Prague has been a continual destination on the traveler map for a long time, and the visiting crowds do not seem to be declining. A magically charming city, where many parts resemble a fairytale-like scenery, Prague is steeped in an extensively rich history. And it’s complimented by beautiful medieval architecture, cobblestone streets, expansive parks and cafes in nearly every place. Prague is a walking tour haven.

The architecture of Prague is highlighted by splendid spires and domes, decorative gates and portals, romanesque structures, and the gothic style that flourished from the 13th to the 16th centuries. A more international mixture of architecture is seen in the Bohemian renaissance that was influenced by Italian designers and architects at a time when the Habsburgs took over the Bohemian throne. 

Many baroque churches, palaces, villas and indeed entire towns were built in this period when the Empire reconstructed and re-Catholized the Czech lands following the Thirty Years War. 

Prag is well-represented in different historic architecture styles: art-nouveau as seen in  the Municipal House, cubist style on view at Vysehrad and modernist style at the Veletrzni Palace which is now home to Prague’s main gallery of modern art. Not to be missed as the best example of newer post-1989 architecture is the Dancing Building on Rasinovo Quay.

From the Vltava river banks in and around the Old-Town, you can see one of the worlds three biggest castles. It is the Prague Castle dating back to the 9th century, expanded several times until second half of the 18th century with many stunning courtyards, palaces, museums and gardens where visitors can wander around all day long in this complex of sights including St. Vitus Cathedral and the St. George’s Basilica. 

Befitting a world-class, cosmopolitan city, prague’s culinary offerings range from exquisite Czech cuisine featuring local traditional dishes to international restaurants with rich history. You can dine while overlooking phenomenal views of the city, and one can even book a private tower, for romantic intimacy or a private event with friends. 

For travelers with children, the Czechs are very family oriented. Many restaurants cater very specifically for children, with play areas and special menus. 

Besides the Prague Zoo on the northern outskirts of the city, and the popular shark-tanks and touch-pools at the aquarium Morsky Svet, there is also the Children’s Island, a traffic-free kid’s Eutopia equipped with rope swings, a skateboarding area, a mini-football pitch, and a cafe-bar for the parents. Safe and well-designed playgrounds exist all over the city, from the north end of Kampa Island on Mala Strana, at end of Charles Bridge, and on Slovansky Island as well. For your more complete and easy overview, there are extensive lists of children’s play-areas listed online at www.livingprague.com/kids.htm 

Children’s theatre is a long-standing part of Czech tradition. There are several places in Prague offering regular theater entertainment for children, such as the puppet shows of the Spejbl & Hurvinek Theatre. For young people, as well of older ages, the minor theaters also stage live children’s theatre, but the selection doesn’t stop just there. There’s also the Lego Museum, the Toy Museum, the National Technical Museum, the TV Tower and even Grand Prix Go Carting. There is something for everyone in this wonderful city. . 

From april to october you can hire rowing boats and pedaling-boats around Slavic Island to float on, while there is a variety of organized boat trips as well.

Other outdoor activities offer action and adventure sports, from clay-pigeon shooting and paint-ball to tandem skydiving and hot-air balloon rides. 

Walking tours in Prague have a unique historical atmosphere every step of the way, and the Old-Town medieval heart of the city is bustling with tourists every time of day, and the Old-Town Square is probably the most beautiful one in Prague. 

Gothic houses and churches with cobblestone streets and squares, stone towers, monuments and the precious old decorations of the antique architectures, all blend wonderfully together with the modern era in this charming and picturesque old city. 

Musically, Prague is a city with Jazz pouring out of windows, the frequent vision of a bass or tuba  being lugged across the squares is a common thing of every day. 

The evidence of the city’s passion for a good tune is everywhere in the city center. And while the Neo-Renaissance Rudolfinum is home to the Czech Philharmonic Orchestra, there are classical concerts in Lobkowicz Palace as well, and you can hear Gershwin in the Spanish Synagogue, and the renowned Prague Chamber Orchestra, Prague Symphony Orchestra and Prague Philharmonia also play throughout the year. 

But as Jazz has a special place in the heart of Prague since the 1930’s, jazz clubs are very easy to find. At Agatha Jazz Centrum, and at U Maleho Glena you can find both jazz and soul-wringing blues, and at the Reduta Jazz Club, you can find huge stars in a function-hall atmosphere. …this is where Bill Clinton jammed on the saxophone President Havel presented to him on his visit. 

Prague Spring Festival, lasting from 12 May to 13 June is a big one, that classically opens its doors with a performance of Smetana’s Ma Vlast (my country), and attract international and even famous performers. 

When shopping in Prague, you might find a designer bargain more easily than farther west, as the designer stores in Prague malls tend to be smaller in size and therefore in inventory as well, operating on a smaller level. 

Shopping for souvenirs can be a wonderland, when going for the old local designs of porcelain,  crystal and silverware, the selection of design styles and quality are a pleasing experience to go through. 

Another pleasant Prague specialty of self-pampering awaits you. Although Prague is as well famous for its beer, being brewed with some of the healthiest minerals of mountain-waters, and as being a common to drink at supper, it is also used in other very useful ways. It is used externally for its healthy effects on hair, scalp and skin. Due to its many healing beneficial effects on the entire body, beer baths, as well as wine baths are gaining popularity. 

Safely and serine you can enjoy soaking in a hot larch-wood tub of mainly wine, honey, extracts and fragrant oils, for restorative and rejuvenating effects, relax and improve blood circulation, while floating in the delight of rich red water, the delicate scent of grapes will help you to relax and find harmony, and find a wonderfully pleasant rest. Whereas beer-baths effectively remove fatigue and are therefore a good one for the hours of the day where you need energy. 

Happy Holidays guarantees the best rates for everything in Prague.