Family Holiday in Prague

Everybody has their own idea of the perfect family holiday. These ideas might differ even within the family itself. Children usually prefer a place, where they can play and have fun all day long and – more importantly – get away from their parents for a while. Mums might dream of a place where they do not have to cook, will get a good night’s sleep, relax, maybe get a suntan and perhaps get away from their kids for some time. And most dads want to go to a place where they can watch sports events, enjoy great food and get away from everyone, just for a while. J Did we get it right…?

Before you take your family to Prague, read our holiday tips that will make everyone happy!

Mirror Maze

Have you ever imagined yourself giant-like, dwarf-like, Edward Scissorhands-like, Pinocchio-like or any other “-like”? Your kids will howl with laughter, and you will too! The Mirror Maze is indeed the place to go if you want an afternoon filled with laughing. From the outside, the maze looks like a castle and once you step in, you will get lost in endless corridors with mirror walls. Lost sight of your kid? And what is that long-nosed thing laughing its head off in the distance? Yes, you are right, that is your child… But wait, there are more! An only child turning into triplets? Everything is possible here. See for yourself what your family look would like in all shapes and sizes. But beware! Some keep their long noses even after leaving the maze…

 

Strahov Library

Adding an educational interlude into your holiday itinerary might be a source of dispute. However, the unique Strahov Library is both a feast for the eyes and a historical gem. It is a part of the Strahov Monastery, the oldest Premonstratensian monastery in Bohemia, founded in 1140. There are about 200,000 volumes in total in the library, including more than 3,000 manuscripts and 1,500 incunabula. The library offers a truly magical atmosphere. You can literarily feel the history breathing down your neck back with all these books and fascinating frescoes on the ceiling. Definitely something you do not want to miss on your visit.

Letní Letná

It is no easy task to describe this event, taking place in the last two weeks of August in the beautiful park Letná in Prague 7, in a few sentences. Let’s say it is a festival of new circus, acrobatics, music, dance, theatre, pantomime, fine arts, games and laughter. You can see all kinds of performances, listen to music or visit art workshops at night as well as during the day. There are also special performances for children, toys are available directly in the park and you might bump into clowns and jugglers. Naturally, you can enjoy all of this with great food and drinks. Each member of your family will find what they are looking for. Come and see for yourself at this year’s 15th edition of this exceptional festival from 14 August until 1st September.

How to spend a great summer in Prague

Happy July! With the warmer weather, Prague transforms into a lively city with a plethora of outdoor activities and festivities for locals and tourists to enjoy. Summer is the ideal time for a visit as it’s about being outside as much as possible. In other words, Náplavka, farmer’s markets, parks, wine tastings, and beer gardens are all yours.

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Prague Castle.

Without a doubt, Pražské Náplavky are the hottest events of the summer in Prague. Wine and cheese tastings, barbecue evenings, farmer’s markets, live music, and others are in their full swing as long as the weather permits it; every weekend and most weekdays.

July 5 and 7 – On the waves of MLP.

A literary event will take place on both days from 6 pm where poets and writers alike will be presenting their works. The Spanish writer Alejandro Pedregosa will be reading from its debut novel Un Mal Paso. The best part? There’ll be tango later and you need two for that, so bring your favorite person with you.

July 9 and 16 – Farmer’s Markets. Everyone’s favorites are on throughout July and August. Local produce, fresh fruit, and vegetables, handmade soaps, wine, bread are just the beginning of the list of what you’ll find at Náplavka’s farmer’s markets. You can  have your usual morning java and it’ll be freshly brewed by the riverside. Or if you fancy a glass of wine, don’t be shy. Weekend at the markets by the river – it’s the best of the best of what Prague has to offer.

To see what’s on this summer, have a look at Pražské Náplavky.

Riegrovy Sady.
Riegrovy Sady.

Beer Gardens

Czech Republic and beer. Beer and Czech Republic. There is nothing more synonymous than these two things. And for a good reason. It’s well known that the beer is good but it’s also cheap and in the summer little shrines pop up all over the city. Hello, beer gardens! From Letná do Riegrovy Sady to Narodní Pivovar to Pivo a Párek to the Beer Museum you can have the best beer in the world almost on every corner. You’ll never not know where to go for a beer.

Parks in Prague

Spending afternoons off in the city’s countless beer gardens is a national pastime. Parks all over Prague bloom with green trees and flowers; become crowded, and generally the most favorite places to spend free time at. Riegrovy Sady, Letná Park, Kampa Park, Stromovka, and Petřínské Sady are the most popular of parks in Prague. The suntanning spot in Riegrovy Sady with the city’s panoramic view is a definitive favorite.

Kino. Cinema.
Kino. Cinema.

Open Air Cinema

A relatively fresh concept in the capital, outdoor cinemas are gaining popularity with increasing number of locations around Prague. Stalin, Tiskárna ve vzduchu, MeetFactory, Nákladové Nadrazí Žižkov, and Žluté Lázně are just a few on the list that have recently stretched out the screens and started showing a range of beloved classics: Forrest Gump, Pulp Fiction, Breakfast at Tiffany’s. To check out what’s coming up, visit GoOut.

Photos by Sara Tomovic.

6 great coffee shops in Prague you don’t want to miss

Twenty years ago, it was impossible to find a coffee shop in Prague. Let alone a good coffee shop. Times have changed and specialty coffee shops are experiencing a boom around the world and Europe. Prague is no different. Think Prague gives thumbs up and love to these six coffee shops for you to choose from; both new and established on the Prague coffee scene.

 

Barry Higgel’s coffeehouse | Prague 7

These guys bring their coffee from London’s Workshop Coffee and with the sleek minimalistic design, they are the much-needed addition to Holešovice neighborhood. Barry’s Coffeehouse has an incredible potential to become the neighborhood’s top spot. Excellent coffee with healthy food options. With breakfast granolas, sandwiches, and soups, there is plenty to choose from.

Photo: Barry Higgel’s coffeehouse

 

Twenty7 | Prague 7

A rather serious affair, Twenty7 is an excellent good choice for an afternoon coffee or an early evening glass of wine. Cozy with modern design, rich menu, and coffee the way it’s meant to be. A place like this was needed in Prague a long time ago.

Photo | IG: @tanya_akulova
Photo | IG: @wnb_mischa

 

The Kavárna | Prague 2

They said “don’t open any more coffee shops in Vinohrady”, so the duo behind Coffee Break & Cake went ahead and did just that. Minimalist design, beans from Mamacoffee, and a whole list of drinks and food options; you can’t do wrong with The Kavárna.

Photo | IG: @nasekavarny

 

Ema Espresso Bar | Prague 1

The talk of the town. That’s Ema Espresso Bar. Hardly a new coffee shop in Prague, yet the hype has not worn off. Long queues outside of their doors speak for the coffee and the lack of cakes in the afternoon for their scrumptious sweets. They disappear fast and with a good reason. The only negative? No healthy food options. Go for the coffee and not for the cakes, unless you plan on hitting the gym.

Photo | IG: @pereguinn

 

Kavárna co hledá jméno | Prague 5

These guys definitely stirred up the pot. Newly opened on the left-side of the river, this coffee shop is a little bit of everything: an art gallery, a working space, a garden, and your business meeting point. Rustic details and a spacious main area set this place from the rest. Sweet cherry on top: the coffee is from Nordbeans. Although with its bitterness it might not be for everyone.

Photo | IG: @kavarnacohledajmeno

 

Můj Šálek Kávy | Prague 8

It seems like they do everything right: excellent coffee, food, locale, and they are open on Sundays! Go for the breakfast and cappuccino or a flat white, if you prefer your coffee stronger. Quality beans from Doubleshot do not disappoint. Get ready to wait for a seat or call in for a reservation in advance. You won’t be disappointed, though.

Photo | IG: @janlosert