The Czech Republic, land of ornate castles and mystical legends, is also the birthplace of Pilsner Beer. Some of the best suds in the world are served up in the traditional beer halls of Prague, the grand and gorgeous capital, alongside hearty slabs of cheese, fatty hunks of meat and dense potato dumplings. In addition to ever-flowing “pivo” (meaning “beer” in Czech), the Czechs also pour a mean glass of absinthe, the infamous wormwood liquor said to induce hallucinations. Every workday in Prague ends with a tall glass of perfectly poured pilsner, drunk in neighborhood pubs and tourist landmarks alike, so kick back, drink up and let it all sink in.

• Zane Lamprey
• Stephen McKenna