Getting Lost In Prague

Prague is a magnificent city from it’s bright days of Summer to its low clouds and days of fog. Regardless, the city allure and beauty lasts year round in all climates. From the hills to the arch bridges over the Vltava River. For me, my stay didn’t get off to the most positive start. Traveling around Central Europe during mid-November, you shouldn’t be surprised by not seeing any sun, which I didn’t. But after arriving at Prague’s main train station from Kutna Hora, I was greeted by sad, depressing weather with low clouds and hours of light rain. In addition, my $5 gas station umbrella started to give out at the wind blows walking through the city.

Now I am not one to complain, especially while traveling, but I felt so miserable. I mean, it is the very two combined weather climates that I hate the most. In addition, Prague is not the easiest city to navigate for first timers. While Budapest has a river dividing the city creating a landmark for direction, Prague’s river creates the shape of a crescent, making point A to point B much longer than anticipated. Forget sense of direction! The city center is obviously OLD with a medieval city grid, but attempting to assume the river is east after walking two blocks doesn’t work so well like in Budapest. Not only did I have an issue finding my AirBnb apartment, but I also spent numerous nights walking in the wrong direction. Walking from the city square, for example to the Charles Bridge through side streets actually made me walk a mile or two south.

While I couldn’t help the frustration in the beginning, I later realized that this is part of my own travel experience in Prague. I didn’t want to follow the crowd. Getting lost in Prague was a slightly frustrating but very memorable. Taking a turn into one of the city’s less traveled alleys and streets is a beautiful treat within itself. Nothing beats walking down a cobble stoned alley in Prague, alone, with amber colored lamps shining against the sidewalks and buildings. Even the graffiti amazed me.

The downside to Prague at any given time throughout the year is it’s crowd. It’s Prague, its supposedly the 5th popular tourist city of Europe, who wouldn’t want to come here. Well everyone does, which is why you see hoards and hoards of people swarming the castle, city center, Charles Bridge, and main alleys. Despite the crowds, not only are these places still enjoyable but there are plenty of off the beaten path spots around the city to enjoy as well as taking in great city views. My personal favorite, the view of Prague from Hanavský pavilion where you can see the infamous cascade of bridges below and beyond. Or my favorite restaurant, Pivovar U Tří Růží, also a brewery. And my favorite walk through Žižkov hill with no tourists or tourist traps.

I loved Prague! So much history going back to the Medieval years, to World War 2, to the very long years of socialism. Outside of the city, the Sedlec Ossuary bone church in Kutna Hora and Karlstejn Castle are easy to reach. Prague is no Eastern Europe budget friendly city but it is not western European either. It’s affordable with many cost efficient places around the city, if you know where to look. I czeched out only a few night clubs but even these experiences were enough to satisfy my party side. The Czech cuisine is fantastic, from its duck dishes to the delishious Trdelnik , something I ate about 5 times in one day. Lastly and most importantly, Czech beer is always a must try and is absolutely good. So whether you stroll the alleys solo or stroll the Charles Bridge with a loved one, I can certainly now see why Prague is so popular for all kinds of people. But if you go, plan on getting lost, you won’t regret it. 🙂

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