A Guide To Prague
Monday, December 28, 2015
Prague. The city of a thousand spires. Of a thousand dreams. Bohemian paradise. The jewel in the crown of Central Europe.We arrived to the airport at 7:00. By some miracle, we raced through security with the help of a guard who, after rolling his eyes at us Americans, let us cut through line. We arrived to the gate by 7:05 and were, by some miracle, the last ones on the plane. I actually think I cried a little out of joy when I got to my seat. Of course, that joy only lasted until I had realized that I was seated in the middle of an obnoxiously drunk bachelor party - but hey, beggars can't be choosers.
Prague better be the best damn city in the world, I thought.
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And? It did not disappoint. Prague was an absolute fairy tale. Walking around Old Town that first night - as the astronomical clock tower struck midnight and gothic spires glowed against the skyline - I felt as if I had stepped into the Grimm stories that I had read as a child.
Where We Stayed
Airbnb - We stayed at the coziest and most reasonable Airbnb apartment in central Prague. The host was not only incredibly welcoming, but also incredibly helpful, pointing out everything on the map that we could possibly need - things to see, metro lines to get there, restaurants to try, etc. For a minimal extra fee they even arranged our transportation to and from the airport, which made our trip so much simpler. (While it doesn't look as if the listing is available any longer, I strongly recommend Airbnb!)
What To Eat
Try the Local Cuisine! - You can't go to Prague and not indulge in the traditional plates that many restaurants and roadside grills have to offer. Try goulash, or dumplings!
Cafe Savoy - Our wonderful Airbnb host warned us that this place had the best French Toast in all Prague, so naturally we had to check it out - and weren't disappointed. But beyond that, the cafe dates back to the early twentieth century and maintains that decor and charm. Come to taste history, stay for the french toast?
Bake Shop - Best pastries in the world. Ask for an egg croissant. Realize that heaven is that egg croissant.
Try Local Sweets - Sweet tooth? Try trdelnik - a traditional Bohemian specialty consisting of grilled dough topped in a sugar and walnuts mix.
Seeing the Essentials
Old Town Square - Visit the iconic Astronomical Clock Tower, as well as St. Vitus Cathedral. This was my favorite spot in town. Even just people watching, or strolling the shops, or sitting at outdoor restaurants until the clock tower strikes midnight.
If you have extra time...
Wencelas Square - Explore more of the New Town.
Rent Paddle Boats - A fun way to get away from the city, rest your feet, and see Prague from a new angle on the Vltava River.
Jewish Quarter - We spent an afternoon wandering the Jewish Quarter, visiting the Old Jewish Cemetery and multiple synagogues. The visit was beautiful and at times inspiring and harrowing and definitely worth the visit no matter your background. When I return to Prague some day, I look forward to a day trip to visit Terezin.
Nightlife
Beer Gardens - Drinking beer under strings of lights across the river, overlooking the city's spires.
Karlovy Lazne - Prague is notoriously famous for it's five-story club. We visited the first night and while it seemed perhaps a little overrated, I will say that the trip to the Ice Bar was worth it. It was a fun experience, and the smaller setting allowed us to meet a lot of other travellers! Tip: book ahead if you go. You won't have to wait in the lines for the whole club once you get there, and after the Ice Bar you have access to the other five levels if you wish to stay.
And most importantly...
Not all those who wander are lost. - To be honest, I think there's a lot to be said for not over-detailing your itinerary. Go wander and see what you can find. This is my absolute favorite way to take in new cities. Use the river as your checkpoint and aimlessly stroll the streets from there.You'll find wonderful little shops and cozy pubs hidden in the colorful facades of the buildings you pass. Shop windows filled with marionettes. Stumble across the Wallenstein Palace Gardens like we did by complete accident. Wander your way down to the riverside and hang out with some swans and wonder if you fell asleep last night and somehow woke up in a Disney movie.
In short? Prague was nothing short of a dream. Although at times a little touristy, the city of a thousand spires was the city I hadn't expected to fall in love with but absolutely did. I can't wait to return someday and find more to explore than my first two days there allowed.
What are some of your favorite things to do in Prague?
XOXO, J
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