Kids in Prague

Kanzelsburger Bookstore Cafe & Kids Corner, Prague 1

Restaurants and Cafes on 03 March 2009 by Larissa (1 comment)

On a cold, rainy day when you need a break from shopping or find yourself in the busy hub of Mustek consider the warm and very convenient kids corner in Kanzelsburger’s Bookstore Cafe. Thats just what we did recently and we’ll certainly do it again, especially to enjoy the yummy hot chocolate drinks on offer.

The chic, non-smoking cafe is located on the first floor of the Bookstore and features ornate Baroque style ceilings plus a lovely outdoor summer balcony overlooking Vaclavske Namesti. The kids corner is on the same floor but located towards the back, conveniently right near the elevators. When entering from the street, especially if you have a stroller, walk to the end of the passage way on the ground floor and take the second entrance into Kanzelsburger, that way you avoid the stairs and will see the elevators right in front of you.

You have to order and pay for your drinks and snacks at the cafe, make sure you mention to them that you are sitting at the ‘detsky koutek’ (kids corner). The staff will then bring the order straight to your chosen table.

The kids corner is a large carpeted area containing books, some toys, a rocking seat, balls and stuffed animals - plenty to keep Lucie happy and occupied. The area is penned in by a low wall and surrounded by 8 small tables. There is a coat stand for jackets and a large bench for removing shoes (kids need to take off their shoes in the play area) and the ambience is relaxed and quiet. There is a lovely view out behind the building and I even managed to pick up the internet so there must be a free WiFi network on offer.

I can imagine this being a convenient place to breast feed in comfort, to meet up with friends and to give toddlers a break from the crowds outside, or simply to avoid unpleasant weather.

The bookstore is spread over 4 levels, all easily reached by elevator (or the stairs if you’re child free). On the 4th floor you will find a reasonable selection of English books for both adults and kids, the 2nd floor has children’s books in Czech and also houses the toilets (but you have to get the key from the Cafe). The 1st floor alongside the Cafe showcases greeting cards, postcards and lots of calendars and posters of Prague plus it has a music section where you can purchase kids story, music or nursery rhyme cds.