Ten Months In Germany:
A Erasmus student's notebook
Prague City / Praha (Czech Republic)
Tuebingen --> Nuremburg--> Prague
25th December 2019 - 28th December 2019
Attractions that I have went:
For Arts and architectures: As said before, Prague is considered the European capital city of gothic and classical buildings. Basically, everywhere in the old and new town hall are worth seeing at least once in the trip. The whole city is art on the canvas and it proved it to me through the photos. This are the places that I highly recommend that cemented Prague's beauty:
- (Castles and Palaces) Old Royal Palace, Lobkowicz Palace, Prague Castle, Národní galerie Praha – Schwarzenberský palác
- (Historical sites) Národní muzeum, Prague old town hall/ square and new city centre, Prague Jewish Quarter, Prague Astronomical clock, Palacký Square, The Powder Tower, Charles Bridge, Dancing House, Petrin Tower
- (Churches and Cathedrals) St. Vitus Cathedral (via Prague Castle), Church of Our Lady Before Týn,
St. Nicholas Church (Malá Strana)
For Food: I was lucky enough to find a good friend/companion while I was at Prague. I got to have two session of dinner with her. Special thanks to Olivia for her generosity! I really appreciate her during my travel! Although I forgotten the local restaurant that we went. Oops.
- Trdelník
- Knedlíky
For accommodation: I was able to book a two three stay at xxx I was lucky that my hostel provided a non-fee money exchange machine in their main lobby.
- I knew that I will be staying in Prague for more than two days since the city is big and there are many historical sites I wanted to visit. I stayed in one of the cheapest offered hostel in the area closest to one of the tram station. Its not bad as there is a non-charged atm right infront of their reception. (Luckily, its there as I didn't prepare cash for my trip at all)
Czech Inn
Francouzská 240/76, 101 00 Praha 10-Vršovice, Czechia
Prague is sooooo pretty!
My journey to Prague begins when one of my German flatmate told me that since December is here and I am free for my winter break, I should visit Prague city to see the festive Christmas season over there. At first, I didn't know that Prague existed (I have not got to travel to Europe until I was 20 years old) and was curious on this recommendation. I am so glad that she said that to me because when I initially arrive in Prague, I was astounded by the majestic beauty it have. Medieval buildings mixed with baroque styled architectures and modern building being merged and integrated with them. It is fascinating to know that Prague would be the only city I visited that gave me the feeling of surprise and awe. From the castle on the hill, to the river that separated the oldtown and the newtown, the beauty of the Czech capital city cannot be captured in the frame itself. The eyes must be there to witness it!
Main attraction: Prague Castle, the palace on the hill
The greatest attraction in Prague was it's castles located at the top of Hrad hill. Initially, the castle was created as a place of worship as the church of the Virgin Mary during the 9th century which later been surrounded by other churches that would be destroyed and overbuilt as a fort. The first major architecture project of the castle on the hill would be by Wenceslaus I's father, Vratislaus I, Duke of Bohemia through the construction of the famous Basilica of St. Vitus. A fun trivia to know; Wenceslaus I is the Prague city's personal saint and guardian. The Prague castle would undergo a major renovation and extension under Holy Roman Emperor Ferdinand I (the younger brother of Charles V, the preceded Holy Roman Emperor and King of the Crowns Castilla and Aragon (before Spain is recognised as one kingdom). Making the castle full of renaissance reference and beauty. Emperor Rudolph II would include more buildings of Prague as he laid it as his imperial office and Empress Maria Theresa would also include her part in the construction through major rebuilding projects of the castle. For now, the castle is a UNESCO acknowledge tourist attraction and it also house the current President of Czech republic as his main office.
FOOD SECTION! (A visit to the Christmas Market)
Recommended food to eat.... the signature Trdelník! (Strudel cone with ice cream in it!)
I bought it from the shop called Trdlo, which was located from Karlova 13, Old Town. Of course, eating one is best when there is a soft served swirl of vanilla ice cream on top of the strip. This dessert is usually priced at €4.70 (with ice cream)
A signature dessert that is a must-die to eat in Prague. And also...
I bought it twice because its good. One for the red sausage another the one was the next day and it the black one. This one cost me at least €3.50
Bought a hot chocolate to enjoy the nightlife of the city centre.
The city centre of the Newtown area is buzzing with tourists and locals for the Christmas market experience. Churches are opened for choir and theatre. Food like hotdog and hot coffee are sold there. The whole area is decorated with the Christmas festive ornaments that I found this to be one of my memorable area I visited and never regret visiting.
Restaurants that is perfect for the Prague experience
Baracnicka Rychta
Tržiště 23, 118 00 Malá Strana, Czechia
This restaurant/pub is located at the top of the hill of Prague Oldtown. It could be said that it is closer to the many hotel that is located near to the Prague castle East gate. I was given a treat by Olivia (Thank you!) for this dinner and I thoroughly enjoy the experience in this restaurant. 10/10 for the atmosphere and the beer!
....And then there is this fastfood burger restaurant called Fatcat
Fat Cat Beerhouse & Restaurant
Karlova 44, 110 00 Staré Město, Czechia
