72 Hours in Prague (& Why It’ll Be My Last): A City Catered to Tourism
Prague is exceptionally beautiful. The architecture is drool worthy. It’s reasonably priced (although on the higher end for Eastern Europe). And if you’re in the area you should absolutely Czech it out.
Except… I would be perfectly happy if my last visit was my last.
I wanted to love Prague, I really did. On paper it has everything I’d want in a city escape – gorgeous buildings, history, castles, beer. But I wasn’t keen to it the first time, and upon giving it a second chance, still walked away dissatisfied.
On my first visit to Prague during a solo backpacking trip, I thought it was from not jiving with anyone in my hostel. The second time though, now that was a blast. But it was mostly due to the band of Irish lads in tow, they made that trip. The lack of air conditioning or fans in our Airbnb during a stifling hot summer heatwave did not. Turns out I’m bougie af when it comes to sleeping without waking up in my own sweat.
The architecture though? That was undeniably amazeballs. I’ve never been to a city more architecturally exquisite (as evident in the number of building photos I’m about to spam you with). I mean it was Hitler’s retirement plan after all. True story.
Prague Snapshot
PRICE POINT: ✪✪/✪✪✪
CURRENCY: Czech Koruna
LANGUAGE: Czech
FOOD TO TRY: Fried Cheese
TIPPING: 10%
TRANSPORTATION: Tram or Uber
Prague Travel Guide Covers:
– HOW TO GET TO PRAGUE
– WHERE TO STAY
– CZECH HISTORY
– WHAT TO SEE IN PRAGUE
– PRAGUE NIGHTLIFE
– 72 HOURS IN PRAGUE ITINERARY
So why didn’t Prague tickle my fancy? Let’s start with the good stuff first and we’ll get to that later.
Because of the architecture, the history and some really great spots on their own, the city is absolutely worth a visit (72 hours in Prague to be exact). Two visits? Maybe not so much. But then again, I’m just about the only person I know who feels this way about Prague, so it’s best to see it for yourself.
Language Snapshot
BEER/WINE:Pivo(Peevo)
CHEERS:Na zdravi(Naz-drah vi)
PLEASE:Prosím (Proseem)
THANK YOU:Děkujun (Dye-ku-yi)
RESTROOM:Toaleta (Toaleta)
ARRIVING TO PRAGUE BY TRAIN
If you’re arriving via international train you’ll stop at the largest station in Prague, Hlavní Nádraží. Positioned in the city centre, the station is a short walk from Wenceslas Square and accessible by the metro. Maybe because I’m from Florida and the mere sight of public transit is overwhelming, but these trams moved scary fast. One step too far to the left with a tram jetting by and adios!
ARRIVING TO PRAGUE BY BUS
On my second rendezvous to Prague, we had planned on arriving by train from Germany. But thanks to German trains being ridiculously expensive, we found out the bus was €40 cheaper. So the choice was simple, by bus my poor a$$ would go.
By international bus you’ll arrive east of the city centre at Florenc bus station, an area of Prague you won’t see again. Don’t let the location deter you from taking a bus though, right outside the exit is an entrance to the metro.
TRAVEL TIP: Guys there’s Uber here! It’s mad cheap and super reliable.
where to stay in Prague
Prague is divided into 10 districts, each with their own rules and regulations – like whether public drinking is allowed or not.
In most high tourist areas like Prague 1, public drinking is not allowed. However along the river in Prague 2, you can catch many locals and tourists alike chilling along the river, beer in hand.
AIRBNB IN PRAGUE 2
Prague 2 was a perfect location. Mostly away from the tourist hub but still walking distance to everything. If you’re arriving during summertime, MAKE SURE YOUR HOSTEL/AIRBNB/HOTEL HAS AIR CONDITIONING! Like I said, turns out I’m bougie when it comes to this. I think it’s because growing up in Florida literally everyone sleeps with the air conditioning on … no actually, we exist because of air conditioning. It becomes part of us. Floridians are three parts A/C.
I made the mistake of not checking this with our Airbnb, thinking all places have air conditioning. Apparently this also makes me very American. And to be more specific, an American Southerner.
<-Just look at these views from our Airbnb window! Don’t mind the €5 bottle of wine in hand…
Hostel Santini in Prague 1
The hostel I stayed in my first time to Prague was undoubtedly gorgeous. Hostel Santini was the former home of 17th century baroque architect, Jan Blazeh Santini. Although remodeled into a hostel, many of its original features still remain. Located in Lesser Town of Prague 1, it’s an ideal spot for those looking to stay close to all the attractions but with quiet nights.
A CIty of Conflicting Identities
The Czech Republic we know today consists of the ancient kingdoms of Moravia and Bohemia (who come from Celtic descent, who would’ve thought). Because the Czech Republic has been surrounded by powerful neighbors throughout the test of time, the country has taken on numerous identities.
One born in Prague during the early 1900’s could have been considered at one point: Austrian, Czechoslovak, German, back to Czechoslovak, Soviet, a wee bit of freedom before Soviet rule once again, then going, going back, back to Czechoslovak, Czechoslovak. Until finally dying in old age as a citizen of the Czech Republic.
Identity crisis much?
Top Things To Do, See and Eat in Prague
Day 1: Get Your Tourist On
HIT UP THAT FREE WALKING TOUR!
Whenever I’m in a new city the first thing I do is find a New Europe walking tour by typing “New Europe X City Walking Tour” into Google.
The Prague New Europe walking tour is long but 100% worth it. It stops at everything you’d want to see west of the Vltava river (you’ll want to spend a full separate day exploring the east side as detailed further down) and delves heavily into the tumultuous, yet relatively peaceful history of city.
Can you spot my Irish friends? ↓
THE NEW EUROPE FREE WALKING TOUR COVERS:
1. Old Town Square & Astronomical Clock
Fun Fact: Unlike myself, Mozart loved Prague. When Mozart played his compositions to the Austrian crowd, they were not impressed. However, when he came to Prague, his music was enthusiastically received. Bohemian’s knew how to get down with some Amadeus. Historians suggest it was partly due to the Czech’s higher music literacy at the time.
<- 2. Powder Tower
3. Art Nouveau Municipal House
4. Church of Our Lady before Tý
5. St. Nicolas’ Church
6. Wenceslas Square
Historical Facts You Should Know: As the commercial hub of Prague, Wenceslas Square has played host to multiple historic moments for the country.
It was here in 1969, Jan Palach, a student of Charles University, set himself on fire at the end of a much desired liberalization of the country, otherwise knowns as Prague Spring. The self-immolation was in protest of the Soviet Union’s invasion of Czechoslovakia and his fellow countrymen’s seeming acceptance of the occupation. A suicide note found in his backpack said he wanted “to wake the people of our country up” and signed it as ‘Torch Number One‘.
After another student followed suit, dousing himself in petrol and setting himself ablaze, the government realized their own people were going to continue sacrificing themselves until change occurred. These two students became patron saints and heroes for the greater good by giving their life to the cause.
Later in 1989, more than 500,000 students and citizens gathered, jingling their keys, in Wenceslas Square during a peaceful protest against the communist government. A week later, the government was overthrown. The sound of keys jingling signaled the unlocking of a new future and a goodbye to the repression they experienced under their former government. Today the jingling of keys is a patriotic symbol for the Czech.
7. House of the Black Madonna & Museum of Cubism
8. Old Jewish Quarter
Really Awful Fact: 98% of Jews in Prague were eradicated during WWII when the city lay siege to the Nazi’s. The Jewish Quarter also happens to be one of the most beautiful neighborhoods today. Hitler halted the bombing of Prague to use the city as a sort of living museum once he gained European domination. Thankfully, that never happened.
9. Old New Synagogue & the Golem
10. Jan Palach Square, in front of Rudolfinum
Fun Fact: When Prague became occupied by the Nazi’s, a high-ranking official ordered the statue of Mendelssohn-Bartholdy to be removed from the roof of the Rudolfinum due to his Jewish origin. The workers not knowing the faces of the statues, took a guess based on which statue had the largest nose and began removing it. Turns out they were actually removing Hitler’s favorite composer, Wagner. Ha, stupid Nazi’s.
7. House of the Black Madonna & Museum of Cubism
8. Old Jewish Quarter
Really Awful Fact: 98% of Jews in Prague were eradicated during WWII when the city lay siege to the Nazi’s. The Jewish Quarter also happens to be one of the most beautiful neighborhoods today. Hitler halted the bombing of Prague to use the city as a sort of living museum once he gained European domination. Thankfully, that never happened.
TAKE A HOP & A SKIP OVER CHARLES BRIDGE
From Jan Palach Square, walk along the river until you hit Charles Bridge. Although you’ll be fighting tourist across the bridge, a quick hop across is necessary to understand the impact that a bridge built in 1357 can have.
BEST VIEWS OF CHARLES BRIDGE: KAMPA PARK
But…Don’t eat here. Don’t eat here. Don’t eat here.
It’s a tourist trap to the extreme, one that I was roped into TWICE. The peaceful area that is Kampa Park will entice you to want to grab a meal, it’s a beautiful little area no doubt. And it’s hidden just enough so that the clamor of tourists slightly dwindles. In my opinion, Kampa Park offers the best views of Charles Bridge.
Take a walk down here, I dare say even grab an overpriced beer. But unless you want to get charged for food you didn’t eat, thus ending in an altercation with the wait staff (I won, thank you), eat a burnt burger, or vegetables that were definitely frozen 10 minutes ago, then do not waste your time nor money at these waterfront cafes.
JOHN LENNON WALL
I love me some Lennon. It’s more of an obsession really, one that I’ve been carrying around since a small tot sitting on my Dad’s lap, listening to Beatle album after album.
But don’t be mistaken, Prague’s John Lennon Wall has zero significance to his actual life. However to those in Prague, he was a figurehead of pacifism and protest to the repression they lived through during the late 1900’s. After his murder in 1980, the wall was covered in murals to commemorate his life.
I visited the John Lennon Wall during my first trip to Prague and I loved every second of those 30 minutes. With Lennon’s album Imagine preloaded on my phone for just this moment, I took out a Sharpie and doodled my mark on the wall. What was supposed to be a quick sketch of John Lennon, ended up more Harry Potter-esque. Sorry John…
I present to you: Harry Lennon.
Day 2: Czech Out Some More History
On day two you’ll want to check out the historical spots east of the river. My first hostel was on this side and while it’s saturated with tourists by day, it’s extremely peaceful at night.
HIKE UP TO PRAGUE CASTLE
I say hike, because after crossing over Charles Bridge, it’s all uphill to Prague Castle. Before we headed out for the castle I had mistaken myself as some sort of movie star, the kind you see in those “American girl goes off to Europe” chick-flicks. Sitting on our Airbnb’s window frame, dangling a bottle of wine overlooking Prague, I thought I was royalty.
Narrator: She would later regret this decision.
I had a wonderful buzz going on, I was in Prague with some great people, I had a cute outfit on, what could possibly go wrong?
Well, it was hot, like real hot. And when the wine sweats started, it all went downhill from there despite the uphill trek to the castle.
TIP: Do not finish a bottle of wine before walking to the castle.
GRAB A PINT & SNACKS AT A WEIRD DUNGEON PLACE: U SEDMI SVABU
We came across U Sedmi Svabu by pure accident. The clouds looked like they were about to burst. We were parched from the walk over from Prague 2. Then, a pub in a dungeon appeared. I mean even just typing pub in a dungeon makes me giggle. Much like the rest of our time at U Sedmi Svabu.
Tucked away on a non-conspicuous street, the door to the tavern lies. Inside there are numerous levels of arched medieval walls and wood planked tables. A walk to the bathroom gives view of the actual dungeon below equipped with its very own Sally the Skeleton.
ACT LIKE ROYALTY AT PRAGUE CASTLE
The first thing you’ll reach before the gates of Prague Castle is a square of equally pretty buildings. Here you can catch the changing of the guards procession every day at noon.
Enter the gates (and metal detectors) and you’re inside the vast complex that is Prague Castle, dating back to 9th century. After seeing a fountain, courtyard, and small garden walk through the white arched tunnel.
ST. VITUS CATHEDRAL
You’ll see the mammoth doors of the St. Vitus Cathedral before anything else. As you inch towards the edge of the tunnel, you’ll look up to the see the sprawling spires of the cathedral, seemingly reaching toward the heavens.
GET LOST IN THE SECRET MAGIC GARDENS OF WALLENSTEIN PALACE
I say secret not because these gardens are actually secret, but because I stumbled upon them on my first trip by accident. Then on the second trip, my friend spotted it from above while we were walking along the castle walls. After walking around in circles trying to find what we “swear” we just saw, we magically ran into it. And by running into it I mean there’s a tall concrete wall circling it with a wee door on the side.
It wasn’t until about 20 minutes ago, thanks to my Google search of “secret garden Prague” (apparently I’m not the only who has deemed it as such), did I find out this truly magical place with its hedge mazes, peculiar art, and white peacocks actually does in fact have a name – Wallenstein Palace Gardens.
HAVE A PINT AT LETNA BEER GARDEN
It’s a bit of a trek from the castle but believe me when I say Letna Beer Garden is more than worth it. Czech people love their pilsner, and pilsner (along with a couple other varieties) you will find here. Also the beer is very cheap, like almost the price of water cheap.
Move over Germany, did you know the Czech drink more beer per capita than anywhere else in the world? But how could you not with beer gardens set in trees overlooking a sprawling cityscape. The park surrounding the beer garden is also worth a venture. Note, outside alcohol beverages are not allowed here so hope you like beer.
P.S.: The fried cheese here is superb.
CHILL AT THE METRONOME LIKE A LOCAL
On the walk back from Letna Beer Garden, don’t miss hanging out at the giant red metronome. Not only is this a cool chill spot for locals, the history behind it is pretty dope.
The metronome and its adjacent skate park is situated in the hills overlooking the sprawling cityscape of Prague. However what once stood here was a giant statue of Stalin. Like I’m talking largest-representation-of-Stalin-in-the-world huge. The artist who created the mammoth Stalin killed himself the day before the unveiling, if that tells you anything.
Shortly after when the Soviet union collapsed, the statue was taken down with 800 kg of explosives. The base was then used to erect the giant red metronome that overlooks Prague today, symbolizing the struggle of the Czech people under Soviet rule.
Day 3: East Side Chillin’
After running around seeing all the sites on Day 1 & 2 of your 72 hours in Prague, you’ll need a chill day.
STRAHOV MONASTERY
If you’re anything like me, you’ll geek out at Strahov Monastery. Sitting above Petrin Hill, Strahov Monastery was founded in 1140 by Prince Vladislav II. Not as many tourists venture out this way so the grounds offer a peaceful stroll through history.
The highlight? The 800 year old library. I love libraries and this one was definitely a stunner, although a bummer you couldn’t walk inside and surround yourself with the over 16,000 books on it’s shelves.
HEAD ON DOWN TO PETRIN LOOKOUT TOWER
Take the back way in the park along the rock wall to Petrin Lookout Tower to continue a day of leisurely strolls.
Although my backpacking budget didn’t allow me to climb the tower, I munched down on a fried cheese sandwich overlooking Prague. If you’re traveling with kids, I highly suggest coming here. Besides the tower and vernacular, the top of the hill has a mirror maze and rose garden.
TRIP OUT (COMPLETELY SOBER) IN THE MAGICAL CAVERN
You’ll see signs randomly placed on the walk back down from Petrin Lookout Tower before you’ll see anything that resembles a Magical Cavern.
“Magical Caverns This Way! —>”
The signs were simple, block letters painted on molding wood. But the words “magical cavern” got the best of me so I headed toward it. What I thought would be an actual cave was in reality a small, round structure and one of the weirdest places I’ve ever stepped foot in. I don’t want to give too much away, but if you’re looking to get weird, head here.
DO THE DAMN TOURIST THING: RENT A BOAT ON THE VLTAVA RIVER
I try to stay away from the extreme tourist activities, but who could resist taking a paddle boat on the Vltava River at sunset with a 4 Irish lads. Not I. And I do not regret it for a second. Although we only got the boat for an hour, it was a very memorable and fun hour.
EXPLORE THE ARCHITECTURE OF PRAGUE AT GOLDEN HOUR
My favorite time in Prague was between 6:00 – 7:30 pm. During this “golden hour” of sunlight when the temperature drops and the sun casts a golden glow, the buildings come to life.
Especially places like the Dancing House, one of the most iconic buildings in Prague. Set along the Vltava River, the Dancing House was finished in 1996 by architects Vlado Milunic and Frank Owen Gehry. With it’s fluid curves, the building was was nicknamed The Dancing House after the legendary dancing duo, Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers.
Fun Fact: Prague’s buildings are plastered with statues of all shapes and sizes. Why? It was to help the illiterate population navigate the city. “Ah yes, take a left at the naked lady and turn right at the bearded priest.”
Prague Nightlife
Much of Prague’s nightlife represents why Prague just didn’t do it for me. The bars in the city centre were subpar, full of tourists and to top it all off, the drinks are outrageously overpriced.
However, if you venture outside of the tourist zones, the real Prague comes to life. One that I sincerely wish I got to know more of. I have a feeling had I spent more time on the outskirts of the city, I would have a whole new understanding, appreciation, and probably fondness for Prague.
CROSS CLUB
Out in the boonies of Praha 7 where very, very few tourists venture, there lies a place like no other – a place of cultural crossroads and an identity all of it’s own. A place named Cross Club.
It’s hard to describe Cross Club, with it’s metal art sculptures intertwined into virtually every part of the bar(s), stages, sitting areas, outside areas, etc. The first time I went (mind you, completely alone yet still had a rad time), both stages were playing a solid lineup of techno tunes. The second time I went, it was a Czech rap duo followed by a mashup of death metal techno. Wednesday – Friday’s are the best days to go.
Prepare yourself, it’s like nothing you’ve ever seen before. Each visit to Cross Club was hands down the highlight of both Prague trips. Also if the burrito stand is there, get one. My god was that was a good burrito.
P.S.: If you head out to the lawn for a breather, which you should because it’s remarkably peaceful out there, know that you will be approached by a local offering things. Things you should not take or buy. The people are harmless and will walk away when you say no, but be smart people. Stick with the pivo from the bartenders inside.
It Seems Like You Had a Great Time, Why Didn’t You Like Prague?
Why Prague just didn’t do it for me boils down to being born and raised in a city built by tourism. Even though Orlando was no doubt a kids dream playground with multiple school trips a year to the crowded theme parks (Disney World, Universal, Seaworld, etc. etc.), as I grew older I began to despise the tourist saturated areas and avoided them at all costs.
Although an indisputably beautiful place, Prague is a city for tourists. Everywhere you turn in Prague 1 there’s someone trying to sell you something, or a tourist practically running you over, head in their phone (guilty) or taking a selfie (guilty here too). There’s just someone constantly doing something touristy everywhere.
* guilty * guilty * guilty * ↓
Most of the locals I met in Prague were either a) overly gracious, fake smile pinned to their faces or b) overly grumpy, only driving the taxi because they have to make a living. But then there were glimmers of light, like the castle guard I met during my first visit to Cross Club.
I typically thwart the advances of men/boys/whatever-you-want-to-call-them when traveling to bars solo. But upon coming over to say hello, the guard’s polite demeanor seemed so genuine I couldn’t do my usual ‘hello, shift to the left, oh look what’s that, gotta go, bye!’
Of course I didn’t know at the time that he was in the Czech military and actually guarded the castle walls I had just visited the day prior. It wasn’t until hours and a great conversation later, did he tell me he was a guard and explained that most visitors in Prague refuse to talk to the locals. They come to see their city but have no inclination to truly know it or the people that live there. The guard, like many others in Prague, enjoy speaking with tourists not to hit on girls or be sketchy, but to improve their English. He even walked me to the Uber I had called when it was time to leave to ensure my safety and messaged me on Facebook to make sure I got to my hostel okay. And that was it. Like hello, American guys please take note.
Last Thoughts on Prague…
If I had to do Prague all over again, I’d search for more of the real Prague. Like the kind I found at Cross Club. I’d speak with the locals more, the ones untainted by working endless hours in hospitality catering to everyone else. The history and endurance of the Czech is one to admire, something that seems to get lost in the commotion of tourism.
If you’re in Eastern Europe, even if you aren’t and just want to visit Prague, don’t let this post deter you. Like I said, it’s truly worth a visit. But go in knowing what Prague is on the outside, and make it a mission to also see it from the inside.
72 HOURS IN PRAGUE
TRAVEL ITINERARY
DAY 1:
– Free walking tour
– Charles Bridge
– John Lennon Wall
– Kampa Park
DAY 2:
– U Sedmi Svabu
– Prague Castle
– St. Vitus Cathedral
– Wallenstein Palace Gardens
– Letna Beer Garden
– Metronome Statue
DAY 3:
– Strahov Monastery
– Petrin Lookout Tower
– Magical Caverns
– Paddle Boat on the Vltava River
-Prague Architecture
BONUS DAY: Have an extra day in Prague? Check out this daytrip to Sedlec Ossuary (a.k.a the Bone Church right outside of Prague!)
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Great read! I was in Prague years back and we paid for a guided tour! If only I stumbled on your page. That would save us lots of USD. I’m going to recommand the Prague New Europe walking tour link from your page.
Aw too bad! It definitely helped being in the city for two separate visits to really get the most of the city, just too bad it wasn’t really my thing either time. Still undoubtedly a gorgeous city! I LOVE the New Europe walking tours, highly suggest them for just about any city in Europe. Especially doing them on your first day in the city helps you get the lay of the land a bit 🙂
So interesting to read this! We first visited Prague five years ago, it was actually the first time to Europe for both of us. At this point Prague was starting to gain popularity but not like it is now. It was the end of November, it was cold but not freezing, there was snow in the air- and not too many people around. We completely fell in love with it! We revisited again just about a month ago for two nights. Unfortunately one of those was a Saturday night- we found the city so incredibly busy- to the point of irritation. Then on Sunday it was like everyone left and we had the streets to ourselves that evening. So feelings were definitely not the same on the second visit but I think if we ever go back we’ll try to avoid high season and weekends!
After speaking with people after I published this it seems like winter is the jackpot for Prague. If it wasn’t so saturated with crowds the city would be breathtaking I’m sure. But after pushing through groups throughout the day it just got to be too much. The times we spent outside of the tourist zones were truly magical though. I really wish I explored more of the other neighborhoods of Prague outside Prague 1 & 2.
Love this post! Prague is definitely on my list, but I totally get your disdain for the touristy thing because I lived in a tourist town for many years. It was like, Hey, don’t stop to take your selfie in the middle of the street – I’m trying to get to work! But the architecture in Prague! Your photos are stunning! I need to see those buildings in person 🙂
Yes someone else who understands the pain of living in a tourist town! But really though, I hope this post doesn’t keep you from visiting because like I said, it’s absolutely worth one visit just for the architecture alone. Then when you mix the history behind the city it’s truly fascinating. I’ve heard the off months of winter Prague is a completely different place too.
It’s definitely going on my list. Funny enough, your post kind of made me want to see it more! How’s that for reverse psychology 🙂
Great guide! Thanks for the tip for the free walking tour.
woahhhh! I always want to be there, the architecture of buildings have the characteristic and so photogenic. What a lovely travel story.
You described the real situation of the city in an excellent way. I enjoyed my time in Prague a lot but I didn’t stay in Prague 1 all the time. That would have been madness I do not do well in crowds). There is more than to the city than that. I would always remember my tour guide saying locals are sick of tourists. However, many get rich from the money they get out of visitors. I think it is important to have a notion of that love-hate relationship in order to set expectations. Of course, I do not want to generalize. I met so many cool and nice Czechs. I learned the most from them.
Wow, beautiful pics. Thanks for sharing!
So I think I kinda feel the same, except I have the feeling that you still liked Prague better than I did. When I opened my blog I started a post about Prague. I uploaded the pictures and didn’t write a word. It’s been two and a half years and that post is still a draft. I took beautiful pictures of that beautiful city and my thoughts and feelings just didn’t match! I felt like the whole post would be such an oxymoron I couldn’t really write it. How could I have come up with such nice photos if I didn’t like what I was seeing in the first place? Looking back at the photos I see the beauty. But I swear that when I was there, those 3 days, in the hottest days of summer, elbowing my way everywhere I went, disappointed at all the crappy souvenirs on sale everywhere and the restaurants that loked like total tourist traps, I swear I couldn’t see the beauty.
There was this lady who played a music box on the Charles Bridge. She was the least awesome of all the street performers there, but my boyfriend and I got enchanted by her simple thing. She was the only one we gave an offer to. For her simplicity. I think her music box was my favourite thing.
I just so didn’t enjoy Prague and I feel wrong about that.
Maybe now that I read your post I should just write it, I feel less alone in my non-appreciation of such a beautiful city.
Actually sorry for this comment, it’s so long I feel like maybe I should really get serious about that post and turn it into something more than just a draft.
I think you just figured out your blog post right there! Writing your honest to god feelings about travel is so, so important, especially in today’s world where the interwebs are ridiculously saturated with fake a$$ rubbish. My goal has always been to write as honestly as possible so people see this website as a beacon of the less glamorous sides to travel that rarely gets seen. What you just wrote about, the lady and her music box, seriously gave me goosebumps, stories like that are what people want to read! True moments untampered by this idea of perfect travel that the blogging world seems to have created. I’d love to read your post once you have it sorted, because it sounds like it’s going to be a good one 🙂
I loved my time in Prague, but visited with my husband who did his study abroad there in college (many many years ago!). So he was able to show me less touristy parts of the city and tell me what the city was like way back then. I must say, though, for not loving a place you surely did it justice and saw everything and provided such a wonderful guide!
I appreciate honest posts like this. I’ve heard Prague is to die for and the architecture is absolutely stunning, so it’s good to hear an honest opinion as well. I also love how detailed your post is! Thanks for sharing.
One of my friends is going to Prague next year. This’ll be a great help for itinerary planning.
Girl you had me ROLLING with this. I sat here and read the whole thing laughing too hard haha. A++ pun usage as well (Praguenosis omg). We had like, the literal opposite experience, but I still feel this. Before I went, I was like “omfg Prague is such a random city that I know nothing about at all I don’t want to go” and then after my 30 hours there I was like “omfg I love it brb moving here.”
Want to visit this city sooooo much!!!!! #gltlove
Really appreciate your honest reviews of Prague. Especially travelling as a solo lady, cities can take on a whole new meaning. Looks like there are a lot of fun things to do in the city, but I know my experiences are only good if I have good interactions with locals. I like that you ended up talking to the security guard and got a different perspective on things. It’s a nice takeaway from the trip for sure.
Really interesting read.
It is slightly strange to read your experiences it as there are so many positives about the city, I mean apart from the way it made you feel…
I still sort of want to visit Prague (for the history and those beautiful buildings) but I am never a fan of super touristy places so I have a feeling I will feel similar to you. Normally I can fix that by using the city as a base to get out and explore the countryside. I almost always find friendlier folks once you get away from the cities and out for a hike….
I actually wasn’t a huge fan of Prague either, but I think it had more to do with the weather for us. We went in the summer, but there was a rainy cold front in the area. It rained the whole time we were there and was freezing cold (for us – we are from Florida). We only had summer clothes which made it somewhat miserable. We stayed inside our hotel more than we normally would. I’d like to go back and give it a second chance since so many people seem to love it.
Girl, don’t call Czech Republic and Prague Eastern Europe! 😀 we’re Central
Hi Anna, haha my apologies! All the articles I referenced on Google state that Czech Republic is considered Eastern 🙂
Only by Westerners! It’s a touchy subject but our placement between East and West is a really complicated position, what with the ex-Iron Wall, drastic political divide (increasing in recent years again),… yeah. But it’s okay!
Re: A/C, I envy you. Regular apartments don’t have A/C, we just suffer!
Btw, if you ever get a chance, smaller cities and villages are often completely free of tourists. 🙂 The tour guides seem to focus on 3-4 cities that, like you say, are nice to see once, maybe twice, but it’s not really an authentic experience and there are SO many tourist traps. Some of my friends live in Prague and the city center is so expensive and crowded.
I couldn’t agree more with everything you’ve said above! Prague is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful cities I’ve ever seen but I couldn’t help but notice how much the tourist industry has saturated the beauty of the city and the impact it’s made on the living costs for the citizens. The more I discovered the more off-the-beaten path areas of Prague I absolutely loved it and all the people I got to talk to. I would go back to the Czech Republic in a heartbeat to see some of the smaller cities and villages – do you have any recommendations of which ones are great to check out??
Super late – it really depends on what you want to see, but a lot of cities have some historical center, pretty parks and a museum or two! Český Krumlov is another tourist trap, worth passing through. Kutná Hora – charming historical city and a famous skeleton chamber. Litomyšl, Telč, Nové Město nad Metují, Kroměříž.
Additionally if you like nature, any hotel that lets you stay near Czech Switzerland or Krkonoše Mountains (Špindlerův Mlýn has many accommodations and access to skiing). There are also many cities with castles (Lednice, Hluboká, Kuks with horses, Pardubice with peafowl).
This might also help! https://en.czech-unesco.org
I’m finally heading to Prague – hopefully October won’t be too insane. Definitely gonna have to check out the Magical Cavern!
Honestly, I lived in Prague for 10 years and never understood how people can like it 😄 I mean the Centre. Cause if you leave the borders of old town And places, you would find casual life, nice places, Czech people, normal prices, nice restaurants and less to none tourists…. I hated each time my friends wanted to meet in the middle of it all. I left Prague And Now I live in a small town in mountains.
Btw. I believe air-conditioning is truly an American thing 😊