Three Charming Days in Prague

Last Updated on February 13, 2024 by Travelationship

Oh, Prague, how you charmed me. I have no idea how to pinpoint what it was about Prague that I liked so much. Maybe it was the fact that the Historic Center of Prague is a UNESCO Heritage Site. The historic area of Prague consists of the Old Town, the Lesser Town (Malá Strana), and the New Town areas. Each zone has lots to offer to every type of traveler. I could have easily spent days in each area, but we only had three days to explore.

The more I think of Prague, the more I think it could have simply been the feel of the city that captured my heart. There is a bustle and excitement that encompasses the city. Prague (Praha, as the locals refer to it) is a lively town with lots of grand colorful architecture. The Czechs have been through a lot and are jubilant to be independent; they also love their food. The high season for tourists is Easter through October, but if you have to travel in summer, shoot for July or August. As Prague is much more expensive and popular than the rest of the Czech Republic, booking your hotel as soon as possible is strongly recommended.

With just three days in Prague, we needed to make the most of every waking minute. Our concentration focused on the two most popular districts: the Old Town and Castle Quarter. We walked everywhere.

A Glimpse into Prague and its History

Nestled in the heart of Europe, Prague, the capital of the Czech Republic, beckons with its rich history, stunning architecture, and vibrant cultural scene. Often referred to as the “City of a Hundred Spires,” Prague’s charming cobblestone streets and picturesque squares make it a perfect destination for travelers who relish history, art, and an authentic European experience. This guide is tailored for mature adults who appreciate the convenience of public transportation and seek a deeper connection with the destinations they visit.

Prague’s history is as fascinating as its architecture. Founded during the Romanesque period, it flourished in the Gothic and Renaissance eras. The city has been a political, cultural, and economic center of central Europe, complete with a rich history. From its beginnings as the capital of the Kingdom of Bohemia, through the dark times of Nazi occupation and communist rule, to its resurgence as a vibrant, democratic city, Prague’s past is a tapestry of triumph and tragedy.

Day 1 – The Charles Bridge & Old Town

Our train arrived late afternoon, and we headed straight to our hotel to drop off our bags. We decided to head down to the Charles Bridge to see it in all its nighttime glory. I recommend visiting the Charles Bridge at night and during the day. The experiences are completely different. During the day, the bridge is vibrant and full of life and activities. At night, it is quieter, and majestic, and the twinkle of the town lights and skies above make for a romantic stroll.

The bridge is one of the most famous bridges in the world. It is adorned with 30 different statues of historically significant people. The most famous figure is St. John of Nepomuk whose tomb of pure silver is inside the St. Vitus Cathedral. If you need some positive energy, rub his foot; it is rumored to bring good luck. The foot rubbing lines are shorter at night. I am not sure if it is year round, but at night, there is a bug issue on the bridge. Bring a scarf and bug repellent with you, just in case.

Dinner Time in Old Town

The bridge connects Old Town and Lesser Town. If it is late afternoon or evening, there are many more options for restaurants and things to do on the Old Town side. We ate at Klasterni Pivovar (The Strahov Monastic Brewery), where I had homemade sausage smothered in au gratin potatoes, and Matt had pork schnitzel (one of Matt’s other obsessions). Of course, we tried their local brews and were close to a food coma by the time we left. The food and ambiance were fabulous; I recommend this place to everyone.

Day 2 – Castle Quarters and Dancing

The entire day about Castle Quarters (Castle District). The area is located on a hill and can be seen almost anywhere in Prague. The beautiful gothic St. Vitus Cathedral is the skyline’s most recognized part. Regardless of your religious beliefs, this is a must-see when in Prague. The details and intricacies, both inside and out, are breathtaking. If you are looking for the best view in Prague, climb the almost 300 steps to the top of the Great South Tower. The view is spectacular!

While in the tower, look for the largest bell in the entire country. Be warned that it is a narrow spiral staircase, and the climb and descent can be quite tight. Check the website for current prices and hours for the tower and the cathedral. I believe the website will also outline changing the guard’s dates and times. To view the changing of the guards, get to the castle gates early.

The Castle Quarters is an area with lots of different buildings. Lobkowicz Palace and the Strahov Monastery and Library are also in this area. We did not visit either of these places, but they are highly recommended by many travel books and online sites. After visiting the cathedral, the tower, having lunch, and the palace, we couldn’t make it inside either before the closing times.

On to New Town and the Dancing House

At this point, most attractions were closed for the day. So we went to the famous Dancing House (Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers building) in the New Town area.  The building was originally designed by Vlado Milunic and Frank Gehry in 1992. Celeste, a French restaurant located on the top floors, is fancy, authentic, and expensive – reservations are highly recommended.

We grabbed dinner at Restaurace u Pinkasu. It was a lovely place. Perfect for a dinner date. Guess what Matt ate? Schnitzel, I think they may have called it something else, but it was essentially schnitzel. I had a delicious soup and a side of fried potatoes and cheese. After dinner, we hit two clubs; I couldn’t tell you the names. I guess that is a good sign.

Day 3 – Old Town Square & the Jewish Quarter

Our last day was full of the Old Town Square and Jewish Quarter. The Old Town Square, the heart of Prague, was packed with tourists. This historic plaza is surrounded by magnificent buildings, each telling a story of the city’s past. The area is filled with restaurants, shops, horse carriages, and the Astrological Clock.

The highlight is the Astronomical Clock, a medieval marvel that has been ticking since 1410. Witness the hourly show of the clock’s mechanical procession of the Twelve Apostles. Be careful of the crowds in front of the Clock. Several people informed us this is where the pickpockets like to strike.

There are several street vendors in the area. I recommend trying the food at the vendors on the square’s outer edge. It was cheap and delicious, and you can’t beat the people watching while you eat. The National Gallery, 27 Crosses, Old Town Hall, and several religious buildings are located in this area.

Onto the Jewish Quarter

After lunch, we headed over to the Jewish Quarter, also known as Josefov. This historically significant area was once the Jewish ghetto of the city and is renowned for its well-preserved synagogues and the Old Jewish Cemetery. I liked this area, and It’s only a few blocks from Old Town Square. We visited the Old-New Synagogue, the Old Cemetery, and the Pinkas Synagogue. This area is full of history. The best place to start is the Old-New Synagogue, Europe’s oldest active synagogue. When entering any of the buildings in this area, make a note of the photography situation. We noticed a few of the locations did not allow photography.

Finally wander through the hauntingly beautiful Old Jewish Cemetery, with its centuries-old gravestones. This area not only reflects the resilient history of Prague’s Jewish community but also serves as a poignant reminder of the tragedies they faced.

Travel Basics

Language: Czech

• Hello – Ahoj (uh-hoy)
• Goodbye – Na Shledanou (nuh skhle-duh-noh)
• Please or You’re Welcome – Prosim (pro-seem)
• Thank you – Dekuji (dye-ku-yi)
• Where’s the toilet? – Kde Jsou Toalety? (gde ysoh to-uh-le-ti)

Lodging:

We stayed at the Pension Atelier 12. Alex was so helpful and pleasant. He made us feel right at home. Pension Atelier 12 has more of a bed-and-breakfast feel than a mini hotel. Breakfast was included and consisted of bread, meats, cheeses, fruits, and yogurt. Another great feature, the Old Town and Castle Quarters were within walking distance from the hotel. Alex gave us great recommendations for places to visit and to eat.

Prague Logistics:

Arriving by Plane – Arriving at Vaclav Havel Airport (PRG) leaves you several options to get into the city. First, if you don’t have any local currency hit one of the many ATMs in the airport.

• If you are looking for the cheapest way to get into the city, catch bus #119 to the Dejvicka Metro stop or bus #100 to the Zlicin Metro stop and then take the metro to your final destination. Get your bus ticket from the Info desk in the airport arrivals hall. The bus goes every 6 minutes and operates from 4:23 am to 11:42 pm.
• Take the Cedaz minibus shuttle to Namesti Republiky, located at the entrance to Old Town. Get your ticket from the driver.
• Use Uber, which has been operating in Prague since 2014 and is very reliable.
• Grab a Taxi. Note this will cost you! Confirm your price before entering the cab; it should be fixed.

Arriving by Train – Chances are you will arrive at the main train station Hlavni Nadrazi. If you come in at Nadrazi Holesovice, my advice stays the same. Use one of the ATMs, if needed, to get local currency and then take the metro to where you need to go.  Be careful with the taxis if you are at the central train station. I suggest leaving the train station and catching a cab at a nearby hotel.

Getting Around:

Walking is the best way to get around Prague; most sites are in two districts that are not all that spread out. If, for whatever reason, you need other options, both the metro and the trams are excellent. The metro closes at midnight, and if you should need transport after that, trams with white numbers on a blue background will run all night.

If you think you will be traveling around a lot, you can use the Prague Transport Pass for unlimited travel on the metro, buses, and trams. Below is a little additional information about the different transportation modes.

• Metro: Three lines with intervals of 2-10 minutes.
• Buses: Intervals of 6-30 minutes.
• Trams: Ideal for sightseeing, especially lines 42 and 43.
• Pass Costs: Ranges from 30 CZK for 30 minutes to 330 CZK for 72 hours.

Money Matters:

While the Czech Republic is in the EU, it does not primarily use the Euro. The Czech Republic’s currency is the Czech Crown. You can find places in Prague that will accept the Euro, but it will be with an unfavorable exchange rate.  As with most countries, it is best to get local money at the ATM and avoid currency exchanges.

Tipping- When you get takeaway food, tipping is not required. When dining in, it is common to give 10-15%. The Czech Republic is one of those places where if you put even the slightest effort into the language, you can expect significant returns in attitude and experience. That being said, if you only use English, the waiter will expect a 15% tip. Get how that works. Make an effort! Taxis are going to be looking for at least 5%.

Photo tips:

Most places will give you the big “No” when it comes to flash, particularly any place with oil paintings. Also, be aware that some sites will charge you a fee to take pictures inside. Otherwise, it is a mixed bag; Prague is a big city with a little bit of everything. Bring your favorite camera, and you will get lots of practice.

Be Mindful:

Prague is not known for violent crimes or anything along those lines, but you should be advised to be aware of your transactions. Some people will be looking for green tourists with cash to help lighten your load. For example, some vendors might have a sign saying 120Kc, but when you go to pay, they might say 240Kc to see if you’re paying attention. Another might be a pause when counting back your change, where again they see if you are paying attention, and if not, they might short-change you. It’s not everywhere, but the best advice is to pay attention. *Also, if a plainclothes police officer comes up to you demanding to see your money to check if it is counterfeit, this is a scam.

Recommendable: Yes. Prague is a great city for any traveler.

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