Czech

Czech food is quite heavy and basic really. Flavors don’t change that much. Beef is not a common meat, and its quality is generally substandard compared to other countries I’ve visited. I think more attention is paid to crafting wonderful beers. Pork is a big favorite and very good.

Street food is mostly sausage and pork oriented. It is quite inexpensive and usually pretty darn tasty.

I really enjoyed U Medvidku for typical Czech fare. They have a good selection of beers, too. It’s a really relaxed atmosphere. If you don’t smoke, walk through the first dining area to the rear where you’ll find the nonsmoking section.

For some reason, the nonsmoking section in Czech restaurants usually includes a trek through a smoke-filled room.

If you’re in the mood for trying some of the less-common beers, head on over to the Prague Beer Museum pub. Their beer menu is quite plentiful, and taste sizes cost around $1 for most of them. Their food is average, but their beers are wonderful. Make sure to have cash on hand, though. They don’t accept credit cards.

Bagels

Of course these deserve their own category! After sampling bagels from various shops, I give the blue ribbon to Bohemia Bagel. They have two stores, and I visited both of them. In the name of research, of course. The store at their Masna location (metro station Staroměstská) is by far the best one. Since it’s also very close to the big square, that’s an extra nice part.

They have some great bagels and bagel sandwiches, but they also have some other great food. I had a delicious walnut fudge pie while picking up my last batch of bagels. It tasted even better than it looked.

Mexican food

There are various Mexican restaurants, more than I expected to be honest. Most seem to be selling tourist-type fare (what some expats call Czexican) which is a big turnoff for me.  We only found one restaurant that was really good, but it appears they are no longer open.

For a fast food version of Mexican cuisine, we were pretty pleased with Burrito Loco. They offer burritos that are very reminiscent of the Chipotle chain back in the US. They get an extra bonus for carrying our favorite Mexican beer—Sol.

They’re also open 24 hours in case you get a late-night craving or need to get some food in you as you’re stumbling back home from a bit too much nightlife.

Their Štefánikova location (tram stop Andel) also has a small shop selling things like true hot sauce which is hard to find.

Asian

Chinese

We’ve been to a couple of fairly good Chinese places. Expat friends tell me all the restaurants have similar quality, but I can definitely recommend Restaurace Stesti. And the “strange taste” chicken really doesn’t taste all that strange. Nearest metro stop is Hradčanská.

Indian

We’ve only been to one restaurant serving strictly Indian food, and that was Indian by Nature II (metro Hradčanská). During the week they offer an inexpensive lunch buffet which was really quite good.

Thai

This is one of my favorite cuisines, and I tend to be rather picky about Thai food. Yam Yam had really good food that was very similar to what we had while in Thailand, although a bit sweeter and less spicy.

If you’re visiting on a weekend night, make sure to reserve a table in advance. The restaurant is small, popular, and near a concert venue.

Vietnamese

On the outskirts of town in the Praha-Libus area, you’ll find what an area I call Little Vietnam. It is a Vietnamese community of shops, markets, and restaurants. Most of the restaurants are hole-in-the-wall places. If you’ve been craving pho, you’ll want to come here!

You’ll want to arrive at the bus stop Sídliště Písnice. You’ll see a small plaza advertising Vietnamese food. Go through the building to the other side, and you’ll see the complex just past the restaurant and hotel.

Middle Eastern

There are plenty of places selling doner and foods of that nature; however, Klub Cestovalelu (metro/tram: Narodni divadlo) is worth a visit. Their menu is more than just Middle Eastern, and it is quite tasty.

If insects are your thing, I have a friend who recommends their worms. I’ll pass.

Some of their a la carte options are a bit weird, though. For instance, neither pita nor bread come with the humus, and it’s about $1 a piece for pita!

Dessert

There are tons of bakeries around, and restaurants often have a great selection of desserts; however, if you want something a bit more special, Ovocny Svetozor is the place you want to go.

They have several locations, and due to its justifiable popularity you should expect to have to wait in line for a bit. Their cakes, torts, and ice cream are all quite good.

If you’ve been there, which Prague food is your favorite?

Being a fan of the macabre, I just had to go there. And since it is so darn unique, I drug Tigger along.

“But I’m tired of seeing churches!”

“Yes, I know, but this church is basically made from bones. There are skulls and stuff everywhere. You won’t see anything else like it anywhere else in the world.”

Begrudgingly, he consented. A promise of hot chocolate may have been mentioned.

Rather than take one of the many tours offered all over the historic section in Prague, we hopped on the train. The ossuary is in the area known as Sedlec, and I was grateful for the Google Maps app because the signage after we got off the bus was not helpful in finding the bone chapel.

Of course, Google isn’t without its own challenges, and there may have also been a few choice words uttered rather loudly as the app had us going in circles for the hundredth time yet again.

As we approached the small chapel, winter’s denuded trees helped create a Halloweenesque creepiness.

As soon as we entered the chapel, Tigger was glad he had joined me. Even though he hadn’t had his hot chocolate yet.

One immediately gets the sense that someone had a really interesting sense of humor. Or they had issues. The job of organizing the bones most recently fell to a woodcarver in 1870. Who knows if some of these interesting designs should be credited to him or the half-blind monk who had been assigned to exhume skeletons in the early 16th century.

It was either art or an interesting obsession, but either way it’s a fascinating experience to walk around the small building. Normally an interior this small wouldn’t take much time to go through, but the intricate displays require you to slow down and look closely so as not to miss anything.

Tigger ended up really enjoying checking it all out. He found it to be quite interesting but doesn’t recommend bringing your 5-year-old “unless you just really want to be mean and scare the crap out of them.”

Tips for Visiting Kutna Hora

At the ossuary, you have the option of paying for a hop on/hop off shuttle to take you to some of the other sites in the area, including a stop at the train station. You might want to really consider it. The bus system in town can be a little confusing, and there are some sites you may want to check out (keep reading).

Having said that, it really isn’t a huge city. You can easily walk from the ossuary to the historic section where most of the interesting areas are located. We visited everything on foot, but by the time we were done and were sitting around waiting for a bus back to the train station, which doesn’t pass very often (at least not this particular line), I wished we had just forked over the extra money for the shuttle.

It was also cold that day which probably does affect my advice.

The bone church is open daily, except on December 24th. Their website is a good place to check hours and fees. Admission was 90 CZK (about $4.25 USD) for adults. They list months using Roman numerals for some reason.

The historic center and the Church of St. Barbara, and everything in between, are UNESCO Heritage sites. While the historic area is fairly typical of other similar areas in Czech, the Church of St. Barbara and the walk there are really worth the effort.

Would you visit the bone church in Kutna Hora?

Not the typical things to do in Prague

We were enjoying enough of the other activities that we didn’t avail ourselves of these opportunities, but they’re stil worth mentioning.

• Indoor skydiving. You get to experience a free fall that would be similar to jumping out of a plane, but you’re a lot closer to the ground and in a contained environment. Think you might like to skydive and just want a taste? This is your thing
• Driving a tank. Ever watched a war movie and thought to yourself “I bet driving a tank would be fun!” Well, now you can find out for yourself. There is actually more than one business offering this opportunity, so make sure to shop around.
• Shooting an AK-47 and some other guns. While many shooting ranges offer the chance to fire off a pistol or shotgun, getting the chance to shoot an AK-47 is a bit less common. If you want something a bit tamer, there are also plenty of places offering both indoor and outdoor paintball facilities.

Historical areas

Prague is absolutely full of history. As a country, the Czech Republic has been occupied by many foreign nations, and some of those experiences have left indelible marks on the culture. Amazingly, the Paris of the East didn’t suffer the damage to buildings that many neighboring countries did during World War II.

Jewish Quarter

A large population of Jews has been in Prague since at least the 10th century. As is common with Jewish communities throughout history, they have experienced many ups and downs in Prague. The area known as Josefov has become almost entirely swallowed up by the old town of the city. However, there are some interesting buildings and other sites worth visiting.

Unfortunately, admission to the Old New Synagogue is quite steep in my opinion at about $10 USD per adult for just the synagogue. Some of the other sites are even more expensive, and you can expect to pay for photography rights as well. There are some discounts offered if you’re buying a combination ticket.

If, however, you’re like me and refuse to spend that much money to walk into a small synagogue, walk around the neighborhood. There is still plenty to see.

Prague Castle

This area is absolutely gorgeous. Make sure to check out my guide to getting around Prague for a tip on how to visit the castle area without climbing a bazillion stairs.

We didn’t go inside the castle because Tigger is “castled out,” but I visited the grounds and the neighborhood near the castle multiple times and absolutely loved it.

Make sure to visit the Gate of Giants. It’s fairly impressive and something you just really need to see. You can also have a Buckingham Palace-like experience with the guards as they do not move or interact with visitors.

Make sure to visit the cathedral as well. It is absolutely gorgeous.

Afterward, I recommend walking past the Gate of Giants and into the local neighborhood. Follow the street around the Loreto area for some very fascinating medieval buildings and roads as well as a rather unique church.

Old Town

The square is especially enjoyable around holidays and on the weekend when it fills with street performers, street food, and more. The architecture will have your head swinging from side to side as you try to catch sight of every statue, Baroque painting, and so on.

The Charles Bridge is well known, and even though it is chock full of tourists, you really need to visit it and walk across. It is full of statues spaced about a meter apart, and they’re extremely interesting to view. You can also get some nice views here.

If you want to get some good photos of the bridge, you’ll need to visit the bridge very early in the morning or during crap weather. Otherwise it is packed full of tourists and vendors.

The astronomical clock is located in the square. You will see tons of people milling about as it gets close to the hour. The clock puts on quite a show for its audience. It would be worth getting there at least 15-20 minutes before the hour so you can get a front-row experience. During high season, you’ll want to get there even earlier I imagine.

Vysehrad

This old fort was likely built around the 10th century. One of my favorite parks is located up the hill. Additionally, the gothic Basilica of Sts. Peter and Paul is definitely worth a visit. I’ve visited lots of cathedrals all over the world, and this one rates highly in my opinion. It has a very unique interior that just shouldn’t be missed. Admission is about $1.50 USD.

I was stunned by the presence of art nouveau, Gothic, and Baroque artwork throughout the interior. It’s really quite exquisite. While we were there during low season, I got the impression it doesn’t get as many visitors as some of the more popular and more visible churches in Prague.

Behind the church is a cemetery with some of the most famous Czechs, and there are some beautiful murals and architecture to be seen there as well.

In the park next to the basilica, you’ll find large statues dedicated to four legendary Czech heroes.

You will occasionally spot a set of stairs going below ground level. These are where you can find remnants of old foundations and some of the buildings that used to be found here.

Look for the remains of the watchtower. There you’ll be able to find a hole in the old bath floor. Apparently, one of the princesses used to amuse herself by putting lovers she was bored with in this hole and dumping them into the river below.

Keep your eyes pealed for the famed Devil’s Pillars, too. There is a cool local legend about them. Historians have differing opinions. They aren’t all that impressive structurally or artistically, but they appear so random it’s worth noting them as you pass by.

This is a great place to bring a picnic, but there are also places around to get food and drinks, including beer. It IS Czech after all.

Letna Park

This stunning beauty is located on a hill overlooking the river and the city of Prague. The park is an attraction in itself, but when you factor in the amazing views, you’ll want to add this to your must-do list.

Getting here by public transportation isn’t always the easiest thing to figure out. I recommend using tram stop Korunovační. Multiple trams come here, and it gives you a nice flat walk into the park. It’s great to walk through the park, find the metronome monument, and walk downhill from here. This will take you to the Czech parliament building and offers a great walk along the river not too far from the historic area.

Green Belts

Prague has multiple small woods and green spaces, most of which also include great paths for bicycling, rollerblading, etc. We love just walking along the paths.

The woods by where we lived are quite lovely with numerous dirt paths. It’s a bit tricky to get to, but the nearest bus stop is Lhotecký les. It’s about 20-30 minutes from town.

If you head to the bus stop Zátišská, you’ll find an even larger green space with various bodies of water.

These two areas above are rarely ever visited by tourists, so you won’t have major crowds and will get a great taste of local culture. There are plenty of Czech restaurants around here as well.

Little Vietnam

Some of the locals know this by the name Sapa (sah-pah). The Little Vietnam title was coined by me, but when I’ve said it many people knew what I meant. This is a really fun little area to visit. It reminded us both of our time in Vietnam. There are some great Asian grocery stores here, and there are tons of small eateries where you can get seriously authentic Vietnamese food.

This area is located on the outskirts of Prague. The nearest bus station is Sídliště Písnice. It will take you about 30-40 minutes to get here from the old town, possibly longer depending on when you’re traveling.

When you get off the bus, you’ll notice a small shopping plaza with an advertisement for a Vietnamese restaurant. Go through the shopping building and exit on the other side. Walk past the restaurant and hotel, and you’ll find it easily. We really enjoyed visiting here, but if you haven’t been to Vietnam it may not be as interesting to you.

Families

While most of the above activities are great with children, there are a couple of others you may want to check out. One is the Prague Zoo. Plan on spending most of the day here. It’s a big zoo! Food and drinks are about the same as what you’d find anywhere else, which is quite nice.

When taking the metro, look for the zoo animal icons on the metro maps to spot the correct stop. It’s pretty noticeable. Once in the station, follow the signs to the bus for the zoo. You really can’t miss the stop.

One of the other more unusual kid-friendly venues is the Museum of Special Effects. It’s a small exhibit, but kids can get hands-on with some of the special effects and find themselves in some movies. The museum is really pretty fun, and they have some outdoor activity areas that kids love, too.

Concerts & Sports

Prague has been a cultural seat of Europe for decades. Here you will find modern & classic theater, dance, opera and similar productions. In addition, the city attracts a lot of big names. While we were there, Trans-Siberian Orchestra and Depeche Mode had concerts.

The site Prague Events Calendar is a great one to check to see all the various things that are going on in Prague. Everything from classes and small festivals to larger productions.

If you’re into hockey, you’re in the right country. Czechs are serious about their hockey.

Explore

One of our favorite ways of visiting a city is to just get out and walk or jump on a bus, tram, or train and get off at a random stop. There are plenty of neighborhoods packing surprises for you in Prague. Make sure to plan some time just walking around aimlessly.

What are your favorite things to do in Prague?

Architecture

Prague has some of the most beautiful buildings I’ve ever seen. It can be difficult keeping focused on the walkway while going through the older neighborhoods. Buildings are often adorned with fantastic paintings and/or statues. Your neck gets a workout as you shift your attention between the sidewalk and the buildings surrounding you.

Naturally, the wonderful architecture extends to some of the more modern constructs as well.

Art

In addition to the fanciful adornments on buildings, Prague has some beautiful sculptures as well as some rather random art installations.

Weekend Life on the Square

Czechs love being outdoors, and when the weather cooperates the square positively comes alive. We’ve had a week of springlike weather, and it was something to be celebrated for sure.

Parks with gorgeous views of Prague

As is typical of any European city, there are plenty of parks here. Some are small green areas in a square or neighborhood while others are huge and offer plenty of trails for bicycles, rollerblading, and so on. Vysherad and Letna are particularly well situated to provide absolutely stunning views of the city in beautiful surroundings. Letna is extremely popular during warmer weather.

You can also find some great views from outside the castle entrance on the hill.

Places of worship

Prague was an especially important spot in its earlier history. It has attracted many cultures over the centuries. While most large European cities have their share of churches and the like, the Paris of the East seems to have had an extra portion of beautiful and unique structures.

And not to be outdone by humans

Need I go on?

And its beauty is only part of why I love Prague so much.

Prague immediately grabbed me. Paris is one of my absolutely favorite cities in the world. While there are similarities, Prague has a different, relaxed feeling to it. It’s a big city that feels like a small one. And the fantastic and affordable transportation system helps it feel even smaller.

It’s no surprise I fell in love so quickly.

Being an international city, it’s so incredibly easy to find people who speak English. It’s to the point where I don’t even ask people if they speak English first. I just go up to them and start talking. I rarely ever encounter someone without even a basic level of English.

Which is a good thing since Czech is one of the harder languages to learn for native English speakers.

Living expenses in Prague

One of the things I love about Czech’s capital is the charming, old world feel combined with modern amenities. Unlike Paris’s metro, the trains are newer and the underground stations don’t have the faint-to-strong aroma of urine. The Prague system is also about one third cheaper than Paris. If you buy a month’s pass, it’s even less.

Cheaper is another lovely theme in the Paris of the East, especially if you get outside the tourist zone. We live in a 2-bedroom apartment on the outskirts of town. We pay just over $600 USD per month for our apartment, which also includes a washing machine, all utilities, and high-speed internet, and they do a thorough clean of the apartment every 2 weeks. We could certainly find something less expensive, though. Rent is quite reasonable here.

We spend about $100 USD on groceries per week, including alcohol, and that’s for 2 people (though not the alcohol), one of whom is a teenage boy. Occasionally we’ll buy some imported foods (like cheddar cheese), and naturally that will add a bit to our grocery bill, but it still isn’t too bad.

From what I’ve heard from some expats in long-term leases, utilities are quite affordable as well.

You don’t need a car. A month unlimited pass for the metro/tram/bus system is $33 USD; however, if you’re here for a while you can get a hold of an Open Card which makes it even cheaper.

Here’s a big win for families: If you have children younger than 15, the Open Card allows them to use the transportation system for free!

Entertainment

This is a very cultural city. There are world-class musical performances like orchestra and opera. And Praha attract big names. While here, Tigger attended his first concert when we saw Trans-Siberian Orchestra. Later I relived the pleasant parts of my middle and high school years by attending an outstanding, sold-out concert by Depeche Mode.

There are plenty of cinemas here, and we have been able to see newly released movies around the same time they’ve shown up in the States. Most of the time they are in English with Czech subtitles. After seeing a 3D movie in the IMAX theater, we decided we need to bring earplugs next time. We both had headaches from the loud volume. Thankfully, the non-IMAX theaters don’t blow your eardrums out.

Movie tickets aren’t cheap, but they’re less than the US as are snacks and drinks. We usually end up paying around $25 total for 2 tickets, 2 large drinks, and 2 medium-sized popcorns. And these are nice, clean, new theaters with comfortable chairs and reserved seating.

There are plenty of activities in town as well—Go-Karting, indoor skydiving, paintball, shooting ranges (you can even shoot an AK-47 if that’s your thing), and many more.

Technology

For many people doing long-term travel, there is a big need to be connected. I “work” online, so it’s important to me to have good access and good speeds. Tigger does his education online as well as keeps in touch with his friends. So it’s a biggie for us. Thankfully, it definitely is not a problem here. It is super easy to find free WiFi all over the city, and most accommodations provide free WiFi as well. If you are buying it for your home, it’s extremely reasonable.

I bought a local SIM through Vodafone since I had a good experience with them in Romania. A plan giving you 250 MB of data is about $30 per month. There is a daily plan where you don’t pay for data unless you connect to it. That gives you 25 MB a day and costs just over $1 per day of use.

Calls and SMS are pretty darn cheap. You can top up your account easily. There are places almost everywhere you turn selling cards. You can also top up online.

If you have a Czech phone, you can  buy your transportation tickets via SMS (although you can’t buy discounted fares with this method). The pass is cheaper, but if you end up in a situation where buying a pass isn’t the best plan, this is pretty handy and keeps you from having to make sure you have tons of change in your pockets, etc.

There are some great apps for getting around Prague, doing a self-guided tour, and so on.

Buying electronics is more expensive in the Czech Republic, so you probably won’t want to plan on doing that kind of shopping here. Many locals take the train into Germany to do their shopping for things like clothes and electronics and return the same day.

Food

Prague basically has something for everyone. We’ve found good Chinese, Thai, Mexican (which totally shocked me), Italian, Spanish, and so on. It’s an international city, and you can find almost anything you’d want food-wise.

Have you heard the rumor about how beer is cheaper than bottled water? It’s pretty much true. And it’s good beer! You can also find beer virtually anywhere, and you won’t be judged if you ask for a beer at 11 AM. *cough*

Street food won’t be as diverse as places like SE Asia, but you probably would already expect that. Most street food fare will be sausages, hot dogs, and meat on a stick.

Outdoors life

Czechs thoroughly enjoy the outdoors. There are plenty of greenbelts, gorgeous parks, bicycle paths (including a rather impressive bicycle pathway system leading all over the city, even into the suburbs), and so on. Prague is a very pedestrian-friendly city.

The city is also close to great ski areas for winter fun.

During the warmer months, you’ll find people rowing boats and canoes in the river.

Prague as a travel base

Trains within Czech are extremely budget friendly, clean, mostly on schedule, and just a pleasure to travel on. You can leave Prague by train and be in many wonderful locations (both domestic and international) within hours.

Prague’s airport also has a great selection of low-cost airfares.

Prague may not be “perfection,” but I’m going to say it’s pretty darn close!

Have you been to Praha? What’s your favorite memory?

Prague is a big city with a small-town feel. Its public transportation system includes buses, tram, and the metro. We live on the outer edge of the city, and we can usually be in the center city in less than half an hour, and that includes taking at least one bus and one metro train. The transportation system is quite affordable, too.

The city is also pretty pedestrian friendly.

Planning your journey in Prague

I have found this website to be quite helpful in looking up transit times, routes, and it also will tell you the fare. It’s very user friendly and informative. This will be one of your friends while exploring Prague.

Once on the road, there are different apps to help you along. Google Maps is very reliable at showing you routes; however, their time estimates are usually at least 20 minutes longer than what the actual trip will take.

My personal favorite app is Pubtran. It’s very user friendly, doesn’t use up a lot of data, and has some very nice features. In comparing with some other apps, I like its interface better, and its schedule information is more accurate than some of the others I’ve tried. It doesn’t work offline, so you will need either data or WiFi to look something up. This app will also provide you with schedules for other cities, show you where the nearest stations are, and even show you schedules for trains between cities.

Getting tickets

Most journeys will cost you 24 CZK (about $1.21), and children 6 and over receive a 50% discounted fare. These tickets are valid for 30 minutes from the time of validation. You can buy tickets at machines in the metro stations, ticket windows, and at tobacco shops. These tickets have to be validated before you use them, so it’s easy to buy a bunch to always have on hand.

Children: Up to age 6 travel for free. On public holidays, Saturdays, and Sundays, however, 1 child up to the age of 15 may travel with an adult (traveling with a pre-paid ticket) for free.

If your journey will be 30-90 minutes, then the fare is 32 CZK for adults. Check out this page for a complete breakdown of fares, tickets, and passes.

If you’re going to be in Prague for an extended time (2 weeks or more), consider getting a monthly pass. Even if you only do one roundtrip 30-minute journey per day, the pass will pay for itself in just under 2 weeks. Plus you won’t have to deal with making sure you have coins, hoping the ticket window is open only to find they’re out to lunch or closed, etc.

In the metro stations, you will find ticket-vending machines. Most of them only accept coins. At first, they may seem a bit daunting as there are many buttons. They’re actually pretty easy once you get the hang of them.

1. Press the button for English
2. Select the fare (24 kc is for 30 mins or less, 32 kc for 30-90 mins) by pressing the appropriately marked button. If you need more than one ticket, simply press the button once more per ticket. You’ll see the price displayed in the small window above the buttons. If you’re adding a discounted ticket, press the button that says Zvyhodnena (upper right) followed by the same fare button you used previously. For instance, if I was buying a 30-minute ticket for Tigger and I, I would press the 24kc button once, press the discounted button, and would then press the 24kc button again. The price in blue is for adults and the price in green is for discounted fares.
3. The total price will be listed in the window. Put in your coins at this point. If you wait too long, it will cancel the order and you’ll have to start over, so I usually pull out my change and have it ready to go before I begin.
4. Wait for it to print your tickets. If you are expecting change, it will drop in the same section as the tickets at the bottom of the machine.
5. Validate your ticket at the machine with a lit arrow at the entrance to the metro steps/escalators or with the similar machines located on the bus or tram.

As the tickets are time based, you don’t have to worry about transfers. You can ride as many metro trains, buses, or trams as you wish within the time frame for the fare you’ve paid.

Prague metro

There are 3 lines for the metro: A (green), B (yellow), and C (red). There are plenty of maps in the stations and on trains to make thing easy for you. Metros, buses, and trams all have an electronic display and a voice that announces the next stop. The newer buses have a display that shows you the next 4 stops which is quite handy.

The simple maps on the metro are color coded and also have silhouettes of famous landmarks to help you know which stop is closest.

Most of the trains are modern, and they’re all quite clean and comfortable.

When you spot a metro station, it will have a big stylized arrow pointing down, and the sign will be the color of the line. So if you spot a yellow arrow, you know that station is on the B line. In the popular historic area, brown street signs will have a colored letter (like a red C) pointing in the direction of the station. It’s really quite a handy setup.

Tourism tips

If you wish to visit the Prague castle, the easiest thing to do is take the metro to the Malostranska (line A) station. Cross the street to the island in the road and catch the 22 tram (heading in the direction up the hill) and get off at Pražský Hrad or Pohorelec (the neighborhood just outside the main gates). This will save your knees and lungs from having to climb the big hill with a ton of steps.

The nearest station to the famous St. Charles Bridge is Staromestska (line A). This is the same metro station if you want to visit the historic square where the astronomical clock tower is located.

The main train station is Hlavní nádraž (line C). The buses heading to the airport are also located near here.

I definitely recommend visiting the Vysherad area with its wonderful fortress and gorgeous basilica. The metro station is the C line and has the same name as the region. There are signs directing you to the Vysherad fortress, and it’s a short walk from the metro. There’s also a great Thai restaurant outside this station.

Do you have any special tips for getting around Prague via public transportation?

American (and British) foods

Hamburgers, french fries, and fried chicken seem to be rather ubiquitous in all four corners of the world. Bagels and Lucky Charms? Not so much. Being such an international and expat-filled city, I figured someone would be smart enough to tap into that niche market, and boy was I right!

The Candy Store (a rather odd name considering what they stock) is THE place to find the foods you’re craving.

While Brits, Aussies, and Kiwis can find vegemite and marmite in the Tesco stores, this establishment has a broad selection of other British foods.

There are a few locations, but I have learned that the Vinohrady store is 80% British foods while the Na Rybníčku shop sells mostly American products.

It isn’t just candy and sugary cereals either. They have tons of products like salad dressings, beverages, baking products, and even frozen dinners and meats (like sliced HoneyBaked ham).

And, yes, they also have Lucky Charms.

Considering that these items are imported, the prices are surprisingly reasonable.

Bagels

Yes, we finally have our bagels!

And just because we care so much about you, our dear readers, we visited several different places to make sure our recommendations reflected only the highest quality. You’re welcome.

The best place for bagels in Prague is Bohemia Bagel. They have a few locations, but the one in the Masna area of Praha 1 wins the blue ribbon. They have the best selection, the bagels taste fresher, and they seem to be better staffed than the other shops which means wait time is significantly reduced. They have wonderful bagel sandwiches, too. I recommend the turkey club (pictured above).

Prices for bagels are very reasonable. Sandwiches are a bit more pricey but normal for the area.

They also advertise free international calls to the US and Canada. They do have free WiFi in all their shops, and it’s pretty decent.

Mexican food cravings

We adore Mexican food. It’s one of our favorite cuisines, and it’s very difficult to find authentic Mexican food (sorry, but nachos and burritos are not really Mexican food). It’s even worse if you’re like me and are a Mexican food snob.

I am not ashamed to admit this either.

One day we were walking around exploring when I spotted a sign proclaiming they sold tacos, and the name of the restaurant was El Paisa. I crossed the street to look at their menu, and my jaw dropped. These were not the usual offerings I see in wannabe Mexican joints!

We entered and were greeted by someone who appeared to be Mexican. We started chatting in Spanish, and I discovered that all their staff and owners are indeed from Mexico. Needless to say we sat down and ordered.

This was the best Mexican food I’ve had outside Mexico! They even had totopos (tortilla chips) and habañero sauce!

And their flan was the best I’ve ever had, and I’ve eaten a lot of flan in my life.

You’ll find them near the Vysherad.

If you’re craving Mexican fast food, we ran into Burrito Loco. These are a decent imitation of Chipotle burritos, although not quite as fat. Not only is the place open 24 hours, but they also have our favorite Mexican beer Sol.

They have a few locations in Prague. We ate at the one on Masna, which is next door to our favorite bagel shop.

Thai food

This is probably my absolute favorite cuisine, although it’s hard for me to pick just one favorite. It can be rather difficult to find a good version of Thai food, especially if you’ve been to Thailand.

We stepped off the metro at the Vysherad station only to find a small restaurant called Yam Yam. Since it was dinnertime, we decided to check it out. Well, I did. Tigger doesn’t share my affinity for Thai food. Yet.

I was pleasantly surprised at how good it was! The food tasted fairly close to what we had in Thailand, although it was a bit sweeter and not nearly as spicy. Still, if you’re craving Thai this is a great place to have it. Some expat friends who have lived in Prague for 3 years also recommend this as the best Thai in Prague.

If you’ll be visiting for dinner, especially on a weekend night, I highly recommend making reservations. They are quite popular, and the restaurant is small.

Meat lovin’

Like many Eastern European countries, Czech has a fondness for pork. Beef seems to be rather rare, and it’s often not very good. When we were preparing to celebrate our 1000th day of travel, I searched for a place that would be special but still reasonably priced.

During my research, I found Ambiente Brasileiro which is a churrascaria. Churrasco is a particular style of cooking, and these restaurants are great because they tend to be a meat lover’s paradise. Servers walk around with skewers of various types of meat. They stop at your table and offer you some slices. It’s a great way to sample a wide variety.

There was quite the assortment of meat, including excellent beef. Fish lovers/pescatarians aren’t left out either.

As is typical, this restaurant has a nice salad bar as well as a sushi bar, which are all included in the buffet price. Their dessert menu is separate from the buffet.

This is not a cheap place, but I felt like the quality and service were a good match. We ate like kings (including paying extra for a sumptuous dessert), and I drank. . . well, a lot of cocktails, and our final bill, after a rather generous tip, was $94 USD.

The full buffet price is about $34 USD (told you it wasn’t cheap). Children are charged less, and if you arrive and finish before 6 PM, the charge is around $25 for adults. Drinks aren’t included, but you can get tap water for free.

There is also a salad bar-only option which is cheaper and includes the sushi bar.

If you’re celebrating something special, are looking for a romantic night out, or just want to splurge, I highly recommend this place. The food was excellent, the cocktails were great, and the service was impeccable (especially compared to typical Eastern European restaurant service).

What food cravings do you get when you’re on the road?

We were already in Brno, a train ride lasting less than 1-1/2 hours from Vienna. Olomouc is located about 1-1/2 hours from Brno, so I figured what did we have to lose? Since it had been a while since we had couchsurfed, I decided to make an attempt and we found a host pretty easily. Apparently, the couchsurfing community in Olomouc is fairly active.

The city has a year-round population of 102,000 people, but it grows by 30,000 when the universities are in session. She began with the immigration of Slavs during the 6th century.

The region has an unfortunate history of anti-Semitism. Jews began inhabiting the area in the 900s. In 1060, they were forced into a ghetto and forced to wear yellow badges, a practice that Hitler would emulate almost 900 years later. In 1454, the Jews were expelled. Another wave would return in the late 1890s. As tensions with the ethnic Germans in the area during World War II increased, the area experienced its own Kristallnacht, and the synagogue was destroyed. Later 800 Jewish men would be arrested and many of them sent to Dachau. Soon after, the rest would be sent to other concentration camps in Poland. Fewer than 300 of the town’s Jews survived.

Olomouc has a rather fortunate geographical placement, especially for using it as a base of travel. Within 3 hours by train you can be in a number of places in Europe. The Czech train system is pretty good and very affordable, so it’s a perfect combination.

Considering this fact and that it is second only to Prague in the amount of its historical monuments, I was a bit surprised to find that it gets comparatively little tourism.

As we toured the old town with our hosts, and I viewed the wonderful fountains and beautiful architecture, I was even more amazed that Olomouc remains fairly undiscovered on the tourism path.

Located prominently within the square is the Holy Trinity Column. It is the largest Baroque sculptural group in the Republic, and in 2000 it became a UNESCO World Heritage site. Not only is it impressive to look at, but it is also probably the only Holy Trinity column in Europe that also has an inner chapel.

Attached to the beautiful town hall building is an astronomical clock. Rumored to have been built in the mid 1400s, historical documentation places its construction in 1517. The clock is a must-see when visiting Olomouc. It is extremely beautiful and has remarkable details. While it gorgeous, it lacks its former beauty. As the Nazis withdrew from the area, they fired on the clock, and only a few pieces remain. The Soviets rebuilt the clock, but it bears their Communist mark extensively.

While exploring the old town, I would highly recommend stopping by the Saint Wenceslas Cathedral (Katedrála Sv. Václava in Czech). The cathedral has been rebuilt at least a few times during its history, with the last major reconstruction effort completed in 1892. Although she does appear much older.

For tremendous views of the city, visit the Church of Saint Maurice and climb the tower. Admission is by honor system and costs 20 CZK per person (about $1 USD), and students and pensioners pay half that.

Other things to do in Olomouc

There is a zoo and aquarium in the city that is quite reasonably priced (80 CZK for adults and 50 for kids). We didn’t have time to visit there, so I can’t really comment on its merits, and unfortunately its website is only available in Czech or Polish.

The city has some surprisingly beautiful parks, one of which runs along the defensive walls of the town. It is absolutely gorgeous and has a wonderful asphalt pavement for bikes, scooters, roller skates, etc.

If you’re a more active person, there is a nice system of bike paths, some of which are themed.

Aquapark

Outside the main area of town is the Aquapark, a sprawling complex that has heated indoor and outdoors pools, massage pools, as well as some spa services. The kid’s area is fabulous with sprayers, things to climb on, a stream channel (a nice current that is fun to ride in), water cannon, and 2 impressive indoor waterslides. During the summer, the outdoor pool has some larger slides. There is also a swim-through connection between the indoor and outdoor pools. For smaller children, there is a separate toddler-safe pool. We were pretty impressed, and Tigger gave it an 8/10.

Even their website is pretty cool. You can visit the site to check the water temperatures for the different pools and even find out how many visitors are currently enjoying the pools so that you can plan accordingly. The cheapest rates are at night followed by earlier in the day. They’re open from 9 AM to 9 PM, so you have lots of flexibility.

Lockers are included in the admission price, and they are operated by the chip bracelet you are given to wear while in the park.

Fees vary by the length and time of your visit and the day of the week. We paid for a 3-hour visit during the peak time (between 2 and 7:30 PM). It was 230 CZK ($11.47) for me and 150 CZK for Tigger. There are different price ranges for children, so make sure to check out their site. Also, there is a family rate if you have at least 2 adults.

Visiting in winter

While it’s still a great place to visit in winter, keep in mind you will be missing out on some of the best offerings in the region. Unfortunately, the caves, castles, some of the UNESCO sites, etc., are closed during the winter.

Food

One of the things I really enjoyed about Olomouc was the international flare. Being a university town, there are lots of hip cafes, teahouses (including one called Dobrá čajovna that serves incredibly low-priced sushi between 6-9 PM), and international restaurants.

Naturally, you’ll also find a great assortment of pubs serving fabulous Czech beer and wonderful local cuisine.

The bottom line

So, should you plan on visiting Olomouc while in the Czech Republic?

If you’re still asking that question, you need to go back to the top and read this post again! YES! In fact, if your time is limited in the country, I’d place Olomouc high up on the list. It’s a beautiful town with a great vibe and is a must-visit while in Czech.

Have you been to Olomouc? Have any great recommendations?

Prague, one of the most beautiful, if not the most beautiful, cities in Europe is a must-visit place during everyone’s European journey. The city of 100 spires can easily impress with its unquestioned beauty of narrow streets, baroque churches, huge castle on the hill, mediaeval Charles Bridge and the overall bohemian atmosphere. People come to Prague, fall in love with it, and leave the Czech Republic assuring themselves they’ll come back as soon as possible. No one can resist the magic of Prague, but the Czech Republic is so much more than its capital city! It’s definitely worth staying in the country for a couple of extra days to explore other cities, too.

Kutna Hora

Located 70 km east of Prague, it makes a perfect day trip from the capital. This charming town used to be an important mining center back in medieval times. Now it’s well worth a visit to see the historical town center with the stunning Saint Barbara Church, which is on the UNESCO World’s Heritage list. Kutna Hora also hides a unique spot—the ossuary in Sedlec, the suburb of the town. The chapel, as it is now, was made in the year 1870, and the bones of about 40,000 people were used to built it.

Pardubice

This pleasant city lies 115 km east from Prague. It’s especially famous for the annual horse race—Velka pardubicka—that has taken place every second Sunday of October since 1874. But Pardubice also has a nice old town with cobbled streets, a recently restored castle, and picturesque market place with a new Renaissance-style town hall that are perfect for a slow walk around.

Olomouc

This beautiful, important city even further east is rich in monuments dating back to the beginning of the 11th century. There are lots of churches, fountains, and streets with old houses to admire, but its most important monuments are the Holy Trinity Column that is on UNESCO World Heritage List and the gothic town hall with its Socialist realism astronomical clock that is big competition for Prague’s Orloj.

Ceske Budejovice

Less than 3 hours by train south from Prague, this city is famous for the Budweiser brewery, but it’s worth visiting not only to drink a pint or two. The city has a beautiful old town with a main square that is the biggest one in the Czech Republic, buildings with interesting architecture dating back to the 12th century, and the Golden Bridge, which is is actually…blue.

Cheb

Located right at the German border, this city is full of colorful, beautiful mercantile houses and the type of picturesque old town that Central Europe is famous for. There’s also a well-preserved castle worth a visit. It is said that the one of the most narrow streets in Europe can be found in Cheb (between the houses on the main square).

The triangle of spa towns is located not far from Cheb. The most famous of these cities is Karlovy Vary, which holds the famous annual movie festival. It lies in a picturesque valley surrounded by medium-sized mountains, and 79 hot springs can be found here. Karlovy Vary was especially visited by Polish, Russian and Czech aristocracy, and you can still feel the fancy atmosphere in the city.

Marianske Lazne

This is another spa town in west Czechoslovakia, and I personally liked it much more than Karlovy Vary. While it’s incredibly beautiful, the atmosphere is more relaxed and laid-back. The city reached its peak of popularity in the 19th century.  It was the favorite spa place of the English king Edward VII. Many other important people of Europe in that time visited Marianske Lazne. In the heart of the town center, an interesting singing fountain can be found.

Liberec

First impressions of this city aren’t very good. It looks very industrial with lots of factories and blocks of Soviet-era flats. But there’s a very pleasant old town, a bus stop designed by David Cerny (most of his work can be found in Prague), a zoo famous for its white tiger, and Jested, a mountain with a hotel on the top that can be reached by cable car. It offers breathtaking views of the northwest Czech Republic.

Have you been to any of these cities? Be sure to include some of them in your next Czech Republic travel itinerary!

–Kami is a Polish girl who tries to balance full-time work with a love of travel. She spends every free moment exploring new places or returning to old ones. She’s already visited 44 countries (mostly in Europe), but new adventures are still ahead. She always has new plans where to go next!

You can follow her travels on Facebook and Twitter.