Prague, located at the heart of Europe, has been a thriving city for 1,000 years. During the Middle Ages, it was larger then London or Paris. Europe’s first university, still operating today, was founded there.

The city has both prospered and suffered under foreign occupation. The Hapsburgs ruled from the 16^th century until 1918, during which time many of the baroque buildings that grace the city were built. Prague felt under Soviet rule for the four and a half decades following World War II. Finally, in 1989, the "velvet revolution" restored independence - without a shot being fired.

Today the Czech Republic is booming with business and visitors. Entrepreneurs have made this one of the Europe’s fastest-growing economies, and international firms have rushed to make their franchises available to visitors and residents alike. Dunkin’ Donuts and McDonalds now stand side-by-side with centuries-old Bohemian coffee houses crowded with students.

Who goes there?

Prague is ideal for people who appreciates history, the arts, folklore and shopping. It retains its medieval charm lost by such cosmopolitan meccas as London, Rome and paris, and is truly one of Europe’s most beautiful capitals.

Attractions

At the heart of Prague sits Old Town Square, filled with pastel-colored houses; Gothic, Renaissance and baroque buildings; museums; churches with elaborate facades ; and the spectacular Golz-Kinsky Palace. Horse-drawn carriages take visitors around cobblestone streets, and cafes serve snacks at sidewalk tables. If one had only an hour to soak up the city’s ambience, Old Town Square would be the place to spend it.

The original Old Town Hall dates back to 1338. It is now and eclectic row of buildings, each with its own colorful facade. The 230-foot tower affords the best views of Prague. The Astronomical Clock is especially interesting. Built in 1490 (legend has it the town fathers then blinded the clockmaker so he could never replicate this masterpiece), it shows the time, the stage of the moon and the current orbit position of the sun around the earth.

Among the most visited spots in the Old Town Square is the Church of St. Nicholas, which took 60 years to build it. It holds an enormous crown-shaped chandelier; a frescoed dome, organ and vault; an ornate pulpit; and one of the richest interiors of any churches in the world. Concerts are offered during the summer.

Prague was once a center of Jewish culture in Europe, and much of that community’s history can be seen in the Jewish Quarter. The synagogue dates back seven centuries, and the 16-th century Jewish Town Hall still operates in that capacity. Visitors should also stop at the old cemetery - so overcrowded that graves had to be built on top of one another; some of the dead are interred as deep as 12 feet.

Accommodations

Prague’s accommodations range from youth hostels to deluxe hotels. At several deluxe hotel, a standard double room runs about $300 in high season. The Palace Hotel, with 125 rooms, is Prague’s most expensive property, situated on quiet street near Wenceslas Square. Renaissance features luxurious accommodations in 309 rooms near Old Town. The 392-room Intercontinental, set on the banks of the Vlatova River, offers sensational views.

Dining

Prague is the city where eating out is always fun, safe and affordable. It is still possible to get a full meal in a good restaurant for $8. A hamburger costs 50 cents. Czech beer is around 60 cents.

English is spoken in better restaurants. There is quite a difference between the range (and prices) of food served at a pivnice (pub), kavarna (café) and restaurace (restaurant). As in many European countries, a service charge is automatically added to a restaurant bill; check before leaving a tip. There is often a charge for such items as water, bread and condiments.

Czech cooking is similar to Austrian and Hungarian - hardly surprising, considering the 400-year link to the Austro-Hungarian Empire. Meals are based around meat dishes, accompanied by dumplings and potatoes.

Getting there

CZA Czech Airlines operates daily Airbus A-300 flights nonstop from Newark during the summer. Delta has direct service from JFK through Frankfurt, Germany. In addition, Austrian Airlines operate flights through its Vienna hub.

Upon arrival at Prague’s spacious new airport, the least expensive way to get downtown is the direct coach service to Republic Square in central Prague, for $3. Some hotels also offer airport pickup.

Visitors should beware of Prague’s taxis. There is no regulation of fees, so any rate is legal if it is posted on the door. Many hotels have arrangements with specific cabs, which provide guests with set rates. If hailing a taxi, always agree on a approximate rate before getting into cab. In addition, avoid taxis around tourist areas, such as Wenceslas Square. Public transportation in Prague is safe, fast and inexpensive and a great alternative to taxis. A 24-hour pass for unlimited subway, bus or tram is priced at $2. Three day passes are less then $6, and weekly passes are less then $8.

Strongest selling points

Prague’s charm, beauty and affordability make it a traveler’s dream, especially for those who have done London-Paris-Rome circuit.