Prague Holidays & Holidays in Prague – Czech Republic

Even today, a decade and a half after the Velvet Revolution, there's still something exciting and novel about a holiday to Prague and the Czech Republic.

Prague is a city with a glorious skyline of gleaming spires and historic monuments, that hardly appears to have altered in hundreds of years. Don't miss the ancient Town Hall with its famous clock, the beautiful Charles Bridge and the wonderful Baroque Church of St Nicholas.

View all our holidays to Prague

Where in the World is Prague?

Short answer: right in the middle of things! The Czech Republic is right at the heart of Central Europe and shares frontiers with Germany, Poland, the Slovak Republic and Austria. Small - about a third of the size of the British Isles - hilly and picturesque the Czech Republic is full of lakes and spa towns and there are opportunities to ski and hike in the mountains. The Elbe flows through eastern Bohemia while the eastern part of the country forms the rich agricultural area of Moravia.

A Brief History of Prague in the 20 th Century

Few places in Europe have experienced the upheavals of the 20 th quite as vividly as Prague. From early independence to occupation by the Nazis, ‘liberation' by the Soviet army and the Velvet Revolution, Prague has seen it all in the last 100 years!

•  1918:
Proclamation of independence of Czechoslovakia, Prague becomes the new state capital.

•  1939-1945:
Occupation by Nazi Germany.

•  1945:
The Prague uprising, "liberation" of Prague by the Soviet army.

•  1948:
Seizure of power by KSC after the February putsch.

•  1968:
Prague Spring - an attempt to reform socialism, intervention of 5 states of the Warsaw Pact.

•  1989:
Velvet revolution, Vaclav Havel elected President.

•  1990:
First free elections.

•  1993:
January 1, Czechoslovakian Federation splits up, formation of the Czech Republic.

•  1993:
January 26, Vaclav Havel elected first president of the Czech Republic.

•  1999:
March 12, Czech Republic becomes a member of NATO.

•  2004:
May 1, Czech Republic joins the European Union (E.U.).

Prague Shopping Trips

Prague is one of the few European cities where the fine art of shopping can still hold genuine surprises. Head for the Zizkov area while on holiday for wonderful second-hand shops – perfect for stocking up on Soviet chic and genuine antiques!

Good buys are invariably locally produced, so take advantage of the Czech Republic's many garnet mines and watch out for the bright, pinkish quality that characterises the local stones. Amber too is common and, although not a precious stone, (it is hardened tree resin) there are many shops selling really interesting pieces of jewellery made from this golden (sometimes greenish) substance. And, with the possible exception of Venice, you'll find some of the finest glass and crystal produced anywhere in the world in Prague – so why not spoil yourself with a new chandelier?

If you're looking for holiday presents to bring back, then beer steins will be appreciated by your thirstier friends while, for the more adventurous drinkers, Becherovka, the national herbal "medicine" and Slivovice are good choices. There again, you might know someone that might appreciate the infamous Absinth? Ladies or those in touch with their feminine side, might like linden tree perfume - it's the national Czech tree, and smells fresh, green and flowery.

Prague – Musical Holidays

From Punk to House to Jazz and Classical, Prague has a spectacularly vibrant music scene and, certainly as far as classical music and opera are concerned an extraordinary heritage too.

As far as its classical heritage is concerned, Smetana, Dvorak, and Janacek are the ‘big three'. Best of all, Prague's musical heritage is kept alive in countless exquisite venues all over the city – often worth a visit for their unspoiled interiors alone!

Eat Drink And Be Merry on a Prague Holiday!

The Czech's are a fun-loving bunch and Prague is a city dedicated to having fun. How can you tell? Well, for a start there are more pubs in Prague than there are churches – and there are lots of churches!

Beer is pretty much a religion in the Czech republic and the Czech's are devout. Hardly surprising really, as their beer is excellent. Even people who normally don't care for beer have to admit that Czech beer is simply the best. Try ‘Bernard', unpasteurised and delicious; ‘Gambrinus', easy to drink and the mighty ‘Staropramen', smooth and so refreshing. Dark beers are good too, a little sweeter, but full of flavour. Pubs are generally very convivial while bars cater for all tastes. This is a city that like going out, but don't expect to see too many no smoking signs as Czech liberalism extends to smoking rights as well as drinking.

If you're eating, chances are, you'll eat well and, relatively, cheaply too. Czech food is rich and hearty and usually served with substantial amounts of "Zeli" or cabbage and plenty of potatoes. Many things are marinated, so if you're vinegar fan, you have a lot to look forward to! You'll find specialities from near neighbours like goulash and sauerkraut while the superb garlic soup "Cesnekovy Polevka" will keep away colds and your friends too! The national fish is the Carp, so try "Kapr Peceny s Kyselou Omackou," which is carp with sour cream sauce.

These days Prague is an international city and the smarter restaurant's cater for international tastes – albeit at a price. If you want to eat really well, get a feel for the country and save lots of money to spend on other things, then go for the local stuff!

Prague Museums

•  Antonin Dvorak Museum
It's hard to escape Dvorák in Prague, he is one of the cities most celebrated sons (actually born in Nelahozeves in 1841 though died in Prague, 1 May 1904). The Baroque building was built by the famed Kilian Ignaz Dientzenhofer, whose buildings can be found all over Prague. While it is now restored to its former glory, it was, oddly enough, once a cattle market.

•  Bedrich Smetana Museum
Not so well known outside the Czech Republic, Smetana is probably the most popular Czech composer in the Czech Republic.

•  Bertramka: Mozart and Duseks Museum
This place is sometimes described as being "The Home of Mozart," though, in point of fact, he was just staying with friends! However, it was a highly productive time for the composer and, if you're lucky, your visit might even dove tail with the immensely popular concert schedule.

•  The Historical Museum
Definitely worth a visit for an overview of the country.

•  The Jewish Museum
A little known but chillingly fact is that Hitler planned to make a museum in Prague that should be "a museum of an extinct race". That's why some of the oldest religious objects in Europe ended up in Prague, and are now a part of the collection.

•  The Museum Of The City Of Prague
This Museum shows the history of Prague from its founding in the 9th century up to the Gothic, Renaissance, and Romanesque periods

Archers Direct Holidays in Prague & the Czech Republic

For a world of holidays that won't cost you the earth, you've come to the right place. From escorted coach tours and train tours to resort-based beach holidays to cruises and short breaks. From Europe to the USA & Canada to Australia, we have getaways to suit everyone – all featuring the amazing value that only direct booking can offer. Year round holidays (summer holidays, winter holidays, Christmas holidays & Xmas holidays, half term holidays, Easter holidays) include January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November & December. We fly from the following UK airports: London airports – Heathrow airport, Gatwick airport, Luton airport & Stansted airport as well as Birmingham airport, Bristol airport, East Midlands airport, Edinburgh airport, Glasgow airport, Manchester airport & Newcastle airport.

View all our holidays to Prague