Prague City Breaks   by Jez Rourke

The city of Prague is one of the biggest in the former Czecholoslovakia. The main international airprt in Prague is the Ruzyni International Airport, located about 12 miles from the centre of Prague. There are plenty of buses and trains that run from the airport to the city centre, a journey of about 45mins. If you are on your first Prague city break, check the prices of taxis from the airport before you go, it shoudn't be no more than 700 Koruny.

Getting Around Prague

Visitors have the option to rent a car and drive, but laws require drivers to be over 18 and children 12 and under have to ride in the back seat and seatbelts are mandatory just as it is in the states. Car rental companies will accept all foreign diving licenses except for citizens from Australia & New Zealand who need an International License. Drivers who enter Prague are advised to take note that they park their vehicles in secured parking facilities and to not leave any valuables visible as they report frequent theft often.

Sighteeing & Things To Do in Prague

There are a lot of things to see in Prague like the Prague Castle one of the oldest structures in the Czech Republic dating back to ninth Century by a Czech prince. Tourists are advised to make tour arrangements in advance for those who want to take photographs and view the castle in more detail. St.Vitus Cathedral built in 1344 by Emperor Charles IV, and the cathedral was completed in 1929 and it's noted that there's a nice view from the Great Tower on a clear day.

If plans include any sightseeing there are private companies that offer tours of Prague for a nominal fee, but contact the company direct for any pricing for tours. There are modern day things in Prague like Internet cafes identical to places like Starbucks and a vast number of eateries that serves traditional Czech cuisine and restaurants like the Hard Rock Café that serves traditional American food. There are 7 full-scale shopping malls in and around Prague that have full stores similar to the malls in the United States. It's ideal to look online at major hotel chains to find a hotel and if you're on a budget you can consider going to a hostel instead as a way to save money.

About the Author
To find your perfect Prague city break, visit http://www.directline-citybreaks.co.uk and search for all the latest deals & offers.
 

After the split of Czechoslovakia in 1993, Prague was named the capital of the new Czech Republic. The city grew to be an important cultural centre of Europe and is now the sixth most visited city in Europe after London, Rome, Paris, Madrid and Berlin. The city suffered considerably less damage during World War II than many other major cities in the region, allowing most of its historic architecture to stay true to form, one of the main reasons why thousands of people visit Prague every year.

Visitors to Prague have a whole host of historic attractions to take in and enjoy. Perhaps the most scenic of all is the Charles Bridge that crosses the Vltava River, connecting Prague's Old Town to the Lesser Quarter, one of Prague's oldest boroughs, with a continuous alley of 30 baroque statues lining the bridge. At night the bridge offers quiet solitude, allowing visitors to take in the beautiful view of the Vltava and the areas either side of it - a direct contrast to the hustle and bustle of the bridge during the day, as kiosk owners, street artists and musicians compete for the attentions of tourists and residents crossing the bridge.

The Old Town also features an array of stunning attractions. The original place of settlement of Prague, it was separated from the outside by a semi-circular moat and wall before the expansion of the city in the 14th century. The moat and wall were dismantled soon after and are now covered by streets. Records dating back to 1100 indicate that the Old Town Square was the site of a market every Saturday and also large military gatherings.

Visitors to the area can enjoy the sights of the medieval Astronomical Clock. The clock features an astronomical dial representing the position of the sun and the moon in the sky as well as "The Walk of the Apostles", a clockwork hourly show of figures of the Apostles and other moving sculptures. Many very reasonably priced bars, restaurants and shops can also be found in the Old Town, making it a popular destination for those who make the journey to Prague.

Perhaps the most awe inspiring sight Prague offers is Prague Castle, where Czech kings, Holy Roman emperors and the presidents of the Czech Republic have all had their offices, with the crown jewels of the Bohemia Kingdom also kept there. More impressive than the Castle itself is St. Vitus Cathedral, which is contained within the Castle walls. One of, if not the most impressive examples of gothic architecture in the world, the Cathedral was founded in the 14th century when the Prague bishopric was raised to archbishopric. St. Vitus Cathedral has many fascinating places for tourists to visit. From St. Wenceslas Chapel - where the relics of the saint are kept - to the tombs of many Bohemian Kings underneath the Cathedral, this attraction is a treat for any history or architecture enthusiasts.

The Czech Republic has re-invented itself considerably since the days of Communist rule, with the country embracing tourists and much of Western culture as evidenced by the shops, restaurants and luxury hotels in Prague. Despite these changes, however, the most endearing aspect of Prague remains its history, illustrated by the stunning architecture and natural beauty of the city.

About the Author
Paul McIndoe is an online, freelance writer from Scotland. When not writing, he enjoys playing golf and is a keen gardener.