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PRAGUE - STAY FOR LESS "Euros"

PRAGUE - Capital of the Czech Republic, on the River Vltava, emerged after it split with Slovakia in 1993. Since previous Soviet rule it is now making up for lost time; bars stay open late & at any time, day or night, you'll find bands of people wandering on the cobbled streets of the old town determined to find some fun. For you to join this happy band you need information from GB to settle in quickly.

ACCOMMODATION

No 1 - "Hostel Sokol" at Nosticova 2, Prauge 1 tele 02 5700 7397 Ideal location in Mala Strana district near Charles Bridge, historic building in private res. area. 270K for bed in 7/12 dorms, incl sheets & lockups. Basic kitchen facilities (microwave, cooker, crocks) & good sociable sitting/ reception area. Trams no 12, 22, 23 to Hellichova Street.

Reserve - Hostel Klub Habitat at Na Zderaze 10, Prauge 2 (In Nove Mesto district S. of Old Town Square) tele 02 2492 1706 Email: hostel@ iol.cz - , 400K, incl breakfast, in 2/3/4/ bed rooms. Renovated in 2000 the rooms are clean & fresh, with trendy sitting /reception area in basement. Metro Karlovo Namesti

Noted - Travellers Island Hostel, a dream location on Strelecky Ostrov Island, but only open June to August in the year tele 02 2491 0188 - check it out if your in season.

FOOD, indeed all provisions in Prague are so so cheap & for self caterers TESCO is in town with a wide range of fresh , deli & other foods but its speciality is " Little Caesars Pizza Station" where you can buy fresly cooked pizza slices for only 36K . Located on the main Narodni Street, at such low prices. Also the restaurant prices are unbelievably inexpensive so it's a close choice between S/C & eating.

TRAVELLING AROUND - Prague is not too large & most tourist places are within easy walking distance, but whatever the Czechs say about the Russians they did bequeath Prague with a super efficient public transport system. Metro, trams & busses cover every corner of the city & are cheap & reliable. Tickets cost just 8K for a 15min journey over ground or 4 stops on the metro & 12K for up to 60mins at peak times (5am - 8pm Mon to Frid) or 90mins off peak including limitless transfers. You buy your tickets from local shops & stamp them in the special machines when you start your journey.

"FREE" SIGHTS TO SEE AROUND PRAGUE

1. Charles Bridge - sculpture gallery by day & main promenade at night (called Judith till 1342)
2. Old Town Square - started 1338, Hologram 1410 on Municipal Halls with 12 Disciples on hour
3. Mala Strana - wander through the cobbled back streets to reveal the real Prague atmosphere
4. Kampa Island - formed by house rubble dumped after 1541 fire its Prague's Little Venice
5. Petrin Hill - with a funicular to summit & spectacular views from mini Eiffel Tower of 1891.
6. Strahov Monastery - 12C National Museum of Literature with 2 beautifully frescoed libraries
7. Vojan Park - hidden behind formidable walls it's a fine place to take a picnic & see sculptures
8. Wallenstien Gardens - the grandest in Prague, a formal Renaissance walled garden & stalactites
9. Belvedere - the Royal Gardens stand in the top Castle grounds, the most beautiful in the City
10. St Nicholas Church - With its enormous dome it's the grandest of the capital's Baroque churches
11. Vyseh rad Castle - 12th C seat of the 1st Czech King, a symbol of National Tradition - Cemetary
12. Dancing House - 1996 crazy designed "collapsing house" depicting waves & a pair of dancers
13. Vaclavske Namesti ( Wensleslas Sq.) - where Jan Palach & Jan Zazic died alight in 1969
14. St Vitus Cathedral - from 1344, only recently completed with spectacular stained glass windows

CHARGE SIGHTS NOT TO MISS

1. Castle - Pragues most distinctive landmark with dressy guards, burial place of St Wenceslas
2. TV Tower - looking like a Soyuz rocket, you have to take the elevator to see the view
3. Obecni Dum -Art Nouveau masterpiece of stained glass, extravagant murals, sweeping staircases

(Darren, Simon, Elenora, Luke, Charles)