Prague Hotels

The city offers the perfect weekend break as its compact size encourages a day or two of fine sightseeing. Walk around and you can enjoy the old cathedrals, alleyways made of cobblestones and bridges dating back to the 14th century. Another delightful feature is the city’s passion for the arts, all genres be it music, theatre or film flourish through year-round programmes and festivals - definitely something for the bohemian travellers. As more and more Eastern European cities are undergoing a renaissance of sorts, thus aiming to be called as the New Prague, one thing is certain. The original is definitely one of a kind!

Attractions

The two major attractions on top of the list are Prague Castle and Charles Bridge. The Castle sits atop the city like a hawk keeping an eye over the streets below. It is a huge complex of towers, museums, monuments and churches linked by courtyards, built between the 10th century to the present. Thus you can find a showcase of different architectural styles in the area. Exploring the entire confines takes a full day but for a morning or afternoon, the popular sights such as St. George’s Basilica, Vitus Cathedral, Golden Lane, and Powder Tower can be covered in your itinerary.

The Old Town has narrow alleyways you’d love to get lost in! If you can work your way among throngs of tourists, your feet shall lead you to the Old Town Square, the bustling heart of the old city. Fix your gaze upwards to the Town Hall’s astronomical clock that tells time in three different ways. Then take snapshots of the two famous churches on this center. Tyn Church has an impressive Gothic style known for its twin spires and St. Nicholas for its magnificent Baroque architecture. Connecting Prague Castle to the Old Town is Charles Bridge, a pedestrian pathway filled with buskers and artists.

More marvelous structures can be discovered in the Jewish Quarter. Historic sites include old synagogues, a museum and a cemetery. The art nouveau buildings and some good shopping haunts further make this district a worthwhile part of your Prague experience.

Events

The arts scene continues to thrive in Prague. Febiofest caters to movie buffs as more than 400 films in all genres are screened in a week-long festival in March. While documentary films on human rights are on the agenda during the One World festival also in the same month.

On the musical side, Prague Spring International Music Festival running from May to June, is a showcase of classical music at its best. A gathering of performers, orchestras and chamber music ensembles coming from around the globe take part in this prestigious event. A similar extravaganza takes place in Fall when Prague Autumn is held from September to October. Jazz lovers, on the other hand, can look forward to the Jazz Festival, a week of concerts by famed international musicians.

Prague also has special events not just for the musically inclined but for writers as well. One of the major gatherings of acclaimed writers worldwide is held in Prague. The Writers’ Festival is included in Europe’s cultural calendar, with renowned authors visiting the city for talks on the art of literature.

Climate

• Winter (January to March) 2-16°C; cold, cloudy with limited snowfall
• Spring (April to June) 5-20°C; warm and generally dry
• Summer (July to September) 15-32°C; hot and sunny
• Fall (October to December) 5-25°C; cool with frequent rain