Before Prague, I was in Baden Baden. I took a train to Nuremberg, Germany, where Mom and I discovered a Dunkin’ Donuts in the train station and proceeded to rejoice at the sugary goodness there. Then, we hopped on a 3 hour bus to Prague. This was the absolute most luxurious bus ride I have ever taken; a two story bus, with a bathroom, air conditioning, high speed wifi, wide seats, a luggage compartment, and drink and food options. You could literally push a button above you, and a bus stewardess (complete with classy stewardess outfit) would magically appear, take your order, and bring you wine (or anything else you ordered, but let’s be real, you want the wine). You could then sip wine while you streamed Netflix until you arrived in Prague. Best arrival ever!
Prague is chock-full of historical landmarks, and I only had two days there; in an attempt to see it all, I signed up for a walking tour. I failed to realize it was a six hour hour walking tour, from 11am until 5pm. This included a cruise along the river and a late lunch in an original medieval restaurant. In retrospect, 6 hours is way too long to hold my attention. Luckily, the next day in Prague I had time to enjoy the city at my own pace. There are a few highlights I gathered from my trip that are definitely must sees and dos!
1. Charles Bridge (at night)
This bridge is lovely during the day, but it’s a true star at night. Lights from the town and passing boats illuminate the arches of the bridge, creating a truly lovely view.
2. Eat a chimney!
Cinnamon-sugar coated dough, fried, and stuffed with ice cream, whipped cream, nutella, or strawberry jam. Foodgasm.
3. Prague Castle (day and night).
Prague Castle is lovely, ornate, and gilded in all of its glory. During the day, it’s great to explore, especially the church. At night, there’s a wonderful view of the castle from Charle’s bridge, lit up brilliantly.
4. Astronomical Clock/Tower
In the Old Town Square, there in an Astronomical Clock, which has a golden rooster at the top of it, which dances every hour, on the hour. This is cute but somewhat underwhelming. However, the astronomical clock is a part of a panoramic tower, which you can take an elevator to the top of and see a gorgeous, endless view of the city of Prague.
5. Stock up on your good luck!
On Charles Bridge, the walls are dotted with statues. One of these statues in particular features a golden part, which rumor has it, if you rub it, you’ll have good luck! Worth a shot, right?
6. Visit the John Lennon wall and pub.
The Beatles never actually played in Prague, but their message of peace and love hit home. They were widely celebrated, evidenced at the crazy, vibrantly colorful wall dubbed the “John Lennon Wall,” across the street from the pub filled with Beatles memorabilia.
7. Walk along the river waterfront at night.
Prague lights up at night, as I’ve mentioned. As soon as the sun sets, the gleaming lights of the city reflect in the river, perfect for an evening stroll.
Those are my top highlights for a weekend in Prague. Bonus, I’ll share an extra tip for Prague travel: if you use the metro, buy a ticket, and validate it. Prague has employees who sporadically check your ticket when you leave the metro, and if it’s not validated, they will fine you. No excuses accepted. So learn from my cautionary tale and get that validation! And, of course, enjoy Prague.
xox,
Lauren
