A Weekend Guide in Prague

DAY 1

Prague is one of the most different places I have been to, with its amazing architecture on buildings that were for the most part five stories high or taller, a foreign language, a different transportation system and new foods. I stayed 20 minutes outside of Prague’s historic district at the Belvedere Hotel.

The adventure began with not being able to communicate with a common language in some places, no English or Spanish, just Czech, so finger pointing, and mimes was all I had, and it worked for the most part. In the historic district however, communication wasn’t an issue. There aren’t many cars around Prague since the main transportation there is the Tram. A day pass for the tram costs 110 CZK ($6).

On our first night my friends and I headed to Folklore Garden for dinner and, little did we know…dancing. In Folklore Garden the tables are picnic styled, the waiters and waitresses are all dressed in folkloric clothes and there is a band playing while you eat through three dishes. The fun part begins when a staff member randomly chooses a couple of unsuspecting people from the crowd and takes them to the dance floor to teach them a few of the nation’s traditional moves. After that there are a few dancing dynamics and small competitions between the chosen ones and there’s also a bit of karaoke with an added twist; all the words are in Czech! The atmosphere was buzzing with energy and enthusiasm. The only thing I could compare it with was the scene in Beauty and the Beast where Gaston sings at the Tavern and the men all dance with their beers in hand. Well, it was almost exactly like that.

DAY 2

The next morning, we hopped on a bus and went to the historic district. Our first stop was the Presidential Palace. If you’re interested in going inside there are a few things to keep in mind. The waiting line is insanely long so getting there early is a smart move. Only take with you the things you absolutely need. There are checking points were officers check your bags and may ask questions. Buy your location passes before hand. You can either choose a tour or explore by yourself. Inside, the first place we encountered was the Courtyard with a fountain and a water well in its center.

Beyond the first tunnel is St. Vitus Cathedral. There was a wedding taking place right in front of the church. We didn’t mind waiting as the bride and groom celebrated their marriage and took lots of pictures. When they were gone we entered the Cathedral. I was amazed by the detailed stained-glass windows that told stories from the bible in each one and filled the air with colors.

We exited at the other side of the Cathedral and came into view with the Old Royal Palace where we walked through the ball room. I could just imagine the hundreds of people dressed for a ball, dancing while a camera orchestra played, and the King and Queen watched from their thrones. Speaking of thrones, we went into the Throne room but unfortunately pictures weren’t allowed.

St. George’s Basilica was our last stop before heading down Jiřská Street to the Golden Lane which receives its name because the lane has a row of small colorful houses on its left where a goldsmith used to live. Now these houses are mostly souvenir shops except for the first one which is an Armory Museum.

After a detour for some lunch, beer and strudel we headed to Charles Bridge. Czechs love legends and Charles bridge harbors one of the most famous ones. The legend says that John of Nepomuk was a priest who received the confessions of the Queen. Unfortunately, King Wenceslas IV was suspicious of the Queen since she often went to confess herself. He ordered the priest to reveal the Queen’s confessions, but the priest did not oblige because it went against his vows to the church, therefore, he was thrown into the Vltava River from Charles Bridge and died. It is said that if you touch the statue of John by rubbing the image of him being thrown into the river that you will return to Prague or your deepest desire will come true.

Walking on the bridge we encountered many street artists, mostly painters and musicians. In the historic district we visited the Patriae et Musis were the Opera Don Giovanni by W. A. Mozart was premiered in 29. 10. 1787.

Then we headed to watch Alice in Wonderland in a Black Theater which is a play entirely done in the dark with the lights telling the story. Then we wandered around the streets exploring the town’s shops and buying a few souvenirs. The Astrological Clock is a must stop when visiting Prague. The building itself was under restoration but I managed to get a decent shot.

We ended the night dinning at the beautiful underground White Horse restaurant with live music by a pianist. Here I ate duck for the first time, it was good. Important, they only take credit cards as payment. Overall, it had been two great days in Prague and I was already getting nostalgic since the time to say goodbye was inching closer.

DAY 3

Prague has many places to explore and one of them is the Lobkowicz Palace. It is a true treasure to visit this Palace and appreciate the historic family’s collection which contains manuscripts, paintings, ceramic pieces, a collection of books, musical instruments and music sheets autographed by many of the greatest composers of the eighteenth and nineteenth century. After enjoying a walk through the palace, visitors are encouraged to attend a performance of curated musical pieces from the family’s collection in the concert hall. That performance was one of the highlights of my time in Prague and I highly recommend it. When buying your pass to the palace be sure to ask for them to include the concert on the pass.

At the Lobkowicz Palace Café I had vegetable soup, tender beef with dumplings and wheat bread and, to top it all off a cherry cheese cake! Everything from the service to the ambiance was delightful.

Back at our hotel we got ready to attend the Prague Ballet Festival at the Theatre Hybernia to see Swan Lake. What a better way to end the trip than with a performance that left me feeling a magical sensation. There is definitely more to see and do and eat in Prague, so until the next time Czech Republic!