Prague

Prague Restaurant Reviews

Several movements in Prague contributed to raising the culinary bar. To start, in the years following the Velvet Revolution a sizeable group of foreign restaurateurs—Norwegian, Swedish, French, Korean, Cuban, British, and American—opened eateries like the ones they knew back home. Around the same time, a second group of foreign-trained Czech chefs and returned emigrés started to marry French and Italian culinary notions with local ingredients and the traditional recipes of old Bohemia. And now, a younger, post-’89 generation of Czech chefs and diners are starting to bring a fresh cosmopolitan perspective and an open mind to what was once purely meat-and-potatoes country.

Many places are only out to make a fast buck on the one-time tourist trade. And yet many great places exist, often just around the corner from the rip-offs. Even with so many visitors, Prague still caters to locals and visitors looking for something genuine. Right in the middle of the most touristy areas you can find wonderful options ranging from a boisterous traditional hospoda (pub) to an elegant restaurant of international standards.

Prague Hotel Reviews

Prague was a hotel boomtown in the last decade, trying to catch up with the demands of new visitors. The shortage of rooms that restricted tourism in the first years after the Velvet Revolution has been alleviated, and the good news is that with a little advance preparation, you can find a decent place to stay.

The most desirable neighborhoods to stay in are the Old Town (Staré Mesto), the Lesser Quarter (Malá Strana), the Castle Area (Hradcany), and the New Town (Nové Mesto). Don’t despair, though, if you can only find or afford a room outside the center. Prague’s public transportation is excellent, and the outlying neighborhoods have the added advantage of authenticity (real pubs, restaurants, and people), which is harder to come by in the city’s center.

Prague Nightlife

Highbrow entertainment is the best deal in Prague—second only to the beer. The city is home to several well-respected orchestras and opera companies that have their roots in the 19th century, and classical venues that have seen the likes of Mozart and Dvorák conducting their own works. Tickets for highbrow entertainment are reasonably priced compared to other cities. Even if your experience with classical music is limited to old Bugs Bunny cartoons, consider stepping out to the opera or the concert house while you’re here. Rarely is high quality culture so accessible.

So too are rock and pop acts. Increasingly Prague is popping up on the touring circuits of old favorites like Bob Dylan and Eric Clapton up through modern acts like Green Day and Pink. Prices for Western shows are high by local standards, which means tickets are often available up to the last minute. For more intimate evenings, several jazz clubs offer everything from swing to fusion in settings ranging from medieval vaulted basements to cruise boats. House and techno can be found in renovated movie theaters and former factories

Prague Shopping

Czechs are world famous for their crystal and glassware, and some of the high-end shops have married modern notions of style with traditional Czech glassmaking techniques with beautiful results. It’s much the same story with jewelry. Bohemia holds a reputation for quality garnets—the deep red stones are a Prague icon—and the settings and presentation have finally gotten a long awaited update from cheaper metals used in the past.

Also look for traditional handicrafts, whether made of wood, lace, or herbs. One chain to watch for around town is Botanicus, an earthy all-natural emporium selling everything, including candles, soaps, spices, and oils—many made from locally grown products. An ancient craft that Czechs have carried into the modern age is puppet making, which can be adorable or creepy, depending on your taste. Marionettes have a history here that goes back centuries—but be choosy if you want the real deal. Most of the marionettes you see in the souvenir shops are mass produced. Stick to antiques and artisan stores.

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