Travel Diaries Prague (aka The City that Stole My Heart)

As you might know, Dylan and I visited Prague, Czech Republic back in March as the final destination in our three city Central/Eastern European adventure! I went into this vacation with absolutely no expectations, as I really didn't know too much about any of the three cities we were visiting (Budapest, Vienna, & Prague). I really enjoyed my time in Budapest and Vienna, but I absolutely fell in love with Prague. 

On our first morning in Prague, I spent an hour by myself taking in the beauty that is the Charles Bridge. The only things that I knew about Prague was what I read in our travel book on the four hour train ride from Vienna. I read that the Charles Bridge is a must-see, and I absolutely agree. I don't think that you could visit Prague and not pass by the Charles Bridge. Even when it was swarmed with hundreds of other tourists, I still felt on cloud nine. Normally I don't like crowds, but everyone looked so genuinely happy, it's kind of contagious! The Charles Bridge is located on the Vltava River

There are a ton of towers in Prague, which you can pay a small fee to climb up the stairs and gain an incredible view of the city. We climbed up every tower we came across, and we were always left speechless. The copper rooftops and cobblestone streets look somehow more enchanting from the top of a tower. 

View of the Charles Bridge & Vltava River from the top of the Lesser Town Bridge Tower

While on the topic of towers, I need to mention Petrin Hill & Observation Tower. After a 30 minute stroll up Petrin Hill, we found ourselves face to face with the Observation Tower, which is a mini version of Paris' Eiffel Tower! There are a massive 299 steps to the top, but don't worry, there are places to stop along the way and take in the views while also catching your breath. Trust me, the views are worth making your way to the very top! There's also a fun mirror maze beside the tower, which we had quite a lot of fun going through. 

View from the top of the Observation Tower

Mirror Maze on Petřín Hill

One of my favourite activities that we did while in Prague was take a boat tour along the Vltava River through Prague Venice Historical Boat Trips. For €12, you get a 45 minute boat tour and entrance to the Charles Bridge Museum. Complimentary drinks (soda or hot wine) and snacks (ice cream or gingerbread) were provided throughout the boat tour, which I thought was a lovely touch. Our captain offered commentary in both English and German, but I believe that other boats also had a Czech option. I think that this boat tour was the perfect way to see Prague in a totally different way, and €12 is quite affordable.

Aye Aye Captain!

If you're a fellow chocoholic, then you'll love Prague! Their hot chocolate is unlike anything I've tried before - it's essentially just melted chocolate. It's incredibly rich and decadent, and will definitely please anyone with a sweet tooth. The little cups cost about 30 Czech Korunas - about $1.50 Canadian. 

Another must-see in Prague is the Astronomical Clock in Old Town Square - it's in all of the tourist books, and for a good reason! The Old Town Square evoked similar feelings to the Charles Bridge - it's a bit magical, romantic, and busy in a good way. 

Bubbles Blowing in Old Town Square 

And finally, maybe just my favourite moment in Prague was totally unexpected. During our boat tour, we were told that there was a small "beach" (patch of sand) where you could feed swans. Of course that grabbed my attention, and right after docking, we made our way across the Charles Bridge, and in search of swans! Sure enough, we found a ton of swans and ducks! My tip: stop by a grocery store or bakery to pick up some cheap bread so you're prepared!

I find myself constantly daydreaming about Prague, it's definitely the city that stole my heart! If you're considering a European adventure, I would highly recommend adding Prague, Czech Republic to your travel itinerary - you won't regret it! I'm already itching to go back, and I've only been home for 2 months!

Have you ever visited Prague? What city has stolen your heart?