A concierge’s guide to Prague

Destinations
By Pavel Ruml
July 13, 2023

Want to see the best of the Czech capital? Pavel Ruml, Concierge at Mandarin Oriental, Prague, is the man to ask for advice.


Pavel Ruml joined Mandarin Oriental, Prague in 2006, as part of the hotel’s opening team, and he’s absolutely the best person to help you make the most of this multi-layered city. Naturally, he’s got some surprises up his sleeve, from virtual reality adventures to sunset cruises with a view.

Visitors walking past Frank Gehry’s Dancing House on a sunny day

Dancing buildings and giant babies

Prague’s famous for its perfectly preserved mediaeval buildings, but the city has also some thrilling modern architecture. Not far from Mandarin Oriental, Prague is Frank Gehry’s Nationale-Nederlanden building, also known as the Dancing House. It’s an innovative piece of contemporary architecture, which looks like two office blocks waltzing together. The hotel’s also very close to Museum Kampa, whose terrific modern art collections has a focus on Czech artists. In the park outside, you can’t miss David Černý’s sculptures – three enormous bronze babies, crawling along the ground.

A VR headset lit up and ready for play

Take a virtual reality check

It might seem strange to travel abroad only to immerse yourself in a virtual reality experience, but the Prague branch of toy store Hamleys includes a series of ambitious VR experiences. There’s a VR playroom, underground arachnoid rescue mission, and time-travelling Golem VR experience, which plays out across seven levels. A safe bet for teens.
An Art Nouveau-style residentialbuilding on Parizska Street, the entrance to Prague’s Jewish Quarter

Discover the Jewish Quarter

Prague’s Jewish Quarter (Josefov) is in the Old Town, and it’s one of the best-preserved examples of its kind. In the mediaeval period, the city’s Jewish population was confined to a small neighbourhood within the city and granted protection by the king. Wandering its narrow streets and sights is deeply atmospheric, from the gently crumbling cemetery to the domed Spanish Synagogue.

The Lookout Tower standing atop Petřín Hill in Prague

Find Prague’s own Eiffel Tower

If you’re travelling with children, you can’t go wrong with Petřín Hill. It’s a beautiful hill covered in leafy, peaceful parks, right behind Mandarin Oriental, Prague. You can take a funicular railway up to the top, have fun in a mirror maze, get an ice cream and admire the view from the Lookout Tower, a 19th-century tribute to Paris’s Eiffel Tower. Prague’s version might be a bit smaller, but, as the tower is on top of the hill, the top is at the same altitude as the peak of the Eiffel Tower.

The creek of Vltava River and the Velkoprevorsky Mill in Prague

Hop aboard our private boat

Mandarin Oriental, Prague is right beside the Vltava River and we have our own boat, so can arrange cruises for guests – including at sunrise or sunset, with a glass of wine in hand. I’ve always thought the most romantic view of Prague is when you’re looking back at it from the water. You can also ask the boat drop you at Kampa Island, to visit Museum Kampa.

All offers and experiences available at time of publication. Please contact the hotel team for more information.

Pavel Ruml
About the Author
Pavel Ruml
Pavel Ruml is Concierge at Mandarin Oriental, Prague.