Prague notes

I’ve been to Prague many times, but this last visit was the first time I’d seen it decked out as a winter wonderland, probably one of the city’s best looks.

The Prague Christmas markets offered up goodies including hot mulled wine, roasted chestnuts, and cylindrical pastries with a very unpronounceable name. Prices were lower than at Munich Christmas markets, and the variety of treats was more limited.

For this visit we rented an adorable apartment at Residence Belehradska, which is a short tram ride away from the city center and all the main sites. I can recommend this place to others looking for a vacation apartment in Prague, as it was absolutely charming and a very good value compared to other places I researched.

Lehka Hlava (Clear Head) is a centrally-located vegetarian restaurant with some funky interior decor and a yummy menu where we had one of my favorite meals in Prague. Reservations recommended.

Choco Cafe was the perfect stop on a chilly afternoon. Their thick, dark cups of chocolate are rich and delicious. We picked up a couple bags of their dark chocolate discs and used them in a heavenly chocolate fondue once we got home.

Prazsky Most u Valsu is a cozy gothic microbrewery and restaurant which made for a nice spot for a pre-dinner beer in the old town.

Another good meal was at Kolkovna – a big, inviting restaurant that offers authentic traditional Czech food in a tourist-friendly environment (ie, with well-written English menus and friendly English-speaking staff). The potato soup was heavenly.

Orange Moon provided tasty Thai offerings in the old town. Sometimes I feel guilty straying from the local cuisine when I travel, but Czech food isn’t exactly flush with vegetarian delights. Thai good.

Certain aspects of Prague – the restaurants in the city center, the prices – have changed a lot since my first visit 15 years ago, but my favorite bits are all still there, and just as I remember them. If you’re charmed by old European cities, Prague is definitely worth a visit.