A WELL TRAVELED PAIR
Prague Highlights
by Katie McCabe | @awelltraveledpair | October 9th, 2017
Prague is a medieval-inspired city that has some of the most amazing sights in all of Europe. Serving as the capital city of the Czech Republic, it is regarded as one of the most beautiful, colorful, and charming places in the world. During my latest visit in September 2017, I realized just how exceptional this city really is. Prague truly captivates, enchants, and excites the soul.
John Lennon Wall
Established in the 1980's, the Lennon Wall is a graffiti-filled art piece made by locals and tourists as a tribute to singer and song writer John Lennon. Many people have painted Lennon-inspired art and Beatle's lyrics on the wall to promote love and peace. This wall is surely one of the most unique spots in all of Prague.
Old Town Square
Old Town Square is a historic square known for being the heart of Prague and housing amazing architectural buildings. The most famous of those buildings being the Church of Our Lady before Tyn, a stunning gothic-style church topped by sharp spires. Another notable building in the square is the Prague Orlaj, or Prague Astronomical Clock. The clock is the third-oldest astronomical clock in the world, and the oldest still in operation. Every hour, the clock gives on-lookers a unique animated show. Aside from these two magnificent structures, the square also has many restaurants to grab a bite to eat and enjoy the bustling energy. One of my favorite spots is the rooftop restaurant at the Hotel U Prince, where we enjoyed sweeping views of the entire square from our table.
Charles Bridge
One of the most visited sights in Prague is the beautiful Charles Bridge. Constructed in 1357 for King Charles IV, the bridge was used as the only connection between Prague Castle and Old Town. Today, it attracts millions of tourists looking to get a glimpse of this stunning masterpiece. The best way to enjoy this beauty is at one of the river front restaurants, like Hergetova Cilneha. Enjoy a relaxing sunset dinner on their outdoor patio with glorious, unobstructed views of the Charles Bridge.
Prague Castle
Prague Castle is an ancient castle complex that is now the official residence of the President of the Czech Republic. Known as the symbol of the CZ, this majestic castle sits high on a hill, making it easily viewable from all over the city. Guided tours are available daily and can be booked on their website, along with listed hours, prices, and rules. Be sure not to bring large bags when visiting, and due to the no flight zone around the castle, drones are not allowed.
Eat a Trdelnik
Prague definitely doesn't have a shortage of tasty baked goods, one in particular being the trdelnik. A trdelnik is a pastry made of rolled dough that is wound around a spindle known as a 'trdlo'. It is cooked above fire coals and finished by rolling in cinnamon and sugar. There are many different variations around town, some filled with chocolate or ice cream and some topped with nuts. They are very popular, and for good reason, they are delicious! Be sure to try one when visiting this amazing city.
Additional Tips
Weather: The best months to visit Prague are April, May, September, and October. The weather is comfortable, and the crowds are much lower than the summer months. The months of November through March can get quite cold, often times below freezing. If you don't mind the cold, December is a wonderful time to visit due to Prague's amazing Christmas markets.
Money: The main currency of the Czech Republic isn't the euro, but the Czech Crown / CZK, also known as 'Koruna'. $1 USD is equal to 24 CZK.
Getting Around: Prague is a very walkable city. For those with mobility issues, or anyone who doesn't enjoy a lot of walking, the city's metro station is reliable and easy.
Accommodations: There are many great areas to stay in around Prague, but I definitely recommend staying in the Old Town. There are so many great restaurants, shops, and attractions nearby. Check out TripAdvisor and Airbnb for lodging options.