Czech Republic

Plays penned by presidents may not be an obvious entertainment choice, but when the former leader in question is also a world-renowned dramatist in his own right it makes for must-see viewing.Vaclav Havel's Leaving is his first play in 20 years, during which time he has been at the forefront of Czech politics.His new drama deals with the painful adjustment of life out of office and drew a huge crowd and rave reviews on its May premiere at the city's Archa Theatre.The general consensus is that this, his 19th play in total, is also one of his finest, dealing with themes of uncertainty and collapsing values.But the 71-year-old playwright and leader of Czechoslovakia's Velvet Revolution denies the work is either autobiographical or an attack on his presidential successor, as press have speculated.Those who miss out on the controversial play in Prague can take comfort from the fact a string of other venues have already snapped it up including London's Orange Tree Theatre in September.

Touted as "the most refreshingly civilised place to meet" on the chain's website, Prague's Bar and Books is certainly a favourite among discerning drinkers.Boasting a sister venue in New York City, the brand is already well-established as a luxury lounge bar, with rich leather and dark wood interiors enforcing the opulent atmosphere.Sophisticates will drool over the extensive bar menu, which includes a wide range of wines and whiskies alongside classic cocktails.Service meanwhile, is as excellent as the bar's location - it sits in Prague's pretty old town with stunning rear views of the fairytale-like Tyn Church.To sample the best of Bar and Books, visit on a themed night. Mondays include complimentary cigars for ladies, Tuesday is dedicated to whiskey and most evenings revolve around 007 screenings.Another outlet of the chain opens in Manesova, Prague, in the autumn.

A credit card that doubles as cutlery is just one of the products on show at this year's Designblok exhibition.It's the brainchild of Ineke Hans whose work was also shown at last year's event.Other designs on display come from Czechs like Boda Horak, who shows off swirling ironwork furniture in his exhibition Alley Dream.A total of 100 studios, designers and schools, 77 design shops and 37 people from the fashion industry have been invited to the show.Designblok takes place at three venues around Prague: Superstudio Corso, Superstudio Dox and Nike Prague Store from October 7th to 11th.The cost is 150 Czech Koruna (£4.88) with a discount for art and design students.DesignBlock was based on shows in Milan, London and Berlin and follows on from a cyberculture festival that was called Datatransfer.Film is one of the remnants of the Datatransfer exhibition in association with a London festival at Designblok.The festival hit the headlines in 2002 when Prague's Federico Diaz showed off artificial human being Mnemeg who created a storm by showing off modern technology capable of simulating virtual objects or sensing and generating sounds.Book affordable accommodation in Prague now, to make the most of your visit.

Laterna Magika is non-speaking theatre that dates back almost 25 years in Czech Republic capital city.It is a quintessential experience for tourists keen to see all the sights from cheap hotels in Prague.This performance is popular among visitors because it can be internationally understood by adults and children of all ages.Laterna's combination of dance, film and black theatre proves so popular shows are usually a sell out, so buying tickets in advance is recommended.Puppeteering is a skilled art form around Czech Republic so expect the best from the capital's Marionette Theatre.Shows here include puppet versions of Mozart's Don Giovanni and the Magic Flute both performed by characters in tiny 18th century suits.Watch out for the Puppet Gala Performance, which is a collection of the puppeteers' finest work.Other shows to look out for in Prague are held at the Prague State Opera, which was built in 1888 and hosts Mozart and Verdi operas with festive performances for the Christmas season.The Estates Theatre that was built in 1783 hosts much of the same while the National Theatre is important for developing Czech music, drama and art.It rests on the banks of the Vltava River, which is also worth a stroll for visitors.