Spending a long weekend in vibrant and bustling Prague

Prague is a vibrant and bustling city with an interesting and turbulent history. In recent years the lure of its medieval splendour, eclectic arts and cultural scene, and spirited nightlife has seen the city’s tourist industry grow at a spectacular rate, and it is now one of the most popular European destinations to head to for a long weekend or short ‘city break.’ So if you’re coming to Prague but short on time, here is our guide on how to make the most of your long weekend in the Czech capital…

If you arrive in the evening head straight out to Prague’s Old Town where you can discover a wealth of bars and clubs, most with a friendly and laid back vibe. If you fancy something more sophisticated head to Bar and Books for fantastic cocktails and a smoky, sultry ambience. Sit at the bar and try a few - the Old Fashioned and the Watermelon Smash are really quite special.

You will probably want to get stuck in and see as many of the city’s famous sights and sounds as possible. Make sure you head to the Museum of Communism which houses fascinating and disturbing displays covering the post war regime and depicts living life behind the ‘Iron Curtain.’ Wencelas Square is another popular area that should be high on your to do list where many of the 1989 protests took place in the famous Plaza. Here you can also find the antique shopping arcade, the Kino Lucerno –a beautiful art deco cinema, Wencelas Monument and impressive sculpture the Stallion Ardo. There are plenty of spots around the square where you will be able to find a good place to grab traditional hearty Czech fare.

Prague is a perfect place to wander around in with fantastic Baroque architecture such as the   Valdštejnský Palace Gardens and St Nicholas Church. If you fancy a stroll Letna is a great expanse of parkland where you will be rewarded with excellent views of the city. You could also take the cable car up Petrín hill where you can discover the unnerving Mirror Maze and the Petrín View Tower.

Walking across the Charles Bridge is a must do activity for anyone visiting the city. Whatever time of year the imposing statues that tower above you are sure to impress. In winter mulled wine vendors stand either end so you can sip a hot drink to warm your cockles as you go. History lovers should also take time to go to the Jewish museum and cemetery, which includes the rather haunting Pinkas Memorial which is dedicated to the Jewish victims of the Holocaust from Bohemia and Moravia, with their names inscribed on the walls.

The Old Town Hall and Astronomical clock are also popular attractions with a spectacular mechanical show of sculptures taking place on the hour every hour. You can sit in one of the squares many restaurants, order a drink a watch from the comfort of your chair. From there why not enjoy some art and pop into the fabulous Dali gallery?

Evenings should be spent settling into to one of the many riverside restaurants and enjoying the scenery. Grosseto Marina is a chic Italian restaurant with views of the bridge, or if you fancy up market French cuisine head to Kampa Park. If you are after some more traditional Czech Cuisine head to Cestr, or try La Degustation Bohême Bourgeoise for a more adventurous twist on traditional Czech dishes.