The British Berliner
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4 Days in Prague – 40 Things to Do!
Prague never gets old for me and why should it?
It’s not New York. It’s not Paris. It’s Prague. In the East but with a blend of the West.
Speaking of the East. The refugee situation in Hungary and other European countries is an international crisis and a bloody mess. We need to think of humanity and compassion. It would be irresponsible of us all to just look away and leave these vulnerable people to sleep in the streets and huddle under bridges. Every little bit helps.
#Refugeesarewelcome.
In that wise, I’m utterly pleased that in my adopted country ordinary people and individual federal states are trying to help and sending a message that #refugeesarewelcome.
Thank you Germany.
Back to Prague.
The Heart of Europe. The City of 100 Spires. The Golden City, etc. These descriptions are just some of the nicknames that Prague has acquired over the ages, but one thing remains constant – Prague is truly one of the world’s most unique cities with beauty, interesting food and brilliant alcohol!
So what to do in a city that has everything your heart can so desire?
In that wise, here are forty (40) tips to guide you on what to do and where to go.
This is what we did. Are you ready?
- The first thing you have to do is to go to the Old Town Square (Staromeska), enjoy it’s beauty and grandeur of the 12th century and have a drink or two. We went in the summer and it was so burning hot that the town had organised the spraying of soapy water in the Square. It was a lot of fun LOL!
- Next, check out Prague’s most famous 15th century Astronomical Clock. Enjoy the view but keep a tight hold of your pocket as the Square tends to get tightly packed.
- If you’re going to read about anybody who is Czech then it ought to be Franz Kafka.
- Visit the Jewish Quarter Josefov (Old Jewish Cemetery and Synagogues) and perhaps hear a whisper of the legend of the Golem.
- Go on a walking tour. I love walking tours and even in my own city of Berlin, I go on a walking tour every now and then, just to keep abreast of new developments in different parts of town. Prague was no different. I chose to go with a company called Prague Extravaganza Free Tour. The tour is free and you can decide how much the tour is worth to you by giving the guide a tip. There is no obligation to do so of course, but if you feel that they do a good job then why not show your appreciation!
- Use public transport. Prague has underground trains, trams, buses and a funicular and they are clean, efficient and marvellously easy to use. Try to avoid using taxis as best you can. They really are awful and will do their best to rip you off.
- Take Tram 22 – This tram is the best mode of transport you can take as it travels through one of Prague’s most scenic routes passing very near the Old Town (Staroměstská) and the New Town (Malostranská) as well as via the Prague Castle. It really is a good tram to travel with, as it covers pretty much every tourist sight that you ought to see.
- Visit the Prague Castle which has been an important symbol of the Czech state for more than a thousand (1,000) years. It was founded in the 9th century and became the seat of Czech rulers and later presidents. The castle, one of the largest complexes in the world, is made up of historical palaces, offices, church and fortification buildings, gardens and picturesque spots. It covers an area of 45 hectares and the panoramic view of Prague Castle is one of the most spectacular in the world!
- Observe the Changing of the Guard at the Prague Castle. On the hour.
- Go to the gothic cathedral of St. Vitus which was established in 1344 and took nearly 600 years to build! You can find it right next to Prague Castle.
- Visit the St. Wenceslas Chapel with the tomb of St. Wenceslas, the crypt where Czech kings are buried, and the Crown Jewels.
- Take a stroll along the Golden Lane (Zlatá ulička) which used to belong to castle soldiers and craftsmen from the 16th century.
© Petr Salek
- Take the nostalgic Tram 91 – This tram is a historic one that only runs on Saturday & Sunday and during the main holidays from April to Mid-November. It leaves on the hour until 17:30.
- Go to a local Czech outfit and have a meal of stodge!
- Get yourself a grilled Czech sausage. Just make sure that the kiosk is clean and there’s a waiting queue!
- Drink some delicious Czech beer. Don’t be shy. It’s pretty good and very, very cheap. ps. If you’re over 18. Absinthe can be bought in the TESCO supermarket!
- Go to a Black Light Theatre. As many as you are inclined to visit. They’re all quite entertaining.
Black Light what? I hear you say!
Black.
Light.
Theatre!
Let me tell you, a black light theatre or černé divadlo is a theatrical performance characterized by the use of augmented black light illusion and has become a Czech speciality. Without giving too much away, the use of black curtains, a darkened stage, and UV light in conjunction with fluorescent dayGLO costumes is mixed with music and entertainment to create an intricate visual illusion. My favourite black light theatre is called IMAGE THEATRE and every time I visit Prague, I never fail to watch a performance! The theatre used to be in the Jewish Quarter but has now re-located to a new venue at Národní třída. About 100 meters from Charles Bridge!
Even though I am a full-grown woman, the magic of black light never fails to intrigue me and I knew that even with the arrogance of on-coming teenage-hood, “The Tall Young Gentleman” would be impressed by an audio-visual performance, a compilation of dance, comedic mime sketches, pantomime and the black theatre metamorphosis of reality.
We watched The Best of Image which was hilarious.
The performances are non-verbal and language skills are not necessary. The show is very family-friendly and available for all ages. There are two (2) performances per day so if you want to go out on the night, there’s still plenty of time to do so.
Ticket prices are 480Kč or €18.00.
I highly recommend the IMAGE THEATRE as it’s a local establishment and it’s Czech.
p.s. Don’t sit at the front. The best view is in the middle or at the back LOL!
- Go to the Farmers Market at Anděl or any other local farmers market. Prague has plenty!
- Take the Petřín Funicular which was first operated in 1891! You can take the Funicular from Malostranská which wil take you up the Petřín Hill and visit the Petřín Hill itself which is covered by hills (quite handy when you just need an immediate nap in the fresh air), and rocks! It also has a vast amount of parks. In fact, we did quite a lot of walking in spaces that I had never even seen before. We also skipped and jumped about quite a bit. We were so worn out that we didn’t have any dinner!
- Check out the Petřín Lookout Tower which was originally built in 1891 as a mini version of the Eiffel Tower in Paris, and don’t forget to visit the Royal Rose Gardens, the Mirror Maze, the Observatory and the lake. All very much in the hills within the Prague Castle made up of historical palaces, offices, churches and fortification buildings, gardens and picturesque spots covering an area of 45 hectares!
- You certainly can’t go to Prague without visiting Prague’s most elegant café and restaurant – the Café Louvre.
The Café Louvre was opened in 1902 and was a place where the elite and intelligentsia of Prague came for coffee, cake and conversation with the likes of Franz Kafka and Albert Einstein among them.
As a Czech expat in those days, I had a couple of spots where I would go to read and write or just generally wile my time away and the elegant surroundings of the Café Louvre was one of them.
We went there for delightful apple strudel, ice-cream sundaes, and cocktails as it was such a steaming hot day. I also recommend their wonderful soups. Ask for their lunch specials for middle-class Czech prices!
- Why not go to the Reduta Jazz Club which is right next door to the Café Louvre? I’m not very much into jazz but it used to be a happening place and such a rich spectrum of Prague’s cultural life that the likes of Wynton Marsalis and Ronnie Scott used to play there. Even Bill Clinton. Yes, Bill Clinton, did a jam session at the Jazz Club in 1994!
- Go to the centre of Prague which is called Můstek. Walk around, peep in and out of backyards and back alleys. Ramble about and look up at the beautiful buildings and facades.
- Walk towards a street called Celetná. Celetná was a former Prague trade route and now has a “gate” which is a sort of arch, It’s one of the oldest streets in Prague and will lead you towards the Old Town or (Staroměstská).
©Moyan Brenn
Celetná is a place of pride because that was the road where my office and classrooms were located. It was on this very quaint and cobbled street that I first cut my teeth as the Regional Manager in Eastern Europe. It’s a marvellous street. And if you look up, you can still see the chandeliers through the upstairs windows, and the old and Renaissance family symbols above the many doors. Of course, the street is now filled with elegant stuff, Bohemian crystal, glass, porcelain and amber, Czech specialities. Oh and a wax museum.
A wax museum?
Huh!
- The wax museum is connected to Madame Tussauds but confusingly is also called the Prague Wax Museum.
- On the same street of Celetná is another wax museum from France called Musée Grévin or the Grévin wax museum.
- Not too far away on a side street is the Sex Machines Museum which I visited years ago. It’s amusing but NOT FOR ANYONE UNDER 18!
- Follow the crowds until you get to the Old Town Bridge Tower which is the beautiful Gothic gateway to Charles Bridge from the Old Town and decorated with symbols of various kings and saints.
© Jorge Royan
- You must absolutely go visit Prague’s most iconic and famous Charles Bridge (Karlův most). It is the oldest bridge in Prague covered with statues of saints, artists, entertainers and tourists and has fantastic views of the river. I love going there at all times of the day and night but it can get quite crowded so stay with your party, and watch your pockets!
- Make sure that you take a stroll on Wenceslas Square which hosts any event worth it’s salt, New Year’s Eve and various important historic and social events. There are also numerous shops, restaurants and historical hotels as well as side-streets with local cinemas and small Czech theatres.
- Check out the classical concerts and orchestras in almost every religious house and building.
- Throw yourself into the music halls and venues of Prague such as ballets and operas and go to as many museums and galleries as you can.
- Experience the art of classic puppet and marionette theatres in shows such as the performance of Don Giovanni and The Magic Flute of Mozart.
- Go clubbing at RadoxFX, Roxy, Akropolis, MeetFactory, or Karlovy Lazně.
- Indulge in fresh seafood such as grilled trout or stuffed salmon fillet served with fresh herbs and lemon!
- Enjoy the picturesque Vltava River. With over thirty bridges and footbridges and ten little islands, you can afford to go on a river cruise, rent a rowing boat or try your hand at pedal boating.
- Make your way to the John Lennon Wall which is a wall that has been filled with John Lennon-inspired graffiti, pieces of Beatles lyrics and words of world peace, freedom and hope. It’s on the other side of Charles Bridge near the French embassy. Ask around!
- Go to a flea market and get chatting with the locals.
- Drink Viennese coffee – I don’t drink coffee but it doesn’t mean that you can’t!
- Prague’s views are breathtaking. Enjoy the moment and get a table by the riverside and rejoice that you get to see it.
Have fun!
And there you have it. Forty (40) things to do in four (4) days.
Marvellous!
For more information about the black light theatre, please contact: IMAGE THEATRE.
This article isn’t sponsored and even though I received a complimentary theatre ticket all opinions and the scrummy apple strudel that I lovingly devoured, are my very own!
I have so much to share with you. Next week will be my 100th post. Yay!
Stay tuned!
In the next few weeks, I’ll be at the following events:
On 16.09.15, the Strictly Stand Up English Comedy Night will be taking place at the Quatsch Comedy Club in Berlin.
Until 26.09.15 only, the Wintergarten Varieté will be presenting The SOAP Opera show or Show SEIFEN OPER.
From 28.09.15 – 07.10.15 the Bar Jeder Vernunft will be presenting, for one (1) week only, a festival of top British entertainment – Britain’s Best! Music and Comedy.
I’ll be there. Will you?
As usual, you can also follow me via daily tweets and pictures on Twitter & FB!
If you’re not in Berlin right now, hurry up!
September is going to be windy!
Watch this space!
Have you ever been to Charles Bridge? Would you have an apple strudel with custard and cream or just custard?!
See you in Berlin.
If you like this post or if you have any questions send me a tweet, talk to me on Facebook, find me on Linkedin, make a comment below, look for me on Google+ or send me an Email: victoria@thebritishberliner.com
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57 Comments on “4 Days in Prague – 40 Things to Do!”
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I wish I had gotten the chance to see some theatre in Prague, but I did do a lot of the things on this list while I was there. Petrin Hill is very underrated, and it was beautiful except for the poo that my dad accidentally sat in on the funicular coming down the hill. I think someone changed a baby on the seat or something because it was really gross. But I love Prague!
By the way, you’ve been chosen as one of today’s nine blogs in That’s So Jacob’s Ninth Month Blog Challenge! I challenge you to find nine blogs you find interesting and give them a comment to brighten their day…well, eight other blogs and mine 🙂 Copy this message in your comment and enjoy your new blog friends!
Thanks so much Jacob! I agree with you completely. I think most people underestimate Petřín Hill. It really is a lovely piece of green space except perhaps for sitting in a pile of poo LOL! Yuck!
Sorry Dad!
p.s. Thank you for choosing me. 🙂
You’re welcome! Come and play!
LOL!
Really well thought out and concise article..just as for other cities, you are my go-to-person when I visit Prague! the apple strudel that I lovingly devoured hilarious! I have to have apple strudel when I visit..lol!
Thank you so much africanagirl! That’s really sweet of you to say so and you absolutely must try the apple strudel LOL!
p.s. If you have any questions about Prague, do let me know. 🙂
Firstly, that Trendlkn (sp) and the apple strudel looks so delicious. My blood sugar has spiked just looking at it 🙂 . Yeah.. I know we have to visit Prague at some point. I am looking forward to it, and thanks for a great list of stuff to do, especially the restaurants and walking tour. You know what my dearest wish is right now? That the goodwill being extended to the refugees right now in all the countries will continue past the time the cameras go away. That peoples generosity will be reciprocated by refugees blending in and becoming part of the nations, and that people give them enough time to do that. It is such a thin line between love and hate, and l hope people will have the patience. My gut tells me it might require more than people are willing to have 🙁 . I really, really hope l am wrong.
Thank you so much kemkem! Both the trdelník and the apple strudel were scrummy! I can’t wait for you to visit Prague for yourself. You’ll really like it!
And I’m going to have to agree with you, once the cameras are off, the refugee crisis is likely to get politcally nasty but I’ve always been an optimist as there is a lot of passion and goodness in ordinary people if only they knew it. It’s not rocket science. We have to help them. It’s quite frankly, just common sense and decency to do so as that is what being a European is all about. Sharing & Fairness.
I just love how much you are able to tell about in your posts! I have my trip to Prague planned now… pinning this for that trip for sure! Thanks Victoria!
You’re very welcome Jenny!
I think I can claim to know Prague pretty well so it sort of all came out LOL! I usually take lots of photographs that don’t make it on the blog so that I remember exactly where I was. And I have my pencil and notebook with me whenever I’m on the road so that I can jot down anything extra. Feel free to pin away my dear. 🙂
Oh girl! Lovely guide! You’ve covered everything here and I can see you had one of my FAVOURITE trdelnik. I’ll never forget its sugary taste in my mouth. Mniam mniam!
Thanks so much Agness! I’m glad that you like it. 🙂 And oh yeah! Czech fooooooooood and snacks. Yummy! 🙂
That’s so many things! And each of them are things, that I would actually consider doing (though I’ll probably repeat the apple strudel thing a couple of times or 10. Regarding the refugee situation, it’s devastating to see the attitude of some people (and even entire nations, shame on you Hungary).
Thanks so much Mitzie Mee! I was hoping that people would like my lists as they are the places that I actually go to and the things that I do and I should know. Having lived in Prague n’ all LOL!
Re-refugees. The awful situation is not going to go away. Countries are overwhelmed. Some more than others…. But the refugees are people. Not animals. It’s as simple as that.
Treat them like people.
I went to the Sex Machines Museum on my 2nd visit to Prague, last year, and I don’t think I have recovered yet. It was pretty intense. Also, I can’t believe you didnt include drinking absinthe on your list! That is so Czech! I also tried it last year, at the Hemingway Bar, and it was really fun 😉
Thanks so much Anna!
Yeah! I went to the sex machines museum in the past. Not on this visit of course being that son was in tow…! Yeah, it’s pretty disturbing. Not like the Sex Museum in Amsterdam and Berlin. They’re just funny and amusing with piles of teenagers giggling but the one in Prague was more – Gulp! – type of thing.
Oh yes, absinthe. I forgot about that. Travelling with child….! I’m going to add that in…! It used to be illegal in Britain and Germany but Berlin has absinthe bars so I think it’s OK but imagine the shock that I had when I first saw it in in TESCO in Prague. We all felt so naughty!
Wow, what an awesome post! That apple strudel looks so delicious *__* And the Prague walking tour looks like great fun! We have something similar in San Francisco (free walking tours) and I always seem to learn something new. Can’t wait to use some of these tips if I pass by Prague!
Thanks so much Luda!
The apple strudel was yum! I’m glad that you like walking tours. Me too! The one that I wrote on this post was a combination of the official tour that I went on and the self-tour that I made myself! I used to live in Prague you see so once I got my bearings, I made my own tour the next day! Feel absolutely free to use. Most of the points are in walking order so that you can follow them.
p.s. I looooove San Francisco. We went there in 2011 but the time was so short that we were only able to use the trolley, have ice-ceam sundaes at a 50’s ice-cream bar, and go shopping. In fact the whole time that we were in America (west coast), we were only able to shop in San Fran. So we did. I couldn’t believe how cheap a pair of Calvin Kleins were at Macy’s LOL!
Thats so cool! You should definitely visit SF again, there are so many things to do. 😀
I love shopping at the Macy’s near Union Square, I think they have about 8 floors worth of stuff (and a Cheesecake Factory on the top floor– with amazing views! :o)
Thank you Luda! ‘Hope to do so again one day and there are a million and one things that I would loooove to do there. I’m thinking though, that the next time we land on American soil it’ll be in New York. Now wouldn’t that be something! 🙂
p.s. Have you been yourself?
New York sounds great– I’ve always wanted to go there too! Also, feel free to message me when you visit SF, I’d love to meet up or give suggestions on cool places 😀 I’ve been pretty good! Mostly focusing on building up my blog and finding interesting content. How about you? Any cool plans for fall? 🙂
‘Will do Luda. 🙂
‘Plenty of plans for Autumn coming up on my next blog post. Watch out for it tomorrow!
Awesome, looking forward to reading! 🙂
Me too LOL! 🙂
This is awesome, Prague is somewhere we would love to visit and are hoping to in the near future. We’ll definitely bookmark this for when we do go. I can’t get over that strudel!😁
Thanks so much Wyatt! I’m glad you like it! Prague is simply one of the best European places that you can visit and the strudel is just aaaaaaamazing! Have fun when you go to Prague and if you have any questions, do let me know. 🙂
A comprehensive guide, as always 🙂 The black light theatre looks amazing. I totally agree with you about the refugee crisis and I’m a bit ashamed that Britain isn’t doing more to help and Cameron had to have his arm twisted to offer any assistance at all. Germany is providing a great example to other nations.
Thanks so much Amy. I try to do my best LOL! Yep! The Black Light Theatre is was of Prague’s secrets and they do it so well. When I used to live there, I went to so many different theatre groups but IMAGE is my favourite. 🙂
Re-refugees. It’s a bloody scandal that multicultural Britian isn’t doing more. It’s a disgrace that other European countries are dragging their feet too. Germany has done us proud and has become a fine example as to how things should be done. And Germany is moving speedily to make sure that the refugees are given every help possible to settle into their new homes and new culture as quickly as possible. Local people have been marvellous sharing their home and donating food, clothing and other necessary items. Sadly, some parts of Germany has xenophobic issues but the refugees will be safe here rather than in war-torn Syria.
We’ve been thinking of Prague for a long time now, perhaps next year we’ll have to make it happen, if only for that strudel! The pictures are amazing, and that’s one hell of a lot of things to do, we may need more than four days to explore.😁
Go ahead and visit Prague Wyatt! If you’re in Eastern European there are a couple of countries that you just must visit. The Czech Republic, Poland, Hungary, Latvia and Estonia. They are marvellous countries, love having visitors and are easy to get around. I haven’t mentioned Croatia, Slovenia, Bulgaria or Romania as I haven’t yet been there personally but don’t let that stop you LOL!
Thanks for your lovely comments too. 🙂 🙂 You’re right 4 days is never going to be enough, probably a week would be more sufficient, or better, do what I did. And live there! Admittedly, I didn’t actually plan to spend 2 years but who’s counting LOL!
Oooh heading to Prague next summer with my family. Definitely Pinning this so I remember where to find it!
Nice one Kristin! You won’t regret it. Prague is greeeeeeat and very family family friendly for all ages and generations LOL! Any questions, do let me know. 🙂
Can’t tell if my comment went through or not but YAY for Prague! Can’t wait to head back there next summer =)
Double Yay for Prague! 🙂
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Great read as usual, Victoria! Wish I saw this before going to Prague last year! But we can always go back. 😉 One week there wasn’t enough. I loved it there.
Thanks so much for your lovely comment Carolyn!
Prague is such a beautiful place. I don’t believe there’s anyone on earth, who didn’t go back! 😀
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