In anyone’s book, the overt beauty of Prague cannot be disputed. Centuries of history decorate the ancient streets in the maze of cobbled lanes, magnificent architecture and inimitable character of neighbourhoods like Vinohrady and Bubeneč. But for those who enjoy their history with a bit of mystery and their culture with an urban edge, there’s even more to get excited about.
Home of the original bohemian literary giant Franz Kafka, Prague has always had the tick of approval from the arty, cutting edge crowd. A subtle creative undertow defines a host of fashionably highbrow districts tucked in and around the city centre, and it’s in these vibrant microcosms of culture and creativity that you’ll find the uber-cool contemporary heart of the hipster scene.
Explore
If you want to discover the city’s coolest places you’ll have to head a little off the beaten track. Google Maps at the ready, let’s go!
Buy the Book in Baobab
Bookworms, prepare to burrow! Baobab is a fantastic little find in the heart of the quirky Vršovice District, and this family-owned publisher and bookstore was founded to give voice and vision to the city’s talented artists and writers. While the stock may be all children’s books, if you’ve got an artistic eye or a dream of your own, the exquisite illustrations and designs are a creative’s dream.
To Market, To Market
Want to see how the locals do Prague? Head to the farmers’ market in the pumping Jiřího z Poděbrad Square, which is held from Wednesdays through to Saturdays. Whether you’re there to shop for the fabulous local produce, pastries and cheeses, or simply want to immerse in the ambience of a truly local district, every one of your senses will be stretched to the limit in this confusion of colour, cacophony and delicious aroma. Tip: try everything!
Boho Vintage
For the coolest vintage finds that nobody back home will have, you’ll discover a veritable Aladdin’s Cave at Boho Vintage, in the Vršovice district. It’s certainly small but it’s packed to the rafters with fabulous pre-loved fashion and antique jewellery. It’s easy to spend an hour trawling through the racks, and whether you hit your own personal vintage jackpot or not, you’ll have fun trying. And, as this place is mainly visited by locals, you’ll feel like you’ve discovered a real hidden treasure.
Bio Oko
Patronised by culture buffs, serious art critics and earnest young students, the independent airport transfer to Prague, on Františka Křižka Street, is a fantastic place to slip in for a cheap film and a taste of local life. Showing everything from classics to documentaries, and biopics to blockbusters, there’s something for every mood at the Bio Oko – or you can just go to people watch the people watching… (N.B: most films are subtitled if they are not in English.)
Eat, Drink and Be Hip
If you want to discover the more traditional tastes and eschew the dodgy tourist fare (and we know you do), we’ve got just the thing in the hippest district of all – Vršovice.
Café Sladkovský
This funky retro café is right at home in the eccentric district, with its quirky 1950s decor and casual, youthful ambience. Renowned for its delicious burgers (and rightly so!) and extensive range of local beers, Café Sladkovský has been a city institution for the cool kids since 2010, catering to an eclectic mix of locals and travellers.
Kavárna Slagr
If you want to indulge your sweet tooth and tell yourself it’s really all in the name of culture, this 1920s inspired café is your answer – and we’re certainly not going to argue. The fabulous décor and funky music are the perfect appetite enhancers for the array of unbelievably tasty cake, gelato and sweet treats.
Café v Lese
You don’t just get great food, coffee and atmosphere in the Café v Lese, you get a wealth of history simply oozing from its playful décor. Set on the site of the original Shakespeare and Sons bookstore that began the “hippification” of Vršovice, the café is a true meeting place, where locals and travellers come together to celebrate their differences of culture over a drink and live music. A true cultural and social adventure.
InCider Bar
If you’re into craft cider (and here’s a tip, in Prague you should be!), InCider Bar offers an outstanding selection from small batch breweries. While the Czech Republic is renowned for its beers, craft ciders are a great alternative. Even if you’ve never tried it before, this is the place to do it as the owner is often on hand to offer advice for your tasting session. Na zdraví!
Tip: If you’re looking for some more inspiration to plan an itinerary, this blog post shares some of the city’s more unusual attractions.
How to Get to Prague
Getting to Prague for a short break is easy and there are plenty of cut-price fares to be found with budget carriers like easyJet and Ryanair. Tickets start as low as £29 and, with a flight time of just two hours from UK destinations, you can be as spontaneous as you like and it won’t cost the earth.
The most convenient and cost effective way of getting to your hostel in the centre of the city is on a Shuttle Direct airport transfer to Prague. Make a simple online booking so that when you land at Prague Airport (PRG) there’ll be a friendly driver waiting to take you right to the door of your accommodation. Think an airport transfer is too expensive? Think again, because with budget friendly shared services, you’ll have cash to spare for all the fun stuff!
Where to Stay:
Hostel Downtown: This fun, friendly and modern hostel offers a comfortable stay with all the mod cons for a fantastic price. Situated in a very central location, close to attractions and a Metro station, the airport transfer to Prague provides a host of excellent facilities including free Wi-Fi, use of computers and a communal lounge. Choose from private rooms or dorm accommodation.
Hostel Franz Kafka: Just 100m from the Old Town, airport transfer to Prague sets you right in the heart of fabulous Prague. Within walking distance of all the attractions and just two minutes from a Metro stop, the surrounding area is bustling with shops, cafes and restaurants. You can choose from a shared dormitory or a private room, and this bright, friendly hostel offers a clean, comfortable stay in an unbeatable location.
Little Quarter Hostel: Just 200m from Prague Castle, the airport transfer to Prague is set in one of the most historic areas of the city. With the option of dorms or rooms, all with private bathrooms, it’s a wonderfully social place, offering a lounge area, games room, night bar and superb roof top terrace. The free Wi-Fi is an added bonus.
About Shuttle Direct:
If you’re looking for the best value ride straight from the airport to your accommodation, Shuttle Direct is the most trusted name in comfortable and affordable airport transport throughout Europe and Northern Africa. Make a quick and easy online booking and a friendly driver will be be there to meet you. Let us take the hard work out of your travel arrangements!
