Dobrý den! That means hello in Czech, and it’s one of the many things you’re going to learn before your visit to the European city that stole my heart three years ago.
While Prague’s notorious architecture stands tall and beautiful year round, visiting during basically any season that isn’t Winter to get the full experience is something I personally recommend. However, I have heard raving reviews from friends who have chosen to visit in Winter, so those who choose to take that route can still look to this article for good eats, drinks, and indoor activities. But for those of you who are choosing to visit during the suggested seasons, We best get started now because we’ve got a lot to cover!
Where to Stay
With so much to see, it’s fortunate that most of Prague’s main attractions are in close proximity to each other, so when it comes to choosing a place to stay, it’s hard to go wrong. As a working student on a budget, I chose to sublease an AirBnB in New Town. New Town is the best area to stay if you are trying to do Prague on a Budget, however, it will be a (very cheap) 10-15 minute metro or tram ride to most of the main attractions in Old Town and Mala Strana.
Mala Strana, the most luxurious part of Prague, is a great option for those looking to splurge. I personally would recommend Mala Strana for 1- those who can afford it, and 2- couples looking for a romantic view every time they step outside.
If you are on the fence about not wanting to splurge and still wanting to be close to all the must-see sights, Old Town is definitely the place for you. Old town is both locations in moderation, the best of both worlds. Especially if it’s your first time visiting Prague, you can’t go wrong staying in Old Town.
The last question you may be wondering, AirBnB or hotel? Personally, I would say that both my friends and I who chose AirBnBs were more than pleased, however I cannot speak for hotels. All I know is, the very act of staying in a local’s home will aid in helping you understand the culture more.
Where to Exchange your Money
This is a common question we all ask our when going to a new country. We all want to avoid being ripped off, and many places don’t accept card, so you will need to gather up some Czech Korunas. And we all know the airports generally don’t tend to have the best reputation for this. Depending on where you have chosen to stay, you can refer to the link below from the “Honest” Prague Travel Guide that will show you a map of scam-free currency exchange locations.
Things to Do and Places to See
When visiting a place with history as rich as Prague’s, you can’t truly appreciate it for all that it is until you take a journey into the past with one of Prague’s many walking tours. While there are a superfluous amount of tours offered online with sites like TripAdvisor, there are also free walking tours you can find if you stick around the Astronomical Clock Tower in Old Town Square from 10-11 AM each morning. However, these tour guides will require tips at the end, so make sure you have those Korunas!
In addition to Prague Castle, most walking tours will include visits to
- St.Vitus Cathedral
- The Golden Lane
- Charles Bridge
- Queen Anne’s Summer Palace
- The Singing Fountain
- Ball game hall
- Schwarzenberg’s Palace
- Old Royal Palace
- St.George Basilica
Don’t worry about your feet, these are all in close proximity to each other, and your calves will be looking golden with all the uphill walking!
Are you wondering why I chose to bold out St. Vitus Cathedral and Charle’s Bridge? I’m just trying to prepare you for the googley eyes you’ll have when you reach them. While I hope you all choose to keep your phones away and listen to your tour guides throughout this tour, I couldn’t blame you for taking those cameras out to snap a pic of the magnificence you’ll see before you when you encounter these two.
My opinion may be far fetched, but I personally believe architecture like that of Prague’s St. Vitus shows to be even more captivating after the sun goes down. So never rule out a little visit back to see the magnificence from a different perspective.
If you have more than a few days in Prague, theres no questioning that you’ll be back to visit Charle’s Bridge. This captivating bridge is full of art, dancing, and life in general. You definitely will see a painting or a bracelet you just can’t keep out of your mind while you’re walking along Charle’s Bridge, and you’ll be back for it. All while getting to soak in the bliss of the culture and magical aura around you.
Luckily for you, a majority of walking tours end up at the extravagant Prague Castle, which just so happens to be in close proximity to one of my favorite hidden gems, that you absolutely must stop by visit when your tour is over.
Wallenstein Garden is not only your place to sit and get a break from all the crazy tourist crowding, but your chance to stare into the beautiful koi pond and ENORMOUS peacocks frolicking around and showing off for the cameras. Like I promised before, I will always provide you with the best spots to get the perfect photo, and Wallenstein Garden’s beauty couldn’t be more perfect.
Two buds relaxing in the beautiful and peaceful gardens.
Wallenstein Garden birds- Sexy and they know it.
So you’ve been introduced to the history that makes Prague so special, but that’s only the half of it! Here are some more essential things to do after you’ve settled in and become a little more familiar with the culture:
Vltava River Paddle boats:
Remember those incredible photo opps I promised you I’d share? As long as you have a trusty companion paddling along Prague’s most famous river with you, THIS is your opportunity to get the most perfect photo. With the freedom of being able to paddle your own boat anywhere and everywhere you’d like, You will get the most picturesque views of Charle’s Bridge, Prague Castle, and all the gorgeous scenery you can imagine when the angle is coming up from water. One of the best parts about these rides is that they have no hour restrictions, you can capture the beauty in broad daylight, bring a bottle of wine with you, cozy up and watch the sunrise go down. paddling back through the river and being able to witness how beautiful the unique architecture of Prague looks in every stage of the waning day. The rental price is very affordable, however you may have to paddle back to headquarters a few times to extend it when you realize you don’t want to leave.
Chloe taking in the views of Prague from Vtlava River at a new angle.
Petrin Hill:
If the weather permits, it would be a crime not to stop by Prague’s largest park, Petrin Hill. Yes, a hill, and a steep incline (299) steps to be exact. But when you reach the top and are gazing out at the best panoramic view of Prague, you’ll remember why the best things in life never come easy. My personal favorite part about Petrin Hill? It’s close distance to my favorite part of the entire city-
The John Lennon Wall:
Some of you may find my favoritism for this attraction skeptical, it’s just a graffiti wall, right? Wrong, it is SO much more. You’ll immediately be drawn in by the energy of artists and photographers around you when you arrive at the wall, but its when you learn about the history of the Velvet Revolution that you really start to feel the passion behind it. I won’t go into depth about the history, but I will say the story behind this wall changed my perspective about Prague. More than anything, it told me the most inspirational story about how a culture that was once oppressed by communism never stopped fighting for its freedom. And once you look around present day Prague, you realize they managed to achieve the freedom they fought for beyond all reasonable doubt. The John Lennon Wall is the epitome of the character you will find in Prague and the people you encounter there. And the character that Prague has simply can’t be beat.
My 22 year old self in front of my favorite wall- A photo that literally and figuratively says a thousand words.
Where to Satisfy those Taste Buds
Breakfast:
Cafe Louvre- Wide variety of breakfast foods (and mimosas), plus you can dine where Einstein literally used to go study back in the day!
Cafe Savoy- Amazing food for every type of eater. I think we had to get an extra table to fit everything we ordered.
Cukrář Skála- Notorious for having the most delicious pastries in Prague, good stop for a quick breakfast if you’re rushing!
Lunch/Dinner:
Strahov Brewery & Restaurant- History, good food, great beer, & small distance away from Prague Castle
Cafe Slavia- My personal favorite authentic Czech food, conveniently located right near the Vtlava River paddle boats!
La Republica- Czech food using traditional Austro-Hungarian recipes (close proximity to New Town)
U Fleků- Near Narodni museum (One of Czech’s oldest and most authentic restaurants), superb food, superfluous amounts of pivos, & cabaret shows on the weekend!
Meat & Greet- Yummy burgers for the picky eater in your group, and even more Czech food!
Las Adelitas- If you thought the Czech couldn’t master Mexican food, you’re in for a pleasant surprise. And before you press play on the video linked and start to wonder, yes, that is my 22-year-old self screaming “arrribbaaaa” with a margarita in my hand. Enjoy!
NO MATTER WHERE YOU GO TO EAT IN PRAGUE, DO NOT LEAVE WITHOUT TRYING:
Svíčková pronounced (shishkova) a delicious (I mean my mouth still waters every time I think about it delicious) entree with beef and dumplings boiled with a double cream.
Trdelník: pronounced (tridelnek) is Prague’s must-try dessert. It is essentially rolled dough covered in sugar and fillings of your choice. You will see them everywhere, but the best place to get them is in Old Town Square.
No I didn’t forget, it is also a sin to leave Prague without trying Absinthe in the homeland where its brewed! It may taste like gasoline, but we don’t pass up once in a lifetime opportunities to taste straight from the source in this blog! Which brings me to our last and final excerpt-
Where to Drink and Unwind
Letna Beer Garden- Letna is a gem of comfort for when you want to unwind with a beautiful view of the city and knock back a few beers. I would put it on your MUST list. Did I mention the photo opps?
Next to Letna, my personal favorite bars to visit when the sun went down:
Vzorkova- Like nothing you’ve ever seen, and only in Prague. Giant local dog, ladders, live music, secret hiding spots, swings. Need I say more?
Beer Geek- For the hipsters and beer enthusiasts who enjoy good wings.
Anonymous bar- I call this one “creepy cool” referencing just about everything you see when you walk in, masked bartenders, spooky drinks, and a mysterious atmosphere.
Parlour- For Prohibition style atmosphere and cocktails, located around more nightlife in Wenceclas square in case you’re in need of a calmer pre-game spot.
Hemingway bar- World famous, sick history, add it the Musts!
Alchemist Bar- The coolest alchemy themed bar, will send you on a mission to solve riddles all over the city. (In case you get bored)
Bar & Books-A chill dive bar vibe with a twist of renaissance, any book lovers dream.
Nightclubs:
Lucerna- Plays music videos from the 90s on a giant projector, come here to JAM with people of all ages!
U Sudu- Underground chill vibes, with a good median between bar and club for dancing
Retro & Radost- EDM, HOUSE, STROBE LIGHTS. Come here to “RAGE YOUR FACE OFF,” as the kids would say. Stay hydrated.
Cross club- Stairs to different rooms that will make you feel like you’re in Alice in Wonderland, never boring. But pretty sketchy, watch your purse while you’re people watching (It’s the real entertainment)
Harleys- Tough biker bar, but all are welcome, make sure you slam some absinthe beforehand.
Absinthe Bar- Watch them light your drink on fire before you put it in your mouth while contemplating what life is. Add it to the MUSTs
James Dean- A daydream for party rockers of all ages, in the wee hours it is always time to rage.
Safety first, so I left it for last.
After living in Prague for two months, walking home by myself countless times at night, I can honestly say this city made me feel safe enough to add to my list of good places for solo female travelers. However, we must always be vigilant and mindful of how we present ourselves to others. No place is completely safe, and I did have friends who were pick-pocketed while on the Metro. However the circumstances must be taken into account- they were leaving a bar, acting intoxicated and speaking loudly. Do not turn yourself into a target by making these mistakes. Pick-pocketing is common in Prague, so get yourself a good cross-body or fanny pack. On the bright side, pick-pocketing tends to be the worst of it when it comes to crime here. As a reminder to all, no matter where you are, remain respectful of those around you, and I promise you will be less of a target.
AHOJ! &….
If there are any more questions you have about where to eat and what to do when you arrive in Prague, just visit https://www.praguevisitor.eu/. Or when you arrive, just stop in to say hi to my old bosses, who taught me everything I know about the AUTHENTIC parts of this city. I can guarantee their hospitality, plus their magazine comes free!
I have also posted my FIRST EVER YouTube Vlog video teaching you all a little bit of basic Czech to memorize before your journey.
