AllWays Online
Ricky Ghosh Dastidar
Ricky Ghosh Dastidar, an experienced journalist based in London, is the arts and culture editor for the North London newspaper New World and he contributes to various film and lifestyle websites such as http://www.screenjabber.com and
http://www.drdesi.com.
His main area of interest is cinema and he regularly visits film festivals around the world, from places as diverse as Karlovy Vary in the Czech Republic to Adana in Turkey.
Latest features:
AllWays Czech Republic
A Weekend in Prague
By Ricky Ghosh Dastidar
The capital city of Prague in the Czech Republic is widely credited as being one of the most beautiful cities in the world.
As well as being shrouded in numerous myths and legends from its thousand year history, it is a city which is equally as rewarding through the seasons; from the snow-covered view of Prague Castle in the winter to the sunshine over the glorious Vltava River in the summer.
Old Town
The place where most of Prague’s rich history can be unravelled is the Old Town (Stare Mesto). Boasting UNESCO World Heritage List status since 1992, this part of Prague includes many important buildings and monuments such as the Astronomical Clock, the Gothic Týn Church, the Storch Building and the Jan Hus Monument.
The Old Town also features many other historical churches and buildings including St James’ Church and the Old Town Hall, and around the corner is the famous Estate Theatre, where Mozart first performed his 1787 opera, Don Giovanni.
Charles Bridge
Perhaps the most iconic sight in Prague is The Charles Bridge. Built in 1348, it is the oldest standing bridge in the country and connects the Old Town (Stare Mesto) with the Lesser Town (Mala Strana). Tourists flock to see this romantic bridge and take countless photographs of the 30 statues lining its flanks.
Legend has it that during its construction, a combination of eggs, wine and milk was added to the mortar, and this is what led to its perfect stability for over 650 years.
Prague Castle
A trip to Prague would not be complete without a tour of Prague Castle, which is said to be the largest castle in the world.
The impressive site boasts courtyards, palaces, museums, gardens and the towering St. Vitus Cathedral.
The site also provides a great vantage point for stunning panoramic views across the city.
The castle was founded in 880 by Prince Borivoj and since the 10th century, it has seated Czech kings, emperors and presidents.
A Place to Stay
A highly recommended place to stay in Prague is the newly-opened Fusion Hotel.
This boutique hotel, situated in the heart of the city centre is truly unique and manages to balance comfort, design, charm and affordability.
The building which houses the Fusion Hotel was formally a bank and now offers 91 non-smoking rooms as well as two restaurants and a club.
The club, known as the 360° Bar and Lounge is a must-see and boasts the first rotating bar in Prague and also attracts many revellers from outside the hotel.
The Fusion Hotel is very much at the centre of the action and guests will find an abundance of tourist sites, shopping malls, modern restaurants and bars in its vicinity.
Prices start from around 70 Euros per person per night.
www.fusionhotels.com
Prague Alternative Tour
For those looking to explore the non-touristy side of Prague, The Prague Alternative Tour is ideal as it offers an authentic experience of the city‘s lesser-known neighbourhoods such as Karlín, Libeň and Holešovice.
The tour also showcases local contemporary artists, independent art galleries, underground subcultures, street art and even the local graffiti scene; all in a safe and respectful way.
Throughout the tour, experienced guides are on-hand to explain how Czech society and culture have evolved since the Velvet Revolution of 1989 and the subsequent fall of communism.
The tour takes place every day at 1430 and lasts approximately 3 hours.
The price is around £15 per person, which includes a free beer or coffee at one of its attractions.
www.praguealternativetours.cz
On the whole, Prague is an ideal location for a long weekend break in which you can combine both relaxation and adventure.
There is a lot to be discovered in this city; from the winding cobbled lanes, historic cathedrals and countless church spires of the Old Town to the more modern bars, restaurants and shopping centres of the New Town.
However you choose to spend it, the one certainty is; you'll be desperate to return again before too long.