Prague had been on my radar for years! The Czech capital is a popular destination for groups of Brits on stag-does, hen-does, and those celebrating milestone birthdays. My close friends and I would often daydream and drunkenly plan trips of beer and strippers for our future selves.
Little did I know then that my first trip to Prague would not be with a group of party-loving lads celebrating a 21st birthday in fancy dress, but with a 24-year-old, female, social justice campaigner from California. Life is a funny thing sometimes, isn’t it?
Instead of strip clubs, liters of beer, and shots, shots, shots, it was culture, movies, and underground gay bars.
We entered the Czech Republic by land. We took a bus from Vienna to Prague’s main station that took just over 4 hours and cost less than 20 euros. Our excursion to the Austrian mountains beforehand had cleansed my pallet and I was ready to do city things again… and what a city it is!
Prague has the novel-like nickname The City of a Hundred Spires. Despite the actual number being much higher, the nickname has stuck. In reality, almost pointy 1000 spires of the many cathedrals and other historic buildings in the city can be seen scattered across the impressive landscape.
Prague also has a place in the Guinness World Records for being home to the largest castle in the world, the world’s second-ugliest building, and the Dancing House (Google it!).
Every corner of the city is bursting with extraordinary buildings, curious alleyways, unusual stores, and culturally intriguing points of interest. It is unsurprising that 8+ million tourists visit Prague each year, most of them being from other countries.
Walkable, as many cities in Europe are, we explored most of Czech’s capital by foot. I loved strolling slowly past the expressive street art decorating the blocks, especially the Jon Lennon Wall across from the French embassy.
I also have fond memories of walking along the riverbanks and across the many, many bridges, each with its own architectural charm and elegance.
The Vltava River which runs through the center of the city, dividing it into two parts, is a great point to keep track of your bearings. We spent most of our time in Old Town and Josefov on the eastern side but left plenty of time to explore Hradcany and Lesser Town too.
Old Town, described by many travel writers as the beating heart of the city, and by locals as Staré Město, dates to the 10th century. These cobbled streets are where you’ll find the astronomical clock at the old city town hall, a must-see for anyone visiting! Installed in 1410, the clock is the oldest astronomical clock still in operation, and the third oldest astronomical clock to exist. The procession of the Twelve Apostles begins when the hour hand (between 9.00 a.m. and 11.00 p.m.) chimes. For a small fee, it’s also possible to enter the top of the clock tower for panoramic views of the city.
Most of the bars, restaurants, and shopping, as well as the old town square and Charles Bridge, are also located on this side.
On the other side of the river is where you’ll find St Nicholas church, and the previously mentioned Lennon Wall and Prague castle.
Of course, no trip to Prague is complete without enjoying a beer or 10, something that the city is very self-aware of and embraces. Green Devil’s Absinth Bar, countless craft beer spots, a beer museum and even a beer spa — Prague knows how to give you a good time! My personal favourite was an underground comic book-themed bar with murals of movie stars and comic book characters spray painted across the walls!
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