Czech Republic Archives - Top Spot Travel

August 19, 2018 by Jeremy

5 Reasons Why Prague Should Be Your Next Weekend Break Destination

We are very blessed in Europe that we have so many wonderful cities within close proximity of each other, with cheap and regular transport links from around Europe. Over the years I have tried to go to as many of these classic European cities as possible, and one which I have returned to more than 4 times, is the Czech capital of Prague. There is so much to love about this city and so much to explore within its walls, in fact its fair to say that I generally find something new each time that I go. If you haven’t been to Prague yet, here are just 5 reasons why you need to make it the destination for your next weekend break.

History

For history lovers, Prague is a wonderful city to visit and explore with all of the trappings that a classic, and old European city should have. Here you will find the largest castle complex in the world, with over 70,000 square meters of castles, turrets and outhouses. Furthermore Prague was fortunate not to be heavily damaged after the two World Wars, which means that the majority of its historical architecture, plus gothic and baroque installations are still in place.

Nightlife

You can get a really good read of a city once the sun goes down, and in my view this is when Prague really comes to life. The nightlife Prague offers is very varied and suits just about every type of traveler. For example you could relax in the old town with a fine wine and watch the people passing by, you could go to see world-famous DJs in a number of lively nightclubs, or alternatively take tours throughout the city, which glows at night.

The Bridge

The Charles Bridge has been standing over the Vltava river now since 1402, it has survived the Thirty Years war and even floods, yet it still stands tall as one of Europe’s oldest bridges. This is without doubt the best place in the city to do so people watching, and on an evening the vendors come out selling local food and knick-knacks. Whether snapping a shot from afar, or standing on top of it, this is a truly iconic bridge which you mustn’t miss out on.

Cost

A huge draw to coming to Prague is the low cost of just about everything that you may wish to see and do, making it one of Europe’s cheapest cities. Whether you are buying food in a restaurant or beers in a bar, the cost will blow you away, and what is more, the quality is not diminished because often low price, service and the products are very good indeed.

Beer

This is the beer capital of the world and there is more of the fizzy stuff drunk here than anywhere else in Europe. Throughout the city there are several specialized beer bars, which offer hundreds of beers, both international and domestic, after all, it would be rude not to partake in tradition during your time here.

I could go on and on, but the best way to find out how great Prague is, will be to head there on your next break.

August 4, 2015 by Jeremy

How to make the best out of your weekend trip to Prague

The former Eastern Bloc city of Prague has come out of its shell in recent years since 1989’s Velvet Revolution, and the locals have learned how to party – and party hard, making Prague a great holiday destination. This uniquely preserved capital of the Czech Republic boasts a place on UNESCO World Heritage List, and is a great holiday destination for the whole family.

Amazing Architecture

Prague’s architecture has been almost perfectly preserved over the years, and exhibits varied influences from many schools of architecture, including Renaissance, Gothic, Art Nouveau, Neo-classical and ultra-modern. Enjoy the Baroque splendour of Saint Nicholas Church, the Gothic stylings of the Powder Tower and the Old Town Square, and visit the Mucha museum to get your Art Nouveau fix.

Photo: Roman Boed

Visit the zoo

The Prague zoo, which was opened in 1931, is home to about 4,800 animals from more than 690 species, including 133 species listed as critically endangered – Prague zoo was shortlisted in the top 10 best zoos in the world by Forbes. It was the first zoo to successfully breed many animals in captivity, including the Komodo dragon and the first Western gorilla. Prague zoo continues to expand and showcase more rare and endangered animals, and in 2014 opened a large pavilion to house 33 specimens of the critically endangered Chinese salamander. You could spend a whole day at Prague zoo, and visit some of their amazing exhibits, including the gorilla pavilion, elephant valley and the hippo house! Perfect for family fun.

Check out the National Gallery

If you want to see some amazing works of art, Prague has you covered – the National Gallery was founded in 1796 by the Academy of Fine Arts, and features work by a range of famous European artists, from artists such as Picasso, Monet, Van Gogh, Rodin, Gauguin, Cézanne, Renoir, Schiele, Munch, Miró and Klimt. Picasso even has a whole room to himself, showcasing some of his iconic Cubist work as well some self-portraits and nude studies. The National Gallery is not just a single building, it includes several locations in the city, such as Veletržní Palác, which is home to the gallery’s extensive collection of modern art. See http://www.ngprague.cz/ for info on the latest exhibitions.

Indulge in some retail therapy

If you want to do a little shopping while you are in Prague, the Nový Smíchov is a shopping mall located in the west of the city and is one of the biggest shopping malls in the Czech Republic. Over the centre’s three floors, you can enjoy a film at a multiplex cinema, sample various dishes at the food court, or browse one of the many chain stores and independent retailers that Nový Smíchov has to offer. There are also many special events, including music performances, fashion shows and rock climbing at different times throughout the year.

Visit a giant, functional metronome

Photo: Ulf Liljankoski

Yes, really. How can you resist?! The metronome, housed in Prague’s Letná Park, which overlooks the picturesque Vltava River, was erected in 1991, on a vacant plinth which formerly held an enormous statue of Joseph Stalin, communist leader, until it was destroyed in 1962. The 23-metre tall metronome, which symbolises the struggle against Soviet control is now a popular meeting place for young people in Prague, and a great place to enjoy a cool, frosty one in the nearby beer garden. Around the back of the metronome is a popular skate park, where skateboarders from all over the world congregate to skate, hang out and make videos.

September 27, 2013 by jfalbelda

Best Christmas Cities in Europe!

Thanks to cold weather and rich culture, celebrating Christmas in Europe can be an exceptional experience. Depending on where in Europe travelers decide visit different food, sights and experiences can all be enjoyed within the seasonal celebrations of Christmas. As Christmas is traditionally a time spent with family, many suggest that there is no better place to enjoy the festive period than at home. Whilst this may be the case markets, fairs and other celebrations often all occur weeks before December 25th allowing a keen traveler to visit multiple destinations absorbing a myriad of cultures sparkling with festive joy.

London, England

London’s markets, fairs and festive celebrations make it an appealing destination during the Christmas season. As the lights are twinkling and the Christmas tree is impeccably decorated in Trafalgar Square, the weeks leading up to Christmas in London are littered with lots of markets and events of festive cheer. In particular, Hyde Park’s Winter Wonderland featuring a selection of circuses, markets and amusement rides. Along the Southbank vendors sell mulled wine, street food and small gifts serenaded by carol singers. London presents a truly magical Christmas atmosphere.

Whilst enjoying London’s sights and attractions a great place to stay in London is near Heathrow airport as it makes it easy for travelers to fly in and out, as well as hopping on the tube to anywhere in the city.

Nuremberg, Germany

Soaking up its medieval charm, visitors to Nuremberg during Christmas are in for a treat. Festivities begin with the opening of the famous Christkindlesmarkt in the city’s old quarter on the Friday before the first Sunday of Advent. Featuring over 150 wooden stalls selling traditional merchandise such as candles, spices, street food, gingerbread and handcrafted decorations, it’s difficult not to become lured into the jubilant ambiance of Germany during Christmas. There is also, of course, lots of gluwein to go around. For children, there is a separate Kinderweihnacht with a Ferris wheel, old-fashioned carousel and steam train and many markets selling sweet indulgences. Wonderfully enchanting, Nuremberg’s gothic architecture brings Christmas to life ensuring every trip is an unforgettable experience.

Prague, Czech Republic

From the beginning of November visitors to Prague can enjoy the city in the Christmas spirit. The main markets of decorated wooden huts are held in Wenceslas Square and Old Town Square. Vendors sell handcrafted products such as wooden toys, glassware and Christmas tree decorations. The markets give the local vendors an opportunity to show off traditional food and drink such as ‘Trdelnik’ a hot, sugar coated pastry and Czech mulled wine known as ‘svařák’ that can be sampled and bought. The market of the Old Town Square bringing the Nativity to life as children can stroke sheep, donkeys and goats in a Bethlehem scene stable depicting the story of Mary, Joseph and Jesus as carol singers, local choirs and bands perform Christmas songs.

Europeans are famous for celebrating Christmas by involving their history and culture. Tourists from across the world are able to immerse themselves in foreign culture and appreciate other traditions within the spirit of Christmas. There you have it, 3 of the best Christmas Cities in Europe!

July 23, 2012 by jfalbelda

Travel Bliss in Prague

The following is a guest post from D.S. Amar. She writes about one of those experiences she had abroad that all of us perpetual nomads long for and feed off of – pure in-the-moment travel bliss.

A disappointing sign on the door read: Otevreno: 19:00/Zavreno: 24:00. My limited Czech did not hinder my understanding that we were simply too late; it was 23:55 after all. But outside the cold numbed my face and I was desperate to get into the warmth, and though iron shutters covered the windows and the door told us to go home, I opened it anyway. I had been here once for coffee and small talk during the first few blurry nights in this new country, but it was blurry and I was so new. This time I was really there.

Walking in together to hear the familiar sounds of Bob Dylan lilting throughout the spacious room, my friend and I immediately felt grateful for our spontaneous decision to come to Shakespeare & Sons. It is a quaint bar and bookshop hidden between boring buildings a few blocks from our dorm on Machova. “Tambourine Man” filled the space with rhythm and even more soul. The music did not fade into the background, as it sometimes must, it resonated and passed through the lips of the people standing around, between sips and smiles. Read More »