Over Easter weekend a of my family members and I decided took a trip to the cultural city of Prague, located in the Czech Republic. There was a lot to do and see so we decided to spend almost all of our days walking, eating, sightseeing and drinking. Over the holiday we managed to get around 72,000 steps by the time we boarded our flight. With a population of about 1.3 million, Prague is the capital and largest city of the Czech Republic and the fourteenth-largest city in the European Union. During the time I was here, there were a lot of tourists, which made everything much busier and, as a result, harder to find decent photo chances. Prague is a great place to visit during the Easter holiday since the city has set up many decorations and market stalls that cause the city to bloom like most spring flowers.
Prague became the capital of the newly formed Czechoslovak Republic, which was created after the end of World War I and the collapse of the Austro-Hungarian Empire (1918). Prague has been an hub for a variety of culture in which can still be seen in their architecture, for example. Prague founded in the ninth century. Jewish population dating back to the 10th century dating; It was the capital of the holy empire led by Charles IV of Bohemia in the 13th and you are still able to see one of the oldest universities in Europe, the Charles University (1348); additionally, the 18th century when Italian Baroque architecture and art influenced Prague, with many magnificent buildings and churches constructed in this style. In 1948 to 1989, the Soviet Union had a grip even naming the country as the Czechoslovak Socialist Republic.
Traditional Czech cuisine is quite meat-heavy, featuring dishes such as roast pork with dumplings and sauerkraut, goulash (a beef or pork stew), and schnitzel. There are a lot of international foods as well from Korean BBQ to Italian and American so there are lots of options for food!
If you’re looking for something sweet, be sure to try trdelnĂk, a cylindrical pastry made from rolled dough that is wrapped around a stick, grilled, and coated in cinnamon sugar. This can be found throughout Prague via its food markets and street vendors, not typically found in restaurants.
Image: Černá Madona
There are numerous bars, nightclubs, and music venues in the city, which have a lively nightlife culture. In Prague, there are numerous breweries and beer halls where you can sample traditional Czech beers like Pilsner Urquell and Staropramen. If you want to learn more about their history I would recommend going on their website, or store, and booking a tour. The Czech Republic is also well-known for its beer in which case Staropramen Brewery can find draft beer only located in Prague.
Image: EPIC Prague
As we were walking constantly for 3 days yet we managed to see new things every day is a sign there is a lot to see and bad planning. So if you start by finding your way to, the New Town (Nové Město) which was founded in the 14th century. But a good starting point could be the Národnà museum which opens up at 10 am where you can start learning more in-depth about history. This vibrant area is home to many important cultural institutions as the State Opera, but it is also a really good shopping strip.
Continuing further to the centre which is a picturesque area that boasts many of Prague’s famous landmarks, the Old Town Square, which has the 600-year-old Astronomical Clock and Church of Our Lady before Týn. You will be immediately taken back in time to the 9th century when the oldest and most historic part of the city was.
Head upwards towards The Jewish Quarter (Josefov), established in the 13th century, was the centre of Jewish life in Prague until World War II. This area is steeped in history and is home to several synagogues, a Jewish cemetery, and a museum dedicated to Jewish history. It’s a must-visit for anyone interested in Prague’s rich cultural heritage.
Image: Klausen synagogue
Upwards to a bridge, not the Charles Bridge but Štefánikův bridge most which will take you towards Letna Park has the Prague Metronome and a café up on the hill. I found the view to be a lot better than the food, but it’s a good place for a quick hydration break.
From here you can walk down towards the river and see the memorial of the Second Resistance Movement and Kunsthalle Prague (art gallery).
Or Make your way to visit the Castle District (Hradčany), which dates back to the 9th century. This majestic district is home to the Prague Castle complex, the largest castle in the world, and many historic buildings and gardens. As you wander through the streets, you’ll be transported back in time to the grandeur of the past.
Once done here The Lesser Town (Malá Strana), located on the west bank of the Vltava River, below Prague Castle, was founded in the 13th century. This charming district is home to many historic palaces, churches and Charles Bridge!
Images: Charles Bridge
It is debatable if this is all plausible in if you were to start at 10 am but this could be an optimal route. However, I did personally enjoy walking around town with no plans as you will eventually find one or two sights along the way.
From here on you can do a lot more.
I would for sure recommend the museum of communism but it is a lot of reading and it is in English, or Czech.
Image: Charles Bridge Museem
Unfortunately, all synagogues or churches we entered had a fee besides this one near the Charles Bridge.
Lastly is the Head of Franz Kafka which rotates twice and hour.
