Where to Stay
Ideally located overlooking the Vltava River and just a stone's throw from The Charles Bridge and Old Town is The Four Seasons. The hotel's central location is just one point in a long list of everything that's good about this place, rooms are large and luxurious, the concierge extremely accommodating where nothing is too much trouble and the restaurant is also pretty good. The fitness suite and Spa is well appointed, golf can also be arranged on request.
Where to Eat
Allegro is based on-site at the Fours Seasons ( referenced as "pretty good" earlier - I lied, it's outstanding) and I believe was the first restaurant to gain a Michelin Star for Eastern European cuisine. In addition to traditional Czech fayre which can be something of an acquired taste guests can enjoy Italian and Mediterranean dishes. The Iberico Pork comes highly recommended as does the rabbit.
Kampa Park is another very popular fine dining restaurant the delicious menu includes divine seafood and an outstanding overall variety of dishes. This is a restaurant that I feel I could eat at every night, Allegro I found was more of a special occasion experience. If you're not too sensitive about Rudolph try the saddle of Reindeer, a delicious rich seasonal treat.
The squares of Prague are full of charming cafes and it seems rude not to sample some of them after a long day sightseeing when a Czech beer is well deserved. Chocoholics will love Choco Café, an ideal pit stop for a cake and the best hot chocolate in the city.
What to do
There's a lot to see in Prague, most of it involves steep hills and cobbled streets, the rest is quite nicely serviced by the excellent tram system. The must see sites include The Charles Bridge dating back to 1500 and decorated with around 30 Baroque statues, The Old Town Square with the unmissable oldest working Astronomical Clock in the world, Prague Castle, Cathedral and the Czech Crown Jewels. I also enjoyed seeing the John Lennon Wall, Wenceslas Square and The "Dancing House".
Prague is a great place to shop, traditional stores neighbour designer fashion and individual boutiques. Garnet and Amber jewellery is very popular in Prague, set in Silver it's often a good price for a keepsake, The Bohemian glass can't be missed, but it's often mass produced and no longer such a find unless you go off of the beaten tourist track.
Sadly the National Museum on Wenceslas Square is closed for restoration but for political history lovers don't miss the Museum of Communism (www.muzeumkomunimu.cz) and if medieval gore is your thing, The Torture Museum (no website but just off The Old Square and you can't miss it) is also worth a brief visit.
By Eve Hartridge
|