The Czech Republic has seen a long history of violent tribes, conquering armies and triumphant and impactful dynasties – and this is reflected in the architectural brilliance across the length and breadth of the country – from majestic mansions to Gothic ruins. And among the many places to immerse yourself in, Prague tops the list.
Prague, Czech Republic.
A city of ethereal beauty.
To a lot of tourists and travellers alike, Prague is pretty much all they want to visit in the Czech Republic. And understandably so. It happens to be one of the most beautiful & fascinating cities in the world, and is the very heart and cradle of Czech culture. With a plethora of architecture that takes you back to over 500 years to fast becoming one of the cultural capitals of Europe – it’s a city that will keep you spell-bound for days.
The historic Charles Bridge
You cannot visit Prague and not talk about The Bridge. The 14th-century Charles Bridge that connects the 2 historic neighbourhoods across the Vltava River is definitely one of the highlights, and a must on everyone’s list.
Pedestrian-only since World War II, and lined with statues across the parapets, it’s probably the most striking ‘landmark’ you’ll come across there. The traveller in me would advise you to visit this historic locale at two different times of the day. One – in the evening, where dusks blends into the night sky and the emerging lights more beautifully than very few other cities in the world. And if you are an avid photographer and not a mere tourist, then an early morning stroll is a must, taking time to take in the angles and capture some views across and of the bridge that are almost surreal, to say the least. The time to avoid it is during the course of the day – when throngs of tourist line up and walk across the bridge in both directions, making it a photographer’s nightmare.
The most famous figure is probably the one of St. John of Nepomuk. Legend has it that King Wenceslas IV had him clunked up in armour and hurled off the bridge, due to the conflict between the church and the state – and a bronze cross set in the parapet between statues 17 and 19 marks the point where he was supposedly thrown off from. Visiting this city just once in your lifetime might be tough, for it’ll keep calling you back. And if you want divine intervention on that front, there’s also a legend that says that if you rub the bronze plaque, you will one day surely go back to Prague.
While at and around the Charles Bridge, cross the Bridge to the Mala Strana, and look out for Kampa Island to your left. Stairs from the bridge will take you there, and to the Lennon Wall.
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Have a drink . . . or two . . . or a few . . .
The city is the birthplace of Pilsner. I’m not a beer drinker myself, yet the sheer quality and variety of ales are amongst the finest in the world, and it probably features on one of the best pub and micro-breweries cultures anywhere in Europe, and arguably in the world.
My personal favourites:
Hostinec U Vodoucha – a brilliant place with great draught beers.
Czech Beer Museum – history of beers with an amazing selection.
Pivovarska – a beer garden after a beer drinker’s heart.
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The Paternoster
Whatever you do in Prague, do not miss a ride in a Paternoster. An elevator like no other. The inspiration comes from the rosary… it’s the system of the loop that keeps it mobile. Walk in on your chosen floor and get off at your chosen one, as it keeps moving vertically in a loop. Priceless.
My ‘Other Favs’
And then there’s more to the place – a whole lot more.
Here are my top ‘other few’:
• Old Town Square is a must – for the buzz and cultural ambience that you will love to soak up, if not for anything else.
• Of the many buildings that will fight for your attention, don’t leave Prague without checking out the Dancing House, Prague Castle, St. Vitus Cathedral and the Powder Tower. Each of them is a mini-lesson in history, art and architecture.
• The city jewels up like a bride at night, so do not miss moving around town post sundown.
• Listen to the Czech Philharmonic at the Rudolfinum, if possible. Reasonable in prices, brilliant in its delivery.
• The city of Cesky Krumlov – slightly off-track yet probably one of the most picture-perfect postcard-like towns ever.
MUST-HAVES on you:
Camera | Comfort clothing and walking shoes | Public transport tram ticket
Fellow travellers – if you haven’t already, make sure you visit this city at the earliest. You’ll keep yearning to go back to it for years.
PASTRALORE. Travel. Explore. Experience.
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