Prague

This week was long. So one fit of restlessness and a flash Ryanair sale later ($50 for a one-way ticket!), I landed in Prague, Czech Republic.

Here’s what I found my first time in the City of a Hundred Spires.

Transportation:

Arriving to Václav Havel Airport near midnight, my options to get into the city were either a taxi or public transportation. I wanted to save money for street food (obviously), so I opted for public transport, getting a 72-hour pass for 310 Czech Crowns ($15). Definitely handy to have, but in hindsight a few single tickets probably would have done me, as I walked mostly everywhere.

Stay: Art Hole Hostel

The adventure started with where I chose to stay—at the very last minute. I’d never showed up in a city without a booking before, but as soon as I rang the buzzer at Art Hole Hostel, I knew I’d be in good hands.

As a solo traveler, my top hostel concern is finding one with a good atmosphere for meeting people.

When I arrived I was greeted with cheers from everyone in the common room, and the next night I was right there with them, greeting the next new arrivals. The colorful common area, as well as the family dinners every night (only $5!), make it a great atmosphere to connect with other travelers/companions/dance buddies/what have you.

Nightlife:

Speaking of dancing…I love shaking my groove thang, so I expected to put Prague’s nightlife reputation to good use. If I was a fan of Drum and Bass, I probably would have enjoyed Cross Club more (music aside, it was still interesting to check out the quirky space). But after half an hour my friends and I were ready to tap out and try our luck closer in town. Steampunk had no cover and also had a lot to look at.

Do:

Walking tour—

It’s hard to miss the picturesque Old Town Square, and aside from the Astronomical Clock and other beautiful architecture, you’ll find the umbrella holding guides for free (as in, tip what you want) walking tours. Always at the top of my list when I arrive somewhere new, it’s a great way to get a feel for the layout of the city, and our guide David had plenty of history and legend to share.

Prague Castle—

My walking tour guide had pointed out Prague Castle as the largest castle complex in the world—a city within a city. It was fun to stroll around courtyards, imagining myself in a corset, selling my wares. And I definitely wanted to buy some of the overpriced food some of the vendors were selling (waffles, yes please), but I moved on to get my entry ticket instead.

While entering the castle complex is free, entrance into its buildings is not. 250 Czech Crowns ($12) opened up a lot of doors. And the cheapskate in me hates to say it, but next time I’d spring for an audio guide for context.

Eat:

The mouthwatering displays at the Bakeshop blinded me to its tourist pricing, but for a treat it had a quick and extensive selection! And if you want to get traditional, the Trdelník looks a lot like the Hungarian Kürtőskalács…but I still wanted to try the Czech equivalent—and filled with gelato to boot!

Getting Home:

I traded a plane for a train and went to Prague Central Railway Station for the 6 1/2 ride home to Budapest (although taking the 4 hour train to Vienna instead was tempting). Pro tip: Book ahead! Tickets are only about €30 online when booked in advance, but €62 when bought at the station the day of. I could have bought so many Trdlnks with those savings.

Next time:

I made lots of memories by the time it was time to leave, but there was still so much I didn’t see!

According to my guide, there are over 200 museums in Prague, and the Kafka Museum or the Karel Zeman Museum (full of old cinematic special effects) are on my list for my next trip! Peace out, Prague! Until next time!

For more pics, check out the Prague story highlight on my Instagram! @telos.tesla