Prague, Czech Republic

Where: Prague

Time of Year Visited: January

Weather: Dry, grey and cold. Not overly freezing but the winds are icy and it snowed once

Flights: EasyJet Stanstead to Prague. Flights cost £137.94 altogether (for 3 adults) so £45.98 each

Currency: Czech Koruna (£1= 30.85 czk/ 100 czk= £3.13)

Getting Around: Both Bolt and Uber are available. Public transport includes trams and buses that run all over the city.

Accommodation: Plus Prague (2*)- 4 nights in a private room with en-suite- £109.00. 

Plus Prague was located in Prague 7, it boasts a swimming pool, 2 saunas, fitness center, in room lockers, bar, restaurant, outdoor lounge area/ garden and free WIFI. The staff are all great and many are bi/multilingual so language barriers shouldn’t be an issue. Breakfast is available at an extra cost which can be paid at the bar daily and consists of standard continental food- breads, hams, eggs and cheese. There are also vending machines located around the reception area for sandwiches, other snacks and drinks.

Key notes: 

When booking just bear in mind this is a hostel first and foremost- although you are able to get private rooms, there will be a lot of big groups, students, lone travelers and of course the odd hen/stag party; therefore it can get noisy- most notably around 9-10 pm when people are getting ready to go out and between 3-5 am when people are coming in.

The pool and saunas are open between 7am- 10pm; however, each time we used it was quiet.

Lastly, it is not in the center of Prague. However, it is close enough that you can get to city center in about 10 minutes in an Uber or bolt.

Excursions: Prague overall is a beautiful city as architecturally it is very gothic and picturesque. On our first evening we opted to go to the Old Town Square as the Christmas Market was still on (it runs from 28^th November- 6^th January yearly) and it was BEAUTIFUL. As with any Christmas market it was free with various stalls and food stands,  every night at 8 PM there was a Christmas tree lights display with music and dancing lights. It was great- initially- all the lights in the market went out so we thought the market was closing, but then music started playing and we realised everyone was facing the Christmas tree with their phones out haha we were confused but intrigued so we watched on and was not disappointed. After this we went exploring down the small cobble streets to find many bars, shops and other hotels tucked away. 

Christmas market on our first night

 

Christmas market at day

Another noteworthy thing to do while in the Old Town Square is watch the Astronomical Clock- it is a medieval clock built back in 1410 and is the oldest astronomical clock still operating. It is quite a marvel but you have to have the patience of a God to wait for it as people gather and crowds get BIG, FAST (you think you get a good spot and someone will push in front of you) but once it starts it is so worth it!! It was like watching a beautiful piece of choreography and there were moving statues. 

My picture does not do it justice

 

Moving away from Town we went to the famous Charles Bridge; from our hostel we took the number 12 tram (the stop is a 4 minute walk from Plus Prague) towards Smíchovské nádraží and got off at Malostranské náměstí. All trams have screens so you can see which stop is which so you cannot get confused hoping off at the right stop. The tram took about 20 minutes and costs CZK 24 which is £0.78p. From the tram stop it is about a 5- 10 minute walk to the Bridge.

Be prepared for big crowds, pickpockets and beggars; but also amazing sculptures and amazing views of the architecture. It is told to not give any beggars change/ cash via signs on the Bridge and to keep all valuable close as it gets very busy and easy for pickpockets. After crossing the bridge there are options to take river tours and also buy Church choir tickets.

 We opted to visit the city of Kutna Hora a city east of Prague which used to be a silver mining city and is a UNESCO World Heritage site- it is where the amazing Gothic St Barbara’s Church is.

As well as this we visited Sedlec Ossuary chapel (chapel decorated and adorned with human skeletons).

We did a full day excursion booked with @sandemansneweurope, it was 38 euros (£32-34 depending on exchange rate) which was booked and paid in advance online via their website (https://www.neweuropetours.eu/sandemans-tours/prague/day-trip-kutna-hora-from-prague) this included pick up from the Old Town Square, a private bus, entry to both the Bone Chapel and Saint Barbara’s Church, tour around some of Czech Republics oldest buildings. There is also a lunch stop at Dačický restaurant, however this is not included in ticket price. The tour was so interesting and informative but I do believe that was because we had an amazing tour guide, I can’t really put into words how great the day was but I would recommend it 100%.

Food: Food in Prague is quite varied in terms of restaurants and bars. Traditional Czech food is readily available and at a good price! Traditional meals consist of meat, potatoes or dumplings and some sort of veg such as cabbage. My favourite restaurant was Karlova 30, we visited 3 times in our stay. The service was great, the food was so filling and tasty and it was nice and small that it felt like a family home- located right in Prague 1 it is great for after a walk around the Old Town. 2 course (soup of the day, choices of bread and main meal) and a drink (soft drink or beer) will cost you 450 CZK (£13-14) and trust me you will be rolling out as the portions are big.

Overall: Amazing city break, a lot to do to keep you busy with a lot of sights to see. Can be costly but if you are a budget traveler like me it really can be done on a budget. Would recommend for groups and couples. Would 100% return. 

3 out of 5

★★★☆☆