Take the tram to Prague's Cafe Slavia

Trams are an essential part of Prague's urban landscape, hurtling across spider-web junctions under forests of overhead wires. Much of the rolling stock dates back to the Communist era, and it is utilitarian rather than beautiful. But for the visitor, trams are often the best option to cover the considerable distances across the city centre - the useful route 22, for example, takes all the hard work out of the steep ascent to Prague Castle. 

One of the focal points of the extensive network is outside the Cafe Slavia, opposite the National Theatre on the right bank of the River Vltava.Take the tram here and have a coffee, a beer or a plate of steaming goulash and dumplings in the pleasantly refurbished interior of this landmark cafe, where querulous intellectuals congregated during the First Republic. 

There's a wonderful view of the castle, looming over the city from the other side of the river, and an even better view of every single tram that rattles and clatters over the four-way junction. So sit here and peel back the various layers of history in this complex, mesmerising city, and have another beer as you watch the trams go by.

Pictures taken outside and around the Cafe Slavia on 01/08/2013