Travel around Prague with Bobby
Day 1Stepping into History at Prague Castle
Arriving in Prague, I immediately felt transported to another time. I checked into Hotel U Prince, an incredible spot right on Old Town Square with views of the legendary Astronomical Clock from my window. The location couldn’t have been more perfect for soaking in the medieval charm of the city. After settling into my beautifully furnished room, I set off to explore Prague Castle, one of the largest and oldest castle complexes in the world. As I ascended the hill, I was captivated by the view of the city stretching out beneath me—the red rooftops and winding streets seemed straight out of a fairytale.
At the castle, I spent hours wandering through its courtyards and exploring the magnificent St. Vitus Cathedral, with its Gothic spires towering high above. The stained glass inside the cathedral, particularly the Alfons Mucha window, was absolutely breathtaking. I even took a moment to explore the Golden Lane, a narrow street filled with colorful houses where artisans once lived. It felt like a tiny village inside the castle walls.
For lunch, I made my way to U Modré Kachničky, a restaurant famous for serving traditional Czech dishes. I couldn’t pass up the chance to try their roast duck with dumplings and red cabbage, and it was absolutely delicious. The duck was tender, and the flavors were rich—exactly what I had hoped for. Afterward, I took a leisurely walk across the Charles Bridge, where musicians and artists lined the pathway. The view of the Vltava River as the sun began to set, with the statues of saints watching over, was the perfect way to end my first day.
If you love history and breathtaking views, start your trip at Prague Castle. Don’t miss the roast duck at U Modré Kachničky—it’s a classic Czech meal done to perfection!
Day 2A Journey Through Time in Old Town
Day two began with a deep dive into Prague’s enchanting Old Town. I started my morning at Old Town Square, watching the Astronomical Clock strike the hour. It’s a true spectacle as the twelve apostles appear, rotating through the clock while the crowd watches in awe. After the clock show, I wandered the narrow, winding streets, where every corner seemed to hide a new architectural wonder. Church of Our Lady before Týn loomed over the square with its iconic twin Gothic towers—walking inside felt like stepping into a secret world of grandeur.
Mid-morning, I visited the Old Town Hall Tower, where I climbed to the top for a panoramic view of the entire city. From here, the red rooftops, bustling streets, and distant spires of Prague’s churches looked like something out of a painting. I spent some time just taking in the beauty and snapping photos.
For lunch, I decided to eat at Lokal, a beloved Czech pub known for serving classic dishes made with fresh, local ingredients. I ordered svíčková, a traditional Czech beef dish served with dumplings and a creamy sauce, topped with cranberry and a slice of lemon. It was hearty, rich, and filled with flavors that made me understand why Czech comfort food is so beloved. After lunch, I walked to Josefov, Prague’s historic Jewish Quarter. I visited the Old Jewish Cemetery and the Spanish Synagogue, both of which offered a fascinating glimpse into Prague’s Jewish history.
That evening, I ventured into the bustling streets of Wenceslas Square, a lively boulevard filled with shops, restaurants, and bars. I stopped at Lucerna Café for a drink while soaking in the vibrant nightlife around me.
Lunch at Lokal was a fantastic experience for anyone wanting to taste authentic Czech food. The svíčková (beef in creamy sauce with dumplings) was rich and satisfying, but the restaurant’s popularity meant I had to wait a bit for a table. Once seated, the service was fast, and the atmosphere was lively and friendly, though a bit loud.
Food
While Hotel U Prince continued to be a great base for exploring, the small size of the room and the dated bathroom facilities were slight drawbacks. The central location was ideal, but again, the noise from the bustling square could be heard well into the night. Still, the charm of the hotel’s decor and staff’s friendliness made up for some of these issues.
Accomodation
The morning spent exploring Old Town Square and climbing the Old Town Hall Tower for panoramic views was magical. The Astronomical Clock show, though a bit touristy, was still fun to witness. The walk through Josefov (the Jewish Quarter) was fascinating, though more time could have been spent on detailed historical explanations.
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Start your day with the Astronomical Clock—it’s touristy but worth it. Lokal is a must for traditional Czech food, and don’t forget to explore Josefov for a deeper dive into Prague’s layered history.
Day 3Discovering Prague’s Cultural Heart
On my third day, I woke up eager to explore the cultural side of Prague. I started the morning with a visit to Rudolfinum, a stunning concert hall located right by the river. I didn’t have time for a concert, but the architecture alone was worth the visit—both inside and out, the building is a masterpiece. Next, I walked along the river to Kampa Island, a peaceful park with great views of the Charles Bridge from below. The combination of greenery and the flowing river gave me a moment to relax and enjoy Prague’s quieter side.
After a relaxing morning, I headed over to Malá Strana (Lesser Town), a picturesque neighborhood just below Prague Castle. This area felt a bit less touristy than Old Town, with narrow streets and colorful Baroque buildings that made it feel like a hidden gem. I wandered into St. Nicholas Church, an exquisite example of Baroque architecture, with stunning frescoes and a grand interior that took my breath away.
For lunch, I treated myself to Café Savoy, a classy restaurant with a historic feel. The interior is grand, with high ceilings and elegant chandeliers, making it the perfect setting for a slow, indulgent meal. I ordered goulash with freshly baked bread—it was rich, flavorful, and the perfect comfort food for a chilly day.
That evening, I attended a classical concert at Municipal House, one of Prague’s most famous Art Nouveau buildings. The acoustics were incredible, and listening to live classical music in such a grand setting was an unforgettable experience. Prague’s love for music is truly contagious.
Lunch at Café Savoy was elegant and delicious, with a touch of luxury in both presentation and taste. The goulash was excellent, with tender meat and a flavorful sauce, but the prices here were noticeably higher compared to other places. The grand setting added to the experience, though the service was a bit formal for my liking.
Food
After two days, the novelty of Hotel U Prince began to wear off, especially with the noise issues and somewhat outdated facilities. However, the hotel’s charm and perfect location kept it from being a disappointment overall. It’s a classic Prague experience but could use a few modern touches.
Accomodation
The visit to Rudolfinum was impressive, even though I didn’t attend a concert. The architecture alone was worth the trip, and Kampa Island offered a peaceful break from the crowds. Exploring Malá Strana was a hidden gem moment, as it felt less commercial and more authentic.
Activity
If you’re looking for a peaceful escape, spend some time on Kampa Island. And don’t miss the chance to experience Prague’s classical music scene—it’s one of the city’s cultural highlights.
Day 4Exploring Hidden Gems and Saying Goodbye
On my final day, I decided to venture off the beaten path and discover some of Prague’s hidden gems. I started with a visit to the John Lennon Wall, a colorful, graffiti-covered wall that has become a symbol of peace and freedom. It was fascinating to see how it’s constantly changing as new visitors add their own artistic marks. Afterward, I took a short tram ride to Vyšehrad, an ancient fortress perched high above the river, offering spectacular views of the city. The atmosphere here was much quieter compared to the more touristy spots, making it the perfect place to reflect on my trip.
For lunch, I wandered into a small, family-run restaurant called U Kroka, where I enjoyed a traditional plate of Czech schnitzel with potatoes. The food was simple but incredibly satisfying, and the cozy atmosphere made it feel like a true local experience. In the afternoon, I explored Letná Park, which offered one of the best panoramic views of Prague. The walk through the park, combined with the stunning cityscape, was the perfect way to wrap up my adventure.
As the sun began to set, I returned to Old Town Square for one last look at the Astronomical Clock. Watching the city light up in the evening glow was a bittersweet moment—Prague had truly captured my heart.
Lunch at U Kroka was a delightful, authentic experience. The Czech schnitzel was perfectly crispy, and the service was warm and friendly. Prices were reasonable, but the restaurant was slightly out of the way, which might be inconvenient for some.
Food
The final night at Hotel U Prince reinforced my earlier thoughts—the location is unbeatable, but the noise and aging facilities slightly detract from the overall experience. It’s a hotel that offers charm and history, but lacks modern comforts for the price paid.
Accomodation
The trip to Vyšehrad was a perfect way to end my time in Prague—calm, scenic, and full of history, but without the overwhelming crowds of the more popular spots. The panoramic views of the city from Letná Park were stunning, and I appreciated the chance to see a quieter side of Prague.
Activity
Prague’s hidden gems, like Vyšehrad and Letná Park, offer incredible views and a peaceful escape from the crowds. End your trip with a stroll through Old Town at sunset—it’s the perfect farewell to this magical city.
Summary of My Trip
Prague truly captivated me, but it wasn’t without its flaws. The city’s historical atmosphere and architecture were absolutely breathtaking; visiting places like Prague Castle, Charles Bridge, and Old Town Square felt like stepping back in time. However, the crowds in these popular areas could be overwhelming at times. My stay at Hotel U Prince was ideal in terms of location, but the aging facilities and constant noise from the square made it difficult to fully relax.
The food overall was satisfying, with restaurants like Lokal and U Modré Kachničky offering authentic Czech cuisine. Still, service could be slow in some places, and prices were higher in tourist-heavy areas. Culturally, the city is incredibly rich—exploring quieter spots like Rudolfinum and Malá Strana offered a nice break from the crowds. Vyšehrad and Letná Park were peaceful highlights of my trip, offering beautiful views and a calmer experience.
Through Bobby's eyes
My experiences
Prague left a deep impression on me with its historical atmosphere, stunning architecture, and rich cultural heritage. The city is filled with iconic attractions, but tourist crowds and some accommodation challenges can detract from the overall experience. Overall, it was a fantastic trip, though my experience varied across different aspects of the city.
Lunch at U Modré Kachničky was a delightful introduction to Czech cuisine. The roast duck was perfectly cooked, tender, and flavorful, though the portion was on the smaller side considering the price. The cozy, rustic atmosphere made up for it, but the service was a bit slow given the popularity of the restaurant.
Food
Staying at Hotel U Prince was all about location—right on Old Town Square, offering unbeatable views of the Astronomical Clock. The room was charming with classic decor, though the noise from the busy square below was noticeable at night, making it hard to sleep at times. For the price, the amenities could have been more modern.
Accomodation
Exploring Prague Castle and St. Vitus Cathedral was awe-inspiring, but the steep walk up to the castle can be challenging for some visitors. The views from the top made it worthwhile, though the crowds at the main tourist sites were overwhelming at times. Still, the historical richness of the castle grounds and the stunning architecture were highlights.
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