Between Meetings in Prague

The Heart of Europe. The Golden City. The Mother of Cities. These are just a few of the nicknames Prague has accrued over the years. The Czech capital – a popular business destination – is not only historically and culturally rich, it’s also the beer centre of the world, with alluring views and UNESCO World Heritage Sites thrown in for good measure. With so much to tick off your travel checklist, squeezing everything in between meetings can seem daunting. Let us take the pressure off with this guide to maximising your free time, from sampling Czech beers on your lunch break to short tours of Prague Castle and a scenic stroll over the famous Charles Bridge.

Try some Czech beers

While there’s more to the city than great beer, it’s a good place to start. Prague is famous for its beer scene and if you’re a beer fan, or wish to sample some of the world’s best brews in your free time, there are plenty of places to go. Prague Beer Museum serves up sample boards of five Czech beers of your choice, while U Fleků – one of Prague’s best beer halls – serves hearty food and brews in eight atmospheric halls and a garden.

Visit Prague Castle

Those convening in the city centre for meetings are in the perfect location to visit Prague Castel (Pražský hrad, in Czech). The castle, which is the largest ancient castle in the world, offers two tour options, long and short. The latter is best for a boardroom break and takes guests on a fascinating tour of St Vitus Cathedral, Old Royal Palace, Basilica of St George, Golden Lane and Daliborka.

View modern art at Veletržní Palác

While Prague’s history is fascinating, there’s a surprisingly rich contemporary arts scene to explore as well. If in need of some inspiration for your next meeting, take a breather from the office and feast your eyes on modern art at Veletržní Palác. The museum, set in a palace, is home to an excellent collection of works by world masters such as Van Gogh and Picasso, alongside Czech artists specialising in abstract, surrealist and cubist genres.

Dine on Czech cuisine

When far away from home, fill up on comforting Czech cuisine, which is generally hearty, carnivorous and filling. For Michelin star standards, head to La Degustation Bohême Bourgeoise, which serves fine dining tasting menus of six and 11 courses with wine and juice pairing. For a less opulent meal, head to popular gastropub Lokál, which has five locations across the city, all presenting daily-changing menus filled with Czech favourites.

Join a walking tour

If you’re short on time but want to sightsee, go on a walking tour of Prague. Sandemans New Europe offers a number of tours taking in the city’s top attractions. The Castle Tour is the best option if you wish to tick off Prague Castle, Charles Bridge and Old Town in one hit. For something a little different, try the Free Tour, which is charged on a tip-only basis.

Discover the city’s Jewish history

If you find yourself between Old Town and the Vltava River, stop by the Jewish Museum – a collection of six Jewish monuments and synagogues. As well as beautifully preserved original buildings, the museum houses a huge collection of Jewish artefacts, many of which were collected by the Nazis.

Stroll over Charles Bridge

Charles Bridge is one of Prague’s most photographed attractions and should be at the top of every visitor’s itinerary. A landmark of the city since 1390, the historic stone bridge crosses the Vltava River and offers beautiful views of the city banking the water. Particularly special at sunset, a stroll over the bridge is an inspiring way to close a working day.

Image credits: Charles Bridge © QQ7/iStock, Prague Castle © TomasSereda/iStock, Charles Bridge © Courtyardpix