Prague, city of the Velvet Revolution

Prague, city of the Velvet Revolution

I arrived in Prague via the train from Vienna. It a very simple process. I walked up to the station at Wien HBF, into the ticket counter at the OBB location and purchased a ticket for $14 euro one way from Vienna to Prague,

Once I arrived in Prague I stopped at the ATM to get some cash out. The official currency of the country is called Czech Crowns, or CZK for short. The conversion from USD to CZK is for every 1 us dollar you’d get 22 Czech Crowns. After coming outside of the train station I made a short walk to the front street and caught an Uber to my hotel. On the ride I asked the Uber driver what are some of the best things to see and do here in the city, he immediately replied Prague Castle. Of course Charles Bridge and the Astronomical clock was on his list as well.

I stayed at a Marriott Courtyard on Lucemburska street in a very cool neighborhood. Directly across the street there was a place called Atrium Flora Mall. Just like any typical mall it had clothing stores and a food court on the top level that was bustling with customers. Down the street the other way as a nice area with outdoor shops and stores.

After check in I jumped in another Uber and made my way to Prague Castle. This castle is actually an entire complex, dating back to the 9th century it’s the official office of the President of the Czech Republic. The castle was the seat of power for the kings of Bohemia, Roman emperors and presidents of Czechoslovakia.

 

Interesting facts about Prague Castle

  1. According to the Guinness Book of Records Prague Castle is the largest and ancient castle in the world.
  2. It was also said the Rolling Stones are responsible to this day for the lighting system that illuminates the castle at night.

 

Word has it the Rolling Stones had a concert in Prague years ago, and later that evening while they were relaxing at a pub having some drinks and the sun started to set one of the members ask, why is the castle so dark. They were told there were no lights around the castle, so the Stone pitched in a whopping $85,000 USD to put lights around the castle. This is part of the reason why you see little charactures of Mike Jagger changing light bulbs on t-shirts and posters around town.

After leaving Prague Castle I caught a car back down to the city center. From there I stopped at a place to get something to eat. I ended up getting some bread and chicken Schnitzel.

The next day I booked a free walking tour with Sandemans tours. I was paired with a guide by the name of Paris. She was born in Iran and she’s lived in Prague ever since she was a young girl so her knowledge of Prague was very RICH. The tour usually starts every day at 9AM local time, and runs for 3 hours. Make sure you bring comfortable shoes and wear comfortable clothing for whatever the weather forecasts. You’ll start in the middle of Prague square right in front of the Cartier store in Old Town Square, and you’ll finish at Jan Palach Square. Some of the highlights on the tour are the Jewish Quarter, the Astronomical Clock and Rudolfinum to name a few. Since it’s a free tour please be prepared to provide your guide with a tip at the end of the tour.

One of the most important things about Prague is the history of things this beautiful city and it’s people had endured in the past.  Based on the early 1900’s, as in prior to 1939 the country Czechoslovakia was created, which was the time of the 1st World War. After 1939, up until 1944 the country was controlled by the Germans. Not long after the Russians took over while the Czech and Slovak people had been seeking greater freedom for many years since the Communist take over, it wasn’t until the late 80’s that happened.

The Czech and Slovak people had been seeking greater freedoms for many years since the Communist take-over in the wake of World War Two. Then, it seemed suddenly, freedom came.

Dubbed the Velvet Revolution or sametová revoluce, it was also known as Gentle Revolution – a non-violent transition of power that took place from November 17 to December 29, 1989.

Things to do and see while visiting one of the most fascinating European cities, The old Czechoslovakia, now known as Prague Czech Republic.

 

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Transportation

There are quite a few ways to maneuver this bustling city, you can travel by car, driving your own or utilizing Uber. Or you can ride a bike or electric scooter to your destinations. But the most efficient way to get around the city is by train or tram.

Prague has a very elaborate train/tram system, that’s actually very easy to navigate. Click the link below to check out the metro train map for the city.

Prague Metro rail information

Food

Like most cities in Europe you’ll find a wide array of foods to choose from. When visiting Prague you absolutely have to try some traditional Czech food, Vepro-knedlo-zelo, otherwise known as roast pork with dumplings and sauerkraut. Other dishes include Grilovane Klobasy, grilled sausages tucked into a roll and served with a variety of sauces. Something that’s very popular amongst the locals and street vendors is Smazeny Syr. If you’re a cheese lover this would be the dish for you.

Where to stay

There are a ton of choices when it comes to lodging wherever you travel. Depending your party size and what you want to do or see should determine where you lay your head. When I visited Prague I stayed in the Courtyard Marriott Prague city which is located directly across the street from the Atrium Flora mall. It’s situated in a nice neighborhood in Prague that has some very nice restaurants and lounges. Definitely a great place to be away from the many tourist that descend on the city and just relax in a normal neighborhood. Check your local Airbnb listings and remember, everything is Prague is relatively cheap so I’m sure you’ll get a good deal wherever you decide to stay.

Things to do

One of the best things to do in terms of getting rich history and culture in Prague is by taking advantage of one of the many walking tours available. Sandeman tours is a company I used and they were great. Most important it was a free walking tour. You meet at a central location in the Prague square in the morning and once you get with your group and guide the tour starts. We went out with a young lady from Iran by the name of Paris. She was a great guide and did an awesome job of explaining in detail about buildings or streets we happened across. Even though she was born in Iran she’s lived most of her life in Prague, so she made for a great tour guide. On the walking tour be prepared to see things like Prague Castle, The Opera house, Charles Bridge, the Municipal library, and so many more significant sights.

Nightlife

Prague is full of pubs, partly because everyone in the city loves their beer, but amongst the many pubs there are also some great lounges and clubs that make for a great nightlife experience. In one of the neighborhoods about 15 to 20 minutes from the city center you have this nice eclectic lounge called SOHO. If you’re in the city center and want more a club vibe you can check out CLOUD. For a very laid back, intimate atmosphere you can check out Hemingway bar. Located down the street from the Intercontinental hotel and right by the Prague river, this place is part lounge, part speakeasy. They even has this one drink they serve to you with a book by Hemingway, hence the name of the bar.

Add PRAHA to your destination list, you won’t be disappointed. Try some beer and learn some good central European Culture.

 

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