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Known as 'The City of a Hundred Spires', Prague is a dream holiday destination for anyone who wants to see more European architecture. It's becoming ever more popular with tourists, classified as an 'Alpha' global city important to the European economy – putting it on par with Venice in terms of status. The city is the capital of the Czech Republic, next to the River Vltava. It has a temperate climate, making summer holidays warm and bright.
History and science
Prague's astronomical clock (the 'orloj') dates back to medieval times, and is the oldest example in the world that still works. The National Museum of the Czech Republic is based in Prague, as are the Museum of Decorative Arts and the Prague National Gallery. Outside the Museum Kampa, a gallery of modern art, the entrance is guarded by three giant baby statues. The grounds also have a sculpture of a large chair, which is visible from the other side of the river.
Food in the Czech Republic
Holidays in Prague aren't quite complete without sampling some of the local cuisine. Traditional dishes in Prague are filling and usually made with beef or pork. Soup is a popular starter, and you're likely to get knedliky – steamed dumplings – with your meal. Bramborak are Czech potato pancakes, and the influence of other European countries means you'll find French fries on many menus.
Sightseeing in Prague
You can get a great deal on cheap city centre hotels with lastminute.com, putting you at the heart of the action in Prague. The Old Town Square is full of pavement cafés for a spot of people watching. Make sure you see the Nationale-Nederlanden building by the river – it's nicknamed 'The Dancing House' or 'Fred and Ginger' because of its unusual architecture.
At Prague Castle, which was founded in 880, you'll find examples of Gothic and Roman architecture. You can also see even more of the city from the top of the 63.5m Petřín Lookout Tower. It's said to resemble the Eiffel Tower in Paris.
Family fun
The city is very welcoming, and visitors of all ages will find something to enjoy. The National Technical Museum is designed for kids to get a hands-on experience, and there's an entire Children's Island in the middle of the river. Adults can relax on the benches around the playground or at the bar and restaurant at one end of the island. Kids can also wonder at the Toy Museum inside the castle.
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