Prague is one of the most popular travel destinations in Europe. The Capital of the Czech Republic is regarded as an architectural niche and a flury of new hotels are now springing up across the city to cope with this large influx of tourists.



The Czechs are very large meat eaters and unlike other European countries like their meat is served up with plenty of fat with thick rich tasty sauces. It is also not uncommon to receive pastry based side dishes and obviously the Czechs love their deserts. Traditionally the meal is accompanied by large volumes of the local Czech beer, wine may also be present.

It is no wonder that one in three Czechs are obese when you see the rather large Czech diet. The variety of food available includes traditional Czech soups which are well known for their richness and generous portions.

A favourite Czech soup is beef broth with liver dumplings or egg yolk and vermicelli. Typically thick soups are served as every day dishes and goulash soup is a particular specialty. Other popular soups are made from beans, peas and lentils.

Between March and November is the most definitely the most popular time for tourists and accommodation during this time can be tight. There are now many holiday homes and apartments available to rent direct from their owners which help provide a more personal choice of accommodation.

Another favourite is cabbage soup with thick slices of home made sausage. Eating soup is a good way of warming yourself up during Prague's cold winters. During the summer months' visitors are offered ham and horseradish rolls or toast with minced meat and peppers.

A favourite main course is pork and duck served with generous helpings of cabbage and dumplings. The pork is served with lots of fat and is said to taste quite different to pork served elsewhere around the world. Beef is also a popular dish and is often served roasted in a creamy sauce with dumplings. Some restaurants serve this with cranberries.

To finish off the meal fruit dumplings are often served. These can be stuffed with strawberries, cherries or plums and are dished up warm. If you do not fancy the dumplings most restaurants also offer home made pancakes with a variety of fillings.

The national drink is lager. It is served in a large chilled glasses and some of the bars serving it have existed since the Middle Ages. For those wine lovers, there is a large selection of Bohemian and Moravian wines available. The Czechs are keener on white wines and mostly young wines.

Most visitors who sample the traditional food at one of Prague's many restaurants agree that it is an experience that they enjoy and will come back for. The variation in price and choice ensures that there are restaurants to cater for almost all tastes and price ranges.

There are daily flights to Prague from all over the world and most European and American airlines have landing slots there. Prague's international airport is at Ruzyne and is only about 12 miles away from the city centre and regular buses transfer visitors from the airport to the city centre. It is no wonder that Prague is growing into one of the most popular holiday destinations in Europe.

So I hope you agree, a holiday to Prague is a must, just to sample to cities rich foods and lagers. Obviously you also need to make sure that your holiday accommodation is right also, because in such a historic city everything might be a little outdated.