Weekend in Prague, Czech Republic, one of three ways: on a budget, spending a bit more, or when the getaway calls for a splurge.
Getting there: Depart by March 12 at round-trip rates of $1,069 (10-night minimum stay); $1,089 (seven-night minimum); or $1,129 when staying one Saturday night; based on 14-day advance purchase. Valid on connecting Delta/Air France/KLM or United/Lufthansa service.
Trip tips: Prague, the city of a hundred spires and one of the most beautiful historical cities in the world, is a living textbook of architecture. Discover Gothic cathedrals, Baroque palaces, Renaissance gardens to modern cubism or functionalism architecture. Explore the cobbled side streets of Malá Strana — also referred to as the "Little Quarter" or Lesser Town. This quaint neighborhood with lantern-lit streets is situated around the foothills of Prague Castle, across the river from the Old Town. The area is quieter than New Town or Old Town and offers a true sense of Old Europe. The Baroque Town Square (Malostranské náměstí) is in the midst of traditional Czech restaurants and pubs. Plan trips at www.prague.eu/en. When dialing direct, use the prefix 011 followed by 420 (country code) + phone number shown below. At press time, 1 Czech Koruna (CZK) = 0.0433454 USD. Although the Czech Republic is part of the European Union, the euro is not yet widely accepted. Visitors, however, may see prices in restaurants, shops and hotels in euros or dollars (typically for their convenience). It is best to use your credit card as payment for major purchases (rental cars, hotels) and to exchange cash for local currency for small purchases.
BUDGET
Stay: Hotel Questenberk is a short walk to Prague Castle, one of the largest in Europe, and a 10-minute walk to the famous Charles Bridge. The hotel is part of the Strahov Monastery and lovely Petřín park — a perfect spot for an after-dinner stroll. Book directly online to receive double room rates from $72 (60 euros), including a welcome drink and amenity, coffee and afternoon refreshments and Wi-Fi. Uvoz 15, 220-407-600, www.questenberk.cz.
Eat: Grand Cafe Orient is the only cubist cafe in the world with cubist furniture, chandeliers, wallpaper and even coat racks. A full breakfast is less than $8. Light menu choices include salads, soups, baguettes, crepes, desserts and coffees (under $10). Located at the House of the Black Madonna, Ovocný trh 19, 224-224-240, www.grandcafeorient.cz.
Experience: Celebrate Carnival in the streets of Prague! The colorful Bohemian Carnevale spectacle, held Feb. 6-17, celebrates the "feast" before the "famine" or the Catholic Lent (Carne-vale means without meat) with costumed street parades, concerts, and special restaurant menus across the city. Free street events; www.carnevale.cz. Anyone wanting to spread the cheer can open a cafe or bar on Restaurant Day, Feb. 15. One-day pop-up restaurants will be found on house steps, on the street, in a park — anywhere; free. www.restaurantday.org.
MODERATE
Stay: A two-night "family" package at Appia Hotel Residences includes a two-bedroom apartment with a kitchenette, a sitting area with a sofa, work desk and chair. Included in the $348 (290 euros) rate are tickets to the Prague Zoo (considered one of Europe's best) and the National Technical Museum (for two adults, two children under age 15) and daily buffet breakfast. Sporkova 3/322, 257-215-819, www.appiaresidencesprague.cz.
Eat: Head up the funicular railway to Nebozizek Restaurant for a stunning day or sunset view of the city and Prague Castle. The restaurant is located in a glass conservatory surrounded by a forest. Choose from a selection of Czech and international dishes such as wiener schnitzel or venison goulash, $6.50-$10. Petřínské sady 411, 257-315-329, www.nebozizek.cz.
Experience: Enjoy Prague's Vltava riverside attractions on a gentle cruise through the city center. The long glass-enclosed boat features an open top deck and a heated lower deck (AC in summer). The two-hour cruise is offered daily at 3 p.m., an ideal time for coffee and a slice of traditional Czech cake. A bar also offers warm drinks and beers, wines, spirits; $14.75 (340 CZK). www.pragueexperience.com.
SPLURGE
Stay: The boutique Golden Well Hotel is surrounded by Prague Castle's rose gardens in quaint Lesser Town. During summer months, guests can access the private Emperor's gate that leads directly to the Royal Gardens. Accommodations (17 rooms, two suites) are elegantly furnished with Richelieu reproduction antiques and have the finest city views over red rooftops. Rates from $282 (235 euros). U Zlate Studne 166/4, 257-011-213 (or 1-888-646-5941), www.goldenwell.cz.
Eat: Restaurant Aromi serves traditional and simple Italian cuisine and has been the recipient of Michelin's Bib Gourmand award every year since its 2005 opening. Olive oil used comes from the restaurant's own 500-year-old olive groves, and other ingredients, such as cheeses, seafood, wines and grappas, are sourced from small Italian producers. A sample entree ($19.25) is grilled pheasant breast wrapped in guanciale (an Italian cured meat), pumpkin mash and pomegranate. Other entrees to $24.50; antipasti and pastas, $13-$16. Mánesova 1442/78, 222-713-222, www.aromi.cz.
Experience: Catch the live theatrical or musical performances held at numerous churches or venues such as the National Theater and the Palace at the Castle. For instance, tickets to Tchaikovsky's "Sleeping Beauty" ballet at the Prague State Opera average $25; from $44-$50 for tickets to the opera "Die Fledermaus" (Strauss). The Prague Experience offers a full 2015 calendar (prices vary); www.pragueexperience.com.
