If you’re planning a romantic winter break to Prague, be sure to check out one of the city’s outdoor ice-rinks. If you’re keen to get in touch with your inner Torvill (or Dean) then go to Ovocny Trh, a small square a short walk from Staromeskske Namesti, where you can whirl around the ice while admiring the pretty architecture of the Estates Theatre where Mozart’s Don Giovanni once premiered. While the rink not exactly huge there are skaters of all ages and abilities so you needn’t feel self-conscious if you’re more likely to stumble around than effortlessly glide. The best part? Skating is free and skate hire is a super reasonable 50kc for 60 minutes.

www.praha.eu/jnp/cz/home/zabava/sport/kam_vyrazit_na_brusle.html

* Lisette is our Been there local for Prague. You can read her profile here: www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/articles/prague-local-lisette.jsp and follow her tips here: www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/travellers/LisettePrague

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The charming Franciscan Gardens are tucked away just off Wenceslas Square, between Jungmannova and Vodičkova - a cool, peaceful oasis in the heart of central Prague.
The gardens have benches a-plenty, fragrant rose bushes and spots of shade under trees, making this a good place to escape to in the summer months.
Enjoy an ice cream bought from the adjoining Pasáž Světozor on a hot day, or simply rest your feet as the rest of Prague rushes past.
The gardens also have a small children's playground with a sand box and swings.

Open daily from 7 or 8 a.m. to 7, 8 or 10 p.m., depending on the month.

Enter from Jungmannovo náměstí, or through Pasáž Světozor from Vodičkova Street.
Nearest metro: Mustek
Google map: bit.ly/MYWAZ4

* Helen is our Been there local for Prague. Her page is here: www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/articles/prague-local-helen-ford.jsp and she has her own blog here: czechingin.wordpress.com/

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Podoli pool, about fifteen minutes south of central Prague by tram, is an absolute dream of a place. It has inside and outside (heated) pools, all open year-round, come rain, snow or shine. Time your visit carefully to come mid-week or very early on the weekend, as it’s very popular among Prague swimming clubs, old ladies in lilac swimming caps and flirtatious teens showing off on the diving boards.
Very good facilities including three pools, diving boards, waterslide, sunbathing spots and cafes. The changing facilities are functional but very clean. The warm post-shower ‘drying room’ is a particular favourite in the winter.
Like most pools in Prague, Podoli charges by time: 90 minutes - 80 CZK, 120mins – 100 CZK.
Bring 100 CZK in cash for a locker.
Open Daily 06:00-21:45

Podolska 74, Prague 4
Trams 3,16,17,21 to Kublov
www.pspodoli.cz/
Google map: bit.ly/jTOPSO

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In a city that may not seem to be the most obvious family-friendly destination, Prague's zoo is a welcome respite from the obligatory historical and cultural sightseeing for visitors with young children.It houses animals from all over the world, including big cats, gorillas and elephants, and there is also a children's zoo and play area for the little ones. If you still have the time and energy to spare, check out the splendid Troja castle and gardens over the road.
Well worth a trip out of the city centre.

U Trojského zámku 3/120,
171 00 Praha 7.
www.zoopraha.cz/en
(+420) 296 112 230
Take bus 112 from Nádraží Holešvice metro station.

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I use Prague-Stay.com when visitors come to Prague. The agents are really professional and friendly, the apartments are cool, located in the center and are much more reasonable than a hotel. One friend of mine stayed at the Franciscan Garden Apartments and his apartment was just amazing-it was all windows and had awesome views of Old Town and this massive Gothic church. I really suggest you have a look at their selection of apartments.

www.prague-stay.com

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It is a special show with "dancing water" or waterfalls and a small troupe of ballet dancers.The best is in summer in the late hours of the evening when the show is accompanied by lights too.

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It may sound like a nightclub, but this is actually a brilliant restaurant in the centre of Prague.
A variety of different food is served, there’s something which should please everyone's tastes. The restaurant is nicely furnished and along with its downstairs location and dark setting makes it feel warm and comfortable. The prices are very good, considering the central location of the restaurant and its warm and stylish atmosphere. Families are welcome and the service is friendly and quick, with English widely spoken.

Betlemske Namesti 169/5A
Prague

Phone: +420 224401214, +420 224248878

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Go up the TV tower and you'll get a fantastic view of the city. Enjoy the Soviet-era fun of the space race style building and wonder about the strange giant babies crawling up the side of the tower.

In Zizkov, a residential area to the east of the city. Take the tram straight from Wencelas Square.

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Want to trylu appreciate Prague? want NOT to be stuck in a toursit trap? Think Troja! this beautiful graden suburb, hoem to the world's most demanding embassies has many beautiful pensions waiting to provide you a base so that you can make the best of both holiday worlds in Prague: (1) with tram, bus and metro services to which you the 12 minites journey to the center every 5 minutes (if you don't want to walk by the dreamy Vltava river, you can make the most of the urban legends in the bustling center, and (2) when you want to wake up in rustic repose and spend a day reflecting on the beautiful things in life, you will find yourself surrounded by rollign vineyards, botanical gardens, one of the world's largest parks, the Vltava river not to mention villas to challenge any by Gandon & Co. Check it out as your next Prague base - you really will find yourself in luxury for a fraction of the price of palces in the centre: CZK800 per night being th eususal (en suite) room rate; Njoy!

www.villatroya.cz www.mapy.cz (type "Trojska 88" in the first seacrh box you see on top).

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It is one of the best preserved monuments of baroque in Europe, but unfortunately only few know and are able to enjoy this true masterpiece. It is a fairly large church near the Charles bridge in Prague. From the outside it does not look that impressive but once you are inside you are lost for words. I hope more English go for the architecture of this beautiful city rather than cheap beer; they just miss the point of being in Prague!

Malostranske namesti; 118 26 Prague, Czech Republic 30 min walk from the centre (Old Town Hall)

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This is a cafe but not as we know it. Think "old time tea room" then make it 10 times bigger, add a billiard room, liveried waiters, mirrored walls, sumptuous styling, fast and efficient service, very reasonable prices and English language newspapers free to read (The Guardian seems to be the one of choice for English tutors to use as source material). An absolute oasis.

www.cafelouvre.cz

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On the river to the north in Prague 7, the city zoo offers a decent day-out. The charming palace of Troja is next door also on the river and worth a peek.

Zoologicka zahrada v Praze U Trojskeho zamku 3, Troja, Prague 7; Tel: 296 112 230; Nearest metro: Nadrazi; Open: Jan, Feb, Nov, Dec 9am-4pm daily. Mar 9am-5pm daily. Apr-May & Sept-Oct 9am-6pm daily. June-Aug 9am-7pm daily; Admission: 80kc, 50kc children and students, 230kc family, under-3s free (no credit cards); www.zoopraha.cz/

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