Prague or Praha is so different from any other European city in its colourful architecture, charm, and monuments around the city. I was on a family vacation in Prague after travelling solo for about 20 days in other European cities (If you want to read my guide on connecting with people while travelling solo, click here). We were able to cover the picture perfect Prague in 4 days.
What caught my eye about Prague is its very distinctive architecture and aerial views with orange roofs. We covered Prague in 4 days and the time spent here made us feel at home instantly. We took a travel pass each which covered all our trips in trams, metro, and buses for the entire duration of our stay. This transport system of Prague was extremely efficient and covers each and every part of the city. The best part about this was that we stumbled upon such beautiful hidden gems of Prague when we were just travelling one side of the city to another in trams.
Here are the things we saw in Prague apart from just chilling out in the old town square, near the river, at Charles bridge, actually pretty much everywhere.
Prague Orloj or Astronomical Clock
Installed in 1410, it is the third oldest astronomical clock in the world. It is a medieval astronomical clock mounted on the Old Town Hall at Old Town Square which is still functioning. Everytime the minute hand hits 12, there is a mechanical performance that takes place here. Hundreds of tourists gather around with their cameras to capture it. As this happens every hour you can plan your time accordingly. The clock was considered one of the world’s wonders in the Middle Ages.
St. Vitus Cathedral
Founded in 930, it is a Roman Catholic metropolitan cathedral and the seat of the Archbishop of Prague. It is the largest and the most important church in Czech Republic. The church is built in the gothic style of architecture and is part of Prague Castle complex and hence under the purview of government. The Church houses tombs of many Bohemian kings and Holy Roman Emperors.
Charles Bridge
Construction of Charles Bridge started in 1357 and completed in the early 15th century. The bridge was built in place of the old Judith Bridge which was destroyed by the floods in 1342. It used to be the only and most important connection between Prague castle and old town till 1841. This bridge was famed in India via a Bollywood movie Rockstar. It is one of the most famous bridges that take you across the river Vltava which divides the city in two parts. The Bridge showcases plenty of statues, art peddlers, and musicians all through the day and evening.
Prague Castle
It is a beautiful and expansive 9th-century castle located at a hill across Charles Bridge. It is now the official residence of the head of state, the president of Czech-Republic. You get an amazing panoramic view of Prague from the opposite side of Prague Castle Gates.
Josefov, Jewish Quarter
Jews settled in Prague in the 10th century. During Second World War when Hitler was bombing Jewish settlements across Europe, Prague was the only city which was untouched as the city was so beautiful. It was one of the largest Jewish communities in Europe. In this area, you can find Jewish cemeteries, museum, synagogues, and a historic grave yard.
The John Lennon Wall
It was a normal wall which from the 1980s began to be filled with John Lennon inspired graffiti and lyrics from Beatles songs by students to mark the end of the communist era. This site is very popular among young artists and tourists. The atmosphere at the wall is just amazing with some musicians singing John Lennon songs, markets selling street food, and tourists and artists writing or painting on the wall.
Powder Tower
Powder Gate/Tower is one of the 13 city gates of Prague. It is a Gothic tower which separates old town from the new town. It was built as an attractive city entrance in the first half of the 13th century. The tower was used by military or mining companies to store gunpowder or explosives until the 20th century.
Prague is a perfect place to relax, savour world cuisines, explore charms of European history, and sigh over beautiful landscapes. However long you are there, whether you do Prague in 4 days like me or you stay for a longer or shorter duration, this city will leave an unforgettable imprint.
