Lively and quiet vibes in the Czech capital…
Prague. Praha. Mother of all cities. Eye-candy heaven. Home to ultra-magnificent monuments. Steeped in rich, unbroken history. Prettier than Paris. Quintessentially medieval, quintessentially European. So then…touristy and crowded? Or calm and serene? No need to pick, because Praha has twin vibes. Find both. Love both. Wherever you are in the charming Czech capital.
Staré Mesto: Hub for all times
Mingle merrily: The nerve centre of the old town of Prague has been pulling crowds since medieval times. Who are you to disagree with the magnetism of the great Astronomical clock (read more here), the time-blackened charm of the Tyn Church and the baroque beauty of the St Nicholas Cathedral? Or the row of pastel houses shoulder-to-shoulder in camaraderie since medieval times. The generously proportioned medieval square unaffectedly accommodates the swell of crowds, no matter what the volume. Perk up in the warm buzz.
…or seek solitude: Sacrifice snooze time, make a 6 am start and pamper yourself with early morning glory. Cobbled roads glisten with the glow of street lamps, art nouveau facades of mansions cast long shadows, cafe chairs rest upturned under folded canopies and dark outlines of the centuries-old heritage structures loom mysteriously. The padding of your footsteps, the rhythm of your heartbeat and the roving of your curious eyes are only things breaking the stillness.
Charles Bridge: Iconic and irresistible
Mingle merrily: Jostling crowds is part of the Charles Bridge experience, so join the gang! Admire the handiwork of street artists as you stride 500 meters of the most beautiful bridge in the world. Study the expressions of the 30 ominously dark statues poised on the balustrades over the 16 arches. Question the secret ingredient (ground eggshells) behind the infallibility of the Bohemian sandstone making up the 15th-century masterpiece that has survived vagaries of nature and World War II. Gloat and gawk.
…or seek solitude: Ascend the 138 steps of the Old Tower Bridge, one of most impressive Gothic creations of Europe. Views to kill for await on the breezy viewing gallery of the modest-sized roof. Feel this image burn into your memory: the Charles Bridge stretched between two parts of the city…the eternal river flowing beneath, and the incessant stream of human traffic drifting above. Come full circle for a 360 degree perspective of the red-roofed medieval metropolis. City of 100 Spires, indeed! Hungry for more drama? Return for a sunrise stroll.
Prague Castle: Enduring appeal
Mingle merrily: Choosing to stay centric in the largest castle complex in the world is a no brainer, considering a 1000-year history of Czech rule. 120 steps up Hradcany Hill? Where’d they go so fast? Flashback to the era of clip-clopping horse-carriages while exploring 70,000 square metres of courtyards, palaces and churches. Jawdrop at the mammoth St Vitus Cathedral. Taste tranquility on vantage points and reflect on the refined atmosphere of the extensive gardens.
…or seek solitude: Diverge from the queues in Mala Strana, the pretty neighbourhood spread at the foot of the Castle Hill. Wander along the rows of noble mansions, which used to be homes to the city’s administrative officials. Stop to sample desserts at sloping streets or sip a soup at a hole-in-the-wall cafe frequented by locals. Find peace in canals of Little Venice and merge into the colors of John Lennon Wall. Put on a thinking cap in Kampa Museum or contemplate the quirkiness of the Cerny sculptures outside as you chew on a artisanal gingerbread.
Vltava banks: Relentless river
Mingle merrily: Get your lazy-fix by indulging in an hour-long boat cruise along the Vltava river that divides the Czech capital into two equally stunning halves. Gape at the panorama unfolding on the banks. Play guessing games with the names of the elaborate buildings lining both sides. Glide under some of the 18 graceful arched bridges, including the Charles Bridge. Watch the castle from a new angles. And watch Prague light up slowly. Intoxicating!
.…or seek solitude: Slow your pace and quieten your mind with a refreshing stroll along the river banks. Spoil yourself with the openness. Linger. Stand and stare. Touch the tree trunks. Pan the scene. Zoom in on details that catch your eye. Give in to the whims and fancies of your camera. The grill with the castle as a backdrop. The redhead against the autumn forested canvas. Loosen up.
Jewish town: Ghetto
Mingle merrily: Book a walking tour in this fascinating neighbourhood, which was home to a Jewish community of about 18,000 in the 10th century. The Parisian effect of the 19th-century screams out to be noticed in every street. Its a medley of gracious buildings in soft colors, high-end shopping, fine dining and stylish antique stores. Concentrate on the main draws…Synagogues, the birthplace of Franz Kafka and the Old Cemetery, where over 100,000 lie buried under piles of lopsided tombstones.
…or seek solitude: Melt into the oblivion of the back streets and take the same sights from unusual angles. Peek into old Jewish bakeries and taste traditional biscuits. Locate subtle Moorish influences in building architecture. Chase the shadows that lengthen as the evening approaches and witness the change hues.
Wenceslas: Symbolic and sacred
Mingle merrily: If its hustle-bustle you seek, rest assured in Wenceslas Square…you will always be in the comfort of thick swarms. Czech history has been made here repeatedly over the ages. Humble horse market to celebration ground for creation of new Czechoslovak Republic to the peaceful Velvet Revolution of 1989…this has always been a preferred place for congregation. Art Nouveau meets baroque meets dull communist-era architecture in this ever-crowded shopping area. Spot arty buildings and tick-off retail therapy.
…or seek solitude: Luckily, in Prague, peace is never more than a stone’s throw away. Slip into one of the many side streets for a quiet moment or embrace solace as you enter an arcaded shopping passage (see post here). Hide away in a sheltered courtyard or discover a slice or paradise in a secluded park behind the buzzing main street. Surprises await at every few feet…museums, theatres, galleries, you name it. Contrasting worlds…so close, seeming so far!
Vinohrady: Timelessly today
Mingle merrily: One of Prague’s most trendy residential neighbourhoods is a potpourri of hip stores, atmospheric cafes and chic galleries. And the star attraction awaits at Náměstí Míru, Vinohrady’s most important square. The Neo-Gothic St. Ludmila Church deserves all the attention it gets, don’t miss it. Admire the rich ornamental facade of the church and trace the star shape of the park around. Get literary with fellow fans at the inverted J of the Poetry Jukebox or be inspired by the statue of a girl setting a bird free.
…or seek solitude: Trust your instinct and pick a direction to investigate. Drift along, savouring the relaxed character of the dignified residences. Go gastronomical…be a slave to your tastebuds. Break for a delicious snack at a Greek bistro. Gaze from the windows of a coffee shop. Please your stomach with a refined Italian meal. Pick up odds-and-ends for your home. Go green and russet in one of the many parks. Lose count of how many times you said, “look at that”. See. Love. Repeat.
Letna Hill: Sunset boulevard
Mingle merrily: Letna Hill. Steps up again, some 250-odd. Unquestionably worth it. For the seven-tonne, 75-foot tall Metronome installed in 1991 as a symbol of the new era, replacing a Stalin statue? No. For the skateboarding heaven that it? No, no. For the dozens of skaters’ sneakers dangling from a long wire stretching across the park? No, no, no. Its the views! Those aerial-kind-of views…of the Old Town, the river and Charles Bridge. Enjoy company of fellow revellers and the casual vibe.
…or seek solitude: Moments of calm aplenty in Letna Park…traverse the grassy hillocks, rest under the mature trees and tramp along the plane tree-lined avenues, till you’re all green in the eyes. And for the climax…trudge along the narrow path to Hanavský Pavilion, a Baroque-wannabe restaurant facing the riverside. Camera ahoy! Brace for the pride and joy of your Prague album. Its magic time…
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We went in the winter, and it was fabulous without crowds. Got to bundle up, though.
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Winter would have stunning!! Bundling up is fun too!
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The Jewish neighborhood seems pretty nice and I love the Parisian effect that you are saying. Also, I love to visit old cemeteries in cities that I visit. Is it something wrong with me?
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Old cemeteries can be peaceful places for walks. You will love Miragoj in Zagreb. Do read my post on that if you’re interested.
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Great photos and engaging words😀
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Thanks so much! Have you been to Prague?
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It’s always been on my must see cities since I read Kafka as an impressionable teenager😀and I’m still waiting to go!!
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The Kafka trail will thrill you then.. Hope you make it soon 😊
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You took me on a virtual tour to Prague with your beautiful pictures. I would love to book one of the walking tours to explore the city more.
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Thanks a ton! So glad you liked the post. There are some fabulous walking tours in Prague. In case you’re interested, do have a look at my other articles: https://100cobbledroads.com/2017/11/09/how-to-have-the-best-gastronomical-experience-in-prague/ and https://100cobbledroads.com/2018/01/11/who-is-the-winner-in-the-great-art-nouveau-face-off/
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Great work. Early wake always pay off and except avoiding the crowds you also get the magnificent light as extra bonus.
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Ahhh, the light!!! Isn’t it magic?
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Prague is such a beautiful city. You do a great job of presenting the alternatives of mingling merrily or seeking solitude. Prague has so many amazing choices, you can not go wrong.
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Thank you, Jenn and Ed. I saw twin sides of the city and that is the big point which stayed with me.
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Prague is such a beautiful city! The tourist hotspots are always busy, so I try to avoid them by going super early in the morning 🙂 I’d love to check out the Jewish bakeries as I love biscuits. I wonder how the traditional biscuits taste.
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Jewish biscuits are crunchy and sweet…must taste!
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I LOVE your posts and Prague is one of my favorite destinations. Whenever I book tickets to Prague, will come right back to this post to plan itinerary. This is all one needs to know.
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Thank you so much. Comments like that make blogging so much more worthwhile. Enjoy Prague!
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So many of my friends have been to Prague, and I have only heard good things. I am yet to visit Prague, but it is high on my list. I totally love the architecture there!
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You will come back with a long list of good things too!
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Beautiful post..very informative..just a small query, which are the best months to make a trip n also less crowded ?
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Thanks Pushpa! Autumn is the best season to go, when crowds start thinning.
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Prague is high-up on my bucket list! I love that you give the options with and without the crowds, its always good to know what you can do if there are too many tourists!
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Thanks Melanie 🙂 I think both options are enjoyable.
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We have experienced Prague in the busy season and quiet season. They both offer very unique experiences. But we agree fewer people is our favourite.
Thanks for sharing. Keep travel blogging. Adventure is better shared with friends!
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You too!
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We visited Prague in July. It’s such a beautiful city. I love your photos!
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Thank you!! We went the second time and it was even more magical
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Such a gorgeous city with those unique architectures! I wish to visit Prague someday. Would you know the month of their famous music festival?
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I loved visiting Prague. It’s such a beautiful city. I rented an apartment with a view of the Vltava. Early every morning I would enjoy a walk along the river banks in relative solitude. It was wonderful.
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An apartment facing the Vltava! Wow!!! How perfect is that!
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Your captures are an eye-candy and I am drooling at the architectural marvel called Prague! My weakness is ‘Architecture and Doors’ and Prague is definitely on my travel-list especially after going through this post 🙂
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Thanks so much, Meenakshi. You wouldn’t believe how tough its been to select those pictures…there were so many!!!
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I can so understand your dilemma,Punita.. I too spend a huge chunk of time just admiring those captures that I take of these monuments, structures and temples.lol..I wonder if there is a word for our obsession ??!!
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Lets find that word😊
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From your gorgeous photos, Prague looks like a subtle hipster town! Love how they have incorporated splashes of modern art among those ancient buildings. Excellent write up, thanks for sharing!
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Prague is a lot of things, and finding quirkiness is so much fun, isn’t it? Thanks so much for your lovely comment 🙂
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A 6AM start is definitely good advice. I think waking up early in the morning and going out to the city is a wonderful way to start the day when traveling! Also grab a coffee at shops you walk past by once they open!
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We are thinking of making the early start a regular feature in every city…as far as possible.
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I’ve ever been to Prague so figuring out how to deal with the crazy crowds is very useful to me. One of the reasons Prague is so appealing to me is all of its color. The cobblestone streets are so clean and pretty! I think I would want to see the view from the Old Tower Bridge the most! Your photos are beautiful and really show off Prague well!
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Prague can be overwhelming because of its size, but we stayed for a week, so it was manageable.
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What an amazing list. Very helpful. I am bookmarking it:) Thank you
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Thank you!! Enjoy the marvelous city
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Prague is so high on our list. Your this awesome post kept me engaged throughout especially the mingle merrily or solitude part. The views to kill from Old tower Bridge will be our favorite and Lenta Hill too has attracted us a lot.
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Thanks a million! It was fun creating this new angle for a city that must have thousands of blogs written on it already. Glad it was able to hold your attention 🙂
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Have visited Prague in winter and was happy to find out, that most of the places are free. Lovely city would go again.
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Filled with photography potential, Alexander.
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Excellent writing. I will always remember to mingle merrily and seek solitude, experiencing the best with both…even if it is not Prague. But I should go to Prague one of these days!
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Thanks so much, Carolina! Have a great time in Prague…
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Excellent writing. I will always remember to mingle merrily and seek solitude, experiencing the best with both…even if it is not Prague. But I should go to Prague one of these days!
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Thanks so much, Carol. Prague does tend to take you to another level 🙂
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I love this post! I totally agree that the crowds and the less-crowded spots are equally a part of Prague’s charm. It’s amazing how the Old Town is so quiet first thing in the morning (and late at night…another way to beat the crowds is to hit the bars until 3 am and then take the long walk home :)). (And I so agree that Prague is prettier than Paris!)
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Thanks, Carrie. Looks like we have common perspectives on Prague.
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Amazing post. Really loved reading about Prague. Seems like there are a lot of places to explore. Definitely want to visit, of course the less crowded places. I won’t miss the Jewish ghetto. Thanks for sharing.
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Thank you Jithin 🙂 Couldn’t think of anything better than Prague’s twin vibes for this post.
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I did visit the Jewish ghetto. Very calm and touching experience there.
Yes early risers and walkers can avoid crowds. Great pics from your visit.
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Thanks Indrani. Did you take a walking tour in the Jewish Ghetto?
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I’ve been longing to visit Prague for quite some time now but have always hated how crowded it seems. That said, thank you so much for these awesome tips! Love that you didn’t just say wake up early for all of them hahaa (because I’m definitely not a morning person).
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I am also not a morning person in general, but do make exceptions for exceptional scenes 🙂
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Glad that you had a great time in my country! Prague during the summer is really a tourist trap, so one has to really try hard to enjoy a bit of solitude! However, I see you managed to see all the important places. Next time come to Brno, my home town!
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Ah, we almost went to Brno!! What a beautiful country it is💕
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This has brought back some wonderful memories of Prague. I love how you have included two alternatives-one for people that don’t mind the crowds and another for early risers. I didn’t get to go on a river cruise, so this is something I definitely want to do next time. Loving all of your photos too!
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Like every city, Prague too, has different facets and what we see depends on what we seek.
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That surely seems like one for the bucket list. Especially loved the pictures of the colourful buildings. it seems amazing to say the least!
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These are only pictures and words. Prague up close and personal is something else 🙂
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This is such a cute way of presenting this post, I love the pairings of jingle merrily and then the solitude option! I am torn about Prague. I visited on a student road trip in the late 1980s, it was not much of a tourist destination at all back then and so there was very little crowding anywhere. On the bridge, we sat and sang with some students from other parts of the world, to the strumming of one visitor’s guitar. The rest of the city was equally uncrowded. On the other hand, the food options were very poor, it was hard to find anything palatable at all. Part of me wants to go back and another wants to leave it as it exists only in my memories!
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Ah! I can visualize the group singing to the guitar.. What a delightful memory that is, Kavita! I think you should go back and discover the Prague of today again. Nothing has changed except the crowds. But you cam work around that, like my post suggests 🙂 🙂
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I just loved your post and took notes. 😊 thank you for sharing
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Thanks a million!!
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you’re welcome😊
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i love the options you provide for mingling and solitude. Sometimes i want to explore but in my own company. you provide plenty of alternative options here depending on my mood. thanks
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The important part is to travel how you like it, and mood does matter.
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I’m gonna sit and read this whole post word by word coz I’m heading to Prague soon.
Ofcourse I’m the type 2 who wouldn’t want to be much in crowds. Thanks for this comprehensive post.
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Enjoy your time in Prague. It is one big, magical city!
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Ah Prague! A city we’ve been wanting to visit for so many years! It’s so close and yet so far… we’ve heard that it’s getting more and more crowded. But we believe that like every major city such as Paris and London, Prague has some hidden gems too. And your post perfectly shows that one can explore Prague without the crowds! Thanks for sharing this!
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I’m sure you will be able to find several other personal favorites in Prague…it certainly has the potential 🙂
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I love Prague and I think I went at a good time, in the Spring when it wasnt tourist season so there was hardly any crowds there which is ideal. I wouldnt like to visit this city in the summer when I hear the place is flooded with visitors!
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Autumn is a great time for anywhere, and it was crowded, but the best part about every place is that one can always find spots/time slots that are quiet.
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