This article has been written by Hugh, who with his partner Karen runs MyDestination.com/Perth. They were fortunate enough to visit Prague for a weekend and they had just the most marvellous time. So rather than keep the memories of their experience for themselves, they decided to share them with everyone – a bit like a written version of holiday snaps!

We had always wanted to visit Prague, so it was with trembling excitement that we stepped off the plane, eager as beavers to see what the Golden City of 100 Spires had in store. It turned out that we had made a brilliant choice with our accommodation; the Hotel Julian, in Smichov, had amazing facilities, such as a restaurant, lounge area and rooftop garden. And it was boutique. It also served a hearty breakfast and it was in a good location.

Throughout our stay, we managed to fit in an enormous amount, but instead of commenting on any of it, we think it’s probably best to just simply state the basic logistical facts, so hopefully you can use some ideas from our itinerary and form your own opinions.

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We visited Prague Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, over the course of two days because the complex is so enormous. Some of the highlights were the St Vitus Cathedral, Old Royal Palace, Basilica of St George and Lobkowiz Palace, where we had lunch in a lovely restaurant that afforded wonderful views of the city.

We took an hour-long open-top vintage car tour of Prague, which gave us a useful overview of Nove Mesto (New Town), Stare Mesto (Old Town) and the Jewish Quarter. It also was a great chance to take photos, and the tour ended at Prague Castle, just in time for the changing of the guard.

We looked around both the Mucha Museum, which contained an excellent selection of his work, and the National Museum, where we enjoyed a performance by the Czech Strings Chamber Orchestra, who played pieces by Dvorak, Vivaldi, Mozart and Smetana. On the subject of music, we also saw a performance of the opera Aida at the State Opera Theatre.

We wandered down the Old Castle steps, through the Royal Gardens and Letna Park, and saw nice views of the Vltava River. But these views were beaten into submission by the ones from the top of the mini-Eiffel Tower (Petrin Observation Tower), the base of which we reached by taking the funicular up Petrin Hill. Didn’t fancy walking.

Randomly, we spectated the World Championship Ice Hockey Third Place Playoff between the Czech Republic and Russia (the proper one – not like amateur under 12s or any of that malarkey) and following that we went for a ghost tour. We were devastated not to see any actual ghosts, but it was nice to get a tour round the Old Town Square in a historical sense and to hear some sort of spooky stories. The tour also included a visit to the lock-up under the Town Council. No ghosts there either, but pleasant regardless.

Finally, we took an evening cruise on the River Vltava, which was delightful.

We are sad to have left Prague, but happy to be back home in Perth.

Hugh and Karen, My Destination Perth
June 2011