Prague – much more than just beer and history

A visit to the capital of Czech Republic – Prague – was making me worry, during my few weeks of travel. It was mostly because I was arriving by car. I had an opportunity to park near the hostel, but I’ve decided to leave it in the suburbs near the final station of the tram number 11. It took me half an hour to get there from the motorway and to get to the centre it would be much longer – especially since the local drivers are not really sympathetic towards lost tourists. I was glad I chose this option, for I got the empty tram within minutes. Prague has a great public transport system as you can use the city card for all modes of transport (trams, busses, subway and the cable cart). A daily ticket costs 5€ - but in the local currency. For the same money you’d get about 4 hours of parking. 

I booked a room at the Travellers hostel Praha, which is a part of the big Hosteling family, also known as the Dlouha pension as it stands on the Dlouha street. The location is just perfect as it’s only a few hundred meters away from the famous old square of Prague and the Charles’ Bridge.

One of the hostel managers, Amur B. Svoboda, greeted me at the desk and presented me the hostel. Upon my question – how safe is Prague at night, he just smiled in reply and said: Prague is safe at night as well, but you might get to meet somebody who had a bit too much to drink... It was exactly as he said.

Hostel is located on the second and third floor of the huge old house and is suitable for large groups, also. They can offer beds for around 150 people. There are several opportunities – from bunk beds to two bedded rooms with your own shower. Rooms are simple, but functional, with large photos of world travel on the walls, by the author Matej Čeak, who used to work in the hostel. Even though there are many restaurants nearby, which get quite loud during the night, I had a great night’s sleep as though I was in the countryside. Most rooms are facing the inner yard, so you don’t hear the noise off the street. There are no special limitations in the hostel, for the doors are always open and all age groups are welcome. You will get a free internet connection and they can store your luggage, as well as organize various activities around the city. The breakfast room and bar are on the third floor with a view of the surrounding roofs and the few church steeples overlooking them. Among other things they offer breakfast coffee Pura – from the fairy-tale shop. And you can also get a breakfast stew! It seemed strange the first morning, but I got quite used to it. I bet it’s a real balsam for those, who enjoyed loads of great Czech beer during the night. As the hostel has a great location and a great price (from 16€ onward – breakfast included) it is often full! Especially on weekends, so I suggest booking well ahead.    

I’m generally not a great fan of seeing museums and historical buildings, but in Prague you simply cannot avoid them – and at least some will charm you. Personally I found the Old square with the famous astronomic clock most charming. The clock attracts many visitors each hour, when they come to watch the clever mechanism setting the figurines in motion. But more than the miniature clockwork show I preferred to get up the tower itself! I admit, I used the elevator! The tower offers the best view of the square surrounded by colourful buildings from various time periods. The square is full of life from morning to evening and there’s always something happening – with many street artists and musicians livening things up. During my few day stay I also got attracted to the crowded goings-on at the Charles’ bridge. And there are also even more interesting things to discover with numerous palaces, churches and castles… and a lot more. It’s nice to explore the streets of the city before 9 in the morning, as the tourist masses still aren’t there and you can get a sense of the city waking up. I also liked the advice of one of the locals – sit on a tram and just drive around. Sooner or later you’ll get to see everything they offer on guided tours, but for a considerably lower amount of money. And if you really want a great view of the city, I’d suggest a visit to the view tower at Petrin, with a cable cart taking you up to it. The steel tower is over a century old and is a smaller copy of the famous Eifel Tower. And on the other side of the city there is a more modern variation of it in the Žižkov district. There’s also a modern telecommunication tower there, with a fast elevator taking you up to the height of 93m! You do have to pay for it, but the view is well worth it! The glassed viewing platform features hanging globes in which you can meditate while listening to the beat of the city, you can hear on the speakers. You can get a similar view for free from the restaurant (some 30 meters below). And if you have some 1000€ left over, you can sleep in the apartment above the restaurant! I think the price includes a transport for up to 500km of distance, but Slovenia is still a bit too far…

The prices in Prague are the highest in Czech Republic, especially around the most famous landmarks. But just a few streets away you can find a daily plate and a beer for about 5€. The Daily plates are the most budget friendly possibility and the prices of Chinese restaurants are usually similar.

 

If you like museums, galleries and other tourist attractions, you should get the Prague card. It offers you free access to many of the greatest attractions, or at least give you discounts at entrance and even some restaurants.  The card also allows you free access to all public transport and even the connections to the airport! Info at: www.praguecard.com.