For the Modernist
Where to Stay

CharleS BriDge: image SourCe BlaCk/JuPiterimageS; aStronomiCal CloCk: loiC BernarD/ iStoCkPhoto.Com; angel Statue: PaPPamaart/ iStoCkPhoto.Com; DanCing houSe WinDo WS: mounirzok

Buddha Bar Hotel – Recently opened in January 2009, this is the first resort bearing the famed restaurant’s name. From oversized stone bathtubs to live DJ music channels to a state-of-the-art fitness center, the boutique location, which has 36 rooms and 3 suites, mixes modern amenities with a mystical atmosphere. And of course, don’t forget the massive Buddha Bar restaurant, which the hotel’s website calls “a place to see and be seen.” www.buddha-bar-hotel.cz Icon – A sleek boutique hotel with plenty of bells and whistles, such as 26" flat screen TVs, iPod and MP3 connection, free high-speed internet, phones with skype connection possibilities, and biometric safes, which open from your fingerprint, is perfect for the techno-traveler. www.iconhotel.com Domus Henrici – In the Prague Castle area, the remodeled hotel sits in a house that dates from the 14th century. However, the 8-room hotel now affords a sleek design. www.domus-henrici.cz

What to Do

Zizkov Tower – The very unconventional television tower, created by sculptor David Černý, was completed in 1992. Although many call the tower ugly and object to its interrupting Prague’s traditional skyline,

we think it’s worth a look. www.tower.cz/
english/ english.htm

Dancing House – Designed by Canadian architect Frank Gehry and Croatian-born Czech architect Vlado Milunić, the deconstructivist building’s inpira-tion was two dancers — Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers. The building has caused some public debate over the years due to its unusual shape. The building is not open to the public, but the restaurant, which has stunning views, is: www.laperle.cz/uvod.php

For the Music Lover

Spring Music Festival – From April 19 to June 3, there will be performances in different venues in Prague, for the full program, visit: www.festival.cz/program/ categories?locale=en

Bertramka Mozart Museum – Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart visited the Bertramka villa in the late 1700s. The quiet estate gave the composer a place to work on his music. www.bertramka.com/lang=en Smetana Museum – LonelyPlanet.com refers to this 19th-century composer Bedřich Smetana, as the Andrew Lloyd Webber of his day. Known as the father of Czech opera, his work focused on Czech themes

and myths. The museum is located in Old
Town and will appeal most to true Smetana
fans. www.nm.cz/expozice-detail.php
For the Kids
Toy Museum – See traditional Czech toys
along with toys from all over the world
at this museum. http://www.prague.net/
toy-museum

Prague Zoo – One of the best zoos in Europe, it now includes a children’s zoo with machines where one can purchase low-calorie food to feed the animals. www.zoopraha.cz/en

For Everyone
For a comprehensive list of all the museums
in Prague from the Museum of Decora-
tive Arts to even the Postal Museum, visit
www.heartofeurope.cz

For listings of homes in Prague, email their local office at: centrala@century21-czech.cz

LEF T TO RIGH T: With 16 arches, the Charles Bridge connects Old Town and Mala Strana. Signs of the zodiac grace the Prague Astronomical Clock. An angel statue watches over the ancient city. The uneven windows of the Dancing House enliven the whimsical building.

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