The Charm of Prague
Living in Prague for the summer allowed me to see the sun shining over Old Town Square so often that I eventually took it for granted.
Just five years removed from the Velvet Divorce with Slovakia, there were days that felt as though I were walking through a whimsical music box.
It was magic.
In the last several months, travelers have realized just how much they once took travel for granted. At the same time, European countries are recognizing how deeply they need travelers to return. Italy’s economic catastrophe is only one example.
While today may not be the moment to travel abroad, today is the moment to begin planning for the future of travel.
And if your future is calling for Europe, I am already booking journeys for 2021 and 2022.
Allow me to feature a city I deeply love and offer a charmed glimpse into a day in the life of Prague.
La Vie Bohème.
Endless culture and charm flood every square inch of Prague, the capital of the Czech Republic and the historic capital of Bohemia.
A stroll through any of its streets feels like stepping backward in time into eras of artistic enlightenment and fairytale enchantment.
There is no wrong way to spend a day immersed in Prague’s whimsical beauty, but certain experiences offer a deeper connection to its magic than others.
For an absolutely charmed day in Prague, here is what to keep an eye out for.
The Spires
With the nickname “The City of a Hundred Spires,” it may seem impossible to miss Prague’s iconic skyline.
Much of the city appears delicately lifted from another century and placed gently into the modern world.
But while countless spires rise above the horizon, some deserve special attention.
Prague Castle — the largest castle complex in the world — has served kings and presidents alike since the ninth century.
Visitors should absolutely experience this extraordinary collection of architectural styles spanning the last millennium, even if only while passing through on the way to St. Vitus Cathedral.
Hidden within the castle grounds, St. Vitus Cathedral houses the tombs of Bohemian kings and Holy Roman Emperors beneath dramatic Gothic flying buttresses.
Swoon.
The Gardens
Prague’s parks and gardens ensure that the city’s timeless enchantment continues to thrive in the modern era.
Verdant sanctuaries remain scattered throughout the cityscape, creating peaceful moments of reflection amid exploration.
The Vrtba Garden offers peacocks, fountains scattered with water lilies, manicured hedges, and elegant sculptures.
Letná Park feels equally enchanting, with sweeping panoramic views of the city and a social atmosphere perfectly suited for a proper Bohemian afternoon.
The Beer
The Czech Republic consumes more beer per capita than anywhere else in the world — and after a few proper pours, it’s easy to understand why.
Beer here is treated almost like sacred nectar.
While pilsner lager reigns supreme, Prague’s thriving brewing culture now includes excellent pale ales, amber brews, and dark beers as well.
Finding somewhere to sip is never difficult, with more than 25 breweries packed into the city.
But for atmosphere as memorable as the beer itself, seek out Strahov Monastery Brewery or the Letná Beer Garden.
Strahov began as a monastery before transforming into a brewery in the thirteenth century and sits just steps from Prague Castle.
The Letná Beer Garden, tucked within Letná Park, pairs drinks with one of the best views in the city.
The Music
Prague is heaven for lovers of classical music.
Music-making has always felt as natural as breathing for the Czech people, and the city overflows with concert halls, churches, festivals, and impromptu performances.
Prague’s most celebrated concert halls include Dvořák Hall at the Rudolfinum and Smetana Hall inside the Municipal House.
But classical music spills far beyond formal venues and into churches, palaces, gardens, and even the streets themselves.
I saw my very first opera there — Don Giovanni — and I was instantly hooked.
Among the city’s beloved venues are Bertramka, Mozart’s former residence, and the Atrium in Žižkov.
Concerts regularly unfold on the steps of the National Museum and throughout Prague’s gardens during the summer months.
And of course, let’s not forget Prague’s progressive underground techno scene.
If you are interested in getting back to your full future, please contact me at How Far Adventures for more details on planning your European journey.
How Far Adventures is a Virtuoso Agency, and portions of this article were originally shared by my affiliate, Protravel International.
