That day of the year is coming up… Hearts, roses and pink candies are flooding shops, tv commercials and billboards. Not your kind of thing? But you happen to find yourself in Prague and are looking for ways to spend the day aside from the masses? You want to make it a bit special for you and your boyfriend/girlfriend/best friend/that guy you met last night at Sir Toby’s bar? Good news everyone! We looked through everything what’s going on in the city and we decided to share a few of our very own favorites with you. This is will not be your average Valentine’s Day tour. It will not always be pretty, it might even get ugly. But it’s the same with love itself, isn’t it? So read on if you’re ready for the alternative ride.

In the morning: LaLa Land in Žižkov

Picture: Alexandra Siebenthal

Just a 15 minutes tram ride from Sir Toby’s (take the 1 to Palmovka and then change to the 10 to Biskupcova) you will find Kino Aero. A real gem of an independent cinema in a neighborhood so far untouched by gentrification. A relaxed, local place with a nice café and a great selection of movies. On February 14, they will be screening Lala Land at 10 in the morning. The reviewers from “What The Flick” described it as follows: “The movie the world needs right now.” Because, yes, it is joyous, and there is no politics in there for you to get upset about. It is about love, ambition and Jazz and you don’t even have to like musicals to like it. So go watch it to get in the mood for this day!

Lunch: Microbrewery & City Views in Jižní Město

Now this is something special. Prague is not all bridges, spires, baroque churches and Art Nouveau. Quite a big part of the population lives in blocks of panel houses adjacent to the inner city. They became kind of a symbol for Eastern European Communism even though the architecture is originally a French invention and they really do exist all over the world in one way or another. Anyway, the district you are about to discover, Jižní Město, is the biggest housing estate in the Czech Republic and was originally built to accommodate up to 80.000 people. It was supposed to be a place close to the nature, but with a good transport link to the center, with an elaborated colour and signing system representing sun, water, earth, air, flora and fauna. Unfortunately, this has not been preserved. However, this is a completely different Prague than the one you know from the travel guides, and it is interesting to experience it.

Picture: Maria Melišková

Check out Jihoměstský pivovar, the neighborhood’s very own brewery. Both food and beer are simply great in here. They won my heart by serving bavarian style “spätzle” - some kind of pasta with fried onions and lots of cheese. The atmosphere is warm and cozy, moreover, it is a non smoking restaurant, which is still rather rare.

Picture: Jihomestsky pivovar

Afterwards, cross the Central park and find Hotel Kupa next to the metro station Haje. You won’t miss it, it is the highest building around - actually, they are two buildings connected through a bridge on one of the upper floors. What you are doing here? Get a visitor’s ID from the reception lady at the entrance and ride up to the 22nd floor. You will find something like a typical Czech countryside pub, just with a breathtaking view over the city. Prices are cheap, food of questionable quality, so maybe just have a beer and enjoy the curious scenery.

Evening: Theater @ Meet Factory

Take bus number 125 from Haje and you will be at Meet Factory in 20 minutes (get off at Lihovar). It is a unique club, gallery and art space created by famous Czech artist David Černý. On Valentine’s Day, there will be a performance of the Austrian poet Ingeborg Bachmann’s only novel: Malina (starting 20.00). English Friendly!

Drinks: Jazz Dock

You want to end the day in a classy way? Stop by Jazz Dock, it will be on your way back to the center from Meet Factory anyway. It is a rather stylish Jazz Club on a boat where students of a Prague Conservatory will be performing that night. They have a huge range of classic & signature cocktails and some food too.

In case you haven’t done so yet, don’t you feel like spending Valentine’s day in Prague this year now? We still have our winter specials going, so accommodation won’t cost you a fortune. Go book already and see you soon!