Prague: Czech It Out

When my sister rang and asked me if I wanted to go to Prague around Christmas time, I was instantly interested. She had spotted a deal for flights and three nights in a four-star hotel there for 225 euro a pop. How could I let that bargain slip from my X-mas wish list? Telling her to book it on the spot, I pretty much put it to the back of my mind until it was nearly time to grab my passport and suitcase. Well, sportsbag to tell the truth.

The flight to the Czech Republic capital took just over two hours. Burying myself nose deep in a book (Arthur & George by Julian Barnes), the time flew in. Spotted with touristy looking luggage at the airport, a taxi driver was quick to ask us where the six of us were heading. The Majestic Hotel was our destination and we were there about 25 minutes cab-driving later. The hotel was in fact majestic, with ornate sofas and immaculate golden tiling in the lobby area.

The rooms were extremely nice too, what you would expect from a four-star I suppose.
Prague is the next most visited city in Europe after Paris, so don’t bargain on cheap thrills and inexpensive gift hunting. The Czech Republic aren’t in the euro zone as of yet either, so make sure you bring some local currency with you. 50 Koruna is roughly two euro and expect to pay between 500 and 700 Koruna for a decent restaurant meal.

Prague is filled with incredible Baroque and Gothic architecture and some of the castles near the town square are like something out of an old Disney movie. It’s advisable to bring a digital camera as you will want to snap your way around town.
The Christmas markets themselves really are a sight to behold.

Everything is either glinting like stars in the night sky or giving off the scent of delicious delicacies. Roast chestnuts, creamy crepes and scrumptious sausages are all sold from wooden shacks covered with tinsel and sparkling lights. Langosc is a crispy, deep fat fried roll of dough that is more than likely not good for your cholesterol level, but it certainly is tasty. Wash that down with some luscious mulled wine, readily available every twenty feet or so.

Endless trinkets are sold from jam-packed stalls, but the prices aren’t exactly cheap. The stall-owners won’t take cheques by the way. If you really do feel like crunching up some credit however, there are plenty of designer shops around the city centre. Rolex, Gucci, Armani and Cartier all have outlets near the markets.

If you are tired of all the eating and shopping take a scenic boat or bus tour around the city. Prague is full of amazing and spectacular scenery to feast your mince pies on. There are also plenty of museums, theatres and opera houses if you are feeling cultural. If I had to find something to moan about (ok, if you insist!) it would be some of the locals themselves. Shop assistants can be a bit abrupt and restaurant staff sometimes downright rude. They’re probably just tired of all the tourists though. Prague gets several million visitors every year which might explain some of the cold shoulders.

That’s just a small gripe though, and don’t let that put you off visiting one of Europe’s most wonderful and vibrant cities. So, check into a hotel and check out Prague.