By Joann Plockova in Prague— Prague has its share of tours – via shuttle bus, horse drawn carriage, and antique car – but why would you pay top dollar when you can hop on the tram (street car) for just 26 kc? Comprised of 33 lines, Prague’s tram system offers not only a local perspective, » Read more

By Nicky Gardner and Susanne Kries— During a day or two in a small town in the Czech Republic this summer, we noticed a local gently chiding two tourists for smoking while standing at a bus stop in a small village. The lady’s reprimand was delivered in the politest possible way, and clearly no offence » Read more

By Joann Plockova in Prague—Prague is a magical city. But Prague Castle and the city’s exceptional architecture are only a part of what makes it such a must-visit. One of Prague’s lesser-known wonders is its myriad number of public parks. In warmer months when these green spaces are in full bloom, locals and tourists alike » Read more

Viewing great art often comes at a price, but in addition to offering an impressive number of museums and galleries, Prague offers plenty of opportunities for museum discounts on its already fair admission prices. These discounts include special reduced-price hours and even free hours. Here are a few museum discounts I’ve come across (or have » Read more

September marks wine harvesting season in the Czech Republic (yes, there is a beverage beyond beer here), and wine harvest festivals are held throughout the country in celebration. Amongst them is the weekend-long Prague Wine Festival (September 17-19, 2010). Along with the opportunity to sample hundreds of wines, this event offers an accompanying cultural and » Read more

There’s no denying Prague’s impressive array of museums. It’s quite difficult not to gape at the elegant National Museum looming over Wenceslas Square, for instance, and many an art fan has wiled away an afternoon at the Mucha Museum. But the city also presents a less formal, burgeoning art gallery scene. To plan your own » Read more

The Czech Republic is way more than just Prague. Unfortunately, few people venture out into the lovely countryside, spending their holiday just in the city, or perhaps popping out to a nearby castle. To truly experience the country, (or any country) you must leave the “big” city and explore the smaller towns and the countryside. » Read more

Almost every five years, from 1955 until the fall of communism, Prague’s massive Strahov sporting complex hosted the regime’s Spartakiáda gatherings. Meticulously choreographed and set to song, these displays of synchronized gymnastics replaced the impassioned calisthenics shows organized by Czechoslovakia’s Sokol nationalist movement. Despite enjoying a few brief revivals, Sokol has largely faded, save for » Read more

June 30, 2010. As we have said before, it is not compulsory to take the fast train. On most routes through Europe, there are plenty of slow train alternatives, often more scenic and sometimes much cheaper. A great weekend bargain in Germany On the weekends, for example, travelers can roam the length and breadth of » Read more