Exploring Prague. We visited Prague in May for a few days – major tick on the travel bucket list. Arriving on Friday, we checked into our hotel (which was actually more of a B&B kind of situation, but I would highly recommend based on comfort and location) and went out on the hunt for dinner.


charles bridge residence prague
charles bridge prague

Dinner: Kolkovna, Celnice
www.kolkovna.cz/en/kolkovna-celnice-13

With the weather being a bit drizzly and cold upon our arrival, we just wanted something warm and hearty for our first Czech meal. Kolkovna- which is a restaurant run by the famous Czech brewery Pilsner Urquell – was exactly what we were after. Meat, potatoes, beer – what’s not to love?

Petrin Hill & Observatory Tower
www.prague.eu/en/object/places/116/petrin-lookout-tower-petrinska-rozhledna

We weren’t 100% sure on about the weather so we climbed Petrin hill by foot, at what felt like record speed. The view from the top is definitely worth the walk; it’s nice seeing so much greenery in the centre of a city. There’s an observation tower up there, along with a mirror maze, restaurants, a magic mini-theatre show…quite the eclectic mash-up.

We walked up the external staircase to the top of the Tower. The view is worth it, and from what I remember was only about £5 a ticket.  You can also take a lift up the tower to avoid the tiring, spiralling walk. And another tip – you can get the Fenicular Railway up Petrin hill if you don’t fancy that initial trek, either.

petrin hill
petrin hill
petrin tower
petrin hill
Prague
petrin hill
petrin hill

Prague Castle & Cathedral
https://www.hrad.cz/en/prague-castle-for-visitors

Down the Hill and back across town, we visited the Palace and Cathedral. It’s very tourist-heavy once you reach the top of those steps, but again, another perfect opportunity to catch a beautiful view of the city. We spent very little time in the Palace grounds because of the crowds, but it was good to wander through and get a feel for the place.

prague

prague
prague palace

prague cathedral

prague cathedral

Lunch: Cukr Kava Limonada
cukrkavalimonada.com

Located a few minutes from Charles Bridge (and thankfully away from its masses) was Cukr Kava Limonada. If you are near the Bridge and find yourself needing some fuel, this spot is perfect for some non-tourist priced food, away from the biz. We both went for a simple pasta dish that was lovely, fresh, and fit the bill for a quick meal. They also have an adjoining cafe with the most incredible selection of fresh cakes and patisseries. The Lennon Wall is also just a few moments walk from here.

pasta

Old Town Square

The historic Old Town Square is maybe the first thing you think of when Prague comes to mind – it certainly used to be for me. It’s a lovely, large square lined with the most beautiful mix of architecture. And of course, the medieval Astronomical Clock. The clock does its’ thang once every hour but don’t be too bummed if you miss it – it’s really not worth a wait. It is beautiful, though, so take a snap.

old town prague

astronomical clock prague

old town prague

old town square prague

old town square prague

old town square prague

old town square prague

old town square prague

Charles Bridge

Charles Bridge might be the main, essential sight to see in Prague. If you’re short on time, make a visit to Charles Bridge a priority. It might be another massive tourist hub in the city, but it really is worth the visit. The bridge is a 31 ft wide pedestrian Bridge, lined with baroque-style statues on either side.

Don’t expect to get the bridge to yourself – it’s a prime example Instagram vs. Reality. Unless you make it there for 5am (even then, I can’t vouch that there won’t be some drunken stragglers walking home). The Bridge was almost always completely packed with fellow tourists, street artists and musicians alike. I would like to assume it is less crowded in Winter time, but here’s how it looks around 7am on a late Spring/early Summer’s morning. A couple of evening shots will follow, too.

charles bridge prague

charles bridge prague
charles bridge prague

charles bridge prague

charles bridge prague

charles bridge prague

charles bridge night

charles bridge night

charles bridge night

Dinner: Lavande
restaurantlavande.cz/en

After an obligatory trip to Sephora in the early evening, we had a stroll down the river and went for dinner in the Smichov area, to Lavande. The restaurant was pretty quiet for a Saturday evening so I doubt a reservation would be necessary. For starters, we went for chicken soup and the duck pate. Mains were the pork tenderloin, and the slow-cooked chicken. Everything was fine, nothing to write home about, however I would still recommend the restaurant if you are in the area.

Click here to see the rest of our trip – Exploring Prague, Part 2!  Thanks for reading.