Your essential guide to Prague

APPRECIATE

A whip around Prague’s bustling 1,200-year-old castle is one of the Czech capital’s more popular attractions, but for equally sprawling Old Town views without the crowds, head to nearby National Gallery Prague – Salm Palace. Don’t miss the gallery itself, which plays host to easily digestible exhibitions that offer a glimpse into the city’s contemporary art scene.

DINE

Take a trip through Prague’s tantalising culinary past at U Modré kachničky, a quaint bistro that recalls the city’s early 20th-century cosmopolitanism. Here, game takes centre stage with favourites including deer saddle with rosehip sauce and Carlsbad dumplings, while vintage interiors of medieval portraits and ornate chairs recall a bygone era.

DRINK

Wash it all down with the world’s original lager beer, Czechia’s very own Pilsner Urquell, poured fresh from the tank at U Zlateho Tygra. The arched-ceiling pub has hosted revered patrons ranging from Bill Clinton to Czech writer Bohumil Hrabal, all in search of the perfect pint over its 300-year history.

SAIL

The Vltava River divides Prague’s Old Town evenly and it’s worth seeing both sides from a floating vantage point. The Mandarin Oriental Prague’s Vltava Boat Tour sets sail in style, cruising down the river’s length and exploring its hidden byways. Choose from a one-, two- or three-hour tour.

SAVOUR

Kuchyn at Prague Castle dishes out fine food unlike anywhere else in town, with creative Czech cuisine inspired by the palace’s guarded 16th-century recipes. From roasted pork belly with fried sauerkraut to pumpkin cake with cottage cheese, meals are served on the castle’s ramparts, with sweeping views of the city below.

CONVERSE

The former Austro-Hungarian Empire’s grand cafés still thrive in Prague, such as the magnificent Café Louvre, once frequented by the likes of Kafka and Einstein. Little has changed since it opened in 1902, where you can enjoy a leisurely Café Viennois while debating literature, politics or just the local weather.

SHOP

Bohemian glass makes for exquisite gifting. Its craftsmanship dates back to the Renaissance, with crystal that brilliantly reflects light in rainbow hues. You’ll find the city’s finest pieces at Moser, a 19th-century glassworks that once supplied royalty from Austria to England.

SOAK

Prague’s world-famous pilsners do double duty at home, used for both imbibing and immersion. The latter is one of the most romantic things to do in Prague for couples and you’ll find a high-end take at The Grand Relax Spa, where you can soak in a beer bath for 30 minutes before being ushered towards traditional head and body massages.

ENTERTAIN

Prague was Mozart’s favourite city, and with good reason. The majestic National Theatre offers sophistication for all ages, with a repertoire ranging from operas to family-friendly ballets, as well as Czech-themed circus performances.

EXPLORE

The vast Troja Palace is arguably one of the best things to do with children over an afternoon: they can explore Prague Zoo, home to 4,000 animals, while grownups stroll the Botanical Gardens and sample vintages at the historic St Claire’s Vineyards.

INDULGE

Rich, hearty Czech cuisine starting to wear on you? Rediscover Bohemia's rich culinary traditions with a contemporary twist at Mandarin Oriental, Prague's Monastiq Restaurant and Bar. This captivating venue offers all-day dining, from generous breakfasts through to relaxed lunches, sophisticated dinners, and cocktails, all served in an elegant, historic setting.

ADVENTURE

Escape Prague’s spires and hop on a 30-minute train to Karlstejn, a picture-perfect market town surrounded by dense woods. Head up to the Disney-like castle, once home to the monarchy’s crown jewels, before hiking into the neighbouring forests.

Christmas is when visitors flock to Prague for its unique take on the festive season. The city’s markets are among Europe’s most mesmerising, where luminous pop-ups and mugs of piping hot mulled wine deliver on its reputation for fairy-tale festivities. Don’t miss the 22-metre Christmas tree at the Old Town Square, festooned with handcrafted baubles.

- The concierge team at Mandarin Oriental, Prague.