Prague, pronounced 'Praha' in Czech, is the capital of the Czech Republic and the historical capital of Bohemia. Rich with history, Prague has existed for over 1,000 years. Prague has been the home of two Holy Roman Emperors, an important city to the Austro-Hungarian Empire, the capital of Czechoslovakia after World War I, and the eventual capital of the Czech Republic. It's not hard to see why Prague is filled with culture and history, the reason why it immediately stole my heart. Prague is home to some of the world's famous cultural attractions (you may have even heard of some!): the Prague castle, the Charles Bridge, Old Town Square, the Jewish Quarter, and the Lennon wall--all of which I got to see in my short 2 day trip in Prague!
Now what could I have possibly done in only 2 days in one of Europe's biggest and most famous cities you ask? A lot. It took us 7 hours by bus to get to Prague. Although I was cranky and tired of traveling after that bus ride, as soon as I set my eyes on Prague all grumpiness had disappeared. Prague in a lot of ways reminded me of Budapest, and I am so glad I decided to go (it was a last minute decision).
Finding our way around Prague's metro lines was a struggle and a half. Unlike the other cities I have visited thus far, Prague did not have an easy-to-follow public transportation system. After some difficulties we found the way to our hostel. Now for those of you who have never experienced the hostel life, I will tell you one thing: it's risky. You never know if it's going to be absolutely amazing or rather sketchy. Thankfully, this hostel was amazing. Honestly, this hostel was better than most hotels I have stayed at, and at the low price of $22 a night no less! It had a restaurant/bar/club downstairs which made it even better, and the staff was friendly and helpful (especially the awesome bartender who gave us free shots and magic tricks just because he could). If you head to Prague, stay at Mosaic Hostel. You won't regret it.
Now the first day after we ate some food and got some drinks after the bus voyage, we walked around the city for a while until it started to rain. Then we found our way to a cathedral and walked up and found a beautiful spot that overlooked the city. We then enjoyed the Prague nightlife and headed to bed to rest for tomorrow's fun filled day.
The next day we got up early to take a 2 hour walking tour around the city. Thankfully, the tour was free! (Score one for the poor college kids). We walked around the new part of the city, Old Town Square, the Jewish Quarter, the Charles Bridge, and even got to see the Lennon wall (more on that later!). After an exhausting tour we walked around Prague some more until it was time to enjoy the nightlife once again. Unfortunately before I knew it, it was time to check out of the hostel and head back to Budapest. Although the trip was short, it was more than sweet. Prague has been my favorite place thus far (except Budapest of course).
Here are some photos I took during my trip; I hope you enjoy them as much as I do. If you ever get the chance to visit Prague, do it and don't look back.
The building pictured below has won numerous architectural awards, but the locals hate it because it takes away from surrounding buildings that have more of a Renaissance style.
This was the Cathedral we happened upon! Unfortunately we could not go in as it closed right as we found it--but we got to overlook Prague at night which was a beautiful sight to see!
The two buildings below belong to the National Theatre. The one directly below (the more beautiful one) was built by the Czechs. The one below that (the ugly one) was built by the Russians when Czechoslovakia was occupied by the Russians. Sorry, Russia but I prefer the Czech style. The two buildings stand side by side and are a good example of the style and culture during Czech independence and Russian occupation.
Prague has some amazing graffiti art!
Prague was filled with pure culture. At every corner there seemed to be a performer of some sorts. Below you can see a levitating couple, two statues (that turned out to be people; I screamed), and a local band, some bubble blowers, etc.! Prague was filled with so much life.
If you look closely you can see bubbles that people were blowing in the square!
This was the synagogue located in the Jewish Quarter. In the 20th century the Jewish Quarter became a Jewish Ghetto. Unlike most historical Jewish Quarters, this one is relatively preserved, albeit for horrifying reasons. Prague was picked to become a museum of "an extinct race," so much of the Quarter was preserved while many of its European counterparts were destroyed. Nazis gathered Jewish artifacts from all across Europe and brought them to Prague to be put on display. Sickening, isn't it?
This is one of my favorite photos I have taken to date. The sign reads, "Our Office Job Sucks! Help Us Build an Ecofarm!"
Now before you say, "what the actual f*@$," this sculpture was created in 2004 by David Cerny and remains one of Prague's most controversial pieces of art. Here two men are seeing peeing into the shape of the Czech Republic, which is supposed to represent how many citizens feel about the political drama in the Czech Republic. The statue even moves! Supposedly if you put your hand in the stream to the statue on the left it's good luck! (Yes I did it).
Now, one of my favorite things we came across in Prague is the Lennon wall (sorry Mom, you are going to be insanely jealous of this one). The Lennon wall began as a normal wall, but since the 1980s it has been filled with John Lennon graffiti, art, and poetry. The wall became a source of irritation to the rulers during the Communist rule as people would write grievances on the wall. The wall has been painted over several times (especially during the Communist regime), but overnight Lennon inspired art will appear again.
Another one of my favorite photos from Prague. By the wall was a street performer; his sign reads, "Need Money to repair my time machine to go back to 60's!"
This piece of art is located on a sculpture on the Charles Bridge, and is the only bronze statue along the Bridge. Supposedly if you rub this part and make a wish, it comes true! Stay tuned to see if it worked.
Now, there are Swans everywhere in Prague. They were beautiful, and would come right up to the water (Don't worry, Mom. I didn't get to close for them to attack). We spent the last hour or so in Prague watching them and enjoying the sights along the river.
Thus completes the Prague photos. Prague was breathtakingly beautiful and I'm so happy I went. Since it was so cheap, I might even consider going back before I have to leave in December (if I decide to leave. I might just have to lose my passport).
--Thanks for supporting all my adventures everyone! Xoxo, Taylor.
Thanks for updating. Prague looks beautiful and you are right, I love the Lennon wall!
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