Before coming to Prague, one thing that always reminded me of this country was Pavel Nedvěd. A long time ago, I was a fan of Juventus FC, an Italian football team, and my favorite player was Pavel Nedvěd. He was famous for his powerful kicks, earning him the nickname “The Czech Cannon.” Over a decade later, I finally set foot in his home country.
The sky was still dark when the bus arrived at Prague’s bus terminal. During the journey, I couldn’t sleep soundly, even though the bus, RegioJet, offered free tea and hot chocolate to every passenger. The 7-hour-and-15-minute ride from Budapest, Hungary, to Prague, Czech Republic, was spent listening to music on my phone. There wasn’t much to see outside since I started my trip to Prague at 11:15 PM from Budapest.
Feeling exhausted and eager to lie down in bed, I decided to pull my suitcase to the nearest station and head straight to the hostel I had booked. Fortunately, my hostel was right in the city center, so within an hour, I was already sitting comfortably in the lobby, waiting in line to check in. And it turned out to be my lucky day. The receptionist was kind enough to let me check in early so I could get a few hours of sleep before starting my Prague adventure.
HOLIDAY IN PRAGUE, CZECH REPUBLIC: NOT A FORMER SOVIET STATE
For some reason, I used to associate the Czech Republic with being a former part of the Soviet Union. Do you also think that, or was it just me? In reality, Czechoslovakia was merely a Soviet puppet state. I only learned this while researching Nedvěd’s country before setting foot in what is now a nation separate from Slovakia. The Czech Republic has a long history filled with war and bloodshed, which left me dizzy just reading about it. But that rich and complex history also makes Prague stunning, romantic, and one of the most well-preserved medieval cities in Europe.
To make a long story short, back in the late 9th century, the Czech Republic was known as the Duchy of Bohemia, part of the Moravian Empire. Bohemia later became an imperial state under the Holy Roman Empire in 1002. When the Holy Roman Empire dissolved in 1806, Bohemia became part of the Austrian Empire. Eventually, Czechoslovakia was formed after the Austro-Hungarian Empire collapsed following World War I.
During and after World War II, Czechoslovakia was occupied several times by other countries. First by Germany, which made it a puppet state, and then by the Soviet Union, which invaded Czechoslovakia in 1968. Communism heavily influenced the country after WWII, making it a part of the Eastern Bloc. The oppressive political climate and worsening economic situation sparked the Prague Spring uprising, leading to another Soviet invasion. During this period, Czechoslovakia remained autonomous but was essentially a satellite state of the Soviet Union.
After many years of conflict, peace was achieved in Czechoslovakia through a peaceful revolution known as the Velvet Revolution. The country returned to being a liberal democracy. Then, on January 1, 1993, following the dissolution of Czechoslovakia, the name of the country changed to the Czech Republic or Czechia. In 2004, this Central European nation joined the European Union. Today, Prague, the capital and largest city of the Czech Republic, has become a major tourist destination in Central Europe.
Holiday in Prague, Czech Republic: How to Get There
My trip to Central Europe started in Vienna, Austria -> Bratislava, Slovakia -> Budapest, Hungary -> Prague, Czech Republic. From Budapest, I took a RegioJet bus. I deliberately chose the latest bus at 11:15 PM because I wanted to explore Budapest as much as possible before leaving. The bus arrived at Prague’s bus terminal at 6:30 AM. I bought my bus ticket on Omio for €17.5.
Holiday in Prague, Czech Republic: Getting Around
As I’ve mentioned in most of my articles, I prefer to explore cities on foot. While in Prague, I didn’t leave the city center. Walking is the best way to explore central Prague, as many streets are closed to vehicles. Some areas, like the Charles Bridge, are pedestrian-only zones. Make sure to wear comfortable shoes, as there are many cobblestone streets and uphill paths leading to the castle.
Besides walking, you can also use trams, the metro/subway, or buses to reach further areas during your holiday in Prague. The city has an integrated transport system, so one ticket works for all—tram, metro, and bus—and you can switch between them easily.
Single-ride tickets or day passes can be purchased at ticket machines in metro stations, some tram stops, and newspaper kiosks. There are two types of single-ride tickets: valid for 90 minutes or 30 minutes, priced at 32 CZK and 24 CZK, respectively. These allow unlimited transfers within the time limit. If you plan to stay in Prague longer, you can opt for a 1-day pass (110 CZK) or a 3-day pass (310 CZK).
Don’t forget to validate your ticket before boarding the metro, tram, or bus. While ticket checks are rare, getting caught with an unvalidated ticket can result in a fine of 800 CZK on the spot or 1500 CZK if paid at a police station.
Holiday in Prague, Czech Republic: Where to Stay
During my holiday in Prague, I stayed at Hostel Ananas, located right in the city center and just 500 meters from the astronomical clock at the Old Town Hall. I booked my stay here, and at the time, the price for a 10-bed mixed dormitory was 219 CZK per night.
I loved this hostel because the staff were so friendly and allowed me to check in early. The location was perfect—right in front of Wenceslas Square, where one of the Christmas markets was held. The rooms were very clean and well-maintained. The hostel also offers several events ideal for solo travelers, such as pub crawls and walking tours. I decided to join the walking tour on my second day in Prague.
Holiday in Prague, Czech Republic: Things to See & Do
1. Old Town
Prague’s Old Town is its main attraction, and it’s so charming that during my holiday in Prague, I found myself daydreaming about living there. Imagine tall, classic-style houses flanking cobblestone streets, with gothic churches at every corner. Prague’s old town feels a bit like Vienna, as Czechia was once part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. However, while Vienna’s buildings are more in the Vienna Secession style, Prague’s architecture has a darker, gothic feel. That’s part of the city’s magical allure. The old town can feel like a labyrinth, but don’t expect a relaxed stroll—it’s always packed with tourists, much like Venice.
- Hanging out in Old Town Square: In December, the Old Town Square hosts a beautiful Christmas market. If you’re visiting outside the holiday season, you can still people-watch, admire the architecture, or sit on a bench while enjoying trdelník (a traditional pastry) and listening to street musicians.
- Astronomical Clock: One of the oldest astronomical clocks in the world. The clock puts on a fascinating display every hour, with wooden figurines emerging from little doors. When I visited, the clock was under renovation, but it’s now fully restored. Prepare to crane your neck to see it!
- Visiting Churches: You must visit Prague’s churches, as they are stunning! One standout is the Church of Our Lady before Týn, a gothic structure with twin towers that look like they’re wearing black hats. Another is the baroque-style St. Nicholas Church, which is open all day.
- Exploring Prague’s Catacombs: Beneath the Old Town Hall lies a network of underground burial sites worth exploring.
2. Prague Castle
Across the river, atop a hill, you’ll see a group of grand buildings—Prague Castle, built in the 9th century and now the official office of the President of the Czech Republic. It was once home to the Kings of Bohemia, the Holy Roman Emperors, and Czechoslovakia’s presidents.
Before climbing the hill to the castle, you’ll cross the famous Charles Bridge, which connects the old town to the castle. This gothic bridge, lined with artistic baroque statues of saints, was built in 1357 under King Charles IV and completed in the early 15th century.
Prague Castle is like a small city, with multiple buildings to explore, including St. Vitus Cathedral, The Old Royal Palace, St. George’s Basilica, and Golden Lane. The most iconic structure is St. Vitus Cathedral, a towering gothic masterpiece that can be seen from outside the city walls.
The castle is open from 6 AM to 10 PM, with tickets ranging from 70 to 350 CZK.
3. John Lennon Wall
A popular tourist spot due to its name and historical significance, the John Lennon Wall is covered in graffiti, including lyrics from Lennon’s songs. Students began writing on the wall in the 1980s as a form of protest during communist rule. Today, the wall symbolizes peace and love, and visitors are free to add their own messages.
4. Jewish Quarter
One of the must-visit areas during a holiday in Prague. Once home to one of Europe’s largest Jewish communities, the Jewish Quarter survived WWII because Hitler planned to turn it into a “museum of an extinct race.” Here, you’ll find six synagogues, the Jewish Ceremonial Hall, and the Old Jewish Cemetery.
5. Join a Walking Tour
If you’re traveling solo like I was, joining a walking tour is a great way to learn about Prague and its history. Many companies offer walking tours, and I joined one organized by Hostel Ananas. Most tours gather near the Astronomical Clock at 10 AM and last about three hours. The tours are free, but it’s customary to tip the guide if you enjoyed it.
6. Trying Czech Cuisine
I’d heard a lot about Czech cuisine before my trip, so I was eager to try it. A friend from Slovakia took me to a basement restaurant and bar in Prague to taste goulash and Czech beer. Goulash is a spicy meat stew served with raw onions and horseradish, usually made with beef, though sometimes chicken or pork is used. I found it quite tasty but a bit bland.
Next was Czech beer. Prague is famous for its beer, which is cheaper than water. However, I didn’t find it particularly special. The best beer I’ve had is still in Bruges, Belgium.
My favorite Czech food is trdelník, a traditional rolled pastry coated in sugar, nuts, or cinnamon. It’s usually served warm, and the open-kitchen preparation is a tourist attraction in itself. Though it originates from Transylvania, you’ll find it throughout the Czech Republic.
Rich in history, with a gorgeous old town, a romantic vibe, and plenty of attractions, Prague is a must-see if you’re planning a trip to Europe. There are also nearby destinations like Karlovy Vary and Kutná Hora that are perfect for day trips. Although I didn’t have time to visit them during this trip, I’m saving them for next time. Given the number of attractions in Prague, I recommend allocating at least four days to fully enjoy your holiday in Prague.