(17NOV22) Where is the lie when I said previously that I’m done for my Euro travels this year?! And yet, this is another spontaneous trip as me and my friend had planned it out for only about a week before transit. Though, I cannot believe that I am able to visit my most targeted European country ever---the CZECH REPUBLIC. Even for just a very short time, those 3 days that I have spent there was fulfilling!
Here's to share my 3-day itinerary to this lovely Bohemian country. Let me simply tell this: it’s always a great and cheap deal to travel across Central/Eastern Europe especially when you travel from the UK 😉 If you are in to some medieval and old-fashioned structures, then this is a must-travel place to visit!
THE FLIGHT & TRANSPORTATION
It’s my first time to fly with Ryan Air via Stansted Airport and they really stood up with their tagline being the airline with the cheapest airfares. The service was better compared from the past budget airlines that I have tried (you have to read my previous posts to figure what they are 😜). The only tricky part from them is to make sure that you have checked-in online and your details are correct upon booking otherwise, they may charge an additional fee for it.
I have also managed to travel with a cabin bag this time since it’s only a for a few days stay. I highly recommended using travel roll bags which helped me to pack lightly for my clothes ^^
Transportation in Czechia are cheap but a little confusing due to language barrier similar to what I have experienced in Hungary before. We purchased a 72-hr transport ticket which can be used in either trams, buses or metro across the city. Don’t forget to have this ticket validated once.
ACCOMMODATION
Thanks to my Genius discount from Booking.com, I scored a deal from Archibald City, an eco-friendly hotel with breakfast and situated 10-minute walk away to Old Town.
The amenities from bed to bathroom is spot on! Whereas the breakfast is the usual European menu—eggs, sausage, bread, veggie, coffee and tea.
But here’s a tip when looking for good hotels in the city: always search within Praha 1 so it will be quite near to tourist-y places.
THINGS TO DO
I suggest to wear sturdy heeled shoes when walking around the city. Most roads are cobbled that can destroy rubber-typed heels.
A lot of people say that you can finish touring Prague for about 1-3 whole days which I can attest, it’s correct. However, this simple metropolis is absolutely rich in history besides its beautiful streets and structures. We joined a 3-hr free walking tour by Sandemans and it was worth it. It mostly covered the tourist attractions of the capital from the Astronomical Clock Tower then ends on Charles Bridge.
The oldest clock in the world. What’s interesting is that this 3-way clock tells time in Roman, the face of the moon and the date through zodiac signs! (but there are further explanations about it in relation on how the Earth moves in the solar system). The design of the tower also has its own meaning like the 4 figures around the clock signifies vanity, greed, death and extravagance. The clock bell rings every hour and has a random 30-sec show that presents the 12 apostles.
Prague’s old town hall holds a lot of historical points around the square besides being the biggest marketplace and activity centre in the capital. There appears the Tyn Cathedral with asymmetrical towers, the statue of the Virgin Mary in front of Tyn and some symbols on the ground pertaining to Jewish/Bohemian history.
Crossing along Charles Bridge or the oldest stone bridge in Czech will not just lead to the Prague Castle but the other side of town covers a lot of authentic food and souvenir shops. Although, Czech specialties are usually a mixed fusion from other Central/Eastern European culture.
In example, these cute Matryoshka dolls which are originated from Russia. What’s originally made from Bohemia are marionettes or wooden-carved and stringed puppet dolls.
Another specialty they have is the 3-way hexagonal chess which I found fun and competitive to play! I know chess is a battle of the brain type of board game and adding up a third player involves a strategy of teamwork.
Additionally, Trdelnik is a popular pastry here in Prague but this is more native from its neighboring country, Hungary. Nevertheless, this chimney cake is quite a perfect treat for the cold weather! It often tops with whipped cream and strawberries.
Apart from authentic stuff, the city has a shopping district which is just a few stones away from the clock tower. The Palladium Store has its own sass of charming tourists to shop. Personally, I would suggest to shop here as some items are cheaper than in London.
Like any other castle in Europe, the Prague castle is the monumental seat of the country’s head of state. It is free to explore around the castle grounds and Sandemans also hosts a free walking tour if you’d like to know more about the castle’s history.
I'm not sure if it's allowed to enter but during our time it was closed. The picture above is just St Vitus Cathedral and there are other buildings around it. Check out this virtual tour from the main site to see the whole castle! Indeed, the place is so enchanting with all the golden structures and medieval figures.
We went on top during the night to see the beautiful city view on top. Then suddenly…this year’s first snow occurred.
It’s always a happy feeling to witness the snow despite the freezing temp.❄️ Basically, the light rain on that day turned into a moderate snow fall in the evening having a low of -5°C!So, we ended up having beer and a hot Czech meal at Restaurant Mincovna.
The Czechs surely love their Pilsner beer at night in which you can have it for only 49CZK(1GBP) per glass!
One thing I've realized with Bohemian food is also their fondness for potatoes and cheese. Even in our breakfast buffet, there are a selection of meals that always includes the root crop which I think is because it's a substitute for rice.? But it tastes good like these panko-fried potato balls. The rest that we had was goulash soup and wiener schnitzel.
One of the famous churches in town is Sto. Niño de Prague or Church of the Infant Jesus. I often drop by to churches in every country I visit as a way of thanksgiving. Moreover, the structures are to admired for!
You’d be lucky if by chance, the priest would let you carry the Sto Niño image after the holy mass. ^^ Religious souvenirs are available in front of the church. Aside from that, the church has a mini museum that tells the story of the infant Jesus. There’s a collection of nativity sets/belen from various countries.
And national costumes worn by the saint. I’m even proud to see a Philippine representation of it! ^^ Though here’s a Filipino trivia: The feast of Sto Niño is one of the massive celebrations in the PH especially in Cebu where the Ati-atihan fest takes place. Traditionally, every church and locals who have the Sto Niño image dress them up into different styles of clothing and bring them to a parade.
On the other hand, walking about 5 minutes from that area leads to the Lennon Wall. It doesn’t really have anything to do with the history of the Beatles’ singer but the art wall symbolizes John Lennon as a face of freedom. It is certainly colorful and Instagram-worthy.
This is somehow, the much-graffiti version of the Abbey Road. I did not get to explore much in this spot anymore but I heard there's a nearby cafe here that is dedicated to the Beatles. I shall check it out next time!
In summary, I truly enjoyed my stay in Prague and I’m surely going to return here🖤 A 3-day stay may be really short but this place has given me peace and took away my stress from reality. So, that ends my Euro trips for 2022! I'm beyond greatful for all the countries that I have visited on this second half of the year.🖤
I am currently back in the Philippines for the holidays. I can be missing the beast of the east in UK right now but to be with my family and at my real home is more important ;p Stay tuned for more of my blog entries!
‘til then!
