Travel

Prague, Summer 2016 ~ Travel

August 24, 2016 / Comments Off on Prague, Summer 2016 ~ Travel

We decided long ago that our preference for travel would be very intentional, single-city focused trips that would allow us to soak up local color, culture and customs in at least 4-5 days. We don’t see ourselves taking week-long, city-hopping cruises or bus tours only giving you a glimpse of each location and a surface skim of its points of interest. So, Prague became our first “focused” European trip, and it proved to be the perfect recipe. Even years later, I still have vivid memories of its streets, flavors, secret passages, ornate décor and fascinating history.

Prague welcomed us with its highly decorated buildings, simple but delicious Eastern European cuisine, abundance of beer (Pilsner Urquell!), and SO MUCH to do! Prague Orloj, the famous astronomical clock, Jewish quarter and cemetery (fascinating!), the Hradcany complex (Prague Castle) on the Mala Strana side of river Vlatva, and of course, the beautiful Charles Bridge.

  • Orloj clock
  • Prague Castle
  • City streets
  • Ornate buildings
  • Famous stained glass windows at Hradcany
  • Gravestones at the Jewish Cemetery

I am confident that we didn’t even scratch the surface of so many fascinating public art displays and installations throughout the city. In many places modern art mingles in a conversation with sometimes medieval, sometimes Art Deco surroundings, but in every case this dialogue yields unique and thought-provoking results.

Public art throughout the center of Prague is fun and fascinating.

Mala Strana, on the left (west) side of river Vlatva deserves just as much time on one’s itinerary as the more popular, overcrowded city center. For example, Kampa, voted one of the most beautiful city island in the world, is enchanting with beautiful passageways, canals, swans, terracotta roofs and lantern-lit restaurants. While the walk up to Strahov Monastery may be a bit uphill, you will pass many artisanal shops selling ceramics, intricately decorated gingerbreads, and lots of beautiful linen. Once you reach the monastery, the beer and mead there are legendary, and do not miss an opportunity to visit its famous library.

And a special shout out goes to patterned cobblestone streets throughout Prague. The crafter/cross-stitcher/crocheter in me could not get enough of the hundreds of patterns around every corner.

Daytrip to Karlovy Vary/Carlsbad

Karlovy Vary mineral hot springs spa resort about 2 hours outside of Prague holds a special place in every Russian’s heart, as it was often the place of Russian historical novels’ aristocratic heroes and heroines’ convalescing routines. Known as Carlsbad in the West, it is also the place of an international film festival, as is evidenced by many celebrity photos in every restaurant along the the hot springs promenade. The historic/spa section of town, where most of the springs are located, is filled with extravagant shops, beautiful buildings, and airy colonnades. Souvenir stands sell special cups with an attached spigot/straw so that you can sample the healing waters right from the source, and it is highly encouraged.

And here is the amazing, airy, centrally located loft we rented via AirBnB in Prague: DESIGNER LOFT AT WENCESLAS SQUARE 2 – Apartments for Rent in Prague, Hlavní město Praha, Czechia (airbnb.com)

Check out my Prague board on Pinterest!