The astronomical clock on Prague's Old Town Hall indicates local time, Sumerian time (divided into 12 parts between sunrise and sunset), "Italian hours" (from 0 to 23), the astronomical position of theearth and planets, and the calendar. It was built in 1410 by the clockmaker Mikulas of Kaldan and Professor Jan Sindel. The calendar was added in 1490, the moving statues in the 17th century and the Apostles in 1895. Both the town hall and the clock were heavily damaged during World War II. Death (the skeleton) tolls the bell every hour to alert the Turk, who shakes his head, while the Miser holds on to his sack of gold and Vanity admires himself in the mirror.
From the airport
Bus: catch bus 119 to Dejvicka (where it terminates) then take the A (green) metro line heading to the centre.
Some 70 Israeli designers get play at Incognito, a funky clothing shop where you will find fresh takes on women's and men's clothing and accessories. Great bags for the ladies.
From hats festooned with bows and pearls to more demure everyday hats, these designers have a piece for every occasion and will custom-make yours if they don't (28 Vaclavske Namesti, Prague 1).
Art Deco on Jansky Vrsek for everything from costume jewellery to glittery cardigans, all at low prices.
Treat yourself to one of the best messages in town after trekking around like a keen tourist all day. Appointments are a must, but the massage menu at Mystic Buddha is extensive and the prices are kept low.
Spend time meandering in one of the most romantic districts in Prague: Mala Strana, where you will find antiques shops, cafes, the city's best restaurants and jazz clubs.
Hardest hit by the floods in 2002, the neighbourhood of Karlin rose like a phoenix from the ashes and has become a warm and arty place to be. Walk the picturesque tree-lined street of Krizikova, and spend some time in one of the many cafes and restaurants nearby, and Karlin Studios.
Day trip
Telc. Catch a bus from the Florenc station to Telc, a UNESCO heritage site where you will find a town square with Renaissance architecture that is worth writing home about.
Mlada Boleslav. Learn about Skoda, the Czech national car, at the Skoda Auto Museum. Although skoda literally translates as damage or pity, this well-organised museum is nothing of the sort. Trains leave from Hlavni Nadrazi several times a day (the direct route takes 75 minutes)
From the airport
Bus: catch bus 119 to Dejvicka (where it terminates) then take the A (green) metro line heading to the centre.
Some 70 Israeli designers get play at Incognito, a funky clothing shop where you will find fresh takes on women's and men's clothing and accessories. Great bags for the ladies.
From hats festooned with bows and pearls to more demure everyday hats, these designers have a piece for every occasion and will custom-make yours if they don't (28 Vaclavske Namesti, Prague 1).
Art Deco on Jansky Vrsek for everything from costume jewellery to glittery cardigans, all at low prices.
Treat yourself to one of the best messages in town after trekking around like a keen tourist all day. Appointments are a must, but the massage menu at Mystic Buddha is extensive and the prices are kept low.
Spend time meandering in one of the most romantic districts in Prague: Mala Strana, where you will find antiques shops, cafes, the city's best restaurants and jazz clubs.
Hardest hit by the floods in 2002, the neighbourhood of Karlin rose like a phoenix from the ashes and has become a warm and arty place to be. Walk the picturesque tree-lined street of Krizikova, and spend some time in one of the many cafes and restaurants nearby, and Karlin Studios.
Day trip
Telc. Catch a bus from the Florenc station to Telc, a UNESCO heritage site where you will find a town square with Renaissance architecture that is worth writing home about.
Mlada Boleslav. Learn about Skoda, the Czech national car, at the Skoda Auto Museum. Although skoda literally translates as damage or pity, this well-organised museum is nothing of the sort. Trains leave from Hlavni Nadrazi several times a day (the direct route takes 75 minutes)
