A Weekend in Prague, Czechia
As you can see, I was always destined to explore Czechia. I spent 3 weeks where my lineage started, and I will be back! Thanks to Workaway and family connections, most of my time was spent exploring small towns in South Bohemia. However, the most obvious city to visit when visiting Czechia is Prague.
Zavadil: Czech surname that roughly means ‘to brush up against something’.
How to spend your weekend in Prague
Take a walking tour
I always use Sandemans free walking tour to see most of a city. The tour guides are always thorough, and the tour is tip-based! The tours last between 2-3 hours. This is a good first-day activity, so you can get your bearings and see where you will want to spend more time. The tour guides also provide a list of recommendations at the end of each tour!
Walk up the hill to Prague Castle
According to the Guinness Book of World Records, this is the largest coherent castle complex in the world. A UNESCO World Heritage site, this massive area was established in the 800s.
St. Vitus Cathedral
After the fall of the Roman Empire in the 5th century, Christianity became the unifying force in Western Europe. Which is why, when in Europe, take the opportunity to see the churches! St. Vitus in Prague is no exception and one of my favorites. (Up there with the Sagrada Familia in Barcelona and St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City). I used GetYourGuide for skip-the-line tickets.
To get to Prague Castle and Cathedral, you should walk over the Charles Bridge
It was constructed in the 14th century, during the reign of King Charles IV. It has played a significant role in the history of Prague and has been witness to many important events, including battles, coronations, and processions.
In any big city, the best time to go is first thing in the morning or later at night to avoid tourists. As you can see I didn’t follow my tip.
Visit the Lennon Wall
After the death of John Lennon, the Lennon Wall became a symbol of freedom and peace. Young Czechs started painting graffiti and lyrics from Beatles songs on the wall, which was considered a form of protest against the communist regime. The authorities tried to whitewash the wall, but it only led to more people painting on it. After the Velvet Revolution in 1989, the wall became an official tourist attraction and a symbol of freedom and non-violent resistance
Visit the rotating head of Franz Kafka, who is said to be one of the most influential authors of the 20th century. Statues of Franz and references to his work spread throughout Prague.
Eats
Eat @ Restaurant U Parlamentu, recommended by our tour guide, if you want a traditional Czech meal. Try a popular dish, svíčková, which consists of beef sirloin served with a creamy vegetable sauce, cranberry sauce, and dumplings. I had source out and French onion soup
Want something some comfort food? Try out one of the many burgers at Sadman’s Tongue. Huge portions, aafforadable,and go down great with a pilsner.
Try a traditional Kolace (pronounced ko-Lache)
This is typically a sweet, yeasted dough that is filled with a variety of ingredients, such as fruit jam, poppy seeds, nuts, or cheese. My family and I have been making these for years from a recipe passed down. It was really neat to have one in Czechia. 10/10!
Drinks
Have a pils at U Zlatého tygra in the Old Quarter
A traditional Czech pub is next to our Airbnb. My friend asked for fries. “No McDonald’s Fries here”- just stick to the basics.
A drink at sunset, Teresa U Prince
Great photo-op! Standing tables are only for drinks, but worth it. You can make a reservation for the other terrace for dinner if you plan.
Then head to the basement for Black Angels Bar- a pricy cocktail bar, but you pay for the aesthetic.
Have a taste of traditional Absinthe
Absinthe is a highly alcoholic beverage that originated in Switzerland in the late 18th century. It quickly became popular throughout Europe, including in Czechia, where it was known as “zelena fée,” or the “green fairy.” However, due to its high alcohol content and rumored hallucinogenic effects, absinthe was banned in many countries in the early 20th century, including Czechia. It wasn’t until the 1990s that absinthe was legalized again in the country and began to regain its popularity. Today, Czechia is known for producing high-quality absinthe using traditional methods.
Where to Stay
We stayed in an Airbnb right in the middle of the Old Town. It was a perfect location, with huge windows overlooking the street below. We had three bedrooms,, a large living space and a kitchen. Check-in was flexible, and the host, Richard was so kind. We liked it so much that we reserved another weekend that month.
Prague, the capital city of Czechia, is a must-visit destination for many reasons. From touring the historic Old Town and admiring the gothic St. Vitus Cathedral to enjoying a refreshing Pils beer and eating the rich cuisine, Prague has something for everyone. Whether you’re interested in history, art, food, or simply taking in the beauty of a new place, Prague is a destination that should not be missed.
Naz Dravi to you Prague! I will be back!
