Posted on Monday, 9 April 2018

Split in two by the lazy Vltava river, Prague is a Gothic masterpiece of a city, a place where centuries-old architecture has become enveloped in Western decadence. This heady combination makes for an unforgettable romantic getaway - one that will win big points with your significant other.

Before the Velvet Revolution in 1989, the then-Czechoslovakian capital was a rather less happening place, blessed though it was with castles, palaces and bridges to rival the finest in Europe.

Today, Prague is the principle city of the Czech Republic, where most of the nation's money is made and spent. The city's residents have certainly welcomed Westernisation, yet without losing their dry, cynical humour, their rich culture - or most importantly, their beer.

As regards this last attraction the Czechs can lay claim to some of the world's finest malty imbibes. Delicious tipples like Staropramen and Urquell have rightly found favour in London, Paris and Berlin, but take some time to explore the innumerable bars in Prague and you'll find some even more rewarding beers: try a Velkopopovický Kozel or a Kout na Šumavě - if you can pronounce them. If your other half wasn't a beer lover before they arrived in the city, they will be by the time they leave.

Crowd Pleaser

The Czech capital can hardly be described as an undiscovered gem. Crowds teem across Charles Bridge, especially in summer - indeed they teem all over, from the Malá Strana district to the ever-popular medieval Staré Mesto area. But you and your lover will quickly forgive the many people, for the city offers such rich pickings in terms of architecture, art, history - and yes, beer.

A Romantic Day in Prague

Take your other half to the cosy café No 3, where world-class coffee and pancakes with blueberries and sour cream will fuel your morning adventures.

Step out onto the cobbled street, hand in hand, then saunter down to the ostentatious Estates Theatre - where a performance of Don Giovanni was once conducted by none other than Mozart.

Next, make a bee-line for the winding Vltava. The number 22 tram will lift you over this glittering wonder, into the charming Malá Strana district and way upwards to the Prague Castle complex. Wander through the inspiring millennium-old courtyard and absorb the romantic decadence. Speaking of courtyards, don't miss the Baroque example located in the nearby Strahov Monastery, where you'll also find a spellbinding 18th century library, complete with scintillating frescoes.

Make time for a romantic stroll in Petrín Hill Gardens, where numerous romances blossomed under the cherry trees. If you happen to be in town on May the 1st, be sure to brush lips under the tragic gaze of poet Karel Hynek Mácha - or at least that of his statue, which is located here.

For lunch, consider Mlynec Restaurant, affording supreme views of Charles Bridge. The modern, chic interior makes a fine counterpoint to the medieval vista outside. Start with the goat cheese croquets and foie gras pate, before sampling West Bohemian Pork, followed by Fried Fondant dessert.

Tummies - and hearts - will no doubt be full by now, but in case they're not, espying a pair of elegant swans as they glide under Legionnaire's Bridge will no doubt seal the deal.

We recommend avoiding crossing Charles Bridge if visitors are too numerous; besides, from Legionnaire's you can enjoy the more famous Bridge in all its glory.

In the afternoon, visit the site of the Velvet Revolution in Wenceslas Square. Having topped up your historical perspective, slip into the elegant Lucerna arcade (Vodickova 36.) for a spot of window shopping - or, if a romantic trinket takes your fancy, splash the cash on your favourite person.

iStock.com/Tatiana Dyuvbanova

In the evening, sample the expat-owned foodie haven called The Tavern, and tuck into a well-reviewed and super-juicy American burger.

Next, explore a few bars and top-up your Czech beer knowledge or, if cocktails and jazz are your vibe, inflame your respective passions with a sultry evening on-board a very special boat where quality jazz is played - they call it The Jazz Boat.

Amorous Accommodation

Icon Hotel

Chic and ever-so funky, the Icon Hotel features accents of copper and lavender, as well as some thought-provoking modern art.

Golden Well Hotel

Art Deco settees and wood-panelled interiors abound in the historic Golden Well Hotel. 17 rooms connected via a labyrinthine layout make for a unique place to rest your weary yet love-bound heads.

The Augustine

Pricey but oh-so trendy, the Augustine is formed around the 13th-century St Thomas Church and Monastery, where monks still go about their monastic business. These ancient features meld with a Cubist-inspired interior to create a truly unique - and rather romantic - setting in which to gather your partner in your arms for an evening of protracted amour, or perhaps a well-earned snooze.

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