Prague with New Eyes

Looking at pictures, Prague looked beautiful. It’s a historically rich city in the Czech Republic with awe-inspiring architecture and a culture unlike anything I had ever experienced. On the one hand, my curiosity and sense of adventure was piqued; on the other hand…

I was terrified.

To remedy anxiety, I got busy arranging the practical details of the trip.

First, I made sure my passport was current and I had health insurance which covered international travel. I made copies of all my important documents and brought along measures to guard against pickpocketing.

Prague is a safe city, mind you, but any major city can have problems with petty thieves, especially on the trams and buses.

Transportation options are many. You can get a month-long bus pass at the train station. The cost when I traveled was 600 koruna, on average. I opted to use an app on my phone that connects to the Prague official metro and lets you purchase bus passes as you need them.

The next travel consideration was how to communicate with the locals. When you don’t know the language, the culture, or what you’re doing, a foreign land becomes a dragon you think you can never slay.

It turns out my dragon was quite tame! The most surprising thing about Prague was how comfortable it was.

The first day I touched down, a taxi driver with a dangerous need for speed took me from the airport to the hostel where our group would be staying. The hostel room itself was small and underwhelming, but had the most beautiful view of an old church from the window. Keeping the window open at night and listening to the sounds of the city was incredibly cathartic, though the cheers for the Olympic Games from the bar next door could get a little rowdy.

Right down the street from our hostel was the famous Dancing Building. Atop it and within it stood art exhibits and a café that looked out over Prague and the river right across the street.

Prague is a city that never sleeps. It is a constant flux of lights, foot traffic, delicious food and night clubs. The atmosphere is casual and welcoming, even if you don’t speak Czech. Walking through Prague or taking one of the buses or trams is an absolute delight.

We visited the famous Charles University. It was surprising to see how easily this historical landmark blended into a city block of buildings that faced the river. It was always surprising for me to see how historical landmarks and famous areas blended into the rest of the normal looking buildings – if you can call any of them normal.

Almost all of the architecture in Prague is steeped in history and shows the peaks and spires of Gothic influences from ages long ago. Statues that would be at home in a Baroque Church leer from most buildings.  The old blends in with the new, modern lifestyle Czech citizen live.

A major part of the history of Prague comes from the influences of Communism over the years. Despite their long battles with Communist influences in past century, Prague is now largely liberal and free.

One example or their current frame of mind is the famous John Lennon Wall. It is here where people have gathered for years and years to spray paint messages of whatever they choose. People come every day and from all over the world to write on this wall and leave some aspects of themselves behind. As you go throughout the city, you find similar walls in restaurants or other local areas where people have left behind messages. If you feel bold, you can ask to write your own message and leave your own mark behind.

Something you must try in Prague is the beer. The Czech Republic has amazing arrangements of beers to go along with local food which is hearty and delicious. There are plenty of restaurants around Prague offering food choices of any cuisine you can think of, but traditional Czech food is a treat. Try Spätzle!

Be sure to check out the big landmarks, like the Prague Castle, the Jewish Quarter and Old Town. Each of these has tons of history behind them and is astonishing to see in person. Of course, Prague also has tons of hidden local gems. If you want to know the best areas, places, and general things to do off the beaten path, your best bet is to ask a local.

The Czech people are friendly and most of them speak English. However, picking up a few phrases in Czech will be a huge help so grab a phrase book or do some studying online before you visit this beautiful city.

Prague is very inexpensive comparing the local currency (koruna) to the U.S. We found meals to run between 119 – 300 koruna a day, which is between $5 – $20 or so.

Speaking of great meals… I definitely recommend checking out The Globe Café. This is Prague’s largest English bookstore and also includes a fantastic restaurant and bar. Try it on a Wednesday night where you can put your wits to the test…it’s trivia night.

The hostel myself and my group stayed in was, as mentioned, right down the road from the Dancing Building. The location was great, but the walls were thin and it wasn’t the most comfortable.

If you want to visit Prague on a budget, I definitely recommend finding a hostel. The prices are reasonable and they are scattered throughout the city. Even on a budget you will find having a great time in Prague is very easy. I found just walking the streets, trying the local food stops (especially the burger joints) and taking in the sights very satisfying.

If Prague is not already on your bucket list, it should be. This is a European treasure that wears its history with pride. It’s clear in every stone of every building. The architecture, the food, the beer and the culture are all something worth experiencing for yourself.

I hope to get back to this magical city someday…care to join me?