My final destination in my post-graduation European trip was Prague, the capital of the Czech Republic. There are many things to do in this city and I particularly like the variety in food, especially in meats. Duck, rabbit, deer, geese, and wild boar meat are quite common in restaurants throughout the city. From high-end restaurants to more casual dining places, Czech food offers a lot of variety. The Prague nightlife is also great, and I would sometimes have less time in the day to go sightseeing because I would return to my hotel late at night to catch up on sleep after an eventful evening.
One of the first places I visited in Prague was Prague Castle. The castle’s history dates back to 870, when it was first used as a church and a fort. The fort later became a medieval castle, and served as the residence of the Kings of Bohemia, the Holy Roman Emperors, the Presidents of Czechoslovakia, and currently it is the official office of the President of the Czech Republic.
Visiting Prague Castle was quite sentimental for me because I visited the castle when I was 15 and had fond memories of that visit. It was great to see it again and I had a sense of nostalgia walking around. Occasionally I would recognize something I remember from six years ago. Since the castle stands high upon a hill, I particularly enjoyed the great views of Prague while walking around the castle walls. Because of how large the castle is, sometimes I felt as if I was walking around a medieval city rather than an actual castle, especially because there were various buildings, churches, and even street markets throughout the castle complex.
Above: Me near the entrance of Prague Castle
Above: The interior of St. Vitus Cathedral, the cathedral inside Prague Castle
Above: Me enjoying the views at Prague Castle
While in Prague, I did a lot of walking around the city. Prague is very pedestrian friendly and its streets are lined with interesting stores and delicious restaurants.
Perhaps the most beautiful part of Prague I explored is the area along the shores of the Vltava River near the Charles Bridge. With the cool river breeze on a hot summer’s day, standing along the shores watching children feeding the geese and ducks, and admiring the magnificent Charles Bridge nearby, I felt like I was in a tranquil oasis within a bustling city. The shores were never too crowded, and the river was clear blue. It was relaxing to watch the boats go by and see the geese and ducks, while watching people strike elaborate poses on the rocks protruding from the river while taking photographs.
Above: A goose on the Vltava River near the Charles Bridge
And of course, the Charles Bridge is a spectacular landmark as well. For a bridge built in the early 15th century, the Charles Bridge is a remarkable piece of architecture that boasts tower entrances on both sides of the river (Old Town Bridge Tower and Malá Strana Bridge Tower) and is decorated with fine statues. The Charles Bridge is a major tourist attraction, and on each side of the bridge I enjoyed stunning views of the city and of the Vltava River.
Above: Charles Bridge
Two other bustling areas of Prague are Old Town Square and Wenceslas Square. Old Town Square is a beautiful place full of upscale stores and cafes situated inside classical buildings surrounding a large medieval town square. There is a marketplace in the town square itself with a lot of street food options. There are also beautiful churches around the Old Town Square area, such as the Church of Mother of God before Týn and St. Nicholas Church. The architecture around Old Town Square is truly amazing, and it made me feel like I was in a medieval city even when I was in a modern Starbucks café. I didn’t spend a lot of time exploring Wenceslas Square but it is also a vibrant place. Wenceslas Square is more modern, and shows the newer side of Prague. I personally prefer Old Town Square.
Above: Old Town Square
Above: Wenceslas Square
Prague is a city with something to offer for everyone. If you like sightseeing, Prague has some of the most beautiful and historical landmarks in all of Europe. If you like food, the restaurants and street food in Prague are varied and delicious. If you like nightlife, Prague is a party city where you can enjoy yourself well into the early hours of the morning. I had the pleasure of enjoying all these things while I was in Prague, and am glad that I ended my post-graduation trip in such a phenomenal city.