Travel
I flew in to Prague Airport (Václav Havel Airport Prague) which is located North-West of the city. One thing I found strange about the airport is that security checks are at the departure gate. This means there's no point getting there early because you can't go through security early. The food court upstairs in the airport was a lot cheaper than the other food shops and served more traditional Czech meals.
I used the Airport Express to get to the main train station (Praha hlavní nádraží, often abbreviated to Praha hl.n). The AE buses run every 15 minutes and it takes ~25 minutes to make the journey, traffic dependant. The stop was easy to find at the airport, just look for the sign saying AE. Make sure you get on the AE bus and not the public transport bus. There were plenty of seats (I had two to myself both ways) and plenty of room for luggage. You can't buy return tickets so I bought a single from the information desk at the airport (44Kc, no student discount) on the way there and another single (60Kc, no student discount) from the driver on the way back. Just to note, the older people in Prague have Russian as a second language (young people generally have English) so the driver is unlikely to be able to answer questions such as: when are you leaving, how long will it take etc. On the way back, the bus stopped at Terminal 1 (UK) first and then to other terminals later.
The Airport Express bus takes you to the main station, where there are booths and machines where you can buy public transport tickets. When I went the machines were broken and there were only two people in the booths, meaning for 20 minutes queues to get a ticket. You can buy them at the bus stops but you need coins (I only had notes). I bought a 24h pass for 110Kc (no student discount) and it proved invaluable as it worked on all buses, metros, trams and even the funicular. Only on the funicular was my ticket checked the whole time but I liked the security of having it just in case.
Old Town
The Old Town area is where most of the hotels are located.
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| Image: CzechTourism.com |
Speculum Alchemiae
I visited this alchemist museum as I am a scientist and like all things sciency. I was quite disappointed, especially for the cost. The people giving the tour were really nice and there were interesting stories but it was a very small exhibit of mostly replicated items. I feel like I could have quickly read the stories elsewhere and not spend 30 minutes on the tour. It cost me 150Kc for a student ticket. I arrived just after one tour ended and it was 30 minutes until the next one. There isn't a lot to do in the area so I would recommend buying a ticket in advance and coming specifically for that time. Alternatively, there are coffee shops in the area.
Prague Astronomical Clock
I wanted to visit this but it was shut from renovations when I visited.
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| Image: CzechTourism.com |
Absintherie
I also wanted to try absinthe for the first time here but unfortunately it doesn't open until 12 so I didn't have enough time.
Clementinium
I had seen some beautiful photos of libraries online. I queued to get my ticket for the 50 minute tour but saw a sign saying you are not allowed to take photos in the library so I didn't join it. You can apparently also see the library at Strahov Monastery but this needs to be arranged weeks in advance.
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| Image: Prague.eu |
Municipal Library of Prague
I came here to visit a tunnel of books. Worth a quick look and a photo if you're in the area. Although, it is shut on Sundays.
Havelské Tržiště
Havel's Market is a great placed to buy gifts and knick-knacks.
St Charles Bridge
A tourist classic. I tried to visit in the afternoon on Saturday and hated it. It was far too busy for me so I gave up. Instead, I went again at around 8am on Sunday morning. For me, it was a much better and enjoyable experience. Much recommended if you are not that fond of crowds (I can't deal with the slow walking!).
Lennon Wall
Not actually in Old Town but if you're crossing the bridge you might as well go for a visit, as it's only a 3 minute walk away. Once a symbol of revolution against the communist regime, now this wall is often a tourist hotspot. Great for some photos and to show your support for peace.
Mala Strana
Mala Strana is the historical part of town. I used Google Maps to navigate between here and Old Town mostly using the trams.
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| Image: TheCultureTrip.com |
Prague Castle
The castle provides a great view of the city for free, if nothing else. You can wonder around the outside of the buildings for free too. There is a security check on the way in where you have to walk through metal detectors.
St Vitas Cathedral
In the castle grounds there is this magnificent cathedral. Apparently the view from the top is amazing but, although it shuts at 5pm, last entrance is 4:40pm so I missed it when I came for my travels.
Other Places to Visit
Petřín Lookout Tower
I went up to visit this Eiffel-Tower like tower (Petřínská rozhledna) on the funicular, included in my public transport ticket. It has a stop in the middle and one at the top where the tower is located. I bought a student ticket for 80Kc and walked up the stairs. You can pay extra to use a lift, however. It was a great view! Although both the funicular and the tower don't open until 10. The stairs are one way only so you won't bump into people on the way.
The Memorial to the Victims of Communism
I walked back down the hill after visiting the tower to see this haunting monument (Pomník obětem komunismu). It has lighting beneath it and I can imagine it would look great at night-time.
Dancing House
I was a little disappointed by this one. I was actually expecting the building to dance, to move, but actually it is just stood in a distorted shape. It may be worth a quick visit though.
Enjoy!
There we have it! That was my mini trip to Prague. I hope you have a great time.
P.S. Don't forget to try the dumplings when you're there.
