Tours

Prague is known as the "City of Spires" thanks to the hundreds of spires reaching towards the sky from the various onion-domed towers, churches and synagogues. To best view those spires and gain a sense of the history and magic of Prague, one need but wander the winding, cobbled streets of the historic city center and experience the magic firsthand.

Prague Castle (Hradcany) One of the most noticeable landmarks in the city is, of course, Prague Castle. In the center of the Castle is St. Vitus Cathedral, founded in 1060. Right in the castle complex itself, you can settle in for fine dining at Na Baště restaurant in the Na Baste garden, or at Vikárka, with views of the cathedral and the Deer Moat. Just next to Na Baste is Cafe Poet while near Vikarka is Cafe Formanka. Various other places to sit down, relax and recharge with some food and drink in the castle proper include Black Tower Cafe, Bistro Rudolf II and Cafe Gallery. The wide variety extends to the menus, offerings and of course the prices as well.

Petrin Hill & Mala Strana About 300 meters from the castle, the former orchard and gardens of the Royal Castle are now a large park and freely accessible area. At the lower end of the funicular, you can grab a quick bite to eat at La Bastille or the Cantina Mexican restaurant. If it's later in the evening, head toward Malostranske Namesti for some jazz and blues at U Maleho Glena. Rub shoulders with locals, tourists and expats alike at the Shadow Cafe, or take in a show at Divadlo Na Pradle or Svandovo Divadlo. A little ways down Ujezd you will find Pizzeria La Fame, perhaps one of the finest low-cost Italian restaurants in town. For those less cost-conscious, head to Kampa Island for some traditional Czech Cuisine at Cafe Restaurant Dvorak or a fine dining experience at the Rybarsky Klub (Fishermen's Club) restaurant.

Old Town Square (Staromestske Namesti) A visit to Prague isn't complete until you've crossed the famous Charles Bridge from Malostranske Namesti. On the other side is Old Town Square, home of the Astronomical Clock and the Gothic style Tyn Cathedral, as well as the Jan Hus statue. On the way to the square, stop in at Cafe Indigo for some great bramboracky (potato pancakes) and a cup of coffee. Across the street from the cafe you can take in the beautiful Baroque library hall of the Klementinum, which now serves as part of the national, university, and technical libraries. The Prague City Library is just across from the Klementinum and is worth a visit as well. Casa Andina, perhaps the only Peruvian restaurant in all of Prague, is a few blocks north of Old Town Square. Rock 'n' roll fans should head to Dlouha trida where the popular Roxy Music Club can be found.

Wenceslas Square (Vaclavske Namesti) A meandering walk through the narrow, cobbled streets in a southerly direction from Old Town Square will take you to Wenceslas Square, perhaps the true center of Prague. Pop in for a film at Kino Svetozor or Kino Lucerna, or just a snack at Hospoda v Lucerne. If you are looking for more lively nightlife, then check out the hip and popular nightclub Duplex, right in the middle of the square, or the Lucerna Music Bar & Club. Just off the square is The Lions British sports pub and around the corner; at the lower end, one can take in a cup of coffee and some light fare at Cafe Cafe. Be sure to see the statue of good King Wenceslas himself and head across the street to check out the magnificent National Museum.

Prague TV Tower Just up the hill (follow Vinohradska from the National Museum) you'll wander a little out of the center, but for the highest view of Prague one needs the 216-meter-tall Zizkov television tower (look east from the center). The tower contains a cafe, Luxusni Restaurace—a luxury restaurant 63 meters above the ground and an observation deck 100 meters high, making it the highest observation area in the city. Stop in at U Sadu, mere meters from the tower, for traditional Czech cuisine, beer and atmosphere. For a more modern feel try Restaurant Quido. Nightlife in the area includes the rock club at Palác Akropolis, Sedm Vlku Music Club and Restaurant, and Bond's Cocktail Bar. On your return to the center proper, wander through Riegrovy Sady Park where the open air beer garden is normally awash in expats who live in the area and also happens to be one of the best places to watch the sun set.

Guided Tours

Walking Tours Guiding Prague (+42 222 518 259/ http://www.guidingprague.com/) Prague Walker (+42 603 181 300/ http://www.praguewalker.com/) Private Walks (+42 773 103 102/ http://www.private-walks.com/)

Bike Tours Praha Bike (+42 732 388 880/ http://www.prahabike.cz/) City Bike Prague (+42 776 180 284/ http://www.citybike-prague.com/) Top Bicycle (+42 519 513 745/ http://www.topbicycle.com/)

River Cruise Tours Cruise Prague (+42 774 278473/ http://www.cruise-prague.cz) Prague Holiday (+42 226 201 910/ http://www.pragueholiday.cz/) Mary's Travel and Tourist Services (+42 222 254 007/ http://www.marys.cz)

Bus Tours Prague Sightseeing Tours (+ 42 222 314 661/ http://www.pstours.cz/) Ekoexpres (+42 737 077 077/ http://www.ekoexpres.cz/) Grey Line Prague (+42 224 826 262/ http://www.citytours.cz)