in Prague – you might be amazed and fascinated by what you find here.

Go Up In The World To See More Of Prague

2010-05-04T07:55:00.001-07:00

If you want to get the best view of a city, the only way to really do it is to go up. If you fly into town you’ll see it from the plane before you land, but this doesn’t really give you the best point of view.

Luckily Prague has something else you can rely on to get your best views of the city itself. The Petrin Hill Observation Tower stands just sixty metres high, but it is aided by the fact that it was built on the very top of Petrin Hill, which gave it its name back in 1891 when it was first built.

You would be forgiven for noticing that it looks very much like the Eiffel Tower in France. The design was indeed based on the famous tower in Paris, but while this one is smaller it still offers a superb view of Prague below.

The tower itself doesn’t really offer anything remarkable to look at when you arrive at its base. Even from a distance it isn’t exactly the most stunning thing in the whole of Prague. But when you climb to the top and look out on the world below you, you’ll see why a visit here is recommended for all tourists.

And there is more than just good views to be had here as well. For instance you can also visit Stefanik’s Observatory which also has its home on Petrin Hill. There are three domes in the observatory and you can also see through the telescopes that are housed there. It provides a wonderful way of learning more about the wonderful topic of astronomy while you are in Prague.

The Hunger Wall is also atop Petrin Hill. The wall is well over six hundred years old and the name is thought to have come from the fact that people were provided with jobs when the wall was built. Since it came at a time when there was a widespread famine in the area, it makes sense that the wall should be named in this way.

Whatever you do atop Petrin Hill, the tower is perhaps the crowning glory, enabling you to see down onto Prague as it sprawls below it.

The Astronomical Clock Of Prague

2010-04-05T08:54:00.000-07:00

Now why would you go anywhere on holiday and make a point of seeing the town clock? Maybe if your watch had packed up you would do so, but is there anywhere in the world that has a clock worth seeing for any other reason?

There is if you visit Prague. The city has an astronomical clock that constantly draws in the visitors – and for a very good reason too. An astronomical clock doesn’t just tell the time, it does other things as well such as telling you where various planets happen to be and what positions they are in. This is why more people are interested in it than you might think.

So where is this particular clock in Prague? You will find it on the side of the Old Town Hall, and the clock itself actually dates back to mediaeval times. The early 1400s were the years when the initial part of the clock was first built, showing that it has been ticking along for over six hundred years. Of course it has been repaired a few times in the intervening years, and on some occasions extra parts have been added to provide more in the way of entertainment as well.

One key feature that most tourists love to see is the animated Apostles. These provide a show every hour, so it is worth hanging around to see them. You will spot them above the main clock itself. There are also four main figures to be seen underneath the clock, with two of them on each side of it.

There is a calendar below the astronomical clock itself, although this is nowhere near as old as the clock. It was a much later addition, having been added to the structure in 1870. It fits in beautifully with the clock however, and is part of the reason why this particular example of an astronomical clock has become one of the world’s most famous ones.

You can tell then that it is not just a clock to set your watch by. It is one to say you have seen while you are in Prague.

Visit The Czech Museum Of Music

2010-03-04T00:20:00.000-08:00

How many museums do you know of that are located on the site of an old church? In fact in this case the museum we are going to explore is not only on the site, it is in the church building itself.

We’re talking about the Czech Museum of Music, and it is not only the building it calls home that is worth a closer look. The museum itself has plenty to offer the discerning visitor to Prague, and it is easy enough to find as well. It is in the Lesser Town, sometimes referred to as the Lesser Quarter.

If you have an ear for music and an appreciation of every kind of musical instrument known to man, you will find an impressive collection of them right here. There are manuscripts, recordings, archives, instruments and much more besides all held here, and the music lover will find much to delight them. A museum of music it certainly is – and it is in the ideal place as well, since concerts are also held and enjoyed here on occasion. This gives a chance for people to appreciate the acoustics of the old church.

There are several hundred different musical instruments here, all dating back to various different times. But one of the most notable of them all is a piano created during the latter years of the 18th century. It was played by none other than Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart at one point – so you can imagine him playing as you view it today in the museum.

As you would expect from a museum of any kind, this one looks back through the history of music and presents it to you in an interesting and fascinating way. Through the use of various instruments, pieces of music and other documentation you will learn more about how music was created and written than you ever have before.

There is plenty to see and do in Prague, no matter what your interests happen to be. But whether you have a passion for music or just a passing interest in it, be sure you pay a visit to the Czech Museum of Music.

Visit Centuries Old Prague Castle

2010-02-02T03:06:00.000-08:00

When a building was built way back in the 800s you know you are in for a treat when you pay it a visit. Prague Castle certainly falls into this category as it was supposedly built back in the late 800s. This makes it well over a thousand years old, so it has certainly experienced a lot of history in that time.

The castle has long opening hours right through the year so whenever you visit you will be able to slot it into your other activities. Be sure to stay around long enough to see the Changing of the Guard. You shouldn’t have to wait long to see it, since it takes place on an hourly basis.

The castle itself is huge. In fact it holds the record as the largest castle from ancient times still standing. As such there is plenty to look at, discover and explore, including the various towers and also the castle gardens. Watch out for the Powder Tower and the White Tower for example. The former tower used to be where alchemists worked in their laboratory. It isn’t used for this purpose any more of course, but you can still wander around inside and imagine how different things would have looked years ago.

Be sure to visit the Basilica of St George as well. This is contained within the castle’s grounds and while the Basilica itself is not the original structure, the foundations are still the original ones that were first put in place all those centuries ago.

The gardens themselves will offer plenty of fresh air and insight into the life and times of the castle. There are half a dozen separate areas to explore, including a nursery garden. Anyone with a healthy interest in gardening will no doubt enjoy exploring everything the exterior of Prague Castle has to offer.

One of the easiest ways to reach the castle is to take a tram. They stop within the grounds so you can easily hop off once you arrive, and find your way back again when it is time to leave.

Rely On Your Feet – Head For Charles Bridge

2009-12-18T00:32:00.000-08:00

One of the best ways to see any city is to walk around it. While you can see a lot on a sightseeing bus trip or even in a car, you cannot focus on your surroundings in quite the same way. And there are some aspects of a city you won’t want to miss.

A good example is Charles Bridge in Prague. It has been in place since the early years of the 15th century for people to make their way from the Old Town and an area known as the Lesser Town. You may also see this part referred to as Mala Strana.

But why should you walk across it?

Well firstly there are the views – stunning ones at that, giving you the chance to appreciate both sides of Prague from a new angle. Be sure to grab your camera and make the most of capturing those images to take home with you as well.

If you are wondering what time of day you should make the crossing, get up early and do it at sunrise if you can. Watching the sun come up over Prague is an unforgettable sight, as is watching it disappear again in the evening, so be sure to come back later on in the day as well.

You can appreciate the many statues which line its length across the river as well. There are thirty in all and they were erected between the 17th and 19th centuries. You will also notice a tower in place at either end of the bridge, welcoming you onto its expanse, which is some five hundred metres long.

Needless to say the bridge gets rather crowded during the day because it is such a popular tourist attraction. You will often find entertainers across its length as well, so be prepared to see a lot of people if you go during the busiest parts of the day. Whenever you decide to visit though, you will see it is the best way to get from the Old Town in Prague to the Lesser Town.

See The Dancing House In Prague

2009-10-20T04:29:00.000-07:00

No matter where you decide to go in Prague, there is one building you must not miss. You might be surprised to hear that this is an office building, but it certainly isn’t boring and it is something of an attraction that all tourists have an opinion on.

It’s called the Dancing House, and for good reason too. This building is, shall we say, uniquely designed. It has a higgledy piggledy look to it, and you might be concerned that there isn’t any scaffolding holding it up.

But that is exactly how it is supposed to look. The twisting building has acquired an amusing nickname that should give you an idea of what to expect. Fred and Ginger was the name freely given to the building by some, as it is said to resemble the famous dancers.

You can go inside the building and enjoy a beautiful meal in the restaurant on the top floor. But of course it could be argued that the best view of this building is not from the inside out, but from the outside in.

Perhaps the most amazing thing about the ‘Fred and Ginger’ building is that it doesn’t look out of place in Prague. When you consider how the rest of the city has developed over the years, the Dancing House wouldn’t appear to be in keeping with that style.

But somehow it manages to take its place alongside many other older buildings and it doesn’t look any the worse for it either. The house features on many of the guided tours of the city too, so if you want to find out more about it this is a great way to do just that.

The building has been standing for some thirteen years now. The amount of glass used in its construction makes it stand out even more on sunny days, but it needs little introduction whatever the weather happens to be doing. In any event this is one building you can see from a fair distance away, and as you get closer you’ll be amazed at what is a true feat of engineering.

Prague Kicks Off Charles Bridge Reconstruction

2007-08-20T05:02:00.000-07:00

20 August 2007

After years of anticipation, Prague City Hall today begins the reconstruction of the Charles Bridge, one of the city's most popular landmarks.

"We want the reconstruction not to be a burden for Prague and for tourism, but another attraction. We want the reconstructed parts to be open to the public," Prague Mayor Pavel Bém said.

Parts of the 14th-century bridge, famous for its Baroque statues, will remain accessible to the public.

The first stage of the reconstruction, expected to cost about CZK 220 million, will last until June 2010, and the second stage could last as long as 10 years.

Archaeologists say they are looking forward to new findings. "We know nothing about the origin of the bridge. Every new finding will bring new information," archeologist Jaroslav Podliška said.

If the archeologists succeed in finding anything interesting, the items would be exhibited in the Charles Bridge Museum next to the bridge.

The bridge will be reconstructed by the Stavby mosty Praha company.

Bém told journalists Friday that gas lamps would return to the bridge.

In July, celebrations of the 650th anniversary of the Charles Bridge took place.

Bém also said that City Hall plans to announce a tender for the architectural design of Prague's Old Town Hall.

Part of the Old Town Hall was destroyed during World War II. After the war, a park appeared on the site of the destroyed part of the building. Tenders for the construction have failed to produce a winning company whose design Prague would be able to implement.

Traditional Czech Folk Night

2007-08-06T02:40:00.000-07:00

Czech hospitality at it's very best: enjoy a delicious 3 course dinner, unlimited wine and an entertaining evening of traditional music and dance.

After picking you up from your Prague accommodation, the night begins with a short drive through this beautiful city. Our knowledgeable guide will point out the interesting features and famous monuments on the illuminated skyline. On the way we pass Prague Castle, high on the hillside, before arriving at a typical Prague tavern.

Whilst dining on the specialities of traditional Czech cuisine, sit back and be entertained by an enjoyable programme of folk music, singing and dancing. Included is a welcome drink, a glass of Bohemia Sekt 'Czech Champagne', plus some surprisingly good Moravian wine flowing throughout the evening.

A bar onsite serves beers, spirits and soft drinks.

Prague Experience sightseeing tours use air-conditioned mini-coaches and are led by experienced English speaking guides. Sightseeing tours can also be arranged in other languages (French, German, Italian, Russian & Spanish). On the return journey, you will be dropped off at your hotel or at a convenient place in the centre of Prague.

This all inclusive evening is one of our most popular excursions. We regularly receive good feedback on the quality of the food & drink, and the standard of entertainment.

For more information visit Prague Experiences

Prague Increasingly Popular for Gay Tourism

2007-07-31T01:37:00.000-07:00

27 July 2007

Prague, along with Budapest, has become a destination popular for homosexual tourists, Czech analyst Jaromir Beranek says, adding that more than 600,000 tourists annually visit Prague to use services aimed at their minority sexual orientation.

Although some world travel agents have focused on homosexual clients since the 1980s already, in Prague this type of tourism started developing in the 1990s only, Beranek told journalists.

Prague has quickly acquired the reputaion of a friendly town among homosexuals from all over the world.

"Czech society have always been quite tolerant where it comes for sex and sexuality-related issues, compared with the neighbouring countries," Beranek said.

Local businesspeople have quickly adapted themselves to the demand, therefore Prague now offers a broad range of services related to homosexual orientation and night life, such as gay clubs, wine bars, hotels, saunas, trips and sightseeing tours.

A large number of Prague tours for homosexuals are presented as get-together ones.

The book entitled "Gay Tourist Guideline Round Prague" assesses the Czech capital as a European centre with a variable offer of homosexual tourist services.

Prague has become the world's first destination to offer honeymoon stays to homosexual clients through the Gay Travel and Accommodation Company firms.

Nevertheless, despite all tolerance, this type of tourism still remains veiled with certain secrecy. The companies CTK addressed mostly declined to comment on their business activities or requested anonymity.

The owner of one of them has confirmed that the number of homosexual clients has annually increased.

The main centre of homosexual tourists in Europe is Amsterdam. Further popular destinations are, apart from Prague, Barcelona, Munich, Zurich, Stockholm, the Spanish islands Gran Canaria and Ibiza and the Mykonos island in Greece.

Christmas 2007

2007-07-02T04:26:00.000-07:00

Prague Christmas markets - 01 December 2007 - 01 January 2008

Prague Christmas markets operate daily at the Old Town Square & Wenceslas Square. A 'winter wonderland' awaits, as visitors come to soak up the atmosphere, browse the stalls and enjoy Christmas carols, warm food and hot wine.

Christmas is a special time of year in Prague and the Christmas markets (Vanocni trh) are a key ingredient in the Czech festive magic. The Prague Christmas markets bring visitors and locals together to share the holiday spirit in a true 'winter wonderland' setting.

Prague Christmas markets run daily from 9am to 7pm throughout the festive period. The main markets are at the Old Town Square and Wenceslas Square, with smaller ones at Namesti Republiky & Havelske Trziste.

The Prague Christmas markets consist of rows of brightly decorated wooden huts, selling Czech handicrafts, hot food (corn on the cob, sausages and local specialties) and warm drinks. Outdoor christmas shopping is much easier with a cup of hot wine (svarene vino) in your hand!

Some interesting Christmas stocking fillers can be found in the markets, which stock a variety of Czech glass, wooden toys, scented candles, Christmas tree ornaments, hand-made jewellery and, of course, puppets, always puppets!

Christmas markets are not just about shopping though. In Prague's Old Town Square there is also a mini zoo. Children can enjoy pony rides and stroke sheep, goats and even a lama. Next to this is a Bethlehem manger scene - a large wooden stable with a straw floor shows Mary, Joseph, baby Jesus and the three kings.

Most impressive of all is the Christmas tree, shipped from the Sumava mountains in the South of the Czech Republic. Erected in the Old Town Square, the tree is draped in a blaze of lights. Set against a dark gothic skyline, this is a spectacular sight.

But what would Christmas be without carols? Local and International choirs, along with musical ensembles, take to the stage in the Old Town Square, entertaining visitors as they browse the market stalls.

School children from throughout the Czech Republic also come to entertain. The highlight of their year, the school children dress in traditional costume to dance and sing for the crowd.

Christmas in Prague is simply wonderful.

For more information visit pragueexperience.com

Prague Marathon Weekend

2007-05-08T06:54:00.000-07:00

8 May 2007

When?

12/ 13 May 2007

The fastest growing event in Prague, the Prague International Marathon. The main event is of course the marathon itself on the Sunday, but the build up includes a weekend of activities. There is a non-competitive fun runs for everyone, a 10 Km City Run for the active sportsmen, a 4.2 Km Family Run for the children and their parents and the traditional 4.2 Km Corporate Run. More than 20,000 runners are expected to participate.

Europe Polishes Old Attractions For 2007

2007-04-16T02:17:00.001-07:00

28 March 2007

Austria

Vienna, to celebrate Mozart's 250th birthday, opened the new (but disappointing) Mozart Haus Museum, near St. Stephen's Cathedral and the newly renovated Theater an der Wien (designed in 1801 for Mozart's operas).

The Vienna Opera House has long offered standing-room-only tickets for music fans on a budget. But, for many, it's more fun to drop in at the Opera Cafe and watch the opera live on video (reasonable menu and drinks).

You can easily day-trip by boat from Vienna to Bratislava, the capital of Slovakia (daily trips, 75 minutes).

Czech Republic

One of Prague's landmark attractions, the Charles Bridge, will remain open to pedestrians throughout a multiyear reconstruction project.

Scandinavia

In Copenhagen, the Rosenborg Castle will be closed for most of this year, but its treasury and armory will remain open. The fascinating prehistory section of Denmark's National Museum is closed for renovation.

Norway now charges hotels an extra 8 percent value-added tax (VAT), which probably will be passed on to guests. In Oslo, the Munch Museum is displaying, with tighter security, the famous Munch paintings recovered from thieves last year.

In Stockholm, 7-Eleven and Pressbyran newsstands all over town host "Sidewalk Express" Internet terminals. Just buy a card and you can log on conveniently and inexpensively.

In Helsinki, Citysherpa (http://hs.fi/citysherpa) is an innovative free service that matches volunteer Finnish guides and foreign visitors with like interests.

The biggest cultural news in Tallinn, Estonia's capital in the Baltics, is its new Kumu Art Museum, where the best of Estonia's art is at long last properly displayed. Another new sight is the Kalev Spa, the country's largest and newest spa.

For a more comprehensive list visit Dallas News

European City Tourism With Great Potential Ahead

2007-04-03T04:39:00.000-07:00

26 March 2007

European city tourism is growing faster than any other area of the European economy, according to European Cities Marketing (ECM), the association that represents more than one hundred European cities, tourist boards and convention bureaus.

The city break boom started in 2000, three years after a number of low-cost airlines opened new routes across Europe, causing the city break market to grow at unprecedented levels, and with a rise in the average length of stay for a city break.

The key European destinations – Berlin, Barcelona and Prague – have collectively seen an annualised increase of 550,000 room nights per annum. Ease of access and heavy hitting marketing campaigns have helped these cities to establish their leading position in Europe’s city break market.

Apart from the more traditional cities and towns, the city break boom has benefited other destinations on the Baltic and Adriatic Seas along with less prolific destinations in central Europe.

Emerging destinations that saw a dramatic increase in overnight stays (2000–2005) include Dubrovnik (Croatia) +130%, Tallinn (Estonia) +92%, Ljubljana (Slovenia) +71%, Zagreb (Croatia) +64%, Valencia (Spain) +60%, Turin (Italy) +50%, Bratislava (Slovakia) +46%. (Source: ECM/European Cities Tourism Report 2006/7)

Given the huge growth in the city break market sector, Reed Travel Exhibitions is, for the second consecutive year, organising the City Break exhibition in Athens, Greece.

Mark Walsh, Exhibition Director of City Break, said: “We have had a fantastic response from suppliers with a number of key city tourist boards already signed up to exhibit, including London, Brussels, Vienna and Dublin, as well as a huge variety of private sector companies including city hotels, attractions and Destination Management Companies from over 80 European cities. We are aiming to recruit 180 pre-qualified hosted buyers and already have buyers registered from countries such as China, France, Germany, Italy, USA, Russia and Singapore”.

City Break-ing:

Northern Europe, excluding the Baltic States, has been the strongest sub-regional performer (+6.0%) in Europe. Finland, Ireland and the UK have led the growth for the sub-region. Other destinations achieving growth rates in 2006 well above the average were Germany – thanks largely to its hosting of the FIFA World Cup – the Netherlands and Switzerland. (Source: ITB Berlin)

Online travel booking will continue to increase in 2007, with 36% of Europeans now booking their holidays online, as against 23% in 2004. The British are among the most enthusiastic online travellers, with 50% of all outbound trips now booked through the internet – nearly double the 27% German share. (Source IPK International’s European Travel Monitor)

Markets with major growth rates for the European city tourism business in 2000–2005: Spain +57%, France +37%, United Kingdom +28%, Italy +23% and Germany +18%. (Source: ECM/ European Cities Tourism Report 2006/7)

City Break 2007 is sponsored by ECM and will be held prior to their annual summer conference which takes place from 14th–15th June in Athens, Greece.

City Break 2007 will be staged at the Faliro Sports Pavilion, an indoor arena which seats 8,100 people and was the site of preliminary matches in Handball and the Taekwondo competition in the 2004 Summer Olympics in Athens.

Charles Bridge

2007-02-02T04:04:00.001-08:00

Prague's 13th century Charles Bridge throngs with people, but is none-the-less a top priority on the list of Prague attractions to visit. Try early morning for a less crowded walk, or go at night for a truly romantic stroll, with fairytale views of the Prague skyline, dominated by magnificent Prague Castle.

Charles Bridge is not just a tourist attraction. It's the main pedestrian route linking the Old Town with Mala Strana, and then onto Prague Castle itself.

During the day, souvenir stands and street musicians line the bridge; look out for the jazz band, who can be particularly entertaining.

King Charles IV's favourite architect and builder, Peter Parler, built the present day Charles Bridge. The initial idea was to build a functional construction for knight tournaments, and for many years the only decoration on the bridge was a simple crucifix. Later, the Catholic desire for ornamentation resulted in 30 statues being erected between 1600 and 1800.

Today, most of the statues are copies, as various floods and catastrophes over the centuries have damaged the originals. There are now 75 statues, and perhaps the most interesting, as well as the oldest, is that of John of Nepomuk (8th from the right as you cross towards Prague Castle).

There are towers at both ends of the bridge - the Old Town Bridge Tower on the Old Town side and the Lesser Town Bridge Towers on the Mala Strana side.

Prague Castle

2007-02-02T04:02:00.000-08:00

Prague Castle is the largest medieval castle complex in Europe and the ancient seat of Czech kings throughout the ages.

Prague Castle is a must for all visitors to Prague. Several destructive wars and fires (and the subsequent renovations), along with differing political forces have combined to create an intriguing mix of palaces, churches and fortifications.

The Prague Castle complex consists of the following: Saint Vitus Cathedral (Prague's most recognisable landmark), St. George's Basilica, several palaces, a monastery, galleries, viewing towers, The Story of Prague Castle Museum and Golden Lane.

The first known building on the site of Prague Castle was erected in the 9th century. In the 12th century this was replaced by a Romanesque palace, and in the 14th century, under the reign of Charles IV, it was rebuilt in the Gothic style. A further reconstruction of the Royal Palace then took place under the Jagellons at the end of the 15th century. The builder, Benedikt Rejt, also added the now famous Vladislav Hall.

Following a large fire in 1541, Prague Castle underwent further works during the 16th century. The Spanish Hall was added during the reign of Rudolf II and final alterations were made by Empress Maria Theresa, under the direction of the celebrated architect M. Pacassi.

After World War I, the interior and gardens of Prague Castle were renovated by the architect J. Plecnik.

Today, Prague Castle is the seat of the President of the Czech Republic and serves as the historical and political centre for both city and state.

The Changing of the Guard at the front gates takes place every hour. At noon the ceremony includes a fanfare.

Old Town Square

2007-02-02T04:00:00.000-08:00

To step into the Old Town Square in Prague is to journey back in time, 600 or 700 years. As you stand in awe, the dramatic history of Prague permeates the atmosphere.
The Old Town Square (Staromestske Namesti), with it's ancient buildings and magnificent churches, is one of the most beautiful historical sights in Europe. Sit back and soak up the atmosphere over a coffee at one of the many pavement cafés surrounding the square.

Dating back to the late 12th century, the Old Town Square started life as the central marketplace for Prague. Over the next few centuries, many buildings of Romanesque, Baroque and Gothic styles were erected around the market, each bringing with them stories of wealthy merchants and intrigue.

The most notable sights in Prague's Old Town Square are the Church of Our Lady before Tyn, the Old Town Hall Tower & Astronomical Clock and the stunning St. Nicholas Church.

At the centre of the Old Town Square is the Jan Hus statue, erected on the 6th July 1915 to mark the 500th anniversary of the reformer’s death. The groundswell of supporters for his beliefs during the 14th and 15th centuries eventually led to the famous Hussite wars.

Number Of Travels Abroad Unchanged After Bulgaria's EU Entry

2007-01-08T07:15:00.000-08:00

The number of Bulgarians traveling abroad is almost unchanged since the country became EU member state on January 1 2007, a Bulgarian news agency (BTA) survey among leading tourism agencies showed.

More people traveled than usual but this was typical for the holiday season, Bulgarian National Radio reported.

In December and January mostly students and tourists traveled abroad, representatives of tourism agencies said.

The actual travel figures could be estimated after January 15. Agency representatives said that the demand for tickets for the period after mid-January was not higher than usual.

Highest number of Bulgarians were interested in travel to Prague and Spanish cities. More than 90 per cent of these people were workers.

The number of illegally travelling workers was higher to Spain, as it was one of the most attractive foreign destinations for Bulgarian labourers, the report said.

Charles Bridge Museum to be Established in Prague

2006-12-19T07:04:00.000-08:00

Prague, December 18 (CTK)

A new museum - the Charles Bridge museum - will soon open in Prague to acquaint visitors with the history of one of the greatest architectural monuments in Prague, Zdenek Bergman, the initiator of the project, told CTK today.

The opening of the museum that will be located on the premises of the St Cross Monastery in direct proximity of the bridge is planned for mid-June, 2007, Bergman said.

The museum will acquaint visitors with the construction of the bridge, its historic forms and provide the detailed information about its statues and groups of statues that date mostly from the 18th century.

The museum will use all available authentical exhibits, copies of medieval building machines along with modern construction means such as interactive screens, Bergman said.

People will also be able to learn about Charles Bridge´s predecessor, Judith Bridge, that connected both banks of the Vltava River in its close proximity.

Judith Bridge, the first Prague stone bridge that is now almost forgotten, was built in the first half of the 12th century and collapsed in a flood in 1342.

The Bergman society that operates boat sightseeing journeys near Charles Bridge has rented a 500-square metre area on the premises of the monastery.

"We are expecting a nationwide discussion that will bring proposals concerning the contents and the concept of the museum," Bergman said.

Charles Bridge is a stone Gothic bridge that connects the Old Town and Lesser Town. It was acually called the Stone Bridge at first.

Its construction was commissioned by Czech king and Holy Roman Emperor Charles IV and began in 1357.

Unlike its predecessor, Charles Bridge has survived many floods, most recently in August 2002 when the country experience the worst flood in the past 500 years.

The bridge now faces general reconstruction that is to start next year. The reconstruction costs in the first phase are estimated at more than 100 million crowns.

More Low Fares from Bournemouth

2006-12-11T04:23:00.000-08:00

Bournemouth residents can benefit from additional new low fare European routes this winter and next summer thanks to Thomsonfly, as the low fare airline launches two new routes - to Prague for winter 06/07 and summer 07, and Valencia for next summer -from Bournemouth airport. These new routes make Thomsonfly Bournemouth's number one airline to the UK's favourite sun and city destinations.

Guy Stephenson, Thomsonfly's commercial director, comments: "Bournemouth has quickly established itself as an incredibly important departure hub for us and we are pleased to introduce new routes from this airport to meet demand from Bournemouth and the surrounding area.

'Since we opened for bookings from Bournemouth nearly 2 years ago, over 800,000 flights have been booked. We've achieved this by continuing to offer local people more choice, with a range of flights to European cities, ski resorts, sun and leisure based destinations. It's important to us that we address the needs of our customers and work hard to ensure our programme offers choice and flexibility.'

Guy added: 'In addition to offering such a diverse range of flights, we're proud of our performance record at Bournemouth Airport and strive to offer our customers the best service possible. This season 90% of our flights from Bournemouth have operated within 15 minutes of their scheduled departure time."

News for Winter 2006/07

Prague offered for the first time from Bournemouth

On Wednesday 1 November, Thomsonfly launches its inaugural flight into Prague from Bournemouth Airport. With four flights each week, lead in prices start from £19.99 one-way, including taxes and charges.

Nicknamed the city of a hundred spires, Prague is one of the prettiest European cities making it the perfect city getaway for both couples and groups of friends as well as becoming increasingly popular with families.

With beautiful architecture best exemplified in Prague Castle, fantastic restaurants and a lively, varied nightlife, Prague has something for all ages and tastes. The stylish St Wenceslas Square, with its mix of high street stores and bespoke boutiques, is a great starting point for hitting the shops, and from October through to December the outdoor Christmas markets situated in the city's old town are also very popular, making these months a great time to visit.

A total of nine destinations from Bournemouth are now on sale for winter 2006/7. In addition to Prague, Thomsonfly will operate low cost flights to Malaga, Amsterdam, Alicante, Salzburg, Faro, Gran Canaria, Tenerife and Grenoble meaning city breaks and winter sun are now within easy reach at affordable fares. Customers should book early to secure the lowest fares.

News for Summer 2007

More routes for Bournemouth

New for Summer 2007, Thomsonfly is introducing flights to Valencia and will also continue its flights to Prague. The airline will offer three weekly flights from Bournemouth to Valencia and continue its four weekly flights to Prague throughout the summer. Lead in prices for Valencia start from £24.99 one-way, including taxes and charges.

The new Valencia route will undoubtedly prove popular with those South Coast travellers looking to visit Spain's third largest city during the important America's Cup year. Overlooking the Gulf of Valencia and bathed in Mediterranean sun, the city is skirted by mountains and rolling plains and offers plenty to see and do. Wonderful beaches, delicious cuisine, good shopping, outrageous festivities, and all night parties are some of the many things on offer.

Home to paella and the Holy Grail, the dynamic city is cosmopolitan yet also of historical interest. Culture vultures should check out top attractions including the baroque Palacio del Marqués de Dos Aguas, with its extravagantly sculpted façade, or the Museo de Bellas Artes which ranks among the best museums in the country, containing works by artists such as El Greco, Goya and Velázquez.

In addition to Prague and Valencia, Thomsonfly currently has low fare flights to Malaga, Palma Mallorca, Alicante, Faro and Pisa on sale for summer 2007. Customers should book early to secure the lowest fares.

Thomsonfly's ongoing commitment to customer service
Thomsonfly remains committed to providing a high level of customer service and offers allocated seating on all flights unlike the majority of low fare airlines, as well as offering passengers the opportunity to book inflight meals (on flights to Tenerife and Gran Caneria), pre-bookable seating and extra legroom.

Thomsonfly now services 20 UK airports with low fare flights to over 80 destinations.

Free Prague Hotel Stays on Christmas Day

2006-12-11T04:12:00.000-08:00

Hotelopia, online hotel booking specialists are officially taking the pressure off Christmas Day. As a gift to anyone who cannot bare to be bogged down by the stresses and strains of the festive period, Hotelopia are offering free hotel stays in Prague on December 25th, allowing you to escape arguing relatives, turkey roasting, and hours of terrible TV.

Free stays are available to reserve now in luxurious 5*, 4* and traditional 3*hotels throughout Prague. Simply visit www.hotelopia.co.uk and book a minimum of 4 nights to include December 25th on any of our hotels with a 4x3 icon, and receive Christmas Day completely free. Rates for other nights start at just £9 per person, per night.

Examples include:

- 3* Hotel Globus, located on the edge of Prague Park, £9 including breakfast
- 4* Hotel Best Western Selsky Dvur, a country hotel, conveniently located near shops, bars and restaurants, £ 14 bed and breakfast or £22 half board.
- 4* Best Western Hotel Kampa with its distinctive medieval charm, is located in the historical centre close to all attractions. £23 bed and breakfast or £33 half board
- 5* Hotel SAS Alcron, situated in the centre of the £45, bed and breakfast

(Prices on a per night basis, per person, sharing a twin or double room).

Sotiris Damianos, sales and marketing director at Hotelopia.co.uk said: 'It's nothing new that the run up to Christmas can be as stressful as the day itself. Our Christmas present to our customers is to make the most of the extended break from work and enjoy Christmas Day in one of our most festive destinations for rates that could work out less than the cost of staying at home.'

So what can customers expect by spending Christmas in Prague? As well as an unbeatable atmosphere, and more chance of a white Christmas, Prague is famed for its traditional Christmas markets in the Old Town Square.

In addition, sample Czech festive fare including the traditional meal of carp fried in breadcrumbs, potato salad, and Christmas cookies - with not a single Brussels sprout in sight.

If this sounds more exciting than the usual rainy and stressful Christmas at home, log onto hotelopia.co.uk to reserve a free Christmas stay.