The land of fairytales | Prague

Why go?

On the UNESCO’s World Heritage list since 1992, the historic city centre of Prague, the Czech Republic’s capital city, offers fantastic weekend breaks. Check out the characteristic winding alleys and varying architectural styles, Romanesque rotundas, Gothic cathedrals, Baroque and Renaissance palaces, art nouveau, classicist, cubist and functionalist houses and modern buildings in this fairy-tale town of magical beauty in the heart of Europe.

What to do?

Prague Castle is the most popular sight visited in Prague. Uncover the secret of the magic Golden lane, famous for its picturesque houses and stories of alchemists transforming metal into gold. Gain insight into the Saint-George Basilica ancestral convent and learn about the story of the Black Tower of Europe’s largest medieval castle.

Stroll around the Royal Gardens of the castle, founded on the site of the oldest vineyards and famous for its beautiful floral ornament or to the Lion’s Court, an attractive renaissance building, built in the 1580s, which used to house wild animals.

Vysehrad or “Castle on the heights” is a beautiful place to visit at any time or day or any time of year. To get into the essence of the place, walk around the huge, beautiful park that covers the area. Even more astonishing than the park or historic buildings are the views of the city, the bridges over Vltava and the Prague Castle . The best viewing point are from the Gothic ruins of Libuses Bath’s. Walks at sunset and by night are sure to leave an impression but get yourself oriented before darkness falls to make sure you don’t get lost.

Visit the astronomical clock constructed in 1410 the mechanisms of the clock are still functional. 80 years later the clock was rebuilt by Hanus and as legend has it, the clockmaker was blinded by councillors so that he would never build a greater instrument. The story goes that Hanus deliberately damaged the clock before he died and cursed the instrument so that anyone who tried to repair the clock would have either gone mad or died. To this day you can read a number of things off the clock but not the time.

Not only is Charles Bridge a historical jewel but its statues can make your wishes come true. If you feel sceptical, feel the cobble stones beneath your feet and experience the mystical atmosphere of the narrow streets and you will be instantly converted.

Where to stay?

Spend a few nights aboard the Boatel Admiral (www.admiral-botel.cz), the most luxurious boatel in Prague. It is situated right in the centre of the city, anchored to the right bank of the Vltava offering great access to the city whilst offering the peace and tranquillity of the river.

Treat yourself to a night at the Alchymist Grand Hotel and Spa (www.alchumisthotel.com). Housed in a magnificent baroque house dating back to the 16^th century, this five star hotel has been sensitively restored to the true jem it once was.

Stay in the historical part of Prague at the Certovka (www.certovka.cz). The Baroque building offers views of the river from its 21 rooms that are equipped with modern convenicences.

A few steps away from the Charles Bridge and the Old Town Square the 7 Angels (www.7angels.cz) is a boutique hotel that keeps up the magic of the area. Stay in the standard double rooms with king size antiques double beds or in apartments with room for one more person.

Prague is a great place for young backpacking travellers with cheap, clean hostels at every corner. Miss Sophie’s (www.miss-sophies.com) is affordable, clean, centrally-located and steeped in culture, just waiting to be explored.

Where to eat?

Tasty seven course menus serving the best of Czech cuisine are available at La Degustation Boheme Bourgoise (www.ladegustation.cz). Menus vary according to seasonal ingredients available from local producers and farmers.

Genuine traditional Czech cuisine is available at the beautiful art nouveau Plzenksa restaurant (www.plzenskarestaurace.cz) in the basement of the Municipal house. Try the Czech specialities along with the excellent Pilsner beer. Enjoy the live music entertainment by a live accordionist.

The famous Slavie coffee (www.cafeslavia.cz) house, on the banks of the River Vltava is right next door to the national theatre. Its tradition streches back to the 19^th century, and has since been a meeting place for artists and intellectuals alike

How to get there?

Airmalta operate flights from Malta to Prague on Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday with return flights on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Flights to Prague on Friday 4 November returning on Monday 7 November were priced at €695 including tax.