Prague
13 July 2025
Prague is the capital of the Czech Republic and one of Europe’s most enchanting cities. Walking through the pastel-colored, tall, narrow buildings while old trams rattled their way over cobblestone streets reminded me of the movie The Grand Budapest Hotel, although I have not yet been to Austria or Hungary. The city feels old and slightly dilapidated, but infinitely charming. I’ll be coming back to Prague.
Day 1
- National Museum
- Havelské Tržiště
- Prague Astronomical Clock
- Old Town Square
- St. Nicholas Church (Malá Strana)
- Charles Bridge
- Old Jewish Quarter – Josefov
- Prague Castle
I started the morning early to depart Edinburgh at 6:45 am. My parents drove me to the Edinburgh airport, everything went smoothly, and I arrived in Prague at 10:00 am. From Prague Airport (PRG), I took Bus 119, which ends at Nádraží Veleslavín. From there, I transferred to the metro on Line A, the green line, toward the city center, getting off at Můstek.
Check-in at my hostel (Hostel Downtown) wasn’t until later in the day. So, I decided to wander around until it was time.
National Museum
When I got off the metro, I stumbled right into the National Museum. I stashed my backpack and jacket in a locker near the main door after buying a ticket. The entrance of the building is impressive, with staircases leading you up and down and through the building’s central room. There was plenty to see, so much that my legs gave out before my interest in the exhibits.
For lunch, I went to Husinec Restaurant. I no longer remember if there was any rhyme or reason to my choosing this particular restaurant. I think that the food was a pretty good introduction to Czech food. I decided I wasn’t a big fan of most of the sides, but the soup and poultry were good.
Havelské Tržiště
Havelské tržiště is a small market near the city’s central plaza that has been running since 1232. I bought a lemonade that was pricey but good. There is a little of everything, but mostly food and knick-knacks.
Prague Astronomical Clock
The Prague Astronomical Clock is on everyone’s Prague travel list, and for good reason. It is set on the side of a church with a tall tower that makes up part of the perimeter of the Old Town Square. I unwisely did not visit when the clock chimes and the animatronics put on a show, and I now wish that I had.
Old Town Square
The Old Town Square is charming. Like so much of Prague, you’ll see European architecture at its best. There are restaurants, street vendors, churches, and gift shops surrounding a monument in the center of the square. I found a bench and sat a while to take in the sight.
St. Nicholas Church (Malá Strana)
St. Nicholas Church has one of the most beautiful interiors I have seen to date. I know that they never do, but the pictures really don’t do the building justice. I would love to go to church and sit in a building like that every week. Besides being beautiful and older than America, St. Nicholas is known for its beautiful organ, which Mozart once played.
Charles Bridge
Charles Bridge may be the most famous landmark in Prague. It’s a medieval bridge that spans the river connecting the lesser and the old town. Everyone should walk across the Charles Bridge once.
Old Jewish Quarter - Josefov
Prague’s Jewish Quarter, called Josefov, is a compact neighborhood filled with synagogues, historic streets, and one of the oldest Jewish cemeteries in Europe.
Prague Castle
Prague Castle sits on a hill overlooking the city and feels more like a fortified village than a single building. Inside the complex, you’ll find courtyards, historic palaces, and the striking St. Vitus Cathedral. At the castle, you’ll have sweeping views of Prague below. I can still remember looking down on the terracotta shingles and the green patina of the copper spires covering the buildings of Prague. Prague really is a beautiful city.
I caught one of the lovely, slightly dilapidated trams back to my hostel to end a very busy day.
Day 2
- Strahov Monastery
- Vyšehrad
- Franz Kafka Rotating Head
- Municipal House
- Art Palace Prague
Strahov Monastery
Strahov Monastery is on the hill close to Prague Castle. It is known for its historic library, ornate halls, and ceiling frescoes.
The view from the hills near the monastery is incredible. I walked back to Old Town, going the long way to take in the sights.
Vyšehrad
Vyšehrad is a historic fort overlooking the Vltava River with a cemetery where many famous Czech artists are buried. Saints Peter & Paul Basilica is the main attraction now, and is absolutely worth visiting, even if you have church fatigue already. The interior of the church is striking. I found the color palette both unusual and unusually elegant. The gaudiness common in similar buildings is largely absent and is instead replaced by surprisingly suave and graceful design choices.
Franz Kafka Rotating Head
The Franz Kafka Rotating Head is a modern kinetic sculpture in Prague’s Old Town, made up of interlocking mirrored panels that slowly rotate to form Kafka’s face. Up until this point, I have only ever read The Metamorphosis. I intend to read more of his works because I’d like to casually use the word “kafkaesque” at dinner parties.
Municipal House
The Municipal House is a stunning Art Nouveau building in Prague where you can go to watch shows. I regret not seeing some kind of show at this venue now. The massive fresco on the front of the building is super cool.
Art Palace Prague
Art Palace Prague is a modern art gallery housed in a beautifully restored neo‑Renaissance building that used to be a bank. The main downside to my experience was that all of the art on display was absolutely terrible. The art painted as frescoes on the walls was much more impressive. I can recommend visiting if you want to explore an elegant building and the art exhibit interests you. Hopefully, it will be better when you are there. It was a rather lackluster end to what otherwise was an amazing experience touring the city of Prague.
For dinner, I went to a restaurant right next to my hostel called Kozlovna U Paukerta. I ordered shnitzel with potato puree and a hot chocolate for dessert. I liked everything!
Next time
On my next adventure, I visit one of the oldest tourist sites in Poland – a salt mine in Krakow!
EN 
ES