The capital city of the Czech Republic is not only one of the most energetic cities in Eastern Europe—it’s also one of the most beautiful. Friendly on the wallet, Prague’s currency is the Czech Koruna, which makes sleeping, eating and playing in Prague highly affordable when compared to some of its neighbors.
Old Town Square is where I stayed and fully recommend. Winding alleys with wrought-iron gates give way to side-streets and goliath Gothic churches. Along the path, steep entrances downward will find you in domed-roof wine cellars with a fast fist ready hand you a pour and invite you in.
Old Town Square is most noted for its Astronomical Clock by day and nightlife all other hours of the day (and night). The Astronomical Clock is composed of three elements: “The Walk of the Apostles,” the astronomical dial and a calendar dial. In other words, this medieval clock does more than tell time—it displays the positions in the Zodiac of the Moon (including its phase) and Sun, as well as the month.
Five-to-ten minutes by foot from Old Town Square is the Charles Bridge. The bridge, ornamented with ornate statues, screams old. In fact, nothing in Prague screams ultra-modern or new, which is what makes this city so breathtakingly beautiful. All day long, the bridge holds as a stage to street art and folk music, which combined allow for a leisurely hangout.
At the opposite end of the bridge protrudes Castle Hill, crowned with Prague Castle at its zenith. This, by far, is the best view of the whole city. Vistas span the river and across back to Old Town. Postcard-perfect red tiled roofs, manila walls and clusters of church spires and clock towers allow for the perfect snapshot. Prague Castle, a sight in itself, is the largest castle complex in the world and houses the St. Vitus Cathedral—which can only be described as a Gothic gem.
When the sun sets behind the hill is when Prague starts to party. Pilsner, a local beer native to the Czech Republic is typically around 40 Koruna ($2). Two dollars for a superb, local beer? Yes, no typo here.
A favorite haunt of mine was an eclectic dive named Chapeau Rouge. Mannequin heads, red lights, grungy portraits and your everyday-dive-bar knick-knacks graffiti the walls. Locals sit around discussing the week’s past events under the red mood lighting with 90’s Alternative Rock as the backdrop.
The subterranean-set get their bodies in motion to the area’s best up-and-coming DJs in the basement level. Chapeau Rouge was also next door to my hotel, Buddha Bar Hotel, so my ins and outs were convenient, to say the least.
My high expectations of Prague were surely upheld during my visit. From the inexpensive dining options to the culture-rich paths paved through the city, one can’t afford not to go to Prague.
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Story and photos by Joshua Clark.
