Living in Prague for the summer allowed me to see this sun shining on Old Town Square so often that I took it for granted. Five years removed from the Velvet Divorce from Slovakia, there were days that felt like I was walking through a whimsical music box It was magic. I
n the last six months, travelers have realized how much they took travel for granted and European countries are realizing how much they desperately need travelers. Italy’s Economic Catastrophe is a prime example. While today may not be the time to travel abroad, today is the time to get back to the future of traveling.
If your future is calling for Europe, I am booking 2021 and 2022 now.
Allow me to feature a city I love and a charmed day in the life of Prague. La Vie Boheme.
Endless culture and charm flood every square inch of the city of Prague, the capital of the Czech Republic and the historical capital of Bohemia. A stroll through any of its streets awards a sense of walking back in time to eras of artistic enlightenment and fairytale enchantment. While there is no wrong way to spend a day awash in such moments of whimsical fantasy, some staples provide a deeper dive into the magic than others. For enjoying an absolutely charmed day in the life in Prague, here’s what to keep an eye out for.
The Spires
With a nickname of “The City of a Hundred Spires,” it may seem like it’s hard to miss seeing them: the majority of the city’s skyline feels plucked from the past and placed gingerly here in the modern day. But, not all spires tower over the horizon in the same way—some have a gravitas that merits specifically seeking them out. Prague Castle is the largest castle in the world and has been befit for kings and presidents since the 9th century. Any visitor should plan to witness this compilation of every architectural style from the last millennium, even if it’s only in passing on the way to visit St. Vitus Cathedral. Tucked away within the castle complex, this cathedral houses tombs of Bohemian kings and Holy Roman Emperors under its sprawling, Gothic-style flying buttresses. Swoon.
The Gardens
The city’s parks and gardens ensure that Prague’s timeless enchantment lives on well into the modern day: Verdant sanctuaries still stand peppered amongst the cityscape, allowing for prime times of peace and reflection while exploring the city. A visit to The Vrtba Garden provides the chance to admire peacocks and water-lily-littered fountains amongst the hedges and sculptures. Letna Park proves equally enchanting: sweeping panoramic views of the city and social-gathering friendly settings combine for a proper Bohemian outing.
The Beer
Consuming more beer per capita than any other country in the world, the Czech Republic is adamant that their beer is the nectar of legends—a sampling for yourself makes it hard to argue. While the majority enjoyed daily is pilsner lager, there’s a blooming of various pale, amber and dark beers to try thanks to the thriving brewing scene. Finding a place to sip and savor is not difficult as over 25 breweries are packed into the city limits, but for surreal settings to accompany your sips, seek out either Strahov Monastery Brewery or the Letná Beer Garden. The former is a monastery-turned-brewery sometime in the 13th century and located just steps from Prague Castle. The latter is located within the aforementioned Letna Park, providing drinks with a view.
The Music
Prague is heaven for the classical music lover. A musical city with an array of concert halls, churches that stage concerts, and numerous festivals. Music-making has always been as natural as breathing for the Czechs. Prague has two well-known established concert halls – the Dvořák Hall in Rudolfinum and the Smetana Hall in the Municipal House – but it is possible to find concerts of classical music all around the city and in the streets. I saw my first opera, Don Giovanni there and was hooked.Among the most renowned concert halls are Bertramka (Museum of Mozart) and Atrium in Žižkov. Concerts and recitals of classical music held in churches and palaces are also popular. Regular concerts take place on the steps of the National Museum and during the summer in some of Prague gardens. Don’t forget the progressive underground techno.
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How Far Adventures is a Virtuoso Agency and portion of this article were originally posted by my affiliate Pro Travel International.
