From Prague’s Old Town down to the New Town
The tour in the Prague Castle is yet to unfold before to tackle about Prague’s Old Town I still have some spectacular outlook of the city to unveil. Wandering around the complex I have to say it was exciting and jolly at the same time. I got to sneak on the Starbucks place where you can actually take some outstanding photos of the surroundings.
The Highlands
I got to sneak on the Starbucks place where you can actually take some outstanding photos of the surroundings. Unfortunately, I wasn’t able to explore further cause my partner was halting me to advance more. He told me not to go since I won’t buy any products from Starbucks place.
I didn’t insist but I still got some photos of me (proud of my treason)
Photos from the Starbuck’s Place
Christmas Market
Looking at the lower side of the gate, We saw this “Christmas Market” place. Where there is a various booth selling fresh traditional Prague cuisine, souvenirs, and artisanal products.
It was past noon, so my partner had a crunch craving time, he eventually bought something to eat from one of the booths in the area.
Meanwhile, I am taking photos around, trying to find the right spot and right angle for good outcome.
Souvenir and Artisanal Shops
The City’s View
This scenery reminds me of my travel in Lourdes a month ago, the only difference is that you don’t see any mountains behind those roofs.
It was truly an experience to keep. The spectacular sight of the houses and the buildings especially the roofs makes it all like in a magical world.
Reading from the history of Prague city, it was indicated that there was a division era between Prague’s Old Town and New Town. It’s a bit peculiar to know that this city was left due to its medieval settlement.
If you will see the City’s map you’ll eventually notice that there’s always this semi-circular moat and wall drawn on the map. Which means that those places that are outside of that wall are considered the Old Town.
Prague’s old town are:
- Old New Synagogue
- Old Town Square
- Astronomical Clock
- Charles Bridge
- Bethlehem Chapel
- The Powder Tower
- The Estates Theatre
- Convent of Agnes
- Rudolfinum
- Lego Museum
- Clementinum and other more.
All other places around already change into The New Town.
Prague’s New Town
The Dancing House
Arriving at the New Town’s place, I can clearly see and feel the difference. It’s more like a modern and very up to date buildings around.
We tried to get a parking using our GPS, we searched the nearest one and parked there.
The adventure commences and started to walk heading to that famous dancing house. I’ve seen it many times from a friends photos. I even thought that it is in Rotterdam but surprisingly you can find it in Prague.
Dancing House and its Gallery
Prague Dancing House, an original building inspired by two dancers famous duo ofย Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers. The National Nederlands building, known as the โDancing Houseโ or sometimes โFred and Gingerโ, is one of the most significant landmarks of the city.
The Dancing house showcases the Gallery, Where it is dedicated to exhibiting the works of prominent Czech and international artists, as well as hosting various thematic exhibitions. You will also find a shop selling books and office buildings designed by the famous Frank Gehry and Croatian-Czech architect Vlado Milunic, has quickly become one of the signature structures of Prague.
You will also find a shop selling books and office buildings designed by the famous Frank Gehry and Croatian-Czech architect Vlado Milunic.
Inside the Museum
Reviewing this prestigious landmark, it was looking outrageous. Its crystal-like luminous shapes with its constructivist architectural style are just the finest.
The building has 9 floors and the rooms in it are asymmetrical, Inside the hall, you’ll see a shop and an entrance corridor to get access to the lifts. However, there is a control system which let you pass through only if you have a ticket to access.
We entered on the right side, directly in the shops where actually connects into the gallery portion. The gallery has normally an entrance admission fee. But in our case, we just walk through on the store part and slipped through the other side.
I thought the receptionist would stop us, but surprisingly he didn’t so we just continue looking and strolling at the gallery’s exhibition.
A Great tip for those who want to visit this place, visit the souvenir shop and you can a free access to the last part of the gallery’s exhibition. Free tour and information, who doesn’t want that?
Coffee Break
3:30 pm in the afternoon, time to get a “pause cafรฉ” It was gradually raining outside after our quick tour in dancing house. So we decided to take a coffee break, I had the moment to call to my parents to greet my Dad advance happy birthday.
Our initial plan for that day is to visit the other side of the city, starting with
- Church of Our Lady of the Snows
- Svatovรกclavskรฉ Place
- Statue of Saint Wenceslas
- St. Ludmila’s Church
We don’t have much time left and the weather is not on our side either, after half an hour waiting for the rain to slow down. We packed our things and begin to walk ignoring the heavy drops, I came to realize that my camera needs to be protected so here I am with my phone’s photo-taking mode again.
The Opera
We stumbled into this place called Opera, a metro station and at the same time an Opera House on the other side. The statue of Marilyn Monroe caught my attention. It was made of yarns/threads,ย I thought it was exceptional, making a big statue made of something unusual.
The church of Our Lady of the Snows
One of the famous churches in Prague has one of the highest vaults with 34 meters (112 ft). History says
Virgin Mary has appeared in a Roman merchant’s dream and told him to build a temple on the place where snow will lie the following morning.
The merchant was confused, since it was in the middle of hot summer. Still, as he woke up in the morning, he found the Esquilinum hill covered in snow.
Following the request, he had the Church of St Maria Maggiore built on the site. The famous altar of Our Lady of the Snows carries a painting which relates to the legend.
To access the church you can get into it through Jungmann square, Wenceslas square and Mustek metro station of line B.
As we arrive at the place, there was a mass ongoing, unfortunately, you cannot interfere or enter when there’s a mass. We continued to the Svatovรกclavskรฉ Trhy a market where you can eat and drink Prague’s famous traditional food.
Svatovรกclavskรฉ Trhy
There were new buildings (shopping malls) around. While wandering, we entered a shop and bought something (his birthday gift for me).
Came back to the Svatovรกclavskรฉ place and bought a 250g portion of that meat that you see. Yes! that one. I paid almost 7 euros for a quarter of this meat accompanied with bread and sauces (mustard and ketchup).
Wenceslas Square and Statue of Saint Wenceslas
The statue that you’re seeing is St. Wenceslas, a loved Czech King propagating Christianity in the country. In the square, you will find plenty of infrastructures, offices, shops, food stands, and a lot of people all over the place.
It has been called as the Prague’s place where nobody ever sleeps.
At the back of the square is Jan Palach and Jan Zajรญc memorial but for the moment they are doing some constructions on the site, sad to see that there were tons of equipment visible around the space.
After a long walk from Wenceslas Square, our last destination will be the St. Ludmila’s Church. 5:00 pm on my clock and yet another kilometer to walk. We were courageous indeed.
St. Ludmila’s Church
One of those neo-Gothic basilicas with features two 60m-high towers with 2 bell towers and the tall gable with portal above the main entrance with sculptures.
The Church of St. Ludmila was built in honor of St. Ludmila of Bohemia.
A melancholy situation came again, the Basilica is close, so upset to know. I would love to see its treasure inside. anyway, there’s next time. We’ll absolutely visit this one on our next visit in this city.
Conclusions
Prague is doubtlessly one of the most visited cities in Europe, It’s charm and city’s beautiful places to visit are one of its precious gem that tourists would want to come back anytime. We have visited the portion of Prague which wasn’t that much popular and those famous ones as well.
How Cheap is Prague?
It is beyond any doubt cheap, well cheaper than usual European countries. I’m comparing cities like Berlin vs Prague, or France vs Prague or even Barcelona.
Nonetheless in the city center is a bit more expensive than normal. (tourists price) of course, but still cheap.
Transportation
You’ll be jolted with the cities availability of public transportation. The New Town is well served by all three Metro lines and many tram lines.
Tips on How to visit places using Metro
Metro Line A (green):
- Mลฏstek and Muzeum in (Wenceslas Square)
Line B (yellow):
- Florenc (Praha 8 area, Prague City Museum),
- Nรกmฤstรญ Republiky (Republic Square),
- Mลฏstek (lower Wenceslas Square),
- Nรกrodnรญ tลรญda (close to National Avenue, National Theater),
- Karlovo nรกmฤstรญ (Charles Square, Palackรฉho Square, close to the Dancing House and the university area)
Line C (red):
- Florenc (Praha 8 area, Prague City Museum),
- Hlavnรญ nรกdraลพรญ (Main railway station, on the border with Vinohrady),
- Muzeum (upper Wenceslas Square), and
- I. P. Pavlova (on border with Vinohrady).
Prague Airport Transfers (One way)
- MINIBUS (5-8 people) 1100czk/ ยฃ40/ โฌ43/ $51ย per person
- MINI COACH (9-12 people) 1750czk/ ยฃ63.50/ โฌ68/ $81 per person
- Group (13+ people) 150czk/ ยฃ5.75/ โฌ6/ $7 per person
- TAXI (1-4 people) 650czk/ ยฃ23.50/ โฌ25/ $30 per person
Tips for those traveling alone, try to avoid getting a taxi from the airport, it will cost your pocket. The tariff for 1-5 persons is 650czk/ ยฃ23.50/ โฌ25/ $30 per taxi one way. If you are traveling with 2-3 persons then it’s worth taking.
Where to Stay
You can visit Prague’s 5 Best Party Hostels. Experience the amazing experience and meet like-minded travelers.
Overall Experience
I would say I did enjoy my vacation/tour/birthday bash/travel blogging experience although Prague didn’t have that magical effect on me, I’m still looking forward to visiting this city to explore more and perhaps with a sunny weather.
8.5/10
Watch our for my Review of our Hotel stay in the City of Hires.
Don’t forget to visit the Official Site of Prague for more information. Get more information aboutย Prague Travel Tips When Visiting Prague For The first time.
This is very detailed post on Prague. I’m going to use this information before visiting this destination. I’m so glad you took those pictures from the Cafe, stunning shots.
Thank you so much Travelquartz, I’m sure Prague City pleases you.
You sure did capture beautiful images of this beautiful country. I love how you told the story.
Thank you Dominka, that’s so flattering, I just did my best.
Wow, can I just teleport myself to Prague and have an Autumn Photoshooot there?! Your photos are beautiful! I would love to visit the Cathedrals and this dancing house you speak of. It looks cool!
Hahaha sure you can Tyra, I wanna teleport with you, do you have the teleport machine at home?
I need to go to the Christmas market ! That would be so nice to experience. I think it’s really cool to see the different structures in the old town versus the new town
Isn’t it a bit early to have a Christmas market? I love that!:D The views from up high are so stunning with all the red roofs, reminds me of Croatia!
I think that’s their way of celebrating winter ๐
this blog is a visual delight to all the readers, though we have heard about these place here we are having a virtual tour, the dancing houses was something new I learned from this blog too, thank you for all the information shared.
This is a really nice guide for Prague the pictures are really nice and so fascinating. I will share it with a friend who is planning a trip to Prague soon.
Prague ranks no. 1 on my bucket list currently! I always dream of walking on the Charles Bridge amongst many other things to do. I’d love to tread most of it on foot. Lovely post. Cheers!!
Wonderful detailed post! I loved Prague -we spent a wonderful ten days there last summer and enjoyed it so much. My favourite places was Vysehra fortress – beautiful views over the city, park and beautiful church and cemetery.
thank you Alex, yeah Prague is a great city, I will surely come back and try to visit that place that you’ve been to get a chance to see a different side.
I’ve never heard of the Lady of Snow before. I had goosebumps reading it. Hahaha. I’ll look for more information about that Church. Hmmm…
Thanks Noel, me neither, I didn’t knew it til I came to Prague. I love reading landmarks and monuments histories, It’s keeps me hydrated (mentally) ๐
What a fantastic informative post or Prague – cannot wait now to visit again and explore it more, I have saved your post as my guide for the city, as it is so detailed and interesting. Your photos are always stunning. Great post.
Thank you DTG, I appreaciate it, I do invest a lot on my photos cause I love taking tons of them sometimes the most difficult part of making a blog post is to choose the right photos or the ones that you love ๐ hard choice right.
Hey I am not very much of a luxury travel but Places like Prague are worth visiting for every traveler. whether it be Its organised townships or colonial design. Prague is a place of visiting and forgetting yourself and all your stress for a while.
Nice Post fella . Keep the good work up ๐
thank you Prabhakar, I’m not into luxury travel either. I just try to travel as much as I can with budget allocated for it. Sure thing is Prague is a cheap city than Barcelona. thanks for dropping by