Romantic Prague

ESCAPING THE COLD

In the cold of winter, your ramblings through Prague will require frequent indoor stops for a hot drink. One of Prague’s little gems is tucked away in a courtyard off Wenceslas Square, easily accessible on foot. This is Dobrá čajovna, one of a series of tearooms throughout the Czech Republic. The tearoom is comfy, warm, and has a staggering array of teas for drinking as well as for buying to take home. You can also get your tea to go.

Another impressive venue, and one with a distinguished past, is Café Louvre. These premises were a favorite of the likes of Albert Einstein and Franz Kafka, among many other notable personalities. These days, the beautiful surroundings are perfect for spending time with your loved one while enjoying a drink or a full meal.

Let’s face it: Winter in Prague is cold. And walking on the cobblestones often leaves you with aching feet. Given these facts, it only makes sense to go for a couples massage at one of the myriad massage studios in Prague. Various types of massages are available, and the oil massage – especially after your skin has been exposed to the cold – is particularly blissful.

For a romantic meal, you can try the picturesque Hergetova Cihelna, located in Prague’s stunning Malá Strana quarter. Not only will you have a delightful time walking there from the Charles Bridge, the restaurant overlooks the Vltava River, the Old Town, and, of course, the bridge itself. The menu is extensive, the premises gorgeous, and you may even spot a celebrity!

VALENTINE'S DAY

Valentine’s Day is a good day to be in Prague. Although it’s still winter, the days are longer, and spring is just around the corner. You’ll be off to a good start by booking your room at Appia Hotel Prague in the heart of Malá Strana. Services include a hot and cold buffet breakfast, 24-hour reception, transportation to/from the airport, and parking, among others. You’ll be in an ideal place to explore the city, with fascinating little stores in unexpected locations. One such store, near the Kafka Museum, has a staggering array of iced gingerbread cookies, including, of course, heart-shaped cookies. Nearby is Bakeshop Praha, which always has heart-shaped goodies for Valentine’s Day.

If you want to keep out of the cold, you can always book a river cruise. The boats have a viewing platform and a heated interior, and some offer a hot buffet and/or live music. You’ll have the opportunity to view Prague in an entirely different way, and since the longer cruises take place after dark, you’ll see both sides of the city brilliantly illuminated.

ROMANTIC EVENINGS

Prague’s Estates Theatre, dating back to the late 18th century, is a perfect choice for an evening at the opera,  as is the 19th-century National Theatre. These venues are just right for experiencing one of the famous Czech operas, such as Smetana’s The Bartered Bride or Dvořák’s Rusalka. The theaters are both exceptionally well-decorated and well-maintained, and they are very easy to find.

If your dream is to be married in Prague, you’re in luck! Many wedding coordinators offer comprehensive wedding packages. If neither of you is Czech, you will have to provide (and apply for) various legal documents in order to be married here, but your wedding coordinator will take care of everything on this end. Some couples opt for a symbolic wedding (one which is emotionally binding, but with no legal effect). This can be done, and easily. If you want the Big One – the one in which you truly “tie the knot” – then, again, you can do it here. Wedding offers range from the most basic (ceremony only) to a massive event with family, friends, beautiful premises, catering, a wedding photographer, and basically anything else you want for your special day. This includes the all-important wedding cake; several bakers in the city excel at these creations.

GETTING MARRIED?

Should you wish to be married in one of the Czech Republic’s most romantic wedding venues, which has been voted as such four years in a row, take a look at Romantic Hotel Mlyn Karlstejn. It’s closed during the winter, but you can always book the three-day window between December 28 and January 1 to get a feel for the place before returning in warmer weather for your one-in-a-lifetime day. The hotel is across the river from the breathtaking 14th-century Karlštejn Castle, which is well worth a visit.

If you are looking for a place to spend your honeymoon, come to Prague! If you are celebrating a special event – your anniversary, a birthday, Valentine’s Day – again, give the city a visit. You are certain to find one romantic experience after another, creating indelible memories of your trip and stay in one of the H&Hotels Group properties for your unforgettable experience. 

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Article written by Erin Naillon