We ended our 2017 Euro Trip in the most remarkable place, Prague. This Czech Republic city is a must see if you’re cruising through Europe. It’s truly astounding the number of times Prague has had to rebuild its beautiful self and between the kindness of it’s people and the strength of their endurance it’s no wonder tourists flock here year round. When you don’t have long to spend in such a beautiful city, you want to be sure you plan out your days to fit in all the gorgeous sites. Here is how my friend and I spent 3 days in Prague.
Day 1: Essential Sites
We arrived late night into Prague, by plane from Barcelona, on our third stop on our European tour. We were now on Day 8 of our trip and just as excited as day 1. We began the morning with coffee and butter bread at the cafe just below our Air BnB then headed out to begin walking the city. The first thing we stumbled upon was the Astronomical Clock, in Old Town Square, it was of course on our list but what a site to accidentally find! We continued to wander until our coffees were finished, then headed straight for the iconic Charles Bridge, a must see in Prague. Walk across the bridge slowly, take in all scenery and local artists, and if you have a minute climb the hidden tower in the arch entryway.
Each little corner turn and side street has hidden treasures including our lunch spot, a medieval restaurant, U Sedmi Svabu, with giant beers, great food, and a massive indoor fire. Full of potato dumplings and beer we headed for Old Town and the John Lennon Wall.
We finished the day off with visiting the Infant Jesus Statue and a laid back night at the Airbnb trying new ciders and beers from the local commissary.
Day 2: Essential Sites and Wandering
Our second day in Prague was a rainy one but that didn’t stop us! We started by heading back to the 600 year old Astronomical Clock, which was conveniently located just a 4 minute walk from our place, to climb the 299 steps to the top. The panoramic view of Prague from the observation deck is the best in the city.
We spent the next couple hours touring little shops, sharing a great lunch then staring at the Prague Castle and locals in Old Town Square enjoying our daily beer and Trdlenik. We spent the rest of the day wandering the city getting lost down every tiny side street. It’s important to take a half day in a city to just wander. Take in the cities air, people and overwhelming beauty. Prague is very inexpensive so go crazy and spoil yourself with dinner. I had a beet salad with the worlds largest block of goat cheese, a plate of mashed potatoes and a full bottle of wine…yes full, don’t judge…for $13. Check out what and where to eat in Prague.
Day 3: The Last Few Stops
The day started with a quick coffee and a hot wine from a hole in the wall down a back alleyway. Anywhere else this would sound sketchy but Prague has what they call Beer Points. A walk up window with everything from coffee to beer to absinthe. They’re tucked between shops on many streets including our walk up to the Strahov Monastery, which houses the stunning Strahov library, a must-see site. Take time to walk around the Monastery, check out the panoramic view of the city and Charles Bridge, then head back down the mountain for lunch, a visit to Swan Park under the bridge and a little shopping.
We finished our last night with a visit to the Hemmingway Bar, an iconic hidden bar with a speakeasy feel and a menu full of the most delicious and unique cocktails I’ve ever seen. We walked home across the Charles Bridge at night, enjoying a totally different view and feel than walking across during the day with an additional stunning view of the Prague Castle all lit up. On the bridge that night we met two different couples heading to Budapest next…a sign maybe?
Day 4 Parting Morning
We woke up early, said goodbye to our amazing AirBnB, had a beer and chocolate pudding for breakfast and headed for the airport. We flew to Amsterdam, flew to New York, took one train to another train to DC then finally Ubered home. Long travel day and already ready for our next trip. Hope you get a chance to travel to Prague sometime soon and take these little tips with you!
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TIPS:
- Make a reservation at the Hemmingway Bar
- Buy tickets for the Astronomical Clock ahead of time
- You can walk everywhere
- There are no “wait lists” in Prague, you either make it to dinner on time or not
- Try the cinnamon covered chocolate almonds you see everywhere…
- and the bright orange ones
- Get lost in the city
- Buy something if you want it, its really easy to forget which shop you were in
- Eat a Trdelnik every day
- Talk to the locals
- Beer is everywhere… enjoy it
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This is so beautiful and your pictures are amazing!
Thank you so much Julie! I hope you get a chance to visit Prague!