Prague (Praha) Holešovice

Levetské sady, A stroll through this enormous, luscious park with unconquerable views of the Vltava river can brighten your entire day. Meander along its densely forested trails, spectate at its organically-constructed Tony Hawk Skater Pro-style impromptu skate park (unless you're wicked cool and actually join in on the ollies and kick-flips), question the validity of art as you czech out the strange pieces of its sculpture garden, or just get kind of wasted at one of several beer gardens (shots 30Kč). In 1955 the Communists built the largest statue of Stalin ever constructed at the top of the park, but it was torn down in 1962. Now a giant Metronome stands in its place because what says reform like a maintained rhythm? The park also has an array of tennis courts and children's playgrounds, as well as a sometimes-functioning carousel, the oldest in Europe. For a snack you'll never forget, stop at the pricey-but-worth-it Restaurant Hanavský Pavilon
Prague Exhibition Ground, Built on the easternmost section of Stromovka for the 1891 Jubilee Exhibition, this park offers some unique wonders of modern Prague. Coolest among them is the Křižík's Fountain (U Výstaviště 1/20, 170 05 }723 665 6941 w www.krizikovafontana.cz/en), a Bellagio-style fountain and lights show that during the summer months is accompanied by live ballet, singers, and musicians (200Kč). Great for a date; if you're single, the fountain will take your mind off of that—sorry, btw. Other stops include the still-used-but-now-ghostly Industrial Palace, whose Art Nouveau exterior provides a phantom glimpse at the industrial “newness” of the past. There are also several beer gardens, skate rental shops, an enormous pyramid-shaped performance hall, and the Lapidary of the National Musuem, w C: Nádraží Holešovice. From the station, don't cross the street; instead, take tram 5, 12, or 15 to the next stop, Výstaviště.
Prague Market, Bubenské nábřeží, 170 00 Praha 7 (☎22 080 0592; www.holesovickatrznice.cz), A hundred or more street vendors, food peddlers, furniture salesman, and general bargain-gents call Pražská Tržnice (Prague Market), the city's largest market, their home. Sprawled out over an enormous campus of once-abandoned warehouses on the banks of the Vlatava river, flea market junkies, or heck, regular junkies can find hot deals on a variety of mainly manufactured goods. Deals won't walk into your lap, though: bargain hunters need haggling skills in English, Chinese, or Czech. Here's some advice for haggling: decide the honest price at which you value an item before approaching a vendor; then, stick to it. Don't be unreasonable, but don't let yourself get pushed around. Insist on your price, and if you don't get it, no loss. You can still enjoy the haggle-free bargains like ice cream and pastries (10 Kč). Typical merchandise includes clothes, bags, and toys. Check out the smokeless cigarettes, full-sized swords, and the cheapest porno DVDs you'll ever find < C: Vltavská. From the station, walk to the left along the river. Be careful crossing large lanes of traffic. The market is on your left. Open M-Sa 7am-8pm (prime time 9am-2pm).