I have been wanting to visit Prague for years, as my family immigrated from Prague to the US. I went to Prague as a belated birthday gift, and I want to share all the things I did.
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Where is Prague?
Prague is the capital of the Czech Republic and also the historic capital of Bohemia. There is a lot to do and see in Prague, making it a great weekend destination.
How to Get to Prague
I took the train from Denmark to Prague, which is usually around an 11-hour journey. However, I had to switch to a connecting train in Hamburg. The train to Hamburg was 34 minutes delayed and caused me to miss the connection. I reserved seats for the next train to Prague, but that train ended up being 2 hours delayed, and I did not arrive in Prague until after midnight.
On the way back from Prague, I did not have to transfer trains in Hamburg, but there was an overhead line that fell onto the tracks on the Danish island Fyn. Everyone was forced to disembark in Padborg, the stop in Denmark after the German border. We were told the replacement buses to Fredericia were on the way, but no one knew when they would come. It was also late, cold, and raining. After standing around for 45 minutes, we decided to take a 3-hour taxi ride to Roskilde. The taxi was expensive, but it was worth it knowing when we would arrive back in Roskilde. If I had to choose how to travel to Prague again, I would pick flying to Václav Havel Airport next time.
Things to Do in Prague
Old Town
The Astronomical Clock is one of the most well-known sights of Prague. At the start of every hour between 8 AM and 11 PM, you can see a show with the 12 apostles at the Astronomical Clock. In Old Town, there is also St. Nicholas Church, which is free to enter. I also did a Ghosts, Legends, Medieval Underground & Dungeon Tour through GetYourGuide, which started in Old Town, and it was a lot of fun.
Prague Castle
The main sight at Prague Castle is St. Vitus Cathedral. The line to enter the cathedral was long, but I went in the afternoon, and the line was always moving. The entry ticket from GetYourGuide also included the Old Royal Palace, which was interesting to see. Furthermore, I visited St. George’s Basilica, which is a Romanesque church and the complete opposite of the cathedral. The ticket also included entry to Golden Lane, but I did not go because it was getting late and raining quite a bit.
Petřín
Petřín is a hill in Prague, and the walk up is steep. You do have the paid option to ride the funicular, but the line was rather long. When you do walk up the hill, there are nice views of Prague. At the top of the hill, there is Petřín Tower, but I did not go up because I was already tired from walking up the hill, and the line was also long. I did visit St. Lawrence Cathedral. I also did the Mirror Maze. However, the maze is quite small, and afterward there are some funhouse mirrors.
On the way to Prague Castle, I went through the area of Strahov Monastery. The Basilica of the Assumption of Our Lady is free to visit, and the organ was being played, which was nice to hear. However, to enter the monastery, you have to pay, and I did not visit as I was already planning on going to Prague Castle.
Charles Bridge
Charles Bridge is a pedestrian-only bridge with statues. There are 30 statues, including the statue of St. John of Nepomuk with a dog that people often pet. There is also an ironwork of St. John of Nepomuk that people touch, along with a 5-pointed cross to mark where he was drowned in the river. I also recommend walking on Legion Bridge for a great view of Charles Bridge and Prague Castle in the distance. Near Charles Bridge is Shakespeare a Synové, which is an independently owned English bookstore. I bought Murder at the Black Cat Cafe by Seishi Yokomizo, and I recommend stopping by the bookstore if you are in the area!
Josefov
Josefov is the Jewish Quarter in Prague. You can purchase a ticket from the Jewish Museum in Prague, which includes entrance to five synagogues and the Old Jewish Cemetery. I first visited Pinkas Synagogue, which is a memorial to Czech and Moravian Jews. The names of 80,000 victims of the Shoah (the Holocaust) are written on the walls. Next to Pinkas Synagogue is the Old Jewish Cemetery. There are 12,000 tombstones, and it is estimated that up to 100,000 people are buried there. Next, I visited the Old-New Synagogue, which is the oldest active synagogue in Europe. Lastly I went to the Spanish Synagogue, which is considered the most beautiful synagogue in Josefov due to the Moorish-style. The ticket also included entrance to Maisel Synagogue, but it was closed to the public for several days, and Klausen Synagogue was closed for renovations.
Letná
On the way to Letná, I passed by Strakova Akademie, which is a government building. The gardens are open to the public, but I came after 6 PM, which is the closing time. However, it was nice to see the gardens from outside the gate. Letná is another hill in Prague, and I visited Letná Park. The park does have a great viewpoint of Prague.
Explore
Along with visiting these areas of Prague, I recommend exploring the city. I was able to see the Dancing House, numerous churches, and the architecture of the buildings. I also went to the Mucha Foundation Art Museum in New Town, and it was great seeing Alphonse Mucha’s art in person.
Where to Eat in Prague
Restaurace Mincovna
Restaurace Mincovna is located in Old Town, and they serve Czech food in a modern way. I had the cauliflower pancakes (květákové placky) with mashed potatoes for dinner, and it was delicious.
Havelská Koruna
Another restaurant I stopped by for lunch in Old Town is Havelská Koruna. They serve traditional Czech food, and I had fried Gouda cheese (smažený sýr) with mashed potatoes. I also ordered a fruit dumpling (ovocné knedlíky) with apricot filling that was topped with vanilla cream. The food was good, and it is a cafeteria-style restaurant where you order the food and drinks you want and pay when you leave.
Burger King
When I first arrived in Prague, it was after midnight, and I was hungry as the train ran out of vegetarian options well before dinner time. I only had the snacks I brought to eat for dinner. While walking to the hotel, I noticed Burger King was open. I had a Plant-Based Classic mini wrap and a Plant-Based BBQ mini wrap, and both were so good after not having dinner. Burger King is a great option if you are looking for a late-night place to eat in Prague.
Burrito Loco
I ate at the Burrito Loco in New Town for lunch after visiting the Mucha Foundation Art Museum. I had the Speedy Burrito with grilled vegetables, rice, beans, pico de gallo, lettuce, and cheese, and it was great.
Hell Smoke BBQ
Hell Smoke BBQ is in Malá Strana (Lesser Town), and it is close to the hotel I stayed at. I ordered the Smoked Portobello Sandwich with coleslaw on the side, and it was amazing because smoked is not a flavor I often have since I am vegetarian. They also have smoked tempeh and plenty of options for meat-eaters.
Ristorante Carmelita
Ristorante Carmelita is also near the hotel in Malá Strana. They serve Italian food, including pizza and pasta. I ordered risotto with porcini mushrooms, and it was a delicious dinner.
I Love You Bistro
The bistro is at the top of the hill in Petřín, and it is a great stop for drinks after walking up the hill. I had an iced matcha latte, which was nice and refreshing.
Where to Stay in Prague
Pytloun Old Armoury Hotel
The hotel is located in Malá Strana (Lesser Town). It is next to Kampa and near the Vltava River. Each morning, they had a breakfast buffet, which was great, with a lot of vegetarian options. They also served tapas in the afternoon, and there were both vegetarian and vegan tapas as well. The room itself was on the smaller side, but it had a full bathroom. The staff was also pleasant. I did find that the hotel had a good location because I could walk to all the places I visited, and I did not have to rely on public transportation.
Great photos and tips. We are in Prague a few years ago.. have such good memories.