Exquisite Highlights of Prague

Tours: As seen on TV… well, YouTube really. We booked a tour through the Real Prague Guides Channel. Our guide was friendly, comical, and highly knowledgeable about the history and culture of his city as he led us through the old town, Jewish quarter, and Charles Bridge areas.

Charles Bridge: Commissioned by King Charles IV, the arch-type bridge built between 1357 and 1402 was actually a replacement for a narrower bridge (Judith Bridge 1158-1172) which was struggling with floodwaters. Currently, the bridge is a fantastic place to stroll any time of day, but could be crowded at times by tourists, locals, videographers and/or selfie stagers. All along the bridge you will find statues and religious symbols erected and replaced in various years. Additionally, walking across an adjacent bridge gives a great perspective of the length and scope of a bridge built 600 years ago.

Astrological Clock: The Prague Orloj created in 1410 is the oldest operational astronomical clock in the entire globe. We absolutely love old time pieces from small to grand. With origins dating to 1364, this clock is as beautiful as it gets. Besides its age, it’s remarkable to see the tracking of hours, days, seasons, and astrology. It’s close to accurate in the time and it even survived repeated threats of destruction. Read more about it here.

Our personal restaurants recommendations:

1. Restaurant Stoleti was recommended by our hotel along with a beer voucher. The atmosphere was cozy and relaxed with a combination of wood, tile, and twinkle-lights. The staff spoke some English and were VERY accommodating for a large group and some walk-in customers. If our language recognition was correct though, this restaurant is still frequented by some of the locals. ***We ate Pork tenderloin with mushroom sauce and roasted dumplings and Venison goulash with bread dumplings with a side dish of red cabbage. We sipped on house white wine and the dark Krušovice beer. Total cash cost 46.00€ = $53.88

2. Krcma Restaurant was recommended by the city tour guide. The atmosphere was something straight out of a movie. Be it a medieval tavern or an underground pub during WWII. Much of it was constructed for the appearance of being aged, but they did a fantastic job.

***We started the meal with a vegetarian plate of fried gouda cheese and boiled potatoes while sipping dark beer and hot mead. For the main course we enjoyed pork schnitzel with German potato salad and beef goulash with dumplings and potato pancakes. We finished the meal with another beer and a glass of cold mead. Total cost on the credit card was 1148czk = $55.57

Though not on our original plans to visit because we thought it was too expensive, we realized that Prague is a gem. A beautiful combination of new and old, rustic and elegant. Prices were slightly less than the United States and could be done on a tighter budget. Here are some ways to cut costs:

• Take public transportation (which was easy to navigate)

• Keep meals simple without extravagant appetizers and cocktails (Czech beer/wine/mead is cheap and delicious)

• Visit the Prague Castle but purchase the Basic Circuit tickets with access to Old Royal Palace, St. George’s Basilica, St. Vitus Cathedral, and Golden Lane. Skip the “add-on” tickets which can nickel and dime you.

• Read the fine print in your hotel or restaurant (added costs for coffee, tea, pre-set gratuities, etc.).

The residents take great pride in their city as evidenced by cleaning crews and well-maintained streets and sidewalks for easy mobility. Additionally, their pride could be seen in the amazing old buildings and old-er looking automobiles.