Prague

Prague is the capital of the Czech Republic, which gained independence in 1993, and after years of Soviet rule, began to develop its unique character. We flew to Prague for a romantic winter getaway at the end of February and enjoyed every moment. Although it wasn't my first time visiting the city, I had somewhat forgotten how beautiful and romantic it was. We wandered for two and a half days, enough time to experience the city in all its aspects and leave with a taste for more.

Restaurants in Prague

Accommodation in Prague

We chose the boutique hotel, The Julius, which is brand new and gorgeous at the entrance to Prague's Old Town. The hotel is a masterpiece in design and was a perfect starting point for exploring the city. It's close to everything and within walking distance of all the attractions in the city. The rooms are spacious, with a separate bedroom and a "living room" area, and there's even a small kitchenette with an oven, microwave, and kettle. It has everything needed for a family stay, making it suitable for travelers with children. The breakfast at the hotel is an experience in itself. It's the most indulgent breakfast I've had in a European hotel, with a vast selection of cheeses, sausages, breads, pastries, a waffle station, and more. Everything is served abundantly and at the peak of freshness in a beautiful and inviting space.

Exploring Prague

Most of the time, we chose to walk. The city is pleasant and safe for walking, and most attractions are located in the Old Town area, where cars are not allowed anyway.

We used taxis booked through the Bolt app for transportation from the airport to the city and vice versa. Taxis were cheaper than Uber and had higher availability. The distance from Prague's airport to the city center is about 30 minutes.

Points of Interest in Prague

Václava Square - A broad avenue leads to the National Museum building, which overlooks Wenceslas Square. The square is located in the historic center of Prague, and it has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Franz Kafka's Rotating Head Statue - A sculpture of the writer Franz Kafka created by David Černý, made of rotating metal plates.

Jerusalem Synagogue - An impressive building erected in 1906, serving as both a museum during the week and a synagogue on weekends.

The Powder Tower -  A structure from the 11th century, one of the 13 gates of the Old Town and the only one that survived. Located in Republic Square, it got its name because it served as a storage place for gunpowder in the 17th century. 

Obecní Dům - An impressive and beautiful building serving as a concert hall and gallery for exhibitions.

Celetná Street - A 400-meter street from the Powder Tower and the Old Town Square. One of the oldest streets in Prague.

Týn Cathedral - Also known as the Church of Mother of God before Týn, a beautiful Gothic church and one of the prominent ancient buildings in Prague, featuring two central towers at a height of 80 meters.

Old Town Square - A vast and central square in Prague's Old Town with impressive buildings and numerous restaurants and souvenir shops.

Prague astronomical clock - A medieval clock located in the Old Town Square. First installed in 1410, it is one of the three oldest clocks in the world and the oldest one still in operation.

Charles Bridge - A medieval stone bridge spanning the Vltava River. Construction began in 1357, connecting the Old Town with Prague Castle and still serving thousands of pedestrians today.

Lennon's Wall - A colorful wall near the western bank of the Vltava River turned into a monument. It was erected by Prague's youth after the death of the singer as a protest against the communist regime then in the country.

Prague Castle - A complex built in the 9th century, serving as the seat of kings and currently the residence of the President of the Czech Republic. Prague Castle is the largest ancient castle in the world today, covering an area of around 70,000 square meters.

St. Vitus Cathedral - Located within the Prague Castle complex, an impressive Catholic church and the seat of the Archbishop of Prague.

The Golden Lane  - An ancient alley with single-story houses from the 16th century, formerly inhabited by castle guards and now mostly museums or exhibitions. The entire lane is a historical site with paid entry.

Prague Jewish Quarter - The settlement area of Prague's Jews from the 10th century. Located north of the Old Town, characterized by narrow and crowded streets. Within the quarter stands the Spanish Synagogue.

Shopping in Prague

Shopping in Prague is inexpensive. Prices at well-known chains like Zara and Mango are significantly lower compared to other countries. Recommended shopping areas include:

Palladium Mall - A large mall at the entrance to the Old Town with various international and local brands.

Na Příkopě Street - Starts from the Powder Tower Square.

Václavské nám Streetí - Extends from Na Příkopě Street to Wenceslas Square.

Nový Smíchov Mall - A mall located in the western part of the Vltava River.