The Ultimate Guide to Modern Travel In Prague

Set within a restored and expanded neo-renaissance building and designed by Matteo Thun & Partners, The Julius Prague offers accessible luxury in the historic city centre. As a destination, the capital of the Czech Republic has become a popular short break for many Europeans as well as a stop on many eurotrips across the continent. There’s also no getting away from the huge number of budget travellers here for the cheap beer and good times on offer pretty much everywhere. Many people will have first been introduced to Prague via blockbuster movies like The Saint (1997) and Mission: Impossible (1996), with Hollywood continuing to make great use of the untouched architecture that can easily be used to replicate Victorian streets or Eastern European cities from a bygone era.

The Julius Prague offers guests a range of 168 different residences complete with living rooms and separate bedrooms. There are also a number of cosy co-working spaces available that go beyond the usual soulless meeting rooms most hotels offer. This makes a big difference if you are here in a working capacity, or even combining some days looking for a remote office with a weekend of holidaying. It’s the modern way of making the most of time away, and this property is one of the first in the city to fully embrace this concept. The furnishings are top-of-the-range and there is also a clear separation in the design of all the spaces meaning that you don’t feel like the bed, kitchen, bathroom and living areas are all enclosed in one room.

Located in the heart of the New Town, which is conveniently no more than a five minute walk from the instantly recognisable Old Town, The Julius Prague has an ultra-modern design but also gives you a sense of authenticity. The diner and bistro serve up wholesome local dishes that are as good as any you can find in top rated restaurants nearby.

With such an excellent location, you’ll find many of the best things to do in Prague right on your doorstep. An obvious stop is the iconic Charles Bridge that arches over the Vltava River connecting to different parts of the city in style. It’s always busy here so at peak times it’s best to get a view of the bridge rather than stand on it. Don’t be surprised if you see Korean couples in their wedding outfits posing for photos here too as a hugely popular TV series that was set in Prague has influenced an entire generation to head to a particular spot and recreate a famous scene.

A slightly different landmark which can also be seen as a “couple” is a short along the banks of the river. Prague’s Dancing House is a unique property on the corner of a busy junction. Thanks to its striking looks, some people have compared its appearance to that of a couple in the middle of a sensual dance routine and as such it has affectionately gained the nickname of ‘Fred and Ginger’. To be honest I couldn’t quite make out iconic duo Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers when looking at the building, but there is no doubt it is unlike any other structure in the city.

Given how cheap the city is, there’s also a lot to be said for just stepping away from the overly commercial parts of both Old and New Town to find your own spot away from the crowds. The hip and trendy head to neighbourhoods like Holešovice and Karlín where cute cafes and old-fashioned bars deliver a range of food and drink that will fill you up in no time.

This is where Prague excels. Just like the Julius, the rest of the city is comfortable in its own identity yet willing to adapt to modern travel.