Eat a few streets from Old Town Square, not on it

Hotel Paris opened in 1904 in the Old Town, directly opposite the Municipal House, and blends neo-Gothic with early Art Nouveau. Choose it when the building matters more than the room, since its interiors, café and bar keep the period feel. It sits in the middle of the old center, so expect city bustle at the door…

Burčák is young, still fermenting wine sold at harvest festivals from late summer into autumn, busiest in early September. Prague has several wine festivals, among them the Vinohrady festival, which in 2025 moved to Mahlerovy sady because of works on the square. Drink it the day you buy it, keep the cap loose because…

Once a year, dozens of museums, galleries and cultural sites stay open into the evening with free or discounted entry, music and talks. In 2025 it took place on a Saturday in June from 6 p.m. to midnight with 61 venues, and public transport on listed lines was free that night. Pick a few venues close together and…

Reduta opened in 1957 on Národní street near the National Theatre and is widely described as the oldest jazz club in Prague. The program mixes swing, Dixieland, big band and blues, and the hall goes dark once the music starts. Reserve a seat with the club, and have a drink in the separate Saxophone Bar. Locals still…

Lucerna Music Bar, inside the historic Lucerna Palace complex, hosts a recurring Pop 80s and 90s video party with DJ Jirka Neumann. Music videos play on an LED wall while the DJ spins the hits. Doors have opened at 21:00 on Friday nights and entry is 18 and over. Check the venue program for the next date, since the…

Pražská tržnice, the Holešovice market complex, is a city within a city of halls, food trucks and cafés. Hall 22 is the largest fruit and vegetable hall, and signs marked grower mean you buy directly from the farmer. Asian ingredients and Vietnamese food are easier to find here than in most of Prague. Some halls are…

Bohemian garnet is a deep red stone, and inspectors have found shops selling other garnet types, synthetic stones or coloured glass under that name. Ask for a certificate of authenticity and keep a dated receipt so you can seek a refund. The authentic Czech stone comes from one company, Granát Turnov, whose pieces…

The ramparts of Vyšehrad fortress look over the Vltava and its quays, and from the northern side Prague Castle sits in the distance. Walk in through the Tábor Gate about an hour before sunset and stay for the blue hour afterwards. It is quieter and more local than viewpoints near the center, with joggers and dog…