Prague holidays

If you want to grab a bargain, Havel Market is one of the best places to start. You’ll find it in the Old Town Square. There are all sorts of goodies on offer here, from fresh produce and souvenirs to handmade trinkets and clothing.

The Moat – or Na Příkopě – is one of the city’s most popular shopping streets thanks to its range of high-street favourites. Brands like Mango, Zara and Adidas feature in the mix. As for food and coffee options, you’ll find loads of household names along with independent Czech spots.

Pařížská street is the go-to spot for designer shopping in Prague. Here, you’ll be able to nose around top-of-the-range stores like Cartier, Chanel and Hermes, all housed in grand buildings along the tree-lined avenue.

Wenceslas Square and the surrounding area is a popular place for a low-key night out. There are nightclubs here, but you’ll also find more laidback bars, cabaret spots and concert halls. Plus, you can kick off your night with a meal and a few beers at one of the nearby restaurants.

The riverside, near Charles Bridge, is one of Prague’s liveliest nightlife spots. There’s a great atmosphere here every night of the week, so you won’t need to worry if you’re not in the city over a weekend. As for venues, you can pick from buzzy bars and booming nightclubs.

Chimney cake – or Trdelník, to call it by its official name – is originally from Romania, but it’s one of the best-loved snacks on offer in Prague. Dough is wrapped around a stick before being cooked over a flame and then rolled in cinnamon sugar and stuffed with your choice of filling.

Czech-style goulash is served up in restaurants all over the city, so it’s easy to get your hands on some. The dish consists of a thick meat stew paired with vegetables and dumplings. Many recipes include a hefty helping of paprika, giving the goulash a spicy, warm flavour.

Grilled sausages – or grilované klobásy – are Prague’s answer to the bratwurst. They’re served in a bun topped with your choice of sauce – usually mustard. For the ultimate experience, wash yours down with a cold glass of Pilsner.

Pork knuckle is a meal reserved for the super-hungry. It’s probably the Czech Republic’s most famous dish, consisting of a huge portion of boiled pork marinated in herbs and beer. You’ll usually be served it with horseradish and a side of pickled vegetables.

You can’t go to Prague without sampling the local beer – it’s renowned for being some of the best in Europe. Pilsner is the most popular, and you can taste it in any of the city’s pubs and bars, or even at a brewery. Some restaurants even have their own micro-breweries, where you can see the brewing process for yourself.