Camera on

Charles bridge

Astronomical view

Jogger king

Tourist city

The tour started right after I’d got the money and checked-in my hostel. To say something about where I stayed for two days in Prague, I would say it’s the best place for lone travelers or budget travelers, as the place is nice and clean, strong wifi, and situates just 5 minutes walking from the Old Town Square. At night it can be quiet despite the tourists stream outside, but can also be noisy af because of people snoring lol.

Prague at night

The weather was nice. That is definitely a plus for this city. No big winds, no humidity – it was just fine for a walk.

I stepped on the stone path from my hostel throughout the Old Town Square. Everything was lighted up. People walking around and enjoying the chilling evening, their hands holding a cup, a bottle, an ice cream cone, or sometimes, someone else’s hand. Around the dark corners, groups of curious tourists gathered around spooky tour guides – they were about to discover “ghost stories of the old Prague” – a very popular experience here.

I hurried to eat, then came back.

I was tired. From the long journey + delay, all the rushes, now I just wanted to relax.

Around the corner, I heard a sound that triggered all of my sense.

Jazz.

Just some meters above the ground showed the sign – AghaRTA Jazz club. I had seen the info of this band before the trip, but somehow I forgot. But now it was right in front of me. Destiny I guessed.

10 minutes later, I had my seat in one of the best live jazz I ever been to.

AghaRTA Jazz Night

The show ended at 1am, and I got to bed shortly after, finding myself super tired but happy. My first night at Prague went like that.

Walking day

I woke up early, tried to get to Charles Bridge – the most famous bridge in Prague – and take some pictures before it was crowded.

In fact, lots of tourist had the similar idea as I did. The bridge was foggy and filled with tourists, souvenir shops…
The Vltava river peacefully flows. Lots of swan live here

After my breakfast, the streets are now exciting with tourists coming from all shelters. Sun shone brightly upon the tip of some old buildings which names I could not recall.

Belly: full and happy

Water bottle: filled (you can drink water from taps in Czechia. At least I did and was totally fine).

Camera: 100% battery.

Everything was set. Let’s go.

The first thing I saw from city center is this giant Astronomical clock, or Prague Orloj – the oldest mechanical clock still functioning in Europe. This symbolic machine has statues, which will move every hour
The Clock tower is open for tourist. You can visit the top of the tower using this modern-designed lift
The view from the Clock tower is just amazing: you will have a 360-degree observation spot
From the Old Town Square direction, you can take a look at this marvelous Church of Our Lady before Týn…
As well as its roundabout – the Jan Hus Memorial
During my visit, me and this girl ran into each other twice, so I decided to ask her to be my model and she agreed lol. Valerie from Saint Petersburg, hopefully you’ll like the pictures I took
Comparing to Helsinki, street food in Prague was a much better experience, probably because the weather here was nicer to place the stalls outdoor. In the picture is pork knuckle – the no.1 local food. I will write about my cuisine experience in another article
Old Town Square is always busy, with souvenirs, food stalls, cafes, restaurants, even Thai massage, locating from the main streets to the most narrow alleys
Through the Jewish area (which was closed due to their traditional day), I found how beautiful the autumn in Prague is

One of the best things about Prague is its size. Much bigger than Tallinn, but absolutely possible to walk from one part of the old town to another. Less than half an hour and I already found myself wandering on the other side of Vltava river, reaching the white steps to Prague Castle complex.

The complex, constructed in the 9th century, was once the King’s Landing of Bohemia, Holy Roman Emperors, and now official office of the President, as well as the royal family. To entrance, one has to go through security check, conducted by Czech military.

If you have read my previous articles, then you have noticed I eat very few during my travel days. For lunch, I had for myself apple strudel, and a sweet Swiss acquaintance, who also traveled solo that day

Imagine Prague Castle is a high mountain with a very flat surface on top. There, you can see some of the best medieval and near-modern structures complex.

Saint George’s Basilica, built in the 10th century. Nowadays this basilica hosts many opera events for tourists
Then we come to the heart of Prague Castle – the marvelous St. Vitus Cathedral. This place was built the first time in the 930s, and went through major developments ever since.
This symbolic cathedral has survived through many major changes in the history, and is considered one of the best baroque churches in the world
If you have been to the French Notre-Dame or any major cathedral, you may know how the interior of this cathedral will be like, as they are quite similar
A closer look at the painted windows, which was also what I like the best from this cathedral
On the left wing of Prague Castle stands the Golden Lane – the cutest neighborhood of all time. The people here were famous by making peculiar small houses, which had been attracting tourists for hundreds of year. The government later on decided to turn Golden Lane into tourist place only
Nowadays, you can visit this place to see how people lived in the medieval time, or to buy some Bohemian house decorations
If you know or have read Franz Kafka’s books, it will be very interesting to find out that he used to live in the Golden Lane, house no. 22, from 1916-1917

After some hours wandering in Prague Castle complex, I continued my trip to Petrin Park and Lennon Wall. Both famous places were closed down for renovation on that day.

Walking in Prague is quite enjoyable. I could move faster using the city’s cheap, safe, and fast trams, but just wandering slowly around and conquer one alley after another is somewhat I’d prefer doing
I walked pass Charles bridge, this time filled with people coming for check-ins, enjoying the beautiful river bank, and to witness street artists performances

Around 5pm, Prague was really nice.

Sitting by a pianist under Charles Bridge, I suddenly felt peaceful.

Listening to him playing “Imagine” by John Lennon, and the birds sometimes tweeted above.

Looking at groups of delighted people. Friends, families, couples, or just a lone travelers.

Smelling the best Prague foods coming for a nearby, river-view restaurant.

Sensing small winds fooling round on my face and hair.

In a moment, Prague became much simpler than what it is: A place where you can sit down and enjoy the best time of your life.

My trip that day ended with me having a heavy meal then going to bed early, as I was exhausted and satisfied. I did went on a few more miles, but my foot warned me by aching from time to time. I had to rest, because the trip is still long ahead.

I walked almost 12km on that day in Prague

(To be continued)

Khanh Tr.