What to buy in Prague? Luckily, Prague has a great range of locally produced goods that make great gifts, even if they are for yourself to take home as a souvenir! Generally, shops are open from 9am-7pm on weekdays and 10am- 1pm on Saturdays, although many shops are choosing to stay open longer, particularly during the summer with the increase on spend-happy visitors wandering around!

Those that like handcrafts or folk art treasures should look for hand painted and decorated figures- puppets or wooden toys are popular choices for children, while traditional hand painted Easter eggs make lovely decorative gifts for adults whether it’s Easter or not.

Eggs are a symbol of fertility, a popular theme which occurs in  many traditional Czech celebrations apart from Easter. Special occasions such as weddings, births and even the pagan Witches Night festival, are popular times to give a hand-decorated egg as a gift. Another popular choice are hand painted Russian Dolls (a set of dolls where smaller versions fits inside one another).

If your budget stretches little further, another popular gift item is crystal or hand- blown glass. Practically a national art, the Czechs produce some of the finest quality crystal and glass items in the world. What better opportunity to buy yourself a wine decanter or set of champagne flutes or a vase for that up-coming special occasion?

Head for the Moser glass factory. They are the oldest and most famous factory in Prague, since 1857. Not only do they offer some of the finest machine and hand cut products, they are also the first stop for celebrities and even royalty on the hunt for a crystal product!

Those into jewellery will love the range of pieces with either pink garnets or amber on offer. Both stones are plentiful in the Czech Republic and can be bought here much cheaper than in other countries in the world. Buy something set in quality sterling silver, from a reputable dealer.

If you’re just after a token souvenir or inexpensive gift, a great choice would be a wine from the locally produced “Modry Portugal” or “Blue Portuguese” grapes which flourish in Czech vineyards. You’ll find plenty of wineries in the surrounding countryside which you can enjoy visiting if you have the time to venture there, but there’s also plenty of tasting cellars in the city centre. Two reliable outlets are “Cellarius” on Stepanska 61 and “Blatnicka” on Michalska 6, both in the Prague 1 district.

If you’re out for the shopping experience rather than the goods themselves, you can’t beat Prague’s famous open-air markets. Prazska Triznice, close to the Vlatavska metro station has a huge range of fresh produce as well as electrical goods, hardware, second hand and new furniture, music and other nick knacks.

Another popular place is Havels Market, which is located between the Old Town centre and Wenceslas Square. If you’re after souvenirs, art and craft, head for the Charles Bridge souvenirs market.

Fashion fans will be quick to notice that just like the French, the Czechs are usually well dressed at all times! For all the major European chain fashion shops like H &M, Zara, Diesel and Mango, head for Wenceslas Square- a massive outdoor shopping plaza with enough fashion to keep you busy for a few hours at least.

For serious designer fashion lovers, check out the designer boutiques showcasing the best of Czeck-grown fashion. The Czech Fashion Centre, in the Old Town is a collection of several boutiques offering a good range of locally produced fashion. Another shop to get the feel for Czech fashion is Parait Fashion shop, which has a collection of student art and fashion products. From brand new creations to customised and reworked vintage pieces, this shop has it all.

Two famous and internationally respected knitwear designers from the Czech Republic are Martina Navarila and Boheme. Well worth a look if you find yourself wondering past these boutique stores.

Prague is one of Europe’s most well preserved historic cities, having escaped relatively unscathed from bombings during the second World War that damaged many of Europe’s architectural treasures in other nations.

Emerging as Euorpe’s next ‘best kept secret’, Prague is picturesque, culturally dynamic and historically important as the geographic and political centre of Europe’s past. Many visitors agree that the atmosphere of Prague’s old town and the romantic ‘fairytale’ skyline of Gothic and Romanesque style buildings set on the edge of the Vltave river are the major drawcards for tourists to the region.

Here are our recommended highlights of Prague’s major attractions. Things not to be missed during your stay!

Old Town Square: Staromestske Namesh

Every historical European city has a market square, and Prague’s is one of the most beautiful in the world. Its’ a great place to start a self guided tour of the city’s historical centre.

Once a bustling market place full of fresh food and produce, today its a great place to take in some of the city’s most important historical buildings and watch life go by. You can also enjoy a coffee at one of the many street cafes lining the square.

There are well preserved examples of Romanesque, Gothic and Baroque architecture to be enjoyed here. The statue in the centre of the square is the Jan Hus statue, erected in 1915 to commemorate the anniversary of his death.

Church of Our lady Before Tyn

The spires of this impressive Roman Catholic church can be seen from all over the city. This church is the third of its kind to be built here, the others having been destroyed and rebuilt over the years. As well as a place of worship, it was also the home of the Hussite Archbishop Jan Rokycana during the early 1400’s.

The first thing you should appreciate from the exterior, is that the spires of this magnificent structure are not identically symmetrical. They were purposefully built to be slightly different from one another, symbolising the difference between the man and the woman- a common theme occurring in architecture from the Gothic period.

Situated on the edge of the Old Town Square, this church is well worth a visit. Many interesting artefacts and decorative details can be viewed inside- most of them are from the Baroque period. The oldest pipe organ in Prague can also be seen from inside. The main alter was designed by the most famous Czeck painter of his time- Karl Skreta. Another interesting feature is the elaborately decorated tomb of Tycho Brahe, who was the personal astronomer of Rudolf II.

If you can visit the town square in the evening, you will surely enjoy the sight of the church illuminated at night.

Old Town Hall Tower and Tourist Information Centre

After suffering extensive damage and decay over the years, the original Town Hall clock and tower was renovated during 1470, restoring it to it’s former glory in it’s original Gothic style.

The clock itself dates back to the 15th Century. Every hour on the hour, the “Procession of the Twelve Apostles” can be viewed- a little trap door opens from which a model of Jesus and his followers emerges.

Inside you will find Prague’s main tourist information centre which can provide you with various useful information on getting around town, as well as tours offered and some discounts to the city’s main attractions. It is open daily from 9am- 8pm.

For a small fee, you can climb to the top of the tower and enjoy a spectacular view of the city from above. Best enjoyed at dusk!

Josefov: Jewish Quarter

A short walk from the Old Town Square, towards the Vltava River is the old Jewish Quarter of Prague’s old town. The Jewish residents of Prague were ousted from their homes in the 13th Century, forced to relocate in one area so they could be kept under close watch.

Overcrowded and generally run down, the area became a haunt for thieves and other undesirables, until it underwent a facelift in the 1800’s, altering the exterior of many of the original buildings.

Six original synagogues are still there, including the oldest Jewish Synagogue in all of central Europe. Richly adorned and designed during the Gothic period, the exterior has many intricately carved details. All the furnishing you see inside are originals and protected today under the Jewish Museum, which was established in 1906.

The Pinkas synagogue remains one of the most important in the city as it was dedicated as a memorial to those that died during the holocaust. More than 80,000 of their names are inscribed on it’s walls.

The Jewish Museum

The Jewish Museum in Prague has quite a comprehensive collection of permanent exhibitions, historical artefacts and account, plus temporary exhibitions, an education centre and community projects. There an extensive library and an encyclopaedia of Jewish communities, access for which can be applied for via the official website.

These facilities are spread across several different sites in Josefov, but the official website has excellent information on ticket and entry prices, plus further information on the location of specific material. Winter opening hours are 9am- 4pm, Summer opening hours are from 9am- 6pm, closed every saturday and for Jewish holidays.

Website: http://www.jewishmuseum.cz/aindex.htm

The museum sells an all-in-one ticket which includes entry to all the historic sights of this neighbourhood including the original Jewish cemetery and the Jewish Town Hall. The best way to discover this area is by taking an organised walking tour to learn about the history of the area and it’s people who suffered greatly during the past. Ask at the Jewish Museum for more information on tours and educational lectures.

Charles Bridge

This 14th Century bridge is made from stone and was constructed to link the Old Town with Mala Strana, the historic area constructed around the Prague Castle to extend the city’s historic centre.

It was commissioned by it’s namesake, King Charles IV and work began in 1357. The original idea was to use the bridge as a tournament ground for the knight battles of that period, so until the 1600’s it remained simply decorated. Today there are 30 decorative statues lining the bridge, many of which are reconstructions to replace the Baroque originals damaged by flooding over the years. The surviving originals can now be viewed in the Lapidarium Museum in Prague.

The most popular statue is the one of Saint John of Nepomuk. He was a Saint that was executed during the reign of King Wenceslas IV. He was thrown into the river from the bridge after refusing to tell the king the confessed secrets of the Queen of Bohemia. Saint John is now said to be a guardian against floods, and touching the statue is said to bring good luck and ensure that you will one day return to Prague.

From the bridge you can enjoy the best views of the fairytale skyline of Prague’s historic centre, making it a pleasant place to take a stroll along during the day or the evening.

Mala Strana

The name of this area translates to “little town” as is an extension of Prague’s old city, built after the construction of the Charles Bridge. Originally a market settlement during the 8th Century, It’s a particularly picturesque part of Prague’s historic centre and is used a lot in films and commercials even today.

The best way to enjoy the area is to wander the side streets that surround the Malastranske Namesti square, where you will find delightful shopping, craft and gift boutiques.

There are also many of Prague’s best traditional bars and restaurants scattered around this area- underground cellars and beer halls, or garden restaurants offering magnificent river views. An excellent place to grab a bite to eat and soak up the local atmosphere.

Prague Castle and St Vitus Cathedral

The Prague castle complex is certainly a highlight of Prague’s history, and should be a must-see on your list of things to see. It is the oldest and largest medieval complex of it’s kind in Europe. The first building inside erected during the 9th Century under the command of Prince Borivoj. The first foundations were made of clay and stone and the first building inside to be constructed was the church of the Virgin Mary.

Several refurbishments took place during various architectural periods so today the complex is an interesting collection of Gothic, Romanesque and original medieval constructions. Under the rule of King Charles IV during the 14th Century, the castle became the imperial residence and new fortifications were built to prepare for possible invasions.

Building and renovation continued over the years until the reign of Rudolf II in the 16th Century. During the Second Defenestration in 1618, when which some members of Prague’s bohemian aristocracy rebelled against the leadership of King Ferdinand, the castle was damaged and robbed. This was the beginning of the Thirty Year war and the castle remained unsecured and under disrepair until the 18th Century.

Today, the castle seats the Head of State and protects many historical artefacts from the country’s history, including the crown jewels of the Bohemian Kingdom. The jewels and the crown of Saitn Wencesalas are put on display to the public just once every eight years!

The famous St. Vitus Cathedral is inside the castle compound and is one of the more prominent features of Prague’s skyline. Built during the Gothic period, it is the largest cathedral in the Czech Republic and is where many coronations of Czech Kings and Queens took place. Many royal tombs are housed in the crypt inside.

Not all areas of the castle are open to the public. There are several churches, cathedrals and palaces in the complex. Some require a ticket for entry, others are free.

Check the official website for further information, including seasonal opening hours, entry fees and special exhibitions:

http://www.hrad.cz/en/prazsky_hrad/navsteva_hradu.shtml

Cruising the Vltava River

An excellent way to experience Prague and enjoy a different perspective of this romantic city is to take a river cruise. There are several companies which organise cruises with or without lunch included. Some even organise a combination of a walking tour of the old town, including a cruise. Dinner and dance cruises are also a popular choice. Visit the Tourist information centre in the Old Town Hall for the latest information and seasonal specials.

Music and Opera in Prague

Several concert halls, churches and Opera theatres offer a variety of evening and matinee performances. Highly recommended is the Prague State Opera, Prague State Opera Ballet and the Prague National Theatre.

Popular venues that are full of seasonal shows include the Municipal House for classical music, the Rudolfinium for classical music and cultural exhibitions, and the Neo-classical Prague State Opera House, which is a site unto itself, with or without a world class performance! Formal dress is required, and some venues will sell last minute seats at discounted prices.

Visit the Official Website for scheduled performances and ticket sales:

http://www.opera.cz/en/index.html

The Krizik’s illuminated Fountain

Also known as the Dancing Fountain, or Musical Fountain, this colourful light and sound show is a real crowd pleaser and very popular with families.

The water moves in time with the music thanks to a whopping 3,000 electronic nozzles, managed by fifty water pumps. The water illuminated by more than 1,200 underwater coloured floodlights. During the summer there are four shows per night, starting at 8pm, every hour with the last show at 11pm.

Located at the Vystarviste Exhibitions Grounds, you can get there easily by Trams 5, 12 and 17 or on the subway, getting off at Nadrazi Holesovice (red line).

The Christmas and Easter Markets

Christmas is a popular time to visit Prague. Daily throughout December you can enjoy the Christmas Markets which are set up in the Old Town Square, Wenceslas Square and several other minor locations around town.

Here you can buy Czech crafts including wooden toys, Christmas decorations, jewellery and hand made winter clothing items and accessories like hats, gloves and scarves. Traditional Czech food will be available including hot drinks and traditional Christmas specialities which you can watch being made.

A petting zoo is set up for children and a traditional nativity scene. A stage will be set up where local and traditional choirs and orchestras will serenade the thousands of shopper with traditional Christmas carols. The Christmas Tree is the crown jewel of the markets, erected in the centre of the square and lit up with thousands of twinkling lights.

The atmosphere of the Old Town Square during this period is certainly a memorable experience.

At Easter a similar event will be held for the two weeks surrounding Easter. Again, Czech Easter foods will be for sale, including many baked goods and pastries which are a traditional favourite.

Watch as locals paint ornamental Easter eggs in traditional designs and sell traditional decorated gifts, most of which can be personalised for you, making a unique gift or souvenir to take home with you.

Prague International Marathon, May

The Prague marathon is a popular event for participants and spectators alike, the city being a beautiful setting for an outdoor run and the course being one of the smoothest and well maintained in the world. The event is held annually in May.

Begun in 1995, the Marathon now enjoys participant numbers around 6,000 for the main marathon and more than 15,000 for the non-competitive events including the popular Family Fun Run of 4kms and City Run of 8kms.

More than two thirds of the participants in the main marathon are from at least 50 different countries, making it one of the most International marathons on the world.

Since 1999, a music festival was organised to coincide with the marathon, to broaden the mainstream appeal of the event and improve attendance among those less sports mad!

Prague Jazz Festival, November

The Prague Jazz Festival is on of the oldest of its kind in Europe, gracing the Czech capital since 1964, every year in Autumn. The popular event features a long line-up of established international acts as well as some up and coming artists taking to the stage for the first time.

Not only has the festival enjoyed many years of success, it was the event where ex-US President Bill Clinton stole the show in 1994 by bringing out his saxophone and playing a few bars for the crowd during his Central European tour.

The 2007 festival will be held in November and will include headlining international artists Pee Wee Ellis, The Rotterdam Ska Jazz Foundation, Dee Dee Bridgewater and N.O.H.A to entertain the crowds with a variety of ska, funk, classic and soul jazz.

Performances are held at various city venues and tickets can be purchased as single entry and multi-pass options.

Visit the website for more information: http://www.jazzfestivalpraha.cz/_jazz/

Mikulas Day, 5th December

The children in Prague look forward to their annual meeting with Mikulas all year. This friendly character dressed in a red gown and hat with a long flowing white beard is the Czech version of father Christmas (Saint Nicholas) who comes to town every year to visit the children and find out if they’ve been naughty or nice!

Mikulas himself will be visiting the Old Town Square accompanied by a Devil and an Angel. Together, the three characters will meet with the children and their parents, and ask each child if they have behaved themselves during the year. If they have, they are asked to perform a song or recite a poem and are then rewarded with sweets and small toys and good wishes for the following year. If they answer no (a rare occurrence!) legend has it they will be taken away in the devil’s sack to hell!

The tradition has varied slightly over the years. In the past, children were quizzed on facts from the Bible or reciting prayers for their rewards, but these days the tradition is a little more relaxed and makes for great family entertainment, also contributing the the festive atmosphere in Prague’s old town during the Christmas period.

Witches Night, 30th April

A cross between the Summer Solstice and Halloween, Witche’s night or the “Burning of the witches” is a tradition that dates back centuries. The day of the festival is held on the eve of Saint Phillip’s Day and Saint Jacob’s Day, which was the time when people believed that witches and evil spirits took flight to bring misfortune and misery to humans.

Traditionally, huge hillside bonfires were lit on the outskirts of the town, where residents burnt their old broomsticks to keep witches away and ward off evil spirits. Young couples also leapt over smaller fires together as a kind of fertility rite.

These days the festival is more of a relaxed celebration around a bonfire, rather than a pagan ritual. A chance for people to get together and celebrate the start of Summer.

Prague Spring Music Festival

This annual event is a world-class showcase of outstanding symphony, ensemble and chamber music, performed by musicians from all over the world who are invited to come and perform at the event.

The festival begun in 1942 as a celebration of the Czech Philharmonic Orchestra’s fiftieth anniversary and has remained a celebrated world music event ever since. The festival celebrates Czech and international compositions that are often premiered at the event.

As well as concert performances, there are various competitions held to encourage young musicians to perform their talents.

The main events will be held in the Rudolfinum concert hall, a beautiful neo-renaissance concert hall situated on the Vltava River. Other events will be held at the Municipal House. Traditionally the festival closes with a rendition of Ludwig Van Beethoven’s 9th Symphony.

For the complete program and ticket purchases, see the official website: http://www.festival.cz

Ruzyne Prague airport is the second largest in Central Europe. In 2007 it was awarded the Best in Central and Eastern Europe poll in the World Airport Awards. In the same year, it was reported that 12.44 million passengers passed through the airport terminals, a growth of 7.5% since 2006.

It’s location in Central Europe, alongside it’s world class facilities makes this airport a fast growing transfer hub for connecting flights to all of Europe. The airport currently services 51 passenger airlines, offering direct connections to 105 cities throughout the world, serviced by a total of four terminals- two North and two South.

The website has real-time updates on scheduled flights as well as a handy Travel Planner feature where you can enter your departure city, dates, number of passengers and preferred airlines to return flight options that suit your needs. Check it out at: http://www.csl.cz/en/site/klient/klient_index.htm
Getting to Prague’s City Centre:

By Bus

Route 100 goes between Terminal 1- Terminal 2- Zlicin where you can change to Metro Line B. Total Journey time, around 15 minutes.

Route 119 goes between Terminal 1- Terminal 2- Divoka Sarka- Devvicka whre you can change to metro line A. Jounry time is 20 minutes.

By Train

The Airport Express bus connects passengers with the SC Pendolino, Eurocity and Intercity trains, timed to coincide with arrivals and departures. Cost is CZK 45 and covers travel from Holesovice Station to Prague Central Station if you plan on taking a train with Czech Railways.

There are various bus departures which connect with the metero system lines A, B and C. Look for routes 179, 225 and 254.

Night Arrivals

The 510 bus takes passengers to Night Tram 51. If you are travelling to the city centre, you will need to change buses at Divoka Sarka stop.

By Taxi

Cab ranks are located directly in front of arrival halls Terminal 1 (exit D) and Terminal 2 (Exit E). Just follow the signs. If no taxis are waiting you can call for one on 14-0-14. Flagfall costs CZK 40 and then it’s CZK 25 per 1km in Prague.