One of Pragueâs main attractions is the views of the city itself, panoramas of the red roofs, iconic churches, spires, and leafy parks that comprise the Golden City. And the sightseeing doesnât have to end come dinnertime, as many restaurants and bars across Prague have terraces and gardens with sweeping views of the cityscape. While soaking in the storied surroundings, one can also delve into the blossoming Czech gastronomic scene and sample some of the cityâs most memorable meals â" and beer, of course. Here are five places that are perfect for summer al-fresco dining in Prague.
Pragueâs tallest building, City Tower, is located in the cityâs thriving business district â" just a few metro stops from the city center and its top floor, at a swooning 27 stories, offers unmatched birdâs-eye views over the entire capital. Itâs also one of the top destinations for Asian fusion cuisine, with stellar sushi and cocktails to be enjoyed either in the plush dining rooms (surrounded by picture windows), the swanky lounge area, or (for the brave) the open-air terrace which is furnished with comfortable sofas and chairs.
Open Mon.-Sat. 11 a.m.-2 a.m., Sun. 11 a.m.-midnight
City Tower, 27th floor,
Hvezdova 2b, Prague 4-Pankrác.
Tel: 222 755 380
Even if staying at the Hilton Prague isnât quite in your budget, itâs worth a splurge for a cocktail or two at the hotelâs rooftop terrace bar, which looks out over the river and Old Town and is the perfect place to take in the sunset with an equally colorful mixed drink. The bar has a regular lineup of DJs and other hip happenings, such as an ice bar in winter; and thereâs a full menu of grilled meats and other specialties hot off the grill.
Open nonstop
Pobrežnà 1, Prague 8-KarlÃn
Tel. 224 842 999
On a sprawling, converted barge moored just next to Manes Bridge in Old Town, this busy outpost of a successful local Italian chain boasts some of the best â" and best bang for your buck â" views of the Charles Bridge and Prague Castle. Pizzas and pastas are well-priced for the area, and can be surprisingly good. Reservations arenât accepted for the restaurantâs outdoor decks, so make sure to leave enough time for a possible wait (and an aperitif). Open daily 11:30 a.m.-midnight
AlÅ¡ovo nábrežÃ, by Mánesuv most,
Prague 1-Old Town
Tel:222 316 744
While the Czech Republic may certainly be landlocked, at places like La Terrassa one can imagine that the lapping of the Vltava River is actually the Mediterranean â" almost. The quality of the fresh seafood and tapas plates have a hand in this, as do the pitchers of sangria. Located on a narrow strip of land that juts out into the river, this restaurant provides mostly outdoor seating and has great views of the colorful building facades of the New Town as well as the iconic National Theater.
Open Mon.-Thurs. 11 a.m.-midnight, Fri.-Sat. 11 a.m.-1 a.m.
Janáckovo nábrežà – Detský ostrov, Prague 5-SmÃchov
Tel: 725 161 616
Quite a newcomer to the scene, Terasa Anker, or T-Anker for short, takes over the large rooftop space of the faded-glory Kotva department store on Republic Square. The intimate, immediate views of the rooftops of Old Town are hard to beat, giving an up-close look at the intricate designs of windows and spires not visible from the street. Oh, and itâs main focus is beer: with up to a hundred labels, to be exact. Several rotating taps offer Czech and German specialties, and many, many more from around the world are available in bottles. Itâs better for a liquid lunch, though, as the grilled meats can be hit-or-miss.
Open daily 9 a.m.-10 p.m.
Kotva, fifth floor. Nám. Republiky 8
Prague 1-Old Town
Tel: 722 445 474
Written by Guest Contributor Fiona Gaze for EuropeUpClose.com. Fiona Gaze is a food and travel writer based in Prague.
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