I visited Prague in 2014. I was actually in Stuttgart for purposes of work, but was mulling over the prospect of visiting this beautiful city for quite some time. Then, one fine weekend, in September, after some planning, I decided this was it.
There was good connectivity from Stuttgart to Prague by means of ICE trains and buses. I travelled by a combination of both, only stopping for a change in Nuremberg. I set out early Friday evening to reach Prague at night, around 11.30 p.m. There are many hostels in the vicinity of the railway station and I had booked one of them in advance.
The Czech are known to be party animals and this Friday was no exception, based on what I observed. There was some kind of party going on in every 1 in 3-4 buildings I passed on my way to the hostel. I later realised that there was some kind of party going on, on a yacht not far from my hostel as well. Almost any woman or man I asked directions for, appeared to be partly drunk. Some were too drunk to even give me a proper answer. But eventually, some woman managed to gather her wits to give me some reasonable reply. Hooray for her!:)
As I walked the tram laden streets, I could make out the outlines of some of the beautifully sculpted buildings, even at those late hours. But being a bit tired, after a short walk, I hit the sack early.
DAY 1
Next morning, I woke up early with the day fully planned out only to find out that my phone battery needed replacing. I quickly rushed to Palladium Mall, not far from where I was put up, which by the way is also one of the main attractions of the city. Having replaced the battery, I headed back to the hostel for breakfast. Moments before I was about to leave, I came upon a fellow from New Delhi who had taken time out from some business trip with intentions of visiting the city and had just arrived at the hostel. I already had an itenary and he wanted to see the city but had no plans at that moment. A small chitchat ensued, after which we both decided to set out together.
Places Covered: We made reasonably swift progress that day, covering Old Town, New Town and Jewish Quarter along with Wenceslas Square, Vltava River and Charles Bridge. All these places are actually quite walkable.
To make up for a few hours, we took the free walking tour (there are several) to cover the above places. However, that didn’t stop us from revisiting the same to cover other things that I had on my itenary.
The Astronomical Clock is located on a wall of the Old Town Hall which in turn is located in the Old Town Square, one of the centers of hustle-bustle in the city. There is always some function or act going on in the square, with several food stalls to keep you going while you’re there.
The clock itself is one of the oldest astronomical clocks out there, it shows you the position of the sun and moon, the procession of the apostles on an hourly basis and some activity of "a skeleton" and also an indicator for months. Quite a sight.
The Old Town Square is home to several historical monuments and buildings in close proximity with some intriguing history involving vary famous nations and historical figures. Most of it is quite well preserved, while others are being renovated.
Tyn Church with its Gothic sculpture and unequal spires will definitely draw your attention. The history behind why it is unequal is no less interesting.
St. Nicolaus Church, on the other hand, close by, is more conspicuous because of its beauty rather than the oddity.
Kinsky Palace makes for good viewing.
Jindrisska Tower is the highest belfry there, although that’s pretty much what strikes one as special about it.
There are loads of buildings and monuments of artistic significance like Klementium, Municipal House and Estates Theatre while the Museum of Communism was supposed to hold significance during times of the Soviet Union.
The Powder Gate is incredibly old, tracing back to 11th century, being one of the 13 entrances to the Old Town, used to store gunpowder. What is interesting about it is the Gothic sculptures on its walls, parts of it done at different times, spread over a period.
After a lot of walking, we came upon Wenceslas Square, Prague’s biggest boulevard with lines of shops, casinos, bars and hotels. Again, this seems to be a centre of a lot of hustle-bustle. I tried the Old Prague Sausage for lunch, which is a specialty here. Lives up to its reputation.
We covered the Rudolfinum Concert Hall, Jewish Quarter and Spanish Synagogue in brief, before heading towards the Old Bridge Tower, another Gothic beauty on the way to Vlatava River.
The Vlatava River and the Charles Bridge hovering over it connects the Old Town and the Lesser Town. Over centuries old, It is a sight to behold! One of the most romantic places to be. The bridge is also a reasonable place to buy souvenirs along with various shops in Lesser Town.
On our way through Old Town, we came across 2 others who were checking out the same places. We became friends and completed the rest of the tour together, that day.
We had Roast Pork Dumpling with Cabbage(dinner) somewhere near the Old Town Square, a specialty here. Was pretty good.
DAY 2
I covered Prague Castle Area and Lesser Town (Mala Strana) on this day.
Places Covered:
Like the Old Town Bridge Tower, there is a Lesser Town Bridge Tower at the entry of Mala Strana, although it’s not that grand in appearance.
John Lennon Wall colored by Lennon inspired graffiti is something interesting to watch along with the Museum of Music and Church of Lady Victorious in close proximity.
St. Nicholas Church of the Lesser Town (and not of Old Town) is the largest church in Prague. The exterior and interior is interesting to watch.
Thereon, we climbed Petrin Hill on our way to the Prague Castle Area and came across Strahov Monastery and pilgrimage site Loreta. They also had some interesting architecture inside.
At this point, my partner was feeling tired. So, we sat down on some nearby rocks, just to take in the view and recharge our batteries. Petrin Hill overlooks Lesser Town and makes for lovely viewing.
The premier Prague tourist attraction, the Prague Castle complex includes palaces, a church, a monastery, museums and art galleries, viewing towers. Great to look at from the outside, and no less from the inside as well.
St. Vitus Cathedral is the standout building inside the castle. Very attractive Gothic construct one has to really stretch one’s neck to witness the entire height of the same (even a giraffe might have to do the same);)
Sherbatski Palace is another great sight to soothe your eyes.
St. George’s Basilica has some significance of being the oldest church around there and the Golden Lane having some historical significance with a series of 11 varied shops of textiles, armour etc.
Lobkowicz Palace is in the Prague Castle complex. An acclaimed museum, displays include music manuscripts, musical instruments, gun collections, decorative arts and Old Master paintings. The entry fee was around 10.40 Euros. Very informative! About the history of Czech republic and important people associated with the same.
My partner decided to sit this one out. He wandered off to a Toy Museum instead. When I exited Lobkowicz Museum, he showed me a strange discovery he’d made, in the meantime. Somewhere between the Toy Museum and the Palace, there was this skinny statue of a man and people were queuing up to touch its private parts (which was painted golden). It was supposed to bring good luck, like touching "Laughing Buddha’s tummy". Kind of amusing, but we did it anyway!
Before heading back from Mala Strana, we visited St. Wenceslas Vineyard, when it was drizzling a bit. We had lunch there, attacking a few St. Wenceslas sausages with some Apple Cider.
We walked back down Petrin Hill, for a last look at the Charles Bridge, before heading back to the hostel. I returned from Prague that day. I believe my partner flew back to New Delhi the following afternoon.
SOME OTHER BASIC ADVICE
Streets are very systematic. With good directions or a map, you can’t get lost. Trams are on the roads. There is no separate Bahnhof, like in Stuttgart. They accept Euros or Crowns everywhere, preferably the latter. You could get Euros exchanged at several places. One could also try Halusky, another specialty there. Other than traveling to the city, it is reasonably economical.
If you have time while you’re there, also take the funicular to go to the top of Petrin Hill to see Lesser Town from Petrin Tower (Like mini Eiffel Tower). Try the Sea World and the Zoo. Also check out the Míšenská street in Mala Strana, which is unique, as it is the only street in Prague built entirely in baroque style. The Zizkov Television Tower is another interesting attraction with sculptures of babies climbing up an down by David Cerney.
Spend more time in Wenceslas square, Charles Bridge and Old Town Square. Also see Old Town Square under lights. Quite beautiful.
To summarize, I’d have to say Prague is a city famous for its Gothic Architecture and well preserved history linked with famous personalities like Einstein, Kafka and Mozart and several other kings. If you are interested in the history of Europe in general, you will like it. Then, there is also architecture inspired by other famous cities hundreds of years ago. Would rival any European city in this regard. It is also a city with several romantic structures, intentional or unintentional and in general a great place in most ways. I had a great time there.