3 Days in Prague

I have just returned from a wonderful long weekend away in sunny Prague with my youngest son. We thoroughly enjoyed our three nights spent exploring this historic city with its cobbled pavements, churches galore, beautiful 12th-century squares with buildings that look so perfect they have been painted for a Disney fairy-tale!

Getting there; It's reasonable! Yes, compared to the usual favourites for a city break - such as Paris, Venice and Amsterdam, Prague will be a snip of the cost!

The flights are easy (only a two-hour duration) and making it even easier we have private transfers to meet us on arrival (takes about 30 mins) that also do not cost the earth!

Accommodation - again very reasonable in cost, so much so that you can treat yourself to a five-star hotel and you've still paid a snip compared to cities in competition for your tourism. Contact me for more information.

My first impression of Prague were historic buildings with their red roofs, which stand ornately tall with grand windows, and elaborate facades - all painted in sunny colours - cobblestone squares showing off the busy Easter Market that runs every year for about three weeks to cover the Easter holidays. So bring your comfy shoes - Prague is not a place for exploring in high heels!!

It's a city that's alive with the buzz of people, restaurants, pubs, and shops... also museums and art galleries - so you'll find something for everyone.

Day One

We headed for the Charles Bridge first thing to miss the crowds. This is one of Prague's most popular attractions. A beautiful cobblestone bridge stretching across the River Vltava; finished in the 15th century. The bridge is an amazing sight and decorated with 30 statues. Now for pedestrians only - it used to be the only way to reach the old town of Prague... (the only other way was by boat!) But there are now plenty of other bridges that also cross this river that literally runs through the middle of Prague. It's seen plenty of dramas during its long lifetime - including a collapse in 1890 and terrible flood damage in 2002.

From here we continued our journey (on foot) up to the Castle, Cathedral and Hradcany District.

At the castle you can watch the daily changing of the guard (midday) and also enjoy the views back across the city from the heights that you have just walked!

We then made our way to the Funicular Railway to visit the famous Petrin Tower that can be seen from almost everywhere in Prague. It's an Eiffel Tower mini-replica that was built at a similar time. These days you can take the lift or stairs and see the whole of Prague from the top! On the way, we grabbed a picnic lunch as Petrin Hill Park has plenty of nice places to sit and enjoy the views.

Heading back towards Charles Bridge (still on foot) we stopped by at Lennon's Wall. Named after John Lennon - since the 1980s has been filled with graffiti - constantly changing - representing peace and love! We then crossed back over the river - not before stopping for an ice-cream break! (Compulsory whilst on any holiday!)

Day Two

Day two we were up early, in time for our river boat cruise on an old-fashioned wooden canal boat replica - with complimentary refreshments - learning the history of the Vltava River, Charles Bridge, Old Town and Castle. A wonderfully different way to view Prague; from the water.

Then we were on the hop-on-hop-off bus tour to hear more about the history of this city - whilst giving our legs a little bit of a rest!

Lunch at a local restaurant, overlooking the front. We were so lucky with the weather, sunny days from our arrival.

If you aren't into learning about the history of this place - you can shop until you drop! From local and traditional items, you can see high street shops that you'll recognise - we even spotted a Marks & Spencer shop. I defy anyone to say that they were disappointed with the variety of shopping on offer.

The other thing I want to mention is Prague's ART - it's everywhere - sometimes it's quirky - sometimes it's historic - it is a city that will excite your vision! There's plenty to see, and art is everywhere that you look!

Same goes for eating out. Traditional fare would be a meal of roast duck, red cabbage and dumplings - but for those who like their pizzas or American burgers - your choices too are unlimited! A main meal of two courses with drinks would start from about 900CZK per couple upwards (about £15 per person including an alcoholic drink). Not bad value for money! (April 18)

All in all, I can only highly recommend a visit to Prague to you. I apologise to the Prague Tourist Board in previously labelling Prague as a place to avoid, as full of hen and stag dos (We only saw two stag dos during my stay and spotted no hens at all!) It has something for everyone and its people are warm and welcoming.

So...get it on your wish-list, or even better - give me a call with some possible dates & let me show you some availability and prices!

Lucy - contact me at lucy.morgans@travelcounsellors.com