CZECH REPUBLIC |
In this article, you will read about Prague, Cesky Krumlov, Karlovy Vary and Plzen. |
Lying in the middle of Europe, bordering Germany, Poland, Slovakia and Austria, it is not surprising that this landlocked country of the Czech Republic displays the influence of several architectural styles, and has an unpredictable weather conditions.
For me, the worst part of journeys is getting a visa. Collecting all the documents, e.g. application form, flight and hotel reservations, travel insurance... And the only thing they give is a piece of sticker which displays your duration of stay (for me it has never been longer than 3 months for Schengen countries ☹). That is why my most favorite countries are the ones which don’t require any visa. Though I guess that is the case for all nomads. My adventure for the Czech Republic, too, has started with a visa application at the Czech Consulate in Istanbul. But in the end, it was all worth for the pain I suffered for collecting the documents ☺ Then I remembered the words of Lao Tzu: “The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.”
My experience with the Czech Republic has a long history. On August 25, 2014, after my 7-week AIESEC internship in Bucharest, I went on a trip to Central Europe, visiting respectively Prague, Munich and Vienna in 7 days. In this journey, I stayed in Prague only for 2 nights and a day, and I unhappily knew that wasn’t going to be enough to have a perfect Prague experience. Shining lights of the city, the beautiful night view of the Charles Bridge, politeness of the locals, old-style cobblestone pavements and streets, Gothic-style buildings… These were only some of the highlights about Prague that mesmerized me at first sight. Then I promised to myself: “One day, I will come to this city once again!”
In 2016, we can call it fate or not, I was accepted to an internship in Prague. And for three months! From July to September, I had a chance to live in the amazing city of Prague, just like a local. Taking the tram number 22 everyday, from Karlovo Namesti towards Malostranske Namesti, passing from Narodni Divadlo (National Theather) and over the Legion Bridge, and looking at the Charles Bridge from the distance… That is the summary of my three months in Prague, and I loved living there!
My ‘habitat’ in Prague was mainly Prague 2, the district where I stayed, and Prague 1, where I worked, which are the most touristic and historic places of the city. After some time during my three-month-life in Prague, I can say that I became a real local! I was asked by tourists about how to get to places in Prague, which tram to take, the best way to see around, or great eating-out spots ☺ I even hosted some of my friends coming from Turkey at my place ☺
Prague is so centered both in the Czech Republic and in continental Europe so that it is close to other Czech cities and neighboring countries. If you have enough time, say one week, it is easy to get around in Cesky Krumlov, Karlovy Vary and Kutna Hora; as well as in German cities of Berlin, Munich, Nuremberg and Dresden; Austrian cities of Salzburg and Vienna, and the Slovak city of Ljubljana.
For me, the worst part of journeys is getting a visa. Collecting all the documents, e.g. application form, flight and hotel reservations, travel insurance... And the only thing they give is a piece of sticker which displays your duration of stay (for me it has never been longer than 3 months for Schengen countries ☹). That is why my most favorite countries are the ones which don’t require any visa. Though I guess that is the case for all nomads. My adventure for the Czech Republic, too, has started with a visa application at the Czech Consulate in Istanbul. But in the end, it was all worth for the pain I suffered for collecting the documents ☺ Then I remembered the words of Lao Tzu: “The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.”
My experience with the Czech Republic has a long history. On August 25, 2014, after my 7-week AIESEC internship in Bucharest, I went on a trip to Central Europe, visiting respectively Prague, Munich and Vienna in 7 days. In this journey, I stayed in Prague only for 2 nights and a day, and I unhappily knew that wasn’t going to be enough to have a perfect Prague experience. Shining lights of the city, the beautiful night view of the Charles Bridge, politeness of the locals, old-style cobblestone pavements and streets, Gothic-style buildings… These were only some of the highlights about Prague that mesmerized me at first sight. Then I promised to myself: “One day, I will come to this city once again!”
In 2016, we can call it fate or not, I was accepted to an internship in Prague. And for three months! From July to September, I had a chance to live in the amazing city of Prague, just like a local. Taking the tram number 22 everyday, from Karlovo Namesti towards Malostranske Namesti, passing from Narodni Divadlo (National Theather) and over the Legion Bridge, and looking at the Charles Bridge from the distance… That is the summary of my three months in Prague, and I loved living there!
My ‘habitat’ in Prague was mainly Prague 2, the district where I stayed, and Prague 1, where I worked, which are the most touristic and historic places of the city. After some time during my three-month-life in Prague, I can say that I became a real local! I was asked by tourists about how to get to places in Prague, which tram to take, the best way to see around, or great eating-out spots ☺ I even hosted some of my friends coming from Turkey at my place ☺
Prague is so centered both in the Czech Republic and in continental Europe so that it is close to other Czech cities and neighboring countries. If you have enough time, say one week, it is easy to get around in Cesky Krumlov, Karlovy Vary and Kutna Hora; as well as in German cities of Berlin, Munich, Nuremberg and Dresden; Austrian cities of Salzburg and Vienna, and the Slovak city of Ljubljana.
Prague
Mini Info about the City
Being the capital city of the Czech Republic, Prague was once the capital of Czechoslovakia before the two countries split in 1993, and currently is also the most populous and touristic city of the country. Prague has been established on the Vltava River which gives the city an authentic feature and panorama.
Showing the influences of Romanesque, Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque architectures, Prague is a culture capital with its several museums, accompanied by numerous historical spots, theatres, cinemas, and art galleries. The city also has an extensive public transportation system which facilitates the connection between the city center and suburbs, and within the urban area.
It is also noteworthy that the Historic Centre of Prague was declared World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1992.
Must-See Places
There are a lot of landmarks that you can see in Prague. For all the must-see spots below, I think two to three full days will be sufficient according to your pace for sightseeing ☺
Mini Info about the City
Being the capital city of the Czech Republic, Prague was once the capital of Czechoslovakia before the two countries split in 1993, and currently is also the most populous and touristic city of the country. Prague has been established on the Vltava River which gives the city an authentic feature and panorama.
Showing the influences of Romanesque, Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque architectures, Prague is a culture capital with its several museums, accompanied by numerous historical spots, theatres, cinemas, and art galleries. The city also has an extensive public transportation system which facilitates the connection between the city center and suburbs, and within the urban area.
It is also noteworthy that the Historic Centre of Prague was declared World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1992.
Must-See Places
There are a lot of landmarks that you can see in Prague. For all the must-see spots below, I think two to three full days will be sufficient according to your pace for sightseeing ☺
- Prague Castle (Prazsky Hrad) is among the most renowned and visited landmarks, and symbols of the city of Prague. As the castle is located on top of a hill above the Vltava River, it can be seen from most places of the city: from Charles Bridge, Vysehrad, Naplavka… Currently it is the official residence of the President of the Czech Republic. Prague Castle includes several architectural styles such as Gothic-style St. Vitus Cathedral, Romanesque Basilica of St. George, a monastery and several palaces, museums, gardens and defense towers.
- St. Vitus Cathedral is a Gothic-style Roman Catholic Church located within the complex of Prague Castle. It has a long history, which dates back to ca. 10th century BC. It is free of charge to enter the cathedral.
- Charles Bridge (Karluv Most) is one of the symbols of Prague, and lies over the Vltava River. Charles Bridge was the most important connection between Prague Castle and the city’s Old Town until the 19th century. Going over the Charles Bridge from the Old Town, passing under the Gothic-style bridge towers, walking towards Malostranske Namesti, then arriving at Prague Castle by using the steps… That is one of my favorite ways to experience the city of Prague ☺
- Old Town Square (Staromestske Namesti) is a well-known square with several historical and touristic landmarks inside, including the Astronomical Clock, St. Nicholas Church and the Gothic-style Church of Our Lady before Tyn. The square is situated between Wenceslas Square and the Charles Bridge. During Christmas and Easter, there are markets held on the square. And in summertime, it is a great venue to have drinks with your friends. There are even people proposing at the square in front of tourists!
- Astronomical Clock is a medieval clock located in the Old Town Square. It was installed in the 15th century and still operating. The clockwork includes sculptures moving hourly, and every hour there is a huge audience consisting mainly of tourists watching them ☺
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- Vysehrad, which means the “Upper Castle”, has one of the best views in the city of Prague. You can observe the city, as well as the Prague Castle from distance. The Basilica of St Peter and St Paul, and the Vysehrad Cemetery, containing the remains of many famous Czech people, are located within the castle.
- The National Theatre (Narodni Divadlo) is located by the Vltava River, and offers drama, opera and ballet performances. You can easily find tickets for the performances of famous plays during your stay in Prague.
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- Franz Kafka Museum: Prague cannot be thought without Kafka, and Kafka cannot be thought without Prague. As he wrote years ago “Prague never lets you go… this dear little mother has sharp claws”. And you will most likely have the same feelings during your visit in Prague! In the museum, there are a number of books, letters, and drawings created by Kafka.
- John Lennon Wall is a wall that has been filled with Beatles’ Lennon-inspired graffiti and lyrics from Beatles’ songs since the 80s. Today the wall represents the core global values, such as love and peace.
For Chilling & Eating Out
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- Naplavka is a long riverbank by the Vltava River, and a wonderful location for the locals and tourists visiting Prague. The cool atmosphere and calmly flowing Vltava River will make your day/night very relaxed.
- Kavarna Slavia is certainly one of my favorite spots in Prague. Its mesmerizing atmosphere, together with the live piano concerts performed every evening, makes you full of joy and happiness. The restaurant/cafe which is just a few steps away from the Vltava River and the National Theater is a wonderful place with great food, great deserts and very reasonable prices.
- Karlovy Lazne is a good spot for dancing and having a good time with your friends.
- Popo Cafe Petle is one of the bars with the cheapest prices in Prague. There are several branches in the city; some are close to the Old Town and the other close to the National Theatre.
- Jazz Republic is a great venue for listening to jazz bands in the Old Town. There is an entrence fee for the live concerts, but they also make discounts for students!
For Shopping
- Palladium and Narodni Trida are the main shopping places in the city. You can easily get around by using metro or trams. For Palladium, you can use Line B, and exit at the station ‘Namesti Republiky (Republic Square)’. For Narodni Trida, you can also use the same metro line, and exit at the station which has the same name.
What Can You Taste (*heavy breathing*)
Czech cuisine, which is influenced by the neighboring countries, is predominantly based on meat, and dumplings. Besides food, Czech beverages are also very diverse.
There are various brands of beers, as well as spirits, and wines. In Prague, there are also innumerous local breweries where you can join tours and taste different types of beers, from ale to lagers. A unique alcoholic beverage, Becherovka, is among the most well-known liquors and has a herbal taste like Jagermeister.
Czech cuisine, which is influenced by the neighboring countries, is predominantly based on meat, and dumplings. Besides food, Czech beverages are also very diverse.
There are various brands of beers, as well as spirits, and wines. In Prague, there are also innumerous local breweries where you can join tours and taste different types of beers, from ale to lagers. A unique alcoholic beverage, Becherovka, is among the most well-known liquors and has a herbal taste like Jagermeister.
- Roast Duck is among my favorite meals in Czech cuisine. It is served with a special sauce, bread or potato dumplings. The most reasonable price for a portion I have seen was in Kavarna Slavia.
- Svickova na Smetane is meat (pork or beaf) meal with a special sauce that is served with dumplings, cream and cranberries. It is very well-known, and almost all restaurants serving Czech cuisine have it on their menu.
- Apple Strudl is a popular pastry in the Czech Republic, similar to the German “Apflestrudel”. It is usually served with powdered sugar, and accompanied by tea or coffee.
Cesky Krumlov
Cesky Krumlov is a small town located in the south-west of the Czech Republic, close to the Austrian border. The historic center of Cesky Krumlov was declared World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1992.
As in Prague, the Vltava River runs through Cesky Krumlov. There are a great number of bars, cafes and restaurants in the town. You can also try rafting in the river, or prefer watching the people flowing with canoes ☺
You can get to this beautiful historic town either by train (Czech Railways) or bus (Student Agency) from Prague, which takes around 3 hours. You can easily see the city in one day, basically making a day-trip from Salzburg, Prague or Vienna.
Cesky Krumlov is a small town located in the south-west of the Czech Republic, close to the Austrian border. The historic center of Cesky Krumlov was declared World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1992.
As in Prague, the Vltava River runs through Cesky Krumlov. There are a great number of bars, cafes and restaurants in the town. You can also try rafting in the river, or prefer watching the people flowing with canoes ☺
You can get to this beautiful historic town either by train (Czech Railways) or bus (Student Agency) from Prague, which takes around 3 hours. You can easily see the city in one day, basically making a day-trip from Salzburg, Prague or Vienna.
Must-See Places
- Cesky Krumlov Castle is the most-visited landmark in the town. Entrance to and walking in the castle complex is free of charge, but you need to pay an admission fee for climbing the castle tower. The castle once belonged to the noble Schwarzenberg family, and now is dedicated to a museum. It is totally worth to go up to the castle, as the view of the town from the castle is just amazing!
- The historic center of Cesky Krumlov offers cobbled streets with innumerous antique and souvenir shops, cafes, bars, bakeries and restaurants. I was truly mesmerized by the architecture and cuteness of the houses. You can walk by the banks of the Vltava River, and pass through several parks located in the center.
Karlovy Vary
Mini Info about the City
Also known as ‘Karlsbad’ in German, the city of Karlovy Vary is located in the west of the Czech Republic, close to the German border. The city is famous for its hot spa and colorful architecture, and situated on the confluence of the rivers Ohre and Tepla.
Several notable writers, composers and politicians, such as Karl Marx, Tolstoy, Goethe, Beethoven, Emperor Franz Joseph I of Austria-Hungary, used to visit the city of Karlovy Vary.
You can get to the city either by train (Czech Railways) or bus (Student Agency) from Prague, which takes around 2 hours. You can easily see the city in one day, basically making a day-trip from Prague.
Mini Info about the City
Also known as ‘Karlsbad’ in German, the city of Karlovy Vary is located in the west of the Czech Republic, close to the German border. The city is famous for its hot spa and colorful architecture, and situated on the confluence of the rivers Ohre and Tepla.
Several notable writers, composers and politicians, such as Karl Marx, Tolstoy, Goethe, Beethoven, Emperor Franz Joseph I of Austria-Hungary, used to visit the city of Karlovy Vary.
You can get to the city either by train (Czech Railways) or bus (Student Agency) from Prague, which takes around 2 hours. You can easily see the city in one day, basically making a day-trip from Prague.
Must-See Places
- Mill Colonnade is a place for gathering, and there are bands playing during the summer. There are totally six springs in the colonnade.
- Hot Springs Colonnade is a hall located in the downtown of Karlovy Vary. There are small fountains where hot water comes out. The entrance is free of charge.
- Diana Lookout Tower is a tower on top of a hill in Karlovy Vary. You can take a funicular, or take a walk through the pathways in the forest. There is a café and a small zoo on the top. And below is an amazing panorama of the city!
- Church of St. Peter & St. Paul is a Byzantine-style Orthodox church, which was built in the 19th century. It is open daily from 9 am till 6 pm.
What Can You Taste (*heavy breathing*)
- Oplatky is a special wafer originated in the city of Karlovy Vary, but they can also be purchased throughout the Czech Republic. The most famous brand is ‘Kolonada’, and it comes in different flavors and colors.
Plzen
Mini Info about the City
Plzen is the 4th largest city of the Czech Republic, located 90 kilometers south-west of Prague. The famous “Pilsner beer”, which was created by a Bavarian brewer Josef Groll in the 19th century, is derived from the city’s name.
You can get to the city either by train (Czech Railways) or bus (Student Agency) from Prague, which takes around 1 hour. You can easily see the city in one day, basically making a day-trip from Prague.
Mini Info about the City
Plzen is the 4th largest city of the Czech Republic, located 90 kilometers south-west of Prague. The famous “Pilsner beer”, which was created by a Bavarian brewer Josef Groll in the 19th century, is derived from the city’s name.
You can get to the city either by train (Czech Railways) or bus (Student Agency) from Prague, which takes around 1 hour. You can easily see the city in one day, basically making a day-trip from Prague.
Must-See Places
- St. Bartholomew's Cathedral is a Gothic-style cathedral at the very center of the city. It was built in the 13th century. With over 100 meters long, its tower is the highest church tower in the Czech Republic.
- Namesti Republiky (Republic Square) is the main square of Plzen. The square forms the historical center of the city. The buildings in the square are of predominantly Gothic and Renaissance styles. The most remarkable landmarks in the square are the Renaissance-style Town Hall, and Gothic-style St. Bartholomew’s Cathedral.
- The Great Synagogue is the second largest synagogue in Europe, and third largest in the world. Its construction was completed in towards the end of 19th century.
- Brewery Museum: There are several breweries in the city of Plzen, but this one is a sophisticated museum of beers! The museum is very close to St. Bartholomew’s Cathedral. While visiting the museum, do not forget to take a tour to the historical underground network, where you will be able to see ancient system of cellars and tunnels of up to three levels. On the tour you will receive a beer voucher, in exchange for 33 cl of Pilsner Urquell beer ☺
Highlights