VISITING PRAGUE SHORT BREAK FROM DUBAI

Visiting Prague short break from Dubai

Get an INSIDER’S VIEW to visiting PRAGUE

Scroll down to these headings:

• Why bother visiting Prague
• Where to stay in Prague – plus video
• What you MUST do in Prague – My top picks – plus video
• Top Tips to visiting Prague

Why bother visiting Prague?

Prague is just under 6 hours flying time from Dubai. Both Emirates and Fly Dubai have direct flights at sensible times. Prague is a historical city with the most incredible architecture I have ever seen. The people in Prague are some of the most friendly I have ever met and English is very widely spoken.

It is a city rich in culture and tradition. Prague is designed to walk around or take the tram so you can get fit and be educated at the same time! So maybe avoid the middle of summer when I think it would be too crowded to enjoy properly. We visited during Easter holidays.

Where to stay in Prague?

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Stay at the Mandarin Oriental in the Mala Strana area of Prague, known as the Lesser Quarter, if you can. The hotel has been expertly converted from an 11^th century Franciscan monastery and is steeped in history itself. The location is perfect as it’s just 5 minutes walk to the iconic Charles Bridge.

The area is tranquil; it’s less chaotic and noisy than across the bridge. The atmosphere in Mala Strana is genteel and almost has a fairy tale like quality to it. You may hear classical music being rehearsed as you walk past a window, see fresh apple strudel and coffee being made in one of the independent cafes.

You may also see people like me stopping to admire the detail in the doors of the grand buildings that now house ambassadors and embassies. It feels a completely safe area too; we were glad to come back here after our sightseeing trips.

If you have time, do try the Spa at the Mandarin Oriental in Prague, I had a geranium and rose facial using Aromatherapy Associates products but I would have agreed with anything my therapist Jana suggested if I could get a complexion like hers!  I tried some yoga in the spa but this time on the glass floor so I could see the relics from centuries gone by; a very unique setting to salute the sun.

The hotel runs free tours that last about an hour and provide a fascinating insight into the history of it’s construction. At the moment these are only run on a Saturday but this may change. They are free of charge and you’ll learn about a style of design called Monastic Chic!

Service at the Mandarin Oriental in Prague is exceptionally high. I have never before seen a concierge so delighted at the idea that at last someone (my husband) had use for his special sim card adaptors that fit all smart phones! Neither have I ever come across a magazine article carefully bookmarked for me when all I did was throw it carelessly open at the page I was reading in the bathroom!

What you MUST DO while visiting PRAGUE : A FREE Itinerary tried and tested

•  See the Prague Castle complex
• See the terrace (and have lunch or a coffee) at the Lobkowicz collection in the Prague castle grounds
• Walk down the street with symbols on the way back from Prague castle towards the Old Town
• Wander around Prague’s Old Town Square with no objective in mind other than to ramble
• Walk across the Charles Bridge a few times in fact at different times of the day
• Walk across a bridge one along from the Charles Bridge to see the swans and get a different view
• Look at some of Prague’s Churches in the Old Town Square – St Nicolas, The Tyn and the Infant Jesus are really well worth a look
• Walk around Prague’s open air food market by the Vtava river on a Saturday morning

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Additional options in Prague may include:

• Taking in a Microbrewery or 2
• Eating  some Fresh apple strudel and coffee
• Experiencing a Prague tram (Take the number 22 to the Castle!)
• Seeing the gorgeous library at Strahov
• Experiencing a bit of the Art Deco Prague if you can

TOP TIPS for Visiting Prague

Take a couple of pairs of very comfortable walking shoes and use the time difference if you’re coming from Dubai to get up early one day and walk across the Charles Bridge without all the crowds!

If you don’t plan to go out into the countryside then 3 nights is fine for this perfect short break destination from Dubai. Do take all your camera equipment as well !

See our TRAVELLING section Outside the UAE for more real trips you could take from Dubai or anywhere. If you fancy a trip a little nearer home, then stay subscribed for a post on Sir Baniyas Isand in Abu Dhabi!

Thank you

Monica