Prague – City of a Hundred Spires
This beautiful and intimate city is less than 3 hours away and has a great deal to offer on a budget. You can cast your eye over fine art, take a cruise on the river Vltava, sip coffee on Wenceslas Square or drink pints of Budvar on the cobbled streets. Don’t be put off by the ‘stag do’ talk as any accessible city will attract them.
Flights are advertised from £39.99 on www.bmibaby.co.uk, £45.98 on www.thomsonfly.com for booking fairly last minute or £79 on www.ba.com for more sociable flight times a little in advance (all including taxes). You will be able to find basic but clean and well presented self catering apartments for as little as £35 a night in the centre of the city most of the year round. This is a great way to stay within a budget as food and drink are reasonable, a simple meal and glass of wine is about £5 or there are some great steak houses where you can eat and eat for about £15 with beer! If you prefer a hotel the competition is fierce and you will find a number of deals on the internet, I have seen advertisements for flights and three nights B&B at a 4* Hotel for £299, check out www.expedia.co.uk, www.lastminute,com and www.thomascook.com, these are just a few suggestions so make sure you scour google for the best deals!
A long weekend is enough to see most of the city as it is fairly compact and with everything in walking distance you don’t need to worry yourself with the cost or inconvenience of public transport. Take a walking tour with a guide book to drink in the centuries of Royal Patronage that have created the masterpiece you see today. Walking through the long stone palaces and crossing the classic Charles Bridge you will be challenged to suggest a more attractive city. Make sure you see the principal monuments such as Tyn Church, The Powder Tower and Staromestske Namesti - the fine 11th century square with its astronomical clock.
The Castle District is a classic part of the city, beware of touts offering guided tours and be certain to check their credentials. They can have very amusing stories and you may prefer to be assisted but most people can guide themselves very well armed with the right literature. There are some fascinating places to visit including the former Royal Palace and the beautiful gardens from which you will experience a superb panoramic view of all the church steeples piercing the horizon. Many of the baroque churches hold classical concerts of Handel, Vivaldi or Bach to fill a few hours of the evening which really feels a fitting thing to do in such a city.
This is such a versatile city that will suit the needs and pockets of couples, families, friends or indeed stag parties! Be sure to shop around for flights, accommodation and travel insurance as prices are constantly changing and make sure you buy a good guide book to give you hints and tips on all the best places.
The opinions expressed are those of the author only. The material is for general information only and does not constitute legal, financial or other form of advice. You should not rely on this information to make (or refrain from making) any decisions. Always obtain independent, professional advice for your own particular situation by an FSA authorised company where the market is FSA regulated.