What do you do when you have a few days to take off? A city break, of course. I found myself looking back at my twenty-eighteen travel list that I wrote at the beginning of the year, referencing it like a guide to my next travel destination. Prague stood out as the most practical and fun idea for a short amount of time. With it being a last minute trip, I didn’t plan anything for a change, no long word documents full of things to do and see, restaurant recommendations or things to do at night. Prague was my blank canvas and I was ready to see what all the fuss was about.
Did we make the right choice? I think so. Siting by the Vltava River, listening to the subtle waves crashing into each other after lunch, observing the sights of Prague from the side of the river bank in complete serenity, under the basking hot 30 degree sun. This was absolute bliss.
Exploring the city by foot mostly, not using a map or Google maps for the whole trip, ensured we saw the city the best way, discovering some great places to visit and things to do. Want to see what we discovered? Let’s go!
1. Explore Old Town
Wandering around Old Town takes you back a few decades, before tarmac was introduced and the streets are still cobbled. The architecture is exquisite, which lights the city up with a great deal of bright colours. People not only visit Old Town for the admiration value, there is a lot of deep history that lies in this area of Prague. The main square attracts a lot of people, especially with horse-drawn carriages and the famous astronomical clock. Old Town is a must see!
2. Visit Prague Castle
Not only is Prague Castle an UNSECO site, it is also made it into the Guinness Book of World Records as the largest coherent castle complex in the world. Incredible, right?! There are so many components to the castle that need to be explored such as the Golden Lane, St. George’s Basilica, the Old Royal Palace and so much more!
3. Peruse around St. Vitus Cathedral
St. Vitus Cathedral is one of the components of Prague Castle, but it has its own stand alone feature as it’s one of the most beautiful Cathedral’s I have ever visited. It also holds great value to residents of Prague, especially as many of the Czech Kings and Queens coronations also took place there. The Neo-Gothic theme of the Cathedral is like no other with narrow side aisles, lined with chapels and stain glass windows. It’s a must visit!
4. Watch the Guards Change
At the back of Prague Castle, in the courtyard is where you will often see the guard changes. There is a daily guard change on the hour, but the ceremonial changing of the guard with a fanfare and the flag ceremony is at 12:00 (noon) and it’s definitely the guard change you want to aim for. Complete with a live trumpet procession, you really get the full experience and a few chills down your back too!
5. Climb 300 steps of the Petrin Tower
Petrin Tower looks like a miniature Eiffel Tower on the hill, which can often be seen from various points of the city. It wasn’t until we went to explore what it was, we realised it was a 300 step climb to get to the top of Petrin Tower, that gave you some of the most gorgeous views across the city at essentially what is the highest point in Prague.
6. Peddle boat across Vltava River
There are many river cruises that travel up and down the Vltava River but it’s not the same as jumping on a peddle boat, and getting up close and personal with some of Prague’s landmarks and buildings. Plus, if you’re lucky enough, you may just find a nice shady spot near a festival playing good tunes and take it as an opportunity to sunbathe a bit too.
7. Walk across Charles Bridge at night
Charles Bridge becomes quite romantic by night. You will find buskers playing classical music on violins and flutes. We walked across the bridge just as the sun was setting, we stopped to listen to a duo of violinists playing famous theme tunes, one of which was the Titanic theme tune. In my absolute element, I turned around and spotted the most stunning, fiery sunset just above the riverside restaurants. The perfect way to enjoy Prague by night.
8. Visit the Ice Pub
If you haven’t been to any of the Ice Bar’s around the world, or even if you have, a trip to the Ice Pub in Prague is a must do. Not only is it ridiculously cheap in comparison, you get the full extent of ice thrones and large polar bares to enjoy too. They throw on some popping tunes and encourage you to have a good ol’ dance whilst sipping on your cocktails in ice glasses. It’s definitely an experience and a perfect way to cool down from the heat.
Have you ever visited Prague?
Until next time…
