While visiting Prague we stayed at the Hotel a Residence U Tri Bubnu, a charming hotel in a 14th Century building in the city center and just around the corner from Old Town Square. The building is, in fact, on UNESCO’s World Heritage list, as part of Prague’s Historic Centre. And in the house just across from the hotel is the former residence of Franz Kafka. The hotel itself has so ... Read Full Article
Enjoying Czech Cuisine and More in Prague
Czech cuisine includes a comforting array of braised meats and stews, hearty dumplings, and cabbage. In fact, the Czech diet is heavily meat-centric, which can be challenging to the vegetarian traveler. Pork and beef, for instance, are greatly represented on Czech menus. Pork can be served numerous ways – from braised varieties in thick gravies to goulash, to massive roasted knuckles and ... Read Full Article
A Visit to St. Norbert’s Brewery in Prague
Only one kilometer west of St. Vitus Cathedral and the heart of the Prague Castle complex sits St. Norbert's Brewery, better known in Prague as the Strahovský klášter (Strahov Monastery), a Premonstratensian abbey that has been in Prague since the 12th Century. Since the 17th Century, beer has been brewed on the premises in a style altogether different from the more modern Pilsner varieties that ... Read Full Article
European Beer: Tipple Across Europe on St. Paddy’s Day
In time for another of Europe’s favourite days for a tipple of beer - St. Patrick’s Day - here is a guide to five countries where you’ll get a history lesson with every pint (don’t worry, you won’t be quizzed). When you think European beverages, you probably conjure up French wine, Italian Limoncello, Russian vodka, or maybe Greek ouzo if you’re adventurous. European beer, although always a ... Read Full Article
Savoring Czech Beer
For over forty years, Czechoslovakia was all but inaccessible for westerners. As Soviet influence enveloped neighboring countries, local delicacies and tastes were, to a degree, lost or forgotten by those outside their borders. Thankfully, over the past twenty years, as Eastern Europe has opened back up and welcomed visitors from around the world, we can enjoy the best the Czechs have to ... Read Full Article
Christmas Markets in Prague
If you're looking to combine your souvenir shopping with your Christmas gift search, save yourself the stress and exhaustion, and make your way to one of Europe's Christmas markets. Keep warm and jolly with delicious food and drink as you enjoy the easiest shopping experience ever in Prague! By now, the svarak (hot mulled wine) vendors have set up their carts all across town, offering ... Read Full Article
An Eye on Czech Culture: Filmmakers of the Czech Republic
Prague is quite a city—ancient and spire-filled, cobblestones and beer gardens, bridges and marionette theatres. But probably one of the best ways to get in touch with the fabric of the Czech people, and as preparation for your trip to the Czech Republic, is to watch a few films by some of the greatest filmmakers of this nation. Czech filmmakers, just like Czech musicians, writers and ... Read Full Article
Cesky Krumlov: Fairytale Castles and a Little Slice of Bohemia
When the hoards of tourists start to cramp your style in the cobblestone plazas of Prague, solace awaits just a few hours south in the medieval town of Cesky Krumlov. Cesky Krumlov is like a fairytale village, something right out of Cinderella or Sleeping Beauty. The jewel of the town greets you on arrival, a looming, ornate Castle tower, the shining light of the vast grounds at the foot of a ... Read Full Article
Six Tips for Discovering the Authentic (and Cheaper) Prague
Most everyone knows that Prague has the Charles Bridge, excellent opera and those adorable horse-and-carriage rides that follow the cobblestone roads into the sunset. But come on, don’t you want to live it up and live like a local, not just a skimming-the-surface tourist? Uncover the beating heart of Prague when you try out some of these insider suggestions at very non-touristy ... Read Full Article
Chateau Mcely: The Czech Republic’s Green Castle in the Forest
Fairy tale and magical lore abound at this "Green Castle" located in famous St.Georges Forest in the Czech Republic. From 1869 forward, it was the private rural manor of the Thurn-Taxis royal aristocratic family of Germany. What's most exciting about Chateau Mcely Spa and Forest Retreat is that it's the Czech's first 5 Star Green/Eco hotel and only the second Eco hotel in the entire European ... Read Full Article