Located just minutes from Humboldt’s main campus, and an even shorter distance from where most classes are held, is this small movie theater. Though the theater can be hard to locate, once you do, it’ll become a staple hangout spot. A marquee marks the entry to an alleyway in which the theater is located. The alleyway itself could be considered a hip spot; the walls and shop doors are decorated with graffiti style art, and a number of picnic tables are installed under the words: Central Café. The theatre shows movies in German, English, and other languages. It plays American films but also shows more independent films and documentaries that aren’t typically found in American movie theaters.
Tadschikische Teestube
This is an unusual café in Berlin; this surprise fairytale tearoom was a present from the government of Tajikistan to the GDR. The carved columns, fine woven rugs and hanging tapestries were all hand-made and initially exported to Leipzig as part of an exhibition in 1974. The interior was relocated entirely in 1976 to the Palais am Festungsgraben, a former seat of the Prussian Ministry of Finance. When the teestube was donated the building was the ‘house of GDR-USSR friendship’, today the palace houses several grand ballrooms, which are all available for hire. In keeping with its heritage, the teestube is a celebration of Tajik culture serving accordingly authentic teas and light snacks, where visiting guests are asked to remove their shoes and sit on cushions at low-level tables. Every Monday at 6pm (winter only), a visiting storyteller entertains guests with traditional fairytales in German. The teestube is particularly popular at this time and reservations are advised.
Funkturm Observation Deck
The Funkturm is Berlin’s own slightly less impressive Eiffel Tower. The architect responsible for the design was Heinrich Straumer, who supervised a total of 140 technical drawings of the steel framework and based his design on the Eiffel Tower. Located in the far west of the city, this former broadcasting tower is a protected monument in Berlin and its observation deck has spectacular city views. Far less known than the TV Tower at Alexanderplatz, Funkturm offers a cheaper view from its observation deck which costs only 5€ ($5.88 USD).
Uli’s Museumsladen
The people of Hakenfelde certainly know Uli Feick and his bicycle shop, but Berliners from the 11 other districts of the city may not be so familiar. This Spandau resident exhibits beautiful historical bicycles and his shop is a go-to destination if you’re in need of any repairs on your own vintage beauty.
Gardens of the World
Berlin’s Gardens of the World is a 22-acre park of beautifully themed landscapes, hidden among tower blocks in Marzahn. The perfectly manicured gardens take visitors on a journey around the world as they wind their way from one continent to another. From an Arabian courtyard to a Balinese rain forest and hillside Korean temple, this stunning space is an impressive gem in Berlin. A must-see while in the garden is the Chinese garden—a picturesque ensemble of crystalline lakes, pagodas, and traditional gardens built entirely by Chinese craftsmen that offers an authentic look into traditional Chinese aesthetics.
Silent Green Kulturquartier
Silent Green Kulturquartier is located in the former historical Wedding Crematorium, and is an independent project that considers itself a site for interdisciplinary art and culture, and consists of a number of offices, studios and event venues. A self-proclaimed place for ‘thinking, research and experimentation’, the venue is home to leading art gallery SAVVY Contemporary and also has a year-round eclectic programme of music, film, art shows, as well as open discussions and lectures, many of which take place in a beautifully restored cupola. Even if the shows aren’t your cup of tea, it’s worth discovering this true architectural gem in Wedding dating back to 1911.
SO36
This is a regular feature on the calendar of the S036—the little Berlin bar made famous by the nighttime exploits of famous musicians like David Bowie. Now you can roll back into the smashing 70s with the bar’s monthly roller disco dance spectacle. You don’t need to have your own pair of old-school four-wheel skates, as you can rent a pair.
Skywalk Marzahner Promenade
For those who laugh in the face of extreme heights, this sky walk in Marzahn is worth checking out. It’s a secret, free viewing platform over the city perched atop a high-rise building that stretches 70 metres (230 feet) into the sky. You’ll be rewarded with breathtaking views of central Berlin and the surrounding state of Brandenburg.
Drachenberg
This mountain in West Berlin looms almost 100 metres (328 feet) over the Grunewald forest. Somewhat in the shadow of its more well-known neighbour Teufelsberg, Drachenberg (‘Dragon Mountain’) still attracts fans to its treeless, oddly-shaped plateau and is a great place to fly a kite or spot a few wild bores and foxes.
Magic Museum
It’s a fascinating little place filled with unique exhibits, which detail spells, witches and different forms of magic through the ages. you can wander leisurely through this museum. The friendly curator here is also extremely generous with his time and will happily answer any questions you have.
Berlin Attraction
Reichstag
The Reichstag, Germany’s main Parliament building, an incredibly beautiful and distinctive building in Mitte, Berlin. Today tourists can have the amazing privilege of ascending into the great glass dome and gazing upon the exciting city it is home to, as well as learning a thing or two about the dramatic history.
Unter den Linden Street
The Unter Den Linden Boulevard should definitely feature on your Berlin travel itinerary. It is a road flanked on both sides by lemon trees which gives the entire place a very enchanting feel during the day and during the night, the lit up boulevard is simply magical. The equestrian statue of Friedrich Wilhelm II adorns one end of the road.
Museum Island
This dramatic presence on the city skyline is, in fact, a cluster of beautiful and extensive museums promising to amaze and inspire everybody who visits. Passes for the Museum Island, which also guarantee entry to many other museums and exhibitions around Berlin, can be purchased for a very reasonable sum, allowing visitors to go wherever their inspiration takes them.
Brandenburg Gate
Brandenburg Gate (Brandenburger Tor in German) marks a very prominent place on the cultural and historical map of Berlin. This beautiful triumphal arch stands at the end of the Unter den Linden Boulevard. It is considered a symbol of the extremely rich history of Germany. Not a part of the original fortifications, it is believed that it was set up to separate the regions. Although it was constructed as a symbol of peace, it became like a portal for the people on both sides while Germany was still separated. While in the past, it used to be an important symbol of the separation of Germany into East and West, today it is a powerful symbol of the unification due to its historical significance.
Zoological Garden (Berlin Zoo)
The Zoological Garden or the Berlin Zoo is located on the western side of Tiergarten. It is definitely one of the most loved attractions in the city of Berlin. The most striking feature of the zoo is that it has special habitats made for every animal. Special architects were commissioned for each exhibit and therefore the adaptability of the animals was really quick, as it was made especially for them.
There are birds, mammals and a huge variety of animals that you will come across while exploring the zoo. You should definitely not miss out on the Polar bear here who’s made the zoo his home and has adapted really well or for that matter even the big cats that would amuse you with their ferociousness yet a charming nature. The amazing part is that most of the animals are roaming almost freely in their areas which makes this place a delight to see.
Olympia Stadium
The Olympia Stadium in Berlin is a historical and cultural Landmark of utmost importance. Although the Olympics have been held here only in 1936, sports today in Berlin could not be imagined without the mention of it. This stadium is easily one of the most striking stadiums in the world. The architecture is truly remarkable. We should not forget legacy left by the prestigious games that have been played here as it is one of the biggest hubs for international games currently.
Victory Column
Berlin Victory Column is a mark of German history and represents the victory of the Prussian in the German-Danish war. Originally designed by Heinrich Strack, this victory column was made between 1864 and 1873. Today it comes in the list of monuments that are put in preservation order. All in all, it represents around three victories. One being the victory of the Prussians in the German-Danish was which took place in the year 1864. Later, the victory of Germans over Austria in the year 1866 was also included. Lastly, the victory of Prussians again over France in the year 1870-71 was put here in the column. The column has around 285 steps which go in a spiral and claim to be fit only for the fittest.
Treptower Park
Treptower Park is one of the most off beaten attractions of Berlin. It is never crowded by a lot of tourists as it does not feature in the mainstream must see-must do things in Berlin. But in all honesty, it is one of the most underrated attractions in the city. Treptower Park not only offers you calmness of mind paired with peace as well as serenity, but also an outlook of the Russian war. The famous Soviet War Memorial is housed inside Treptower Park and is almost heartbreaking to see the number of soldiers who lost their lives in the whole ordeal. Apart from this, it runs by the Spree River and is a part of one of the most beautiful societies of Berlin- Alt Treptow.
Berlin Wall
Berlin Wall is one of the biggest historical landmarks in the history of not only Berlin but the entire world. Berlin Wall was initially built to keep out capitalism and protect Berlin and the city from outside forces. Over time, the Wall saw a lot of attempted escaped and more than a hundred deaths in the process. In 1975, the wall was recreated from roughly 45,000 slabs and today Berlin has the major part of the remaining wall which was built under Soviet Pressure. You can still feel the intensity of the US and Soviet face off once you are at this wall memorial. In all, the Berlin Wall marks a very significant place on the historical map of Berlin-which is tragic and enriching at the same time. Berlin Wall tours cover a lot of other monuments as well. This memorial is a place to understand the history and relive the sacrifice of Berliners.
Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe
Also known as the Holocaust Memorial, this striking space, composed of concrete blocks, covers almost five acres, right in the center of Berlin. It resembles a cemetery and even on a summer’s day, it definitely has a distinctly somber feel.
Berlin Dome
Although it was heavily bombed during World War Two, this imposing cathedral has been beautifully restored to the architectural marvel it has always been, from the distinctive exterior to the exacting detail of the ceiling. Guided tours as well as audio guides are available and tell visitors fascinating anecdotes and facts as well as illuminating the many historical aspects of the cathedral.
From prison to palace, treasure vault to the private zoo, the magnificent Tower of London has fulfilled many different roles down the centuries. One of Britain’s most iconic structures, this spectacular World Heritage Site offers hours of fascination for visitors curious about the country’s rich history – after all, so much of it happened here. Inside the massive White Tower, built in 1078 by William the Conqueror, is the 17th-century Line of Kings with its remarkable displays of royal armaments and armor. Other highlights include the famous Crown Jewels exhibition, the Beefeaters, the Royal Mint, and gruesome exhibits about the executions that took place on the grounds. The adjacent Tower Bridge, its two huge towers rising 200 feet above the River Thames, is one of London’s best-known landmarks.
Although the present building dates from the 12th century, Christ Church in Aldate’s Street, acquired cathedral status in 1546. The most striking feature in the interior is the double arcading of the nave, creating an impression of much greater height. In the south transept is the Thomas Becket window (1320) and five glass windows designed by Edward Burne-Jones and made by William Morris in 1871. The grave of philosopher George Berkeley (1681-1735), who gave his name to the town of Berkeley in California, is also located at the cathedral.
Also in Broad Street, Built in 1664, the Sheldonian Theatre was Sir Christopher Wren’s second major building and is used for the university’s annual Commemoration. The Museum of the History of Science – housed in the Old Ashmolean Building, theworld’s first purpose-built museum building – is a fascinating facility that specializes in the study of the history of science and the development of western culture and collecting. The museum includes the blackboard that Albert Einstein used during his Oxford lectures of 1931.
Radcliffe Square in Broad Street is home to the Old Schools Quadrangle (1613) and the Radcliffe Camera (1737), a rotunda that originally housed the Radcliffe Library in Oxford University. The 16-sided room on the ground floor is now a reading room for the Bodleian Library, the university library, and the country’s first public library, founded in 1598. A copy of every book published in Britain is deposited here, including some two million volumes and 40,000 manuscripts. From the library, you can also explore the magnificent Divinity School.
With the evidence of teaching in 1096, University of Oxford is indeed the main attraction and reason for this city’s fame. It is the second oldest university in the world and has the first academic rank according to The World University Ranking.
This campus consists of 38 Colleges. Bill Clinton, Margaret Thatcher, Indira Gandhi, Stephan Hawking, Rowan Atkinson (Mr. Bean) are the notable Alumni of this University.
Pedestrian-friendly Cornmarket Street, commonly known as the “Corn,” is Oxford’s busiest shopping street. Along with its many big-brand shops and department stores, the street is also home to the historic Golden Cross arcade, popular for its craft and jewelry shops, and the Covered Market, dating from 1774 and housing an eclectic mix of food retailers. Also of interest is the former Crew Inn, where Shakespeare is said to have stayed on his journey between Stratford and London, and St. Michael’s Church, notable for its early Norman tower.
Nicknamed The Bird and Baby, is a historic pub in St. Giles Street, Oxford a small, narrow building, the pub reputedly served as the lodgings of the Chancellor of the Exchequer during the English Civil War (1642–49) when Oxford was the Royalist capital. The landmark served as a playhouse for the Royalist army, and pony auctions were held in the rear courtyard. These claims are inconsistent with the earliest date usually given for construction of the pub. When in Oxford, why not visit ‘The Eagle and Child’ pub and discover its unique history with some of the greatest writers in English history. In this pub, at around the year 1939 to 1962, J.R.R. Tolkien and C.S. Lewis regularly met.
In Woodstock, just eight miles northwest of Oxford, is Blenheim Palace, the seat of the dukes of Marlborough and the Spencer-Churchill familyand birthplace of Winston Churchill. This magnificent 200-roomed palace was built between 1701 and 1724 for John Churchill, first Duke of Marlborough, with the financial support of Queen Anne, who wished to express her thanks to the Duke for his victory in 1704 over the French at the Battle of Blenheim, an event commemorated on the ceiling of the Great Hall. Another highlight is the chance to explore the magnificent gardens, with their French Rococo borders, and the Capability Brown designed parklands. Other outdoor attractions include Italian gardens and herb gardens, a butterfly house, and a maze.
The Old Parsonage Hotel and its restaurant are a somewhat swankier affair entirely. It’s where the socialites of Oxford hang out in town before drinking Zombies at Lola Lo. The restaurant is less formal than its sister outfit Quod, though, and focuses on afternoon teas and all-day dining. But it’s more interesting as it has grounds to veer further from the safe bet of confit duck with red cabbage. There’s smoked haddock and cod fishcakes, for instance, as well as roasted bone marrow and a goats’ cheese soufflé.
Oxford’s food aficionados believe this used to be the best restaurant in the city. When the magnificent Charles Michel was still about town, he’d frequent the pub. So too did the Oxford Gastronomica lot, who knows a thing or two about eating. When it launched, the Rickety Press was a low-key, food-focused restaurant with fine cooking and ideas you’d struggle to match unless you went out into The Cotswolds, or down to Henley. Now, it’s had a bit of a makeover and it seems to be more geared towards a crowd that wishes it were in London but still has a year at university to contend with. Pizza and burgers – but good ones
Probably the most ‘Oxford’ restaurant ever conceived is the Cherwell Boathouse. It’s what it says it is, and you dine next to a particularly tranquil spot on the Thames, all ducks and sunshine. The regular menu is a bit fussy and can sometimes be a little too ‘parents taking you out for a nice meal but forgot to book somewhere properly amazing’ – but go for a tasting menu, where slow cooked pheasant egg is paired with things like a 2007 Meursault, and venison loin alongside a 2002 Volnay 1er Cru Santenots du Milieu.
Led by Raymond Blanc, Brasserie Blanc first opened its doors in 1996. This restaurant is all about the French cuisine (‘honest food, cooked with the heart’ is his motto) – and the best of it. Their menus are seasonal and the set menu currently features the likes of risotto Verdi, pan-fried plaice, and steak frites.
This gourmet steakhouse has caused quite a stir since it first opened. Penélope Cruz, Damien Hirst and Marilyn Manson are just some of the glitterati to join local devotees in dining at Grill Royal. The retro chic decor brings James Bond to mind, with Ikora lamps from the sixties, smoked mirror partitions and even a whole speedboat, just for show. The meat and fish hang in massive glass-door fridges, allowing you to pick the piece which takes your fancy, while the open kitchen means there are no cook’s secrets here. The chef is a connoisseur of quality meat and his dishes will impress even the most devout carnivores — the surf ’n’ turf is a particular favorite. In the summer, the river-facing window opens so diners can enjoy a cool breeze drifting in from the Spree.
This pub was hyped around half a decade ago. And rightly so – the chef sourced food from patrons’ allotments. If you brought in a handful of carrots, the team would buy them off you, cook them, and serve them back. Or offset the cost when your bill arrived (which was large). Recently, the excitement started to fray, as it does, and at times the menu lacked focus. But it remains a solid place to dine, with an intriguing blend of European influences and solid flavours. Above all, the meat is always great quality, and cooked in crowd-pleasingly rustic fashion. The wine list too is admirable.
Another Oxford pub with a ‘gastro’ concept is The Perch. Tucked away next to the canal, cycling here on a warm day is quite special. The food is very simple – don’t expect anything majestic. But if you’re in need of some fish and chips and a pint of ale, you’ll be hard-pressed to find better.
The Oxford Kitchen, which offers ‘relaxed fine dining’ and, for the most part, delivers. The menu is usually short and considered – traditional French done well. Sometimes that’s all you want.
Kazbar, on the Cowley Road, not far from where David Cameron once lived, fuses Moroccan and Spanish tapas. Think hummus and warm pitta, patatas bravas, rich octopus in tomato sauce, butter beans braised for just enough time to soften, but hold a little bite. The mojitos are better than most, the service friendly, and the decor is a sight to behold as you tuck into your third bowl of spicy meatballs.
Located in the pretty suburb of Summertown, Pompette – the French word for tipsy – serves up a European-inspired menu, with nods to head chef Pascal Wiedemann’s French roots. Enjoy cured meats sand cheese paired with a selection of European wines at the charcuterie wine bar, or opt for a more formal dinner in the dining room. Pascal’s maximum favour, minimum waste ethos is reflected throughout the menu, with current dishes on the menu including Montbéliard sausage with puy lentils and Dijon mustard; salmon with creamed coco beans and brown shrimps; and St Austell mussels with nduja, white wine, cream and parsley.
Duke Humfrey’s Library is the oldest reading room in the Bodleian Library at the University of Oxford. Until 2015, it functioned primarily as a reading room for maps, music, and pre-1641 rare books;
This Library was used as the Hogwarts Library in the Harry Potter films.[/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=”6526″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center” style=”vc_box_rounded”][vc_column_text]
The Story Museum
Alice’s Wonderland, Narnia, and Middle Earth were all worlds which emerged from the streets of Oxford, where fantasy authors Lewis Carroll, C.S. Lewis, and J.R.R. Tolkien spent time writing. Yet Oxford’s significance in children’s literature was often overlooked until 2014, when the Story Museum opened its doors. Almost every room in the fantastical museum has something in it to touch, listen to, smell, or dress up in. Lining the walls of the Throne Room are hundreds of costumes for princesses, knights, and dragons to pose in on the Story Throne for photos.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row equal_height=”yes”][vc_column][vc_single_image image=”6527″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center” style=”vc_box_rounded”][vc_column_text]
The Headington Shark
About four months after the incident at Chernobyl, on August 9, 1986, Oxford-resident Bill Heine had a twenty-six-foot shark sculpture erected on his roof. Using cranes, Heine and sculptor John Buckley mounted the shark, head first, onto the roof in the middle of the night. That morning (which was also the 41st anniversary of the dropping of nuclear bomb “Fat Man” on Nagasaki), the headless shark began delighting curious onlookers; with the exception of town officials, that is.
Bill Heine, who still lives in the house today, says that the shark was assembled and properly placed to speak out against incidents such as Chernobyl and Nagasaki, as well as general government incompetence.[/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=”6528″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center” style=”vc_box_rounded”][vc_column_text]
Oxford Electric Bell
This battery-powered bell has been ringing since 1840 and is one of the world’s longest-running science experiments. For over 170 years, the Oxford Electric Bell (also known as the Clarendon Dry Pile) has been chiming almost continuously, the composition of its power source uncertain. Currently located in the Clarendon Laboratory at the University of Oxford, the Bell is an experiment consisting of two brass bells each stationed beneath a dry pile battery, with a metal sphere (or ‘clapper’) swinging between them to produce a ring that has occurred on the order of 10 billion times.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row equal_height=”yes”][vc_column][vc_single_image image=”6529″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center” style=”vc_box_rounded”][vc_column_text]
Martyr’s Mark
The spot where three Protestant clergymen were burned at the stake during the reign of “Bloody Mary.” In the middle of the 16th century, during the reign of Queen Mary I of England (also known as “Bloody Mary” due to her brutal religious persecution), three Protestant clergymen were executed at this very spot in Oxford, now marked with a brick cross in the middle of the road. The Protestant martyrs were brought before a commission at the Church of St Mary the Virgin and found guilty for not believing in transubstantiation, the change by which bread and wine becomes the body and blood of Christ. The first two men were put to death on October 16, 1555, while the later watched from the tower of the nearby Bocardo gaol (jail) at the Northgate. Hugh Latimer finally lost his appeal and was killed on the same spot on March 21, 1556.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
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Thunovská Street
Thunovská Street connects the western part of the area of the Church of the Virgin Mary with Tomášská street on the east side. Connected to it are also the castle stairs leading to Hradčasnké Square. It measures about 350 meters. The current name of the street, which has been officially in use since 1870, was derived from Thunovský Palace, No. 180/14, which is currently used by the British Embassy. Thunovská Street is one of the most impressive places of old Prague since its medieval character was preserved. It is arched with three arches in three different places and it used for vehicular traffic only partially. It is mostly used by tourists as an access way to Prague Castle.
The garden is considered the oldest partially preserved garden in Prague. Its melancholy seems to have survived from the Middle Ages, when it was founded as a monastery garden. Here you can find peace from the bustle of the city, near a small lake in the shade of trees to rest on a bench and admire the stalactites decorate the chapel of St. Elijah with wall paintings and sundial from the 17th century. A wide staircase at the end of the garden leads to the observation terrace with benches and rose pergolas.
The Colloredo-Mansfeld Palace is one of the prime examples of Prague palace architecture with rich architectural development combining elements of High Baroque and later Rococo and Second Rococo modifications. The Baroque building located in one of the most exposed places of old Prague near Charles Bridge was built on the foundations of Romanesque and Gothic buildings and Renaissance buildings.
Wallenstein Garden (Valdstejnska zahrada) is probably the first palace garden in Prague. It belongs to the Wallenstein Palace, nowadays the seat of the Senate of the Czech Republic. The garden was built together with the palace in 1623 – 30 in early Baroque style. Now you can find it as a lovely and pieceful place in the centre of Prague. Situated in the east you can see Sala terrena with three arcades. The walls of Sala terrena are decorated by frescoes and stuccoes representing Trojan wars by Baccio di Bianco. The character of the decorations is similar to the decorations in the palace. There are many concerts and theatre performances organized in Sala terrena nowadays.
Jubilee (better known as “Jerusalem”) Synagogue is the youngest and largest synagogue in Prague. It was built in 1906 in ornamental Moorish and Art Nouveau style.
The dominant feature on the front of the building is a monumental arch covering rosette window with the David´s star. The Hebrew inscriptions above the entrance say: “This is the Lord’s gate. The righteous shall enter through it.” and “Have we not all one father? Hath not one God created us?” Inside we can admire a breathtaking interior, richly decorated and painted in deep colours, with wrought chandeliers and beautiful organ. Nowadays, worships in Orthodox rite are carried out in Jerusalem Synagogue, and regular organ concerts and classical concerts are held here.
This Marian pilgrimage site with the Baroque Church of the Nativity and a replica of the Holy House is surrounded by cloisters and chapels. In the tower there is a 27-bell carillon that plays the Loretan Marian song “A Thousand Times We Greet Thee” (every hour from 9 am to 6 pm). The Loreto treasure consists of a rare collection of liturgical objects from the 16th to 18th centuries, the most famous of which is the “Prague Sun”, a monstrance encrusted with 6,222 diamonds.
Recipes based on a 19th-century Czech cookbook, but refined to impress any of today’s gourmands – that’s what La Degustation Bohême Bourgeoise has achieved, and so it’s no wonder the folk at Michelin have come a-lauding (and awarding). The chef changes the menu daily, so come here ready to just relax and let the artfully prepared small plates arrive at your table.
Prague’s second 2019 Michelin star belongs to Field, which attempts to source locally while creating an exciting, Scandinavian-inspired menu. You have the option of ordering their ten-course tasting menu or eating à la carte, and both give you choices like kohlrabi and quark or various fish creations you’ll be hard-pressed to find elsewhere in the landlocked Czech Republic. In addition to wine pairings with the taster menu, Field also features non-alcoholic drink pairings – mostly vegetable juices.
Treat your taste buds to a wide selection of meats, freshly butchered and cooked to your tastes (which you specify on a hand-written order form). Seats fill up fast in this elegant former bank building, so you might need to eat on your feet at a long communal standing table in the lobby. If you’re up for an adventurous, waste-no-part-of-the-animal approach, reserve a spot for dinner with the butcher every Monday through Wednesday
The painted starry sky, meat-free menu and peaceful vibe of Lehká Hlava (meaning ‘clear head’) has kept Prague’s vegetarian community smiling for more than a decade. As vegan and vegetarianism continue to grow in popularity among younger generations, reservations have become more and more essential at this small neighbourhood favourite near the river side of the Old Town. A glossary of meat alternatives at the back of the menu helps to clarify the latest additions to staple ingredients like tofu, tempeh and quinoa.
At first glance, the medieval decoration at U Modré kachničky – think armour, lush maroon velvet, lots of mahogany – might strike you as kitsch. But once you’re treated to the welcoming service and creative dégustation menus filled with duck and wild game, it all becomes rather more endearing. Pairing each course with wine will teach you a thing or two about Czech vino. Make sure you save room for dessert.
For a multi-sensory gastronomic experience, you can’t beat perennial favourite Terasa U Zlaté Studně. This small, elegant restaurant in the Golden Well Hotel, just below Prague Castle, serves a selection of Czech and European classics. It also comes with a view like no other. Come here on a warm evening, indulge in the tasting menu, enjoy a bottle of wine or two, and watch the sun set over the city.
Located in Prague’s Hradcany neighborhood, Prague Castle (Pražský hrad), once the home of Bohemia’s kings, is today the official residence of the Czech Republic’s President and one of the city’s most visited tourist attractions. Originally built as a walled fortress around AD 870, the castle has changed dramatically over the years and contains examples of most of the leading architectural styles of the last millennium. Within the castle walls are a number of Prague’s most popular tourist sites, including St. Vitus Cathedral, St. George’s Basilica, the Powder Tower, the Old Royal Palace, and the Golden Lane. One of the top things to do at night in Prague is to find a good spot from which to enjoy the castle illuminations that light this magnificent structure in a range of hues.
One of the most recognizable old bridges in Europe, magnificent Charles Bridge (Karluv Most) boasts 32 unique points of interest along its 621-meter span. Built in 1357, the bridge has long been the subject of a great deal of superstition, including the builders having laid the initial bridge stone on the 9th of July at exactly 5:31am, a precise set of numbers (135797531) believed to give the structure additional strength. For added good measure, it was constructed in perfect alignment with the tomb of St. Vitus and the setting sun on the equinox. The bridge is particularly famous for its many fine old statues. Among the most important are those of Holy Roman Emperor Charles IV and John of Nepomuk, the country’s most revered saint, unveiled in 1683 (a more recent superstition involves rubbing the plaque at the base of the statue for the granting of a wish). Other highlights include spectacular views over the River Vltava and the structure’s superb Gothic gates. Viewing Charles Bridge at night is also highly recommended.
Idyllically perched on the banks of the River Vltava, Prague’s National Theatre is a must-visit for lovers of the performing arts. Home to the country’s top opera, ballet, and drama performances, the National Theater was opened in 1881 as a symbol of Czech national identity and to promote the Czech language and culture. Despite a somewhat checkered past that saw the building destroyed by fire and even closed by the communists, this stunning theater has undergone extensive renovations and stands as a monument to the city’s rich talent and cultural significance. (English language guided tours are available).
Another Prague theater of note is the Estates Theatre (Stavovské divaldo), built in the late 18th century in Neoclassical style and once a favorite of Mozart, who chose to premier Don Giovanni here.
Situated within the grounds of Prague Castle, the Roman Catholic St. Vitus Cathedral (Katedrala St. Vita) is the Czech Republic’s largest and most important Christian church. Seat of the Archbishop of Prague, it’s also home to the tombs of numerous saints and three Bohemian kings. Founded on the site of a Romanesque rotunda built in AD 925, the cathedral was started in 1344 and took more than 525 years to complete, resulting in a mix of modern Neo-Gothic and 14th-century Gothic styles, along with Baroque and Renaissance influences (be sure to keep an eye out for the impressive gargoyles adorning the exterior of the cathedral).
One of Prague’s most recognizable buildings is the Church of Our Lady before Týn (Kostel Matky Boží pred Týnem), often abbreviated to simply Týn Church. Unmistakable for its twin 80-meter-tall spires flanking each side of the building (each supporting four smaller spires), its main entrance is through a narrow passage past the houses obscuring its façade.
Although completed in the 15th century, the church was altered numerous times through the centuries as the city’s allegiances changed, and while interior renovations are ongoing, there’s still much worth seeing, including numerous fine tombs, the superb Gothic northern portal with its Crucifixion sculpture, early Baroque altarpiece paintings dating from 1649, and one of Europe’s finest 17th-century pipe organs.
Looking like something out of a fairy tale, the Vyšehrad fortress—literally translated as the “Upper Castle,” or the “Castle on the Heights”—stands high above the Vltava River overlooking Prague. Known to have been in existence as far back as the 10th century, it has long been the subject of myth and legend, including the foretelling of an ancient princess of the rising of a great city around it. Once the royal residence of Vratislav II, Vyšehrad also played a role as part of the original Royal Route taken by kings about to be crowned, Although now largely ruins, the fortress is a wonderful place for a stroll or picnic and offers superb views of the surrounding city. During the summer months, the attraction’s open air theater hosts musical and theatrical performances. English language guided tours can be arranged.
Perhaps one of the city’s most unlikely attractions, Prague’s Lennon Wall has stood since the 1980s as a tribute to former Beatle and peace campaigner John Lennon. Things got started almost immediately after the singer’s murder in 1980, when this otherwise unassuming wall near the Charles Bridge became a place for fans to demonstrate their grief, painting pictures, lyrics, and slogans attributed to the star.
Despite police efforts to erase the graffiti—Czechoslovakia, as it was then, was still under communist rule—the memorial wall kept reappearing, and the site became a symbol of hope and peace for the city’s population. The tradition continues to this day, and along with gatherings on the anniversary of Lennon’s death, tourists can frequently be observed adding their sentiments to the wall.
The Prague Municipal House (Obecní dum) is widely considered one of the finest examples of Art Nouveau in the city. Built in 1912, this splendid civic building is also home to one of Prague’s most important (and largest) concert venues, Smetana Hall, and boasts numerous striking features, from its sumptuous façade with a large mural on the arch above the second floor balcony, to the large dome that rests behind and above the arch.
The interior is equally impressive and includes many fine stained glass windows and important paintings. While English language guided tours are available (including a chance to see otherwise closed ceremonial rooms), one of the best ways to enjoy this landmark is to take in a concert or sample its café, restaurants, and luxury boutique shops.
A highlight of Prague’s New Town (Nové Mesto) district—an area that grew out of the city’s need to expand as it prospered—is the wonderful Wenceslas Square (Václavské námestí), home to the National Museum and numerous other architectural treasures. Named after the patron saint of Bohemia, whose statue can be seen here, Wenceslas Square was created in the 14th century during the reign of Charles IV as a horse market and has since become one of the city’s most important public spaces, still used for demonstrations and celebrations alike. A visit today is a fun experience and undoubtedly one of the top free things to do in Prague, and will introduce visitors to some of the city’s best dining and restaurant experiences, as well as great shopping. If you are visiting Prague in December, it’s also the site of the city’s largest Christmas Market.
The Strahov Monastery and Library (Strahovsky kláster) dates back to the 12th century and is the second oldest monastery in Prague. While its imposing gateway and churches are impressive enough, its most important buildings are its two beautifully decorated Baroque libraries. The Philosophical Library contains a variety of extraordinary furnishings, along with an exquisite ceiling painted by Franz Anton Maulbertsch entitled Enlightenment.
The second library, the Theological Library, consists of a splendid Baroque room with a beautiful ornate painted ceiling by Siard Nosecky, a Strahov Monk, along with superb ceiling frescoes framed by detailed stucco work. The libraries contain many rare old volumes and manuscripts, including the famous 9th-century Strahov Gospel, while in the cellars are old printing presses along with the remains of St. Norbert, founder of the Premonstratensian Order.
Also of note are the cloisters, which house a religious art collection and treasury, as well as the fascinating Strahov Cabinet of Curiosities, notable for its displays of historic artifacts from science. English-language tours are available. If you want to linger a little longer, consider dining at the Great Monastery Restaurant, or participate in one of the daily masses.
The program committee will schedule all oral and poster sessions for presentation.
Oral Sessions
The presentation slot for oral sessions is 15 minutes.
Please note: You must provide your presentation for preloading. Please submit your presentation (in English, copy-edited and proofread) via email to info<at>icrmanagement.org, no later than 10 business days before the event starts.
If for any reason, you are unable to send your presentation in advance of the Conference, please have your presentation on USB storage.
Poster Sessions
Design your poster so that it is easy to read and include some visuals or charts. Allocate the top of the poster for the title, authors’ names, and affiliations. Remember, the audience may have a short time frame to read your poster.
Poster boards will be provided to display poster presentation materials. The board size is A1 international paper size. Materials, including the title, should not extend beyond the poster size.
Do not use foam core or any thick or multi-layered materials or pushpins directly on the poster boards. Please make sure that the material used for the poster allows it to be posted on the boards.
All posters should be based on the submitted abstract as accepted by the Scientific Committee.
Please bring your poster with you.
Virtual Sessions
The conference program for Virtual presentations will be emailed to participants one week before the conference.
Virtual presentations will be delivered via an online electronic forum (Zoom Platform). Virtual session attendees will receive the Zoom invitation link a few days before the Conference. Joining the virtual session is easy and takes just a few seconds. Simply click the link in the invitation, and you will proceed to your session immediately.
Just remember to register first if you wish to attend as a Virtual presenter.
The Hofburg Palace in Vienna provides an authentic view into the daily life of what was once the center of the powerful Hasburg dynasty, a family that once ruled the Austria-Hungry empire. The house of Hasburg was one of the most important dynasties in Europe at the time as it produced some of the kings that ruled Western Europe for several decades starting from the 15th century. It also owned the Roman Empire throne during this time which was a significant source of power.
The Belvedere is an integral part of Vienna’s historic scene, consisting of several palaces and an orangery that dates back to the late 17th century. It consists of the Baroque palaces, the Lower and Upper Belvedere; palace stables and the Orangery, all set in a Baroque-style park. Prince Eugene of Savoy had the complex built for this summer home. During the French Revolution, the palaces served as home to French royalty fleeing their country. The Belvedere is stunning to look at during the night when it is all lit up, and well as provides great views of Vienna.
The Burggarten is a once-royal garden that is a bit of England in Vienna, as it is patterned after English gardens. The Burggarten was the court garden for the Hapsburg rulers. One Austrian ruler, Kaiser Franz II used to work in the garden, which is now a place where people can enjoy outdoor lunches on pleasant days. A memorial to that great Austrian composer, Mozart, can be found in one corner of the garden, while the Palmenhaus, a magnificent glass palm house, is located in the northern part. The left part of the Palmenhaus houses the Schmettlerlinghaus where visitors can see tropical butterflies and even bats.
Graben is one of the most famous streets in central Vienna. The word Graben means “trench” in German, and dates back to an old Roman encampment in the Austrian capital. Back in those days, Vienna was surrounded by a city wall, with a trench alongside of it. The trench was later filled in and became one of the first residential streets in Vienna. Craftsmen originally lived in wooden houses on the Graben, but it gradually evolved into a market place and later residences for the city’s elite. Today it is an up-scale shopping promenade, with many local specialties such as Wien Porzellan
No visit to Vienna is complete without going to see an opera. The city is synonymous with the majestic art form and the Vienna State Opera is the perfect place to go and watch a performance.
Opened in 1869 on the Ringstrasse, much of the opera house was destroyed by a bomb during the Second World War and it was rebuilt in 1955 in the form of the elegant high Renaissance building we see before us today. The interior is equally opulent, with its marble staircases, luxurious lobbies and the breathtaking auditorium itself.
With numerous operas, ballets and classical concerts being performed daily, the Vienna State Opera has something for everyone to enjoy.
Located in Vienna’s Innere Stadt, the Albertina hosts an amazing collection of artworks, including drawings, paintings, and sculptures.
Once part of the city’s old fortifications, the Albertina has stood since the 17th century and was renovated into a palace before becoming an art museum. Home to one of the most extensive and important print rooms on Earth, the collection is wonderful to explore. Masterpieces by da Vinci, Bruegel the Elder and Toulouse-Lautrec are on display.
In addition to its delightful permanent collection, temporary exhibitions ensure that this is a place worth returning to for both locals and tourists.
Prater is a large public park located in Leopoldstadt. Its huge green spaces make it a popular spot among locals and tourists alike. While many people visit to relax and unwind amongst the greenery, an amusement park, museum, and even a disco are situated within the park. While wandering around the park, make sure to take a ride in the huge Ferris Wheel that towers over Prater – the views are breathtaking.
Vienna’s Natural History Museum is one of the most important of its kind in the world and is remarkably home to over 30 million objects.
The 39 exhibition rooms cover everything from precious stones and dinosaurs to prehistoric art and stuffed animals. Visitors will learn a lot from its fascinating displays and exhibits. Just as stunning as the extensive collection is the beautiful palace itself, featuring elegant galleries, staircases, and lobbies. Built in the late nineteenth century, the Natural History Museum is located on the Ringstrasse and is identical to the Kunsthistorisches Museum which lies directly in front of it.
Designed by esteemed architect and artist Friedensreich Hundertwasser, the KunstHausWien is mesmerizing to behold due to its eclectic exterior – sure to look unlike anything you’ve ever seen before; straight lines hardly feature at all.
The interior is equally bewitching to wander around with its undulating floors, and Hundertwasser’s art pieces are fascinating for their unique look and design. Temporary exhibitions mean that many local residents return time and time again to this special museum.
Located on the Ringstrasse, the elegant Parliament Building was built in Greek Revival style. It is here that the Austrian Parliament holds its sessions. Classic Greek architecture was decided upon due to democracy’s link with Ancient Greece; its brilliantly white columns and marvelous bronze statues are wonderful to behold, while the lovely Pallas Athene Fountain stands in the foreground of the building. One of the most popular tourist attractions in Vienna, the Parliament Building is well worth visiting for its spectacular design and importance to the country.