March 23, 2024

Prague, Czech Republic. (Mar 24)

I didn’t believe for a split second that somewhere else could compete against my last trip so soon…. but then I didn’t reckon on Prague.

Stunning!

OK, I got lucky with the weather which was as picture-perfect as it could be when I arrived with a deep blue sky and mild temperature, but regardless… What an amazing city, what a place and what a vibe.

I had booked a small one bed apartment in the Old City district not far from the main square. It was pretty central and perfect for this trip, and was only marginally more expensive than the hostel I was toying with booking (and glad I didn’t).
I arrived too early to check in, so I dropped my bag off at the accommodation owner’s storage shop, just around the corner, and went “walk-about”. That said, I was travelling light again to avoid airline charges, so could have carried it. I bought a 20x30x40 bag a few years ago – which does the trick nicely.

Just follow your nose

With three days to explore, I had enough time to slow down, relax and enjoy. I didn’t have to rush around trying to tick off the sights.
After passing through the main square I followed my nose and wandered about with no fixed agenda. I crossed the river at Čechův bridge and headed for the high ground, at Letná Park. This has some great vantage points to view the city and a great place to get your bearings.

I found my way to Prague Castle almost by accident and then stumbled into some of the tops spots of this quarter including St Vitus Catherdral and its beautiful grounds.

The route from Strahov monastery to Charles bridge is lovely, with amazing views and at this time of year has fruit trees in full blossom with the humming of bees 🐝 everywhere.

There are so many places with magnificent views to stop, eat and drink. So no need to rush..

Almost 35,000 steps later (23km) and I headed for a well earned rest and a meal at La Relublica restaurant.
I’d booked a table here few weeks ago just to be assured of a top spot – it was a recommendation from one of Emma’s old Uni friends. Great value, nice shout!

The forecast wasn’t for blue skies on day two, but they lied – it started off like yesterday with the sun splitting the trees.

So I got up early, grabbed a coffee and headed for Charles Bridge and the river Vltava for sunrise.

It was pretty much empty – so perfect for a few snaps!

I bought a ticket to give me unlimited public transport for the day, so and popped onto a tram for my next trip (my legs were a little weary – can’t think why).

My only plan today was to head towards the Palace, oh and a brewery I’d seen the day before 😂.

I took my time meandering through the castle grounds again, and coming at it from a totally different angle was amazed at what more I saw and that I’d missed the day before. The palace looked even better today and the place gardens were almost completely empty.

I also made it in time for changing of the guard, which I had missed yesterday.

I then went in search of lunch (well a beer).

Vyšehrad

Then another tram and off to the fortified castle, church and grounds at Vyšehrad a few kilometres south of the main city. This really is well worth a visit. Peaceful and stunning.

It has an elaborate interior, and the cemetery outside is something else to behold, centuries old and the burial site of many of Czechs historical figures.

More Prague

Somehow I managed another 30,000 steps (again) this place does this to you! So beautiful you don’t notice how far you’ve walked.

My final day and with more sunshine I went in search of the National Theatre. I’d passed it on the tram the day before so wanted to take a closer look. Once there, I spent a lazy hour or two wandering the islands upstream of Charles Bridge.

Saw a family of Coypu swimming about at my feet, before heading up to the cafe/terrace for a beer. Unfortunately Coypu are an invasive species, and if they look like rats it’s because they pretty much are – big rats with huge teeth. One decided to climb out the water to see if I had any treats! I didn’t stick around long🤪.

My last night

So my final night and I headed off to Duende bar next to the river. A small bar with the most amazing bar staff and clientele. It’s popular with both regulars and travellers.
Those I met had been before. I ended up in conversation with Francis from Manchester, and Mia from Texas. Both buzzing about Prague and just happy to be here – you meet the loveliest people travelling.
I didn’t want to leave, but I have another trip booked to the “Kent countryside” tomorrow with Emma (be careful how you say that), so gotta head back to my place and set the alarm. Up at 5am!

All in all a great trip. It didn’t cost much as things aren’t expensive here. My guess is that this place would be too busy for me in the summer months, so out of season with a jacket is just ideal 😎

Hints and Tips.

Flights £17.98 return from Gatwick with WizzAir. Hand luggage only (40x30x20).

Transport (Airport to City) – bus/train takes 40 minutes + or -.

A 90 minute ticket cost 40 czk which is about £1.35 (which needs to be validated before travel).

The 59 bus from the airport takes you to the metro stop at Nadrazi Veleslavin. Line A (green) will take you to Mustek. It is super fast!

The slower alternative route is by bus 100 to Zilcin, where you will get Line B metro (orange line).

There are several metro stations in the old town (region 1) and to be honest the whole of region 1 is walkable from Mustek (unless you’ve got big bags).

Accommodation – I paid just over £40 per night, and it was perfect. It was at 44 Dlouhá and booked via Booking.com.

The location was ideal, only a five minute walk to the central square.

It was a one bedroom apartment in a residential block owned by a family who also run a baggage storage unit just around the corner. Has iron, washing machine, and all mod cons. They even provided some coffee capsules for guests.

There is a small supermarket just around the corner called “Penny” which has everything you need (food wise) unlike the plethora of mini markets nearby that only sell alcohol and cannabis…