Free Walking Tour
The astronomical clock itself is very impressive and excuse the pun but was ahead of its time with it not only presenting the normal time but also the Arabic time, the name day, the sign of zodiac, the lunar calendar...and these are just the ones I can remember. On the hour, there is also a show, which echoes the puppet shows on old grandfather clocks.
Aswell as being taught more about Czech history we visited:
+ Old Town Square
+ Charles Bridge... From a distance
+ 'Mozart' Theatre
+ Prague Castle... From a distance
+ Jewish Quarter including the Old New Synagogue and Spanish Synagogue
+ Wenceslas Square
+ And much more
I did enjoy this tour, however it was not as good as the Berlin tour. Also, the leaflet is slightly misleading because it does state you will see monuments although this is from a distance. It is definitely worth going on on, if only to get your bearings of the city.
Groove Bar
Prague Castle
Although it is often thought that the Prague Castle refers to merely to the cathedral it actually encompasses much more. If you are planning on visiting the Castle, I would advise taking the metro to Malostranska and walking to the steps or getting the 22 tram. If you do the former, prepare yourself for a climb but believe me once you reach the top the view rewards you. It is one if the highest points in Prague so it really is spectacular. There are several beautiful buildings and gardens around the castle so explore the whole location before heading back. There a lot of museums in the surrounding buildings but if you are on a budget there is still plenty to do. In the cathedral itself there is some really impressive stained glass work.
Grosseto
After a lengthy scan of trip advisor we stumbled across Grosseto, an Italian restaurant in Central Prague. Despite not having a booking we were seated quickly. There are two parts of the restaurant; a lower level and a higher level with a better view. You would need to book for the upper level and also on the reviews on trip advisor there were suggestions that this may not guarantee. I ordered the seafood pasta accompanied by red wine, both were very enjoyable and good value for money.
Despite the food being good, the service was not the best. We were often forgotten about, food did not come out altogether and clearing plates was also disjointed. This service was reflected in several places we dud eat in, in Prague questioning whether this was common.
I would recommend coming here because you are getting decent portions for a good price, however do not expect to be well looked after necessarily. There is also another Grosseto on the river which I imagine would have amazing views but definitely need a reservation.
John Lennon Wall
This is a little bit harder to find as although an attraction it is often not well represented on maps. Moreover, it is down several side streets but if you do come across the John Lennon Pub then you are on the right track. It was smaller than I expected but it's definitely worth a visit. Some of the paintings and sketches are amazing.
Charles Bridge
On the walking tour we were advised to not go to the Charles Bridge in the day:
1. Due to the high tourist numbers
2. The amount of pick pocketers around
3. The view is even better at night
We decided that before drinks one night to visit the bridge and our tour guide was not wrong. The views were phenomenal and the pictures I have taken do NOT do it justice! Perfect for an after dinner or pre pre-drinks walk!
Tea Room
On one of the side streets near to Narodni Trida, there is a really nice little tea room with a wide selection of different teas including green, red and many more. It is such a chilled place, perfect to have a lazy afternoon. There are little sofas, cushions and even a bunk bed to sit. They also have shisha facilities. Even if you aren't a massive tea drinker like myself there really is a flavour for all. I had a lychee flavoured tea which I really liked, just be careful to not over sweeten!
This is a noodle bar, situated near to the Mustek stop of the tram. You can sit both in and outside and has a really chilled out vibe. It is very similar to Wagamamas but you get more for your money! I had the chicken yakosobo and it was so nice and perfect for a hangover cure! You can also try kerfolo which is similar to Coca Cola but with a herbal twist. Described in advertisements as a love/hate drink it is definitely worth a try.
Also, if you happen to be staying on a Monday night, there is a night called Mad Mad Mondays which has recently opened and is definitely worth checking out!
Angelato
We stumbled across this really nice ice cream parlour whilst making our way around Praha 1. It has a wide selection of flavours including a favourite of mine, pistachio. They give generous portions and provide both tubs and cones. When we went there was a quite a large queue, although this does move quickly. It is quite a small establishment so it you did want to sit and eat this us more difficult because there are limited tables.
Local Cuisine to Try
Whilst in Prague, we decided to try some of the local specialities because well, when in Prague and all that! Beef goulash is advertised in every traditional Czech restaurant/cafe/establishment. If you didn't know goulash is similar to a stew or casserole, characterised by thick creamy gravy and slow cooked beef, often served with dumplings or potato pancakes. I am northern girl so the prospect if gravy is always a plus for me! I liked the goulash and the potato pancakes, the only thing lacking was some vegetables. Some green beans or broccoli would have given it that extra something.
Often in little Czech cafés they include a soup or broth before your meal. We tried a cabbage soup and it was so nice and filling. Perfect for a cold day and especially if you are planning on tackling the Prague castle that day!
Useful tips and tricks
Our tour guide gave undone useful hints and tips for whilst we were in Prague:
1. In restaurants, goulash should never be more than 140kz, if it is more it is very likely that you are being ripped off therefore use this as a guide
2. Similar for bars, a 0,4 of beer should never be more than 40kz
3. Although nice, the majority of restaurants situated in or within very close proximity to Wenceslas Square will often be overpriced
4. Take money out at cash points because you will often be ripped off at exchange places
I absolutely loved Prague, so much that we extended our stay. It is a such a pretty city, with a good night life and it is very cheap!
Imogen xoxo
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