Dear Wandering Spirit,
If you are looking for a city that keeps evolving but still maintains its charm, then you should definitely travel to Prague! Like the title of Julia Robert’s famous film, I think the perfect motto is ‘Eat, Prague, Love.’ Want to discover why? Keep reading! ✈️
One of the Most Visited Cities in Europe
At the heart of Europe, lying on the Vltava river, Prague is one of the most visited cities after London, Paris, and Rome. Thanks to its historical buildings, it is also called the City of a Hundred Spires, and its castle is the largest in the world. 🏰
The iconic Charles Bridge attracts millions of tourists every year. Want a tip for a great picture? Go very early in the morning, like 5 or 6 am; it’s the only peaceful moment you will have here.
It has been 13 years since I was in this amazing city, and I went a second time to see how much it has changed. It’s surely a touristic spot, especially around the old town, but still very vibrant, unique, and friendly.
If you are having dinner at one of the many cafes and bistros, engage in a conversation with a local and have a Pils beer. You will discover very welcoming and nice folk here. Czech people are known for drinking more beer than any other nation in the world. Surely, they are lively and party-ready! 🍻
Three Days in Prague
The ‘Malá Strana’ district can be visited in one day. Prague castle has much to offer but be prepared for long walks and many steps. You can reach this place walking from Charles Bridge. 🚶
With one ticket, you can see the Old Royal Palace, St. Vitus’s Cathedral and its stunning South Tower, the Basilica of St. George, and the Golden Lane. Here, you will glance into the life of the goldsmiths who lived just outside the royal palace in the 17th century.
After lunch, trek to top of the hill and reach Petrin lookout tower. Wander back and admire the colourful Lennon Wall. Spoiler alert: this place is crowded around the clock! Prague is also the birthplace of Franz Kafka – make sure you pay a visit to the Kafka Museum. 🐞
Finish day one by walking around the old town ‘Staré Mesto’ and watch the still-working Prague Astronomical Clock. The central gothic church of Our Lady before Týn becomes a stunning show at sunset, as the colours of the stained-glass windows reflect in a mystical way.
Hot Spots in Prague
Spend the second day to visit Josefov Jewish Quarter. Your starting point is the iconic Old Town Square. From there, visit the Spanish Synagogue in its Baroque splendour. Not far away, you can see the Maiselova synagogue, dedicated to the history and legends of the Jews in this country.
Walk a bit further and get to the Pinkas synagogue. Here, you will experience a very touching moment, as the names of millions of Holocaust victims cover the wall. After the Pinkas synagogue, keep walking until you reach the Old Jewish cemetery. 🕍
On day three, walk around the ‘Nové Mesto’ (new town) district. Here, Art Nouveau style and neo-renaissance façades paint the town with elegance and nobility. I can’t imagine how beautiful this place must have been in earlier centuries!
Start walking from Wenceslas Square, a 750 m long boulevard, and you can reach the Dancing House (also called Fred and Ginger, after the dancers Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers). On the road, you will probably come across the Head of Franz Kafka, a 11 m tall rotating and reflecting sculpture. 🗿
Enjoy, Fall in Love With Prague & Repeat
Three days seems enough to visit Prague’s hot spots, but there is much more you can do here. Add a few days on top and discover the beautiful paintings in the National Gallery. Uncover all Kafka sculptures around the city.
Go to an opera performance at the National Theatre, which are offered with English subtitles. Take a ferry and enjoy Prague from the river. Party at the largest central European club ‘Karlovy Lázne’ and take some time for a beer spa (you read correctly!). 🛀
Whatever kind of activity you choose, Prague will be one of the most relaxing and yet exciting trips in Europe you will have. And after all, you will easily understand why the motto ‘Eat, Prague, Love’ applies here. First, you will get to know the local culture by tasting great Bohemian plates and refreshing beers.
Secondly, you will be amazed by the history of this city. Lastly, you will feel a new spirit walking through the narrow streets of the old city centre. At the end of your journey, you will probably fall in love with Prague and want to come once again! 🧭
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Yours,
riccivagabondi
