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A Weekend in Prague, Czech Republic
- jocelyncuddy
- Aug 2
- 6 min read
The City of 100 Spires
If you are a loyal reader and read our France blog that will be coming out soon, you’ll find out about how great the healthcare system is there through personal experiences, and you will understand why Jocelyn was not able to partake in this blog about our scheduled weekend trip to Prague.
Although she was missed dearly, this trip entails the best places to go in a weekend while in Prague (tourist style). Please note that in each location, it was always said, ‘we wish Jocelyn were here’.
10 Things to See & Czech Off Your List:
This tower is actually taller than the Eiffel Tower in Paris… that is if you count the elevation of the hill it’s on, and not just the structural height. Nonetheless, a sight to see and definitely worth the 299 steps to the top and the 15-minute uphill hike to do those steps to get a view of the entire city. If the hike up really isn’t for you - then I have good news, bad news. Good news: there is a funicular that runs that will take you straight up there; bad news: it is undergoing renovation until the summer of 2026.
Kafka’s Head
Built by architect, David Černy, this kinetic sculpture rotates at the top of every hour from 8AM-9PM for 15 full minutes rain-or-shine, so definitely make sure you’re there on time otherwise you’ll have to wait 45 minutes for the next go-around.
The Dancing House
Probably the most famous architectural structure in the city and it does live up to the hype in person. I definitely recommend going to the Glass Bar that is located on the top floor of the Dancing House and gives spectacular views of the city. The twisted metal structure found at the top, nicknamed Medusa, is also available to sit outside while enjoying a drink, accessible by the Glass Bar. They do charge admission to go out there, but it is a pretty breathtaking cocktail hour before dinner. Otherwise, the glass windows from the Glass Bar also give a great view, still well-worth it.
Kozel Brewery Tour
Just like the Germans, the Czech are famous for their beer and my all-time favorite is Kozel. For anyone else who feels the same and is planning to visit Prague, then it is your lucky day - Kozel Brewery is only a 30-minute drive from Old Town and only $11 per ticket which includes a drafted 0.3l of the best Czech beer. Plus - meeting their goat mascot, Olda, makes the tour one-of-a-kind.
Charles Bridge
Absolutely beautiful - although sunset does tend to be the best time to visit as there is a lot of live music happening and the lights begin to light up the city. Also - don’t forget to find this statue, it is believed that if you touch it - it will bring good luck your way and ensure that you will return to Prague again someday.
Astronomical Clock
Very touristy - I know - but you can’t go to Prague and not see the noon show.
The Man Hanging Out/ Hanging Umbrella Man
Yet another David Černy sculpture found in this city - the Man Hanging Out looks so realistic that people have actually called the police thinking a man was about to plummet to his death. I really like this statue and the Hanging Umbrella Man because you have to look up to see them. So just remember, if you’re staring down all the time, you’ll miss some of the most beautiful things worth seeing that are literally right in front of you, and that’s not just in Prague, but also in life.
A place that is a "smoke & mirror" trick makes it seem like an infinite book well that knows no end. And if you’re a book lover like Jocelyn, this has to be one of your places to see. However, I couldn't see it without her. Luckily for me though, I touched the statue on Charles Bridge, so I know I will be coming back some day and we'll get to see this together.
Žižkov Television Tower
This tower is voted the ugliest building in Prague and has been voted the 2nd ugliest building in the world, and I kid you not, my sister upon first glance could not stop laughing at the building. Another provocative Černy creation, there are 10 crawling metal baby structures that crawl every which way on the tower and really make for one of the most interesting buildings I’ve ever seen in my life.
Prague Castle
Typically tourist destination #1 when people come to Prague and it is very beautiful, but the large amounts of people do make for a less fun visit. However, an hour is all you really need and then you can czech it off your list! (I hope someone found that punny!)
Where to Eat?
Cafe Louvre is a must try for places to eat and has a delicious beef goulash that I can never pass up when featured on a menu. It is also said that Franz Kafka and Einstein have had a meal or two there and for that reason alone, there is almost always a line to eat. But, don’t worry, it moves fast and the wait is worth it.
U Medvídku is very famous in Prague as it is one of oldest, and largest, beer halls in the city. And let me tell you, 'beer goulash' truly is the only thing you’d need to say to convince me to return.
Where to Drink?
AnonymouS Shrink’s Office - this speakeasy found within the restaurant Ideas are Bulletproof just so happened to be right next to our Airbnb and it was a very unique experience.
Round #1: Ink Blotch - you choose which blot stands out to you and why and the bartender will create your drink based on your choice.
Round #2: Song Selection - the speakeasy partnered with a Prague local guitarist to create 5 guitar rhythms that each correspond to a different cocktail.
We sat next to an Irish couple that absolutely hated their drinks, but were brave enough to say they didn’t like it and the bartenders were so nice about it, they brought them new ones based on different ink blots… too bad the woman forgot to mention she doesn’t like lemon… oh well. The drinks aren’t for everyone, but the experience is. I do recommend making a reservation, but on the off-chance they aren’t booked up or you forget to do that (like us), you might just get lucky to get squeezed in.
Black Angel’s Bar - this bar is located right next to the Astronomical Clock is very under-the-sea pirate themed and highly discourages phones being put away since there’s no photos allowed. The cocktails really are delicious and the phones forced to be away really does allow you to soak up the experience more so.
Mama Coffee - it is a chain with many locations across the city but it is always a decent cup of coffee and a delicious pastry that never disappoints.
Saving is Sexy
Tip #1: while at the airport - just before leaving the doors to grab a cab or an Uber - stop at the self-service kiosks and purchase a short-term ticket (ranging from 30 min to 3 days). This will allow you to use unlimited public transportation from the validation start time (including using the funicular).
How to validate your ticket?
For example, if you purchased a 72-hour pass, whatever form of public transportation you use first, there will be a machine that you put your ticket into and it will mark a time stamp, you then have 72 hours from that time to use that ticket.
Tip #2: If you decide to try Mama Coffee - make sure to grab a punch card. If you purchase 9 coffees - your 10th will be free and if you’re like us and like to grab 1 coffee in the morning and 1 in the afternoon - you’ll get that punch card filled before your trip ends.
Tip #3: If you are a student, bring your ID card with you - you can get discounted tickets for Petrin Tower for about ½ the adult price.
Forewarning!
Please purchase a ticket if you are going to use public transportation, don’t try to ride for free. There are police that randomly hop on the trams, subways, and buses that ask to see your ticket and if you can’t show it, you’ll get a much heftier fine than the ticket would’ve cost you. Trust me - we purchased the 72-hour pass and on our last day, someone stopped us and asked for our tickets and the $15 we paid for that ticket really outweighed the potential of that $60 fine.
If you do get caught though, you have the choice to pay that fine on the spot and it does get reduced to $45, but still, just ask yourself: is it worth it?
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