A long weekend in picture-perfect Prague is one of life’s great pleasures. Reasonable, accessible and easily walkable, the Czech capital really is the IDEAL place for an impromptu, no-fuss getaway. It’s also a city of great dichotomy – a true something for everyone experience, where you can still get a taste of medieval Europe, the bohemian and the hipster, or scratch the surface on something altogether more salubrious. Whatever your jam may be, this city is here for you. So, here are 8 IDEAL things to do in Prague.
WALK OVER CHARLES BRIDGE
Look left, look right; the choice is yours. Whichever vantage point you choose, Prague’s Charles Bridge guarantees a breathtaking perspective of the city’s stunning setting. And if you don’t wish to cast your eyes that far, the structure has plenty to look at in the short distance too, with statues, pillars and carvings all of historical intrigue and significance. It can get seriously busy at peak times though, so go for a less sociable hour, either early morning or late at night. Perfect for catching the worm or appreciating the city lit up at night.
DRINK COFFEE AT CAFE LOUVRE
Yes, this is an extremely touristy thing to do, but when in Prague, right? Cafe culture has always been a thing in Prague and there is no more revered institution to while away the caffeine-soaked hours than the Cafe Louvre. Here none other than Albert Einstein did some serious thinking during his stay in Prague in 1911-1912.
LOOK UP
In Prague, art is absolutely everywhere and half the time, all you have to do is look up. There are many wonderful, weird sculptures and installations positioned up high and out of sight to those less curious, but those with an inquisitive streak are richly rewarded. Take the below snap of a woman hanging from an umbrella (there is also one of a man) near the coffee shop Boulangerie Patisserie.
This piece of art is called “Slight Uncertainty” by the artist Michal Trpak, and is said to represent feelings during the depression. Another peice by David Černý called “Man Hanging Out” is perhaps the most famous; often mistaken for a real suicide attempt, it depicts the psychoanalyst Sigmund Freud hanging by a hand. Go check it out, we won’t spoil the surprises further.
ENJOY THE NIGHTLIFE
Prague has a thriving, eclectic nightlife scene. With watering holes and halls on every street, and bottles of Pilsners costing about the same as a water, having a party night in Prague is certainly cheap and easy. However, be warned, the city is often full of stag tours. Avoid places like Wenceslas Square and instead check out Prague’s thriving cocktail scene where you can drink the good ‘green fairy stuff’ and try local liqour like slivovice (plum brandy) or hruskovice (pear brandy).
EXPERIENCE A CZECH BEER HALL
Many consider beer to be one of the Czechs greatest contributions to the world. And rightly so. It has after all given us Pilsner Urquell, Staropramen and Budweiser Budvar to name but a few. And as a result, Prague has a thriving beer and bar scene. A visit to a classic and convivial Czech beer hall, then, is a must on any itinerary.
Indeed, beer drinking is akin to a national sport here and your trip wouldn’t be complete without a visit to one of the many cavernous halls serving beer by the barrel alongside plates of old Bohemian specialties on long wooden communal tables to the sound of the obligatory accordion player. Just remember to pack the paracetamol!
TRY LOCAL DELICACIES
When in Prague you must Czech out the cuisine (sorry, we had to). Prague has many wonderful dishes to offer up to the culinarily curious. One such delicacy is head cheese, known to Czechs as tlačenka. No it’s not cheese, it’s brawn (traditionally pigs head) and goes fantastically with beer. Or wine, or water. Whatever floats your fancy.
In the Czech Republic goulash is king but another warming dish you’ve got to taste is Svíčková. This iconic dish is made up of beef in a creamy sauce accompanied by knedlíky (bread dumplings) and a cranberry sauce. Kulajda, a creamy potato soup with mushrooms, dill, vinegar and a poached egg floating on top is another great dish in the capital.
TAKE IN THE VIEWS
Perhaps our favourite point of scenic appreciation can be taken in from the top of Prague castle. Especially in winter when the rooftops are covered in snow, it looks like a city straight out of a fairy tale book. For another great viewpoint, take the Funicular Railway to the top of Petrin Hill for a panoramic scene of Prague, including the castle; you can even go to the top of the Observation Tower for an even higher view of the city. Another view worth seeing is at the top of the Old Town Bridge Tower; climb the 138 steps for picture perfect views of Charles Bridge and the Vltava River.
GO TO THE OPERA
The Prague State Opera is famous for its stunning theatrical performances, and best of all, the tickets are ridiculously cheap, usually going for under $10. That’s a fraction of the price of most cities and as spectacular a performance as you’ll find anywhere. A word of warning; never buy tickets for classical music performances on the street or from a tout. Always buy from registered, licensed traders or risk disappointment when turned away from the door.