Prague

Prague, CZECHIA — a central European gem, known for cheap unfiltered beer, and rich history. After reclaiming their identity from decades of Communist oppression, we headed back to Prague to experience a more local feel.

Our Stay

7 days / 6 nights (remote work)

Where to Stay

Old Town (Staré Město) is the best area for first timers and those who want to be centrally located to the historical sites. We found an airbnb for around $100 per night roughly 3 blocks away from the Church of Our Lady before Týn.

DO

Taste of Prague Food Tour – this is a must to get your bearings of food in the city. Owners and guides, Jan and Suzi, will take a small group to some incredible spots around the city while educating you on the culture and the renaissance of Czech cuisine post Communism. I’ve done this tour twice now, it’s that good! They also have a small group wine weekend in Moravia that I’ve been dying to do. If you can’t make the food tour work with your schedule, you can buy their “foodie map” for €8 and it will give you amazing recommendations for food, drink, shopping, and beyond.

Astronomical Clock – When the clock strikes the hour starting at 9.00 a.m. until 11.00 p.m, you can see the procession of the Twelve Apostles. Although the “show” has been named #2 most disappointing attraction in Europe, it’s a functional and impressive work of art. Climb the clock tower for great views of the historical center and see the innerworkings of the procession as the figures move in and out of the tower.

Beer Spa – sounds touristy, but it was actually a really cool experience. You don’t actually sit in a vat of beer, but rather a hot tub of barley and yeast that soothes the skins. The upside is there is unlimited beer included in this very private experience.

Charles Bridge – Jet lagged? Use it to your advantage to get up early and visit this medieval stone arch bridge (without the crowds) that connects the Old Town to the Prague Castle.

Lennon Wall – represents love, peace, freedom, and other global causes created after the assassination of Beatles legend, John Lennon. While the wall continuously undergoes change with new graffiti, notes, lyrics and paintings, the original portrait of Lennon is long lost under layers of new paint.

Prague Castle – the largest castle complex in the world, occupying an area of almost 70,000 square meters, and the official office of the President of Czechia. Inside the complex, you’ll find St. Vitus Cathedral. We didn’t repeat this attraction on this trip, but would certainly recommend to first time visitors.

Communist Museum – tells the history of Communism in Czechia and Eastern Europe. It describes major historical events, but also the day-to-day life in the communist Czechia. It really is a must visit, so make sure allocate enough time to take it all in (about 3-4 hours).

Jewish District – one of the most beautiful areas in Prague with a very dark and horrific history. All of the Jewish sites can be visited with a combination ticket for about 20 euros and purchased on site at any of the synagogues.

It may be worth hiring a guide for the Jewish cemetery as there isn’t much to read inside. The Jewish were only allowed to bury their dead in this small area of Prague. Over 12,000 headstones can be seen today, but as many as 100,000 individuals are buried beneath them, stacked 12 deep in some places.

The Pinkas Synagogue is attached to the Jewish cemetery of Prague. Today there is a list of almost 80,000 names of Jewish people who were kidnapped and murdered by the Nazis.

The Spanish Synagogue is one of the newest and most beautiful synagogues with architecture inspired by Moorish Spain and the Alhambra. The interior is impressive, but the educational content inside is even better.

Petrin Lookout – climb to the top of what appears to be a mini Eiffel Tower on the other side of the river for 360* of the city.

EAT

Lokal – come for traditional dishes, stay for the beer. Make reservations as it’s a popular spot for locals and tourists. Don’t forget to try the unfiltered black beer…I’d say arguably the best beer in the world.

Cafe Savoy – beautiful spot for breakfast or lunch. It’s more on the expensive side for Prague but worth it to experience the Viennese style architecture. Reservations are a must. If you can’t get a table, they have a patisserie where you can order pastries to go. Look for the sour cherry one.

Trdelnik – you can find this delicious cinnamon sugar sweet dough baked over open coals on every street corner.

Pork’s – huge beer hall and restaurant full of the best comfort food like schnitzel and potato salad!

Café Louvre – a staple cafe that’s been around for 100 years. They serve all menus, but breakfast here is my favorite for the raspberry pancakes. There’s a theme here…

Tvaroh – local espresso bar and café in Prague 7 across the river, away from the tourists. We had THE best apple pancakes here.

Nam Viet Kitchen – high quality, affordable Vietnamese cuisine. The Vietnamese were invited as guest workers by the Czechoslovak government during the Communist period, so you’ll find lots of spots around the city.

Giovanni Pizzeria – when in Europe, we must eat pizza. Our nose led us to this restaurant just a few steps away from the Astronomical clock. The “Fantasia” is our go-to.

Eska – 2 course or 5 course tasting menu at this Michelin guide 2021 restaurant + bakery. The 2 course + wine pairing will run you ~50 per person.

DRINK

My favorite Czech beer is Kozel (the dark one), so I look for that on every menu. However, the beer at U Fleku is definately a very close runner up. The waist staff is a bit pushy, so go in with the right expectations.

Bokovka -dimly lit, wine bar cellar, arguable one of the coziest places in the city. Book your spot in advance.

Hemingway Bar – Fine mixology & luxury spirits. One of the most popular cocktail bars in the city. Named after one of history’s most famous drinkers. Reservations required.

Anonymous – this speakeasy was not easy to find, which made for a fun adventure. Almost all cocktail bars in Prague need reservations in advance so we didn’t get to check this one out.

St Wenceslas Vineyard – just next door to Prague Castle with sweeping views of the city

Vinotéka U Mouřenína – wine shop and tastings with a few locations

Lot of Wine Prague – full list with local Czech wine and beyond

It’s April and still snowing in Prague… Now off to Paris to warm up!