TRAVEL TREASURES: Ramble with me in PRAGUE

A Ramble into History

The charming capital of the Czech Republic, Prague, is a historical and architecturally stunning city. Founded in the 9th century when Prague Castle was built, it developed rapidly into a significant European hub during Charles IV’s rule in the fourteenth century. This era’s magnificent Charles Bridge and gothic St. Vitus Cathedral continue to enthral tourists to this day.

Ornate churches and palaces are remnants of Prague’s Baroque Golden Age. The city saw the Soviet era and World War II events before the nonviolent Velvet Revolution in 1989.

With its mediaeval Astronomical Clock, eerie Jewish Quarter, and thriving cultural scene, Prague’s Old Town Square today skillfully combines the old and the new. Prague offers tourists a dynamic glimpse into Europe’s history and present, whether they choose to explore its cobblestone streets or just relax by the Vltava River.

Top 10 Fun Facts about Prague!

  1. The Astronomical Clock: Installed in 1410, Prague’s Astronomical Clock, also known as Orloj, is the oldest still in operation and the third-oldest astronomical clock in the world. Crowds assemble to watch the animated characters on the clock, which include the twelve apostles and a skeletal figure that symbolises death, once every hour.
  2. Beer Capital: Prague is the centre of the beer culture of the Czech Republic, which has the highest per capita beer consumption of any nation. Many old breweries and taverns in the city serve a broad selection of classic Czech lagers.
  3. Charles Bridge Legends: According to legend, eggs were added to the mortar when the bridge was constructed in 1357 under King Charles IV’s auspices. It is one of the most recognisable sites in Prague, lined with thirty baroque statues of saints.
  4. A City of Spires: Prague, also referred to as “The City of a Hundred Spires,” is home to more than 500 spires. A beautiful cityscape is created by the dominance of Gothic, Baroque, and Renaissance towers and domes in the skyline.
  5. Kafka’s House: Franz Kafka, one of the most important writers of the 20th century, was born and raised in Prague. There is a statue of Kafka in the Jewish Quarter and the Kafka Museum is open for exploration.
  6. John Lennon Wall: Since the 1980s, the wall has been covered in messages of love and peace, Beatles song lyrics, and graffiti. It came to represent liberation and defiance of the communist government.
  7. Mediaeval Underground: A maze of mediaeval passageways and rooms lies beneath the Old Town. These underground areas were utilised as hiding spots, storage facilities, and even as jails.
  8. Prague Golem: A golem is a clay figure that comes to life through mystical powers. Legend has it that Rabbi Judah Loew built it to defend the Jewish Quarter from anti-Semitic violence. It is reported that the Golem is dormant in the Old New Synagogue’s attic.
  9. Dancing House: Designed by Frank Gehry and Vlado Milunić, this modern architectural wonder is dubbed “Fred and Ginger” because to its shape, which resembles a dancing couple. Against the backdrop of Prague’s old buildings, it is striking.
  10. Prague Castle: According to Guinness World Records, Prague Castle is the world’s largest ancient castle. With palaces, churches, gardens, and a monastery, it occupies over 70,000 square metres.

How to spend 3 days in Prague

Day 1: Explore the fantastic historical heart of Prague

Morning:

  • Prague’s Old Town Square and Astronomical Clock are the perfect places to start the day. Admire the Baroque St. Nicholas Church and the Gothic Týn Church. See the Apostles’ procession led by the Astronomical Clock at the top of the hour.
  • Climb to the pinnacle of the Old Town Hall Tower for sweeping city views.

Afternoon:

  • Charles Bridge: Take a stroll over this historically significant, statue-adorned bridge. Savour views of the city and the Vltava River.
  • Lennon Wall: See the John Lennon Wall for some vibrant graffiti and pro-peace statements after crossing the bridge.

Evening:

  • Dinner in Old Town: Visit a nearby restaurant and sample traditional Czech food. Goulash, svíčková (marinated beef), and trdelník (a sweet pastry) are popular dishes.
  • Cruise the Vltava River: Take a leisurely nighttime boat ride to see Prague’s famous sites lit up.

Day 2: Discover the fairytale Castles and Gardens of Prague

Morning:

  • Prague Castle Complex: Start the day in the world’s largest ancient castle, Prague Castle. See Golden Lane, the Old Royal Palace, and St. Vitus Cathedral.
  • St. George’s Basilica: Go within the castle grounds to explore this Romanesque basilica.

Afternoon:

  • Lesser Town (Malá Strana): Stroll to this quaint neighbourhood. Take a look at St. Nicholas Church and stroll around the charming streets.
  • Petrin Hill and Observation Tower: Climb Petrin Hill by the funicular. Explore the lovely grounds or scale the tower for breathtaking views.

Evening:

  • Take a leisurely stroll around Kampa Island and enjoy dinner at one of the eateries by the river.

Day 3: Take a dive in the Culture and Local Flavours

Morning:

  • Explore the Jewish Museum, the Old Jewish Cemetery, and a number of historically significant synagogues, such as the Old New Synagogue, in the Josefov neighbourhood.
  • Discover the life and works of the renowned author at the Franz Kafka Museum.

Afternoon:

  • Wenceslas Square: Take a look around this lively New Town neighbourhood. Go to the National Museum and buy mementos.
  • Visit the old Vyšehrad Fortress for fantastic views of the city and the Vltava River. See the Vyšehrad Cemetery and the Basilica of St. Peter and St. Paul.

Evening:

  • Traditional Czech Beer Experience: Try some Czech beers at a nearby brewery or beer hall, including U Fleků or Lokal.
  • Prague’s nightlife: If you’re feeling adventurous, check out Prague’s nightlife. There are a lot of taverns, clubs, and live music venues in the city.

My dope tips for traveling to Prague whether solo or not!

  • Public Transportation: The buses, metro and tram systems in Prague are effective and reasonably priced. Think about purchasing a 3-day pass.
  • Wake up Early: My all time favourite tip is to wake up early and explore the city in it’s most beautiful time, empty streets, no crowds, enjoy the silence and scenery! ROMANTIC too for the couples out there!
  • Walking: Seeing Prague on foot is frequently the best option. Because the streets are cobblestones, wear comfortable shoes.
  • Language: Although English is widely spoken in tourist regions, knowing a few simple Czech words might be useful and appreciated.
  • Talk to the locals: From my experience the locals were super duper friendly, some made me their own handwritten map with all the sights I must visit, delicious foods I should try, and tips of how to save money!
  • Always stay safe especially if you’re a solo traveler and not only, I’ve never experienced anything distressing during my solo traveling but I always take precautions and don’t stay out too late on my own.

My Fairy Story

You might be asking why ‘fairy’, the only word I can describe Prague as in my heart is a FAIRYTALE. I felt like a princess, walking around the beautiful green gardens, felt like I was so fortunate to be able to experience the beauty and peace of this city. Meeting nice people is always a great bonus if you’re a solo traveler, and there will be a lot over there! There were a lot of bachelorette parties, so if you’re looking for a nice location definitely recomend it. Although if I had to choose between being proposed there or having my hen du I would probably choose the proposal haha. And it’s not a joke there is love in the air of Prague. The beer oh my dear puffs if you’re a beer lover like me this is the place. Have a nice Staropramen with a view towards Charles bridge, this is what I call an absolute experience! Let me tell you about how I overtook my fear to climb up the Petrin Tower which is 63 metres high! I took the stairs and let me tell you was I shaking and praying to have my dad save me asap whilst holding the base of the tower yes I was! This was by far one of the scariest and bravest moments in my life and I am soo happy I did it – highly recommend you do it too. The view on the top is amazing but to be honest the fact I made it to the top was the best out of it!

you may also like