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While we’re living behind our office desks all year round, looking at other people’s fancy European vacays on Instagram, the biggest sob story of our lives would actually be not getting enough time to explore these pretty destinations if we finally get a chance to do so.
Still, if there’s even the slightest opportunity to roam around the unfamiliar streets of one of the most beautiful settings in Europe, you bet we’ll take that chance, even if it is only for a few hours.
We asked travel blogger Lakshmi Sharath to tell us about the great travel experiences to be had in the romantic, charming city of Prague and she happily obliged. Over to Lakshmi.
Image via- Lakshmi Sharath
“Our itinerary of just 48 hours in Prague takes us into the heart of the city where we will get high on beer, say hello to Franz Kafka, go on a ferry ride, do a jig at the Dancing House and meet some golems in the night.
However if you are passionate about a particular aspect of Prague and you want to see it from an insider and an unique perspective then you must definitely sign up at Withlocals Prague and go for some amazing private tours led by locals who share the same passion as you.
But here are some of my personal suggestions on what cannot be missed if you have just two days in Prague. If you’re a smart budget traveller, you can actually do Prague in under a lakh (including flights) for a small trip of 3-4 days like this.
So this is what all I did, using WiFi wherever I went.
Checked into my Airbnb
I landed in Prague after a week-long travel and a flight, train and bus later landed in this absolute cozy two bedroom apartment and the first thing I felt was a home away from home feeling. My Airbnb Prague apartment, called the Sunny Suite with a terrace was so comfortable and was just six minutes away from the Old Town. And although I could see the station from my window I couldn’t hear the trains as the underground was two levels down.
Image via- Lakshmi Sharath
Location for me is one of the most important aspects when am looking for accommodation and the first thing I look for is a metro station. Another important aspect is the availability of supermarkets so that I can stock milk or breads or make a quick breakfast for myself. The Airbnb in Prague was an absolute delight in this aspect.
The property in Prague had an additional room as well. Every property had all the amenities – we would cook, wash clothes, watch TV, listen to music, dance in the terrace and see the stars. We were literally living like a local rather than staying as a guest. I am overwhelmed with the sense of space when I come back from a long tiring day and I just put my feet up in the living room.
The rent was around 100 euros, but there are cheaper airbnbs also available between 75-80 euros as well.
Image via- Lakshmi Sharath
For me, the Airbnb experience is all about the hosts and hostess. The connection starts the moment you write to them introducing yourself. I spent a lot of time messaging them and every doubt was patiently answered. In Prague, I did not get a chance to meet Lucie but she left a couple of beers for me and several notes to ensure that I was comfortable.
Image via- Lakshmi Sharath
My hosts were kind enough to also give me a lot of recommendations – from places to see, eat, what not to do, and also a Prague card. They would give me information on local cabs, bus routes, super markets, hidden places, happening bars you will not find these in any guide book.
Lucie had stocked the cupboard with food, fruits, sweets and beer and we literally treated ourselves to a sumptuous lunch. A quick snooze, shower and we were all ready to meet Prague.
I literally counted the number of steps from my Airbnb apartment in Prague to the metro station. It was right next door to the apartment and it barely took one minute to get there. And I was in Old town in just six minutes.
A view of the universe through The Astronomical Clock
Image via- Lakshmi Sharath
My 48 hours in Prague starts with a gaunt skeleton called Death. I am lost in the annals of time as I stand there along with millions of other tourists watching a spectacle right in the middle of the Old Town Square, one of the places to see in Prague. Death stands ready to toll the bell on the oldest functioning clock – the Astronomical Clock, one of Prague top attractions. As the Twelve Apostles parade, the entire pageant is over in just 45 seconds.
It is not just a show stopper but a mini planetarium in itself. There is the astronomical dial with the sun, moon and the universe, the zodiac circle with the stars and planets and a calendar dial too.
Standing in the Clock Tower and looking down at the world below at the Old Town Square was one of my favourite moments in Prague.
Image via- Lakshmi Sharath
Get charmed by The Old Town
There is more to the Old Town than just the Astronomical Clock. At the heart of the Old Town Square stands the Old Town Hall which is a fascinating monument. Look out for the vintage car rides/tours, tuk-tuks, or hop-on-hop-off buses that give you the geography of the region, although they’re meant to be very touristy things to do.
Or if you’re like me you simply do a lot of walking as you do anywhere in Europe, preferably with a local as part of a tour or otherwise.
Here, I climbed the 70 metre tall tower to look at the 1000 year old skyline, and you will understand why Prague is dubbed as the “The Golden City of Thousand Spires.” Several medieval homes in beautiful colours are stitched together and each one has its own story. The names are fascinating as well – as you have the Gothic Cock House, the Minute House or you can be “At the Blue Goose or “At the Red Fox House among many others. It’s lovely to just sit in the square and admire the architecture.
Image via- Lakshmi Sharath
If you have the time then head to the Tyn Church, the Baroque Church of St Nicolas, the Rocco Kinsky Palace, the Jan Hus Monument, Clementium, the Powder Tower, the Municipal House among others.
Image via- Lakshmi Sharath
As the picture shows you, Prague can be pretty crowded, but don’t worry as it is also very lively and tourist-friendly. It won’t take you forever to buy tickets to the places you’d like to see. Moreover seeing other solo female travellers in breweries, the supernatural tours, etc. you’ll feel safe and comfortable. All this actually makes it one of the most sought—after touristy places in Europe that it is today. Just keep your wits about you lest someone tries to distract you or steal something though, and that goes for any place.
And if you like quirky museums, then visit the Museum of Historical Toilets and Chamber Pots, and the Sex Machines Museum, one of Prague top attractions.
Image via- Lakshmi Sharath
Being a vegetarian, finding food in Prague was not a task. Bohemian sweets and delicacies like tarts, ice-creams, etc. are a must and you should try them out as you come across the stalls here or in New Town.
Image via- The Hungry Traveler Blog
The most unexpected thing I came across in Prague has to be a saffron-clad group Hare Rama Hare Krishna men dancing and performing here in Old Town. It was very funny, (but also very cute) as they were all Czech locals and not Indians as you might expect. They led me to a café called ‘Govinda: Hare Rama Hare Krishna’, again run by the Czechs only, and they had some pretty interesting food as well.
Image via- TripAdvisor
Prague is a lovely place to shop for various items of Bohemian glass and crystals. While I was mostly restricted to window-shopping, I did buy a pair of crystal earrings for myself.
Image via- Inspirock
A peek into history at the Jew Town
The Jewish Quarter, one of the best places to visit in Prague has been home to the community since the medieval era and you can visit about six synagogues here. The Old New Synagogue is the oldest while the most ornate is the Spanish synagogue, built in a Moorish style of architecture.
Image via- Lakshmi Sharath
Also visit the Franz Kafka monument, dedicated to the author. There is also a museum across the river, in the Lesser Town.
Stories and the Charles Bridge
Image via- Lakshmi Sharath
This is my favorite spot in all of Prague, one of the places where you can sit and do nothing. It’s a good reminder to not rush things, and try to take your own sweet time to enjoy the city.
Standing on this historic bridge, one of Prague’s tourist attractions and watching the ferries cruise down the Vltava River, I am lost in the atmosphere, filled with artists, street performers and musicians. There are thirty sculptures dotting the bridge and one of them is that of St John of Nepomuk.
Image via- Lakshmi Sharath
There is one colourful wall that you would not want to miss, which is close by dedicated to John Lennon. If you have just 48 hours in Prague then Charles Bridge must be on the itinerary.
Lesser Town – an ode to beauty
Referred to as Mala Strana, this settlement lies across the river (as you cross over the Charles Bridge), and is also the prettiest part of Prague. The Nicholas Church is the most popular church here but I would recommend the Carmelite Church.
The wax-coated wooden statue of Infant Jesus is one of the main attractions here as many tourists come to take a peek at the beautiful wardrobe of the little statue designed by Carmelite nuns. While you are here, head to the Petrin Hill, one of Prague top attractions where you can climb the tower to get some great views.
Image via- Lakshmi Sharath
Prague Castle – which is actually a district
Image via- Lakshmi Sharath
It is the largest castle complex in the world where the Bohemian jewels are hidden inside a secret room. You can spend an entire day here. Dating back to the 9th century, the entire castle complex has several churches, palaces, museums, gardens, halls, towers and other monuments spread over 70,000 sq metres of space.
Image via- Lakshmi Sharath
The 700-year young New Town
The youngest district of Prague dates to the 14th century. Walk around the Wenceslas Square , one of the places to see in Prague which was once a horse market. Head to the Dancing House popularly known as Fred and Ginger. The architect was apparently inspired by the dancers Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers.
And before leaving the New Town, stop at Uflecku, one of Prague top attractions. It is believed to be one of the oldest breweries in the city which has been brewing beer continuously for over 500 years and it has over eight halls besides a garden. You cannot leave Prague without having had these really good Czech beers!
Image via- Lakshmi Sharath
If you are like me, interested in the supernatural then you will love the Jewish folklore story of the Golem, a virtual symbol of Prague. While the city looks gorgeous in the day, it wears a gory haunted look in the night. If you are walking anywhere in Prague at night, well, you may never know – the Golem may still be lurking somewhere in the dark.
I am just kidding. Prague is beautiful by day or by night. It is a picture post card come alive and everywhere you go, there is a tryst with history which explodes in nooks and corners, while stories echo from the walls. Where else would you find a Headless Templar, a Golem, a Murdered Nun? I wish I had more than 48 hours in Prague but am sure that I would come back here.”
Lakshmi Sharath is a travel blogger who started her journey way back in 2005 with her blog Travel With Lakshmi. After 15 years of sitting beside a desk in several media organizations, she decided to travel and see the world. She has covered five continents and over 25 countries of late and is set out to accomplish more.
The post Travel Diaries: 48 Hours in Prague appeared first on Peachesandblush.
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