A particularly pleasant spa town, and the most popular with tourists, is Karlovy Vary in west Bohemia. Located on the confluence of the rivers Ohre and Tepia, it has many thermal springs. The Hot Spring Colonnade houses the Pramen Vridlo, a geyser which spouts to a height of twelve metres. The second most popular spa town is Marianske Lazne which is located in the same region. Surrounded by verdant hills, it is filled with grand houses and gardens from the nineteenth century. As always, the waters are claimed to have curative powers. Whilst these towns may be popular, nothing compares with Prague which is the sixth most visited city in Europe. Once you alight in the city, you will understand why this is so. The River Vitava cuts the town in two which was thankfully saved from widespread destruction during the second World War. Its historic centre dates from medieval times and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The old town lies on one side of the Charles Bridge and Prague Castle is on the other. It is known as the 'city of one hundred spires' and this is hardly an exaggeration as there are churches, large and small, on every corner. The Astronomical Clock on the Town Hall in the old square, dates from 1410 and is still in good working order. Each hour, Jesus and his apostles and a variety of other sculptures, move around the clock. There is so much to see in the city that if your stay is short, you may need to prioritise your sightseeing. Be sure to include the Charles Bridge dating from the the fourteenth century; the Jewish Quarter with the oldest synagogue in Europe built in early Gothic style in the thirteenth century; the fort, Vysehrad dating from the tenth century; Prague Castle from 880, the largest medieval castle in Europe. In the Prague Castle complex, there are churches, including St. Vitus Cathedral, palaces, museums and galleries as well as historic houses in Golden Lane.
The Czech Republic has accommodation to suit most budgets. Whether you choose a five star hotel or apartment, a bed and breakfast, a guest house or even a hostel, you'll find modern amenities providing comfort and good service. Restaurants, bistros, bars and cafes provide a wide choice in terms of cuisine and affordability. Eating out is usually cheaper than at home. There'll be a choice of evening venues so that, whatever your mood, there'll be one to suit. Prague has become a popular destination for stag and hen weekends.
