Prague is the capital of the Czech Republic and is host to beautiful buildings, lovely people and fascinating history. It is also a wonderful city to travel to, and most of the city center can be seen and experienced in just two days. It is an accommodating, youth-friendly city that hosts plenty of fun (all which can be accomplished in 48 hours).
The Prague Beer Museum
For beer connoisseurs and dabblers, Prague is a great city to visit. Not only is beer inexpensive, but it is also a beverage that holds an ancient history in this city (the first brewery known to exist was in 993). Boasting 30 different beers on tap, the Prague Beer Museum is an amazing place to go and indulge in a unique flavor. My personal favorite that I tried while there was the raspberry beer, it was absolutely delicious, I could barely take this picture of it before I chugged it down
Another great feature of the beer museum is their prices and size offerings. Everything is listed in their menu packet describing all the different flavors and sizes which they offer. It is truly fantastic, as one can try a mini pint (probably about 1/2 or 1/3 of a pint in volume, I really don’t remember) of their different tap beers, so in case a unique flavor isn’t all that you hoped it would be, finishing it isn’t a big deal.
The Clock Tower BAR CRAWL
By far the craziest and most fun I had during my 2-week trip to Europe was during the clock tower bar crawl in Prague. To get the information on doing this tour, look for young promoters handing out flyers around the astronomical clock. The crawl starts there, where the big group gathers and then is taken to the first bar (of 3 or 4 per crawl tour) where ladies get free T-shirts and the drinks start coming at around 10 pm. It is an easy way to meet people, so I’d highly recommend it if you’re traveling alone! The people working the tour do a lot to make sure you’re having a great time, making sure everyone gets from bar to bar in (pretty much) one piece.
The Astronomical Clock of Prague
This majestic clock tower sits in the center of Prague and is definitely a classic local attraction to visit. It goes off at the top of every hour, with small figurines parading through the windows of the clock tower while bells chime.
The John Lennon Peace Mural
A site for a plethora of John Lennon-inspired graffiti, this wall is a tribute to the life and words of John Lennon. It also represents the rebellion of the youth of Prague against communism, dating back to the Cold War. It has been in Prague since the 1980s and is open to graffiti from travelers. It is located fairly close to Prague Castle.
Prague Castle
Visit by day, but make sure you see it at night. Prague Castle is an impressive fortress that historically has been the home to the Kings of Bohemia, the Holy Roman Empire and the past presidents of Czechoslovakia. It is the biggest Castle in the World (Guinness Book of World Records) and dates back to the 9th century. As far as visiting the Castle, I would recommend walking there across the Charles Bridge (it’s a bit of a hike, but well worth it) and do the full tour of all the cathedrals and towers of the castle.
The Charles Bridge of Prague
This iconic bridge crosses the Vltava river and was completed in the 15th century. It leads from the city center with the astronomical clock to the upward climb to Prague Castle. There are plenty of street artists selling crafts and paintings along the bridge, a nice place to get a more genuine souvenir than the tacky shops that litter every block of the city.
The Jewish Quarter of Prague
The historic Jewish ghetto of Prague, “Josefov” as it is known locally, is in the Old Town of Prague. A tour of the various sites within the Jewish Quarter reveals the hardships and oppression Czech Jews faced throughout history. An entrance pass gives you admission to the museum, cemetery and various synagogues.
The Dancing Haus
An interesting attraction to walk by when strolling along the river would be the Dancing Haus. Originally the source of architectural controversy when first constructed, this pair of buildings stick out like sore thumbs (or rather, bad dancers) in a city full of much more classical and gothic style as opposed to the loud and contemporary style of these buildings.
Cafe Louvre
Not only does this charming restaurant serve delicious food- a mix of Czech fare as well as traditional American dishes, but it also has a very interesting history. When it first opened, Cafe Louvre hosted interesting clientele, including Albert Einstein and Franz Kafka. It was forcibly closed during the communist rise to power in Prague and was re-opened as the Cold War came to a close in 1992.
Prague Budget Accommodation
Prague Square Hostel
By far and without a doubt the best location for a hostel in Prague. Aside from a prime location just mere steps from the city center and the astronomical clock, the atmosphere and staff at this youth hostel are absolutely awesome.
It is an inexpensive hostel and is a really great place to meet people to go out with if you are a solo traveler or in a small group. There is a big lounge with a TV and selection of movies, a kitchen area, (breakfast served daily) and complimentary sandwiches are available from the front desk every day, and they are perfect to pack for a long day of walking around the city.
Have you been to Prague? What were your favorite things you did or saw?
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