Prague, Czech Republic

 
 
 

LOCATION

Prague is the capital city of the Czech Republic, located in the northwest of the country. Prague is highlighted by the Charles Bridge, Old Town Square & the Prague Castle. The city is known for its beautiful architectures & cathedrals, picturesque views and their beer (pivo).

MAIN ATTRACTIONS

  • Charles Bridge

  • Prague Castle

  • Old Town Square & the Astronomical Clock

  • The John Lennon Wall

  • St. Vitus Cathedral

  • The Church of Our Lady before Týn

  • The Municipal House

TOP MUST-DO’S

  • Stop in for THE BEST authentic Prazan food at Švejk Restaurant U Karla

  • Visit the John Lennon Wall to see the beautiful art & graffiti

  • Tour the Prague Castle on the mountainside & take in the beautiful scenes of the city

  • Explore the Old Town Square & watch the Astronomical Clock at the top of the hour

  • Take a paddle boat out on the Vltava River

  • Stroll across the Charles Bridge to see the amazing architecture put into the statues

  • Stop by a local bar to taste the “best beer (pivo) in the world”

REVIEW

Prague had always been on my list to travel to. I had heard many great things from friends who had traveled there during my study abroad experience. So, I knew at some point in life when I returned to Europe, I had to make a pit-stop in Prague. Now, Prague is not the biggest, most popular tourist destination for people. It does not have the same bells and whistles as London or Barcelona or Paris, but do not underestimate it!

Prague is probably one of the most beautiful cities I have ever been to in my life. Its simplicity, yet uniqueness left me in complete admiration as I walked the streets. From the John Lennon Wall to Charles Bridge, I felt very close to a country I had not known much about prior to visiting. Old Town Square was one of the nicest plazas I have seen in the world – the architecture, the design, the beauty of it. At the top of the hour, the famous Astronomical Clock rings in and in itself a beautiful experience. Up at the Prague Castle, you can literally see the entire city. And on the Charles Bridge, you have an incredible screensaver-like view of the Vltava River at sunset.

I would like to give a personal shout-out and recommendation to Švejk Restaurant U Karla: hands-down one of the best restaurants I have had the opportunity to dine at in all of Europe. From their traditional potato dumplings, beef goulash, sauerkraut, sausage, and duck, I did not want to eat at any other place while I was there. Just thinking about it while writing this is bringing me to an unparalleled state. We ate there actually every day we were in Prague. And we met one of the best waiters in the entire world, which made our experience that much more memorable. Something I had not mentioned yet – the people were so kind, down-to-earth, and compassionate. Many of these tourist hot-spots in Europe, you will meet people who are nice because they need to be for the customer service jobs, and then you will meet people who are nice because they are genuine at heart. Prazans (what they call citizens of Prague, not Czechians) are genuinely good people.

I do not know if I would stay in Prague for more than the few days that I did at any given time; I think I got the right dose of Prague during the time to want to come back whenever able to. My recommendation is to add Prague to a trip that you may be making in that area (maybe Greece, Poland, Austria, etc.) and spend a few days in the beautiful city. Really, any time you are in Europe, Prague is probably only a two-hour flight at max. And it is well worth it. If you got a few extra days to fill or maybe a layover in the plan, you now have a place to visit. In addition, their currency is called a Kurona. $1 US dollar is the equivalent to 40 Czech Koruna, which made things very cheap, from food, to activities to transportation. Definitely an underestimated country that provides so much more value and opportunity than meets the regular tourist’s eyes.

 
Ryan HarrisonComment