Prague, a Summer Dream - Tips & Hidden Gems

With a happy grin on my face, I stand by the banks of the Vltava River, reflecting on all the unforgettable experiences of the past few days. The river winds its way through the historic center of Prague, sparkling in the warm afternoon sun. It beautifully embraces the famous Charles Bridge and the majestic Prague Castle overlooking the Old Town. Welcome to the Golden City!

The many traditional delicacies of Czech cuisine, the bustling markets for strolling and shopping, and simply the ever-fascinating vibe of a historically rich metropolis in Europe - I highly recommend spending a few days in Prague, especially in the warm months of the year. There are so many lovely corners to discover. In addition to the universally known attractions, I have explored numerous hidden gems and insider tips in the city of 100 towers during my city trip, which I would like to share with you in this post!

While Prague Castle, along with Charles Bridge, is the most important and well-known attraction in the city, the Vyšehrad does not automatically make the itinerary for many city travelers in Prague. This too is a stronghold-essentially the second Prague Castle-and even one of the most famous fortifications in all of Bohemia from the early Middle Ages.

Its lesser popularity may be due to its location, as you need to take the tram for about 20 minutes from the Old Town and then walk about 10 minutes to reach Vyšehrad. However, the slightly more challenging detour is well worth it, as the location on a hill right by the Vltava River promises spectacular views of the picturesque landscape.

Additionally, you'll enjoy much more tranquility here than at the first Prague Castle, which is regularly overwhelmed by masses of tourists. Once you reach the top, make sure to visit the splendid St. Peter and Paul Basilica, as well as the beautifully designed Vyšehrad Cemetery with its artistic graves!

Are you looking for a beautiful panoramic view of the Prague Old Town, one that you don't have to share with hundreds of other tourists? Then skip the gardens around Prague Castle and instead explore the less crowded Letná Park, which stretches out north of the Old Town and is accessible via the Štefánik Bridge or the Čech Bridge. Alternatively, you can walk directly from Prague Castle to Letná Park, which takes about 15 to 20 minutes. For me personally, you get the most beautiful view of the many bridges gracefully spanning the Vltava!

At the site where once a giant statue of Stalin stood, which was blown up after the dictator's death, today stands another monumental artwork, the Prague Metronome. It symbolizes the beginning of a new time or era, while also serving as a memorial to the past, which is why it carries the nickname 'Time Machine.'

Many benches and green spaces in Letná Park invite you to pause and enjoy the view. The strikingly beautiful Hanavský Pavilion, which houses a small café & restaurant, is also located here. Enjoy a cappuccino with a breathtaking view? This is the place for it! Close to Letná Park, I would like to recommend two very nice cafés: the cozy Cafe Letka, which has a wonderful atmosphere and serves delicious desserts, as well as Cukrárna Alchymista, where you can indulge in coffee and heavenly cakes in a lovely garden.

My tip: If you gaze from the observation terrace of Letná Park across the Vltava into the distance, you can't miss the massive Prague TV Tower. Towering 216 meters, it majestically rises above the sea of buildings in Prague's Žižkov district. A somewhat quirky detail is the numerous babies climbing up the facade of the city's tallest building. You can also enjoy a fantastic view over Prague from there, which you don't have to share with many other tourists, as the TV tower is still a true insider tip.

At the vibrant and trendy Manifesto Anděl Food Market, the aroma of delicacies from different countries around the world will have your mouth watering. Juicy burgers from America, spicy noodle soups from Asia or crispy pizza from Italy - served in a trendy street food style, sometimes even accompanied by the sounds of the bands and artists that regularly perform here. Every week, various events take place, such as an Italian Week, a Piano Night, or even a Sunset Pool Party. You can find all the dates listed neatly on the Manifesto Website.

My tips: Almost sinful, but simply super delicious, is the Hoxton Burger with the 'Liquid-Cheese-Bomb' on top, and the fresh and healthy poke bowls from NAPOKĒ were also very tasty. A Vinohradský pivovar from the Beer Bar pairs perfectly with the international dishes!

Beer is ubiquitous in Prague, and in some cases, a liter of beer can even be cheaper than a liter of drinking water - hard to believe, right? The traditionally brewed Czech beer can be enjoyed almost anywhere: at enticing views in the many beer gardens around the city (the beer garden at Letná Castle is a dream), during a brewery visit, or on one of the many beer tours offered. There's even a beer museum in Prague!

But why just drink the good hop juice when you can also bathe in it for a change? This extraordinary activity is offered by various beer spas in Prague. However, you're not bathing in pure beer but rather in a pleasantly warm mix of water with all the brewing ingredients that not only make the beer tasty but are also good for your skin. While sitting in a hand-carved oak barrel, you'll be served pale and dark beer - of course, unlimited. You can complete the experience with a trip to the hop sauna and a hay bath with a beer bread snack. Cool, right? The beer spa is also a great idea for a rainy day in Prague!

My secret tip: At the rustic ROESEL Bistro, you can not only enjoy delicious and very traditional food but also try a different kind of Radler. Here, they mix the beer not with lemonade but with a homemade raspberry purée!

Prague is truly a shopping mecca! You can find a huge density of diverse shops around the historic Wenceslas Square, along with countless restaurants (I love the special atmosphere and traditional food at Kantyna), cafés, and hotels. This colorful and vibrant mix for shopping, feasting, and wasting time extends from the so-called Golden Cross to the Old Town Square, the oldest square in Prague's Old Town. If you're looking for luxury labels, you can put your credit card to good use in the opulent Paris Street.

However, the more unique shops and boutiques aren't usually found in the forefront along the grand facades. They tend to hide in smaller alleys off the main shopping streets. So, a leisurely shopping stroll with plenty of time and relaxation is well worth it.

Speaking of time: It seems as though time has stood still in the elegant Lucerna Passage near Wenceslas Square, which features many Art Nouveau elements and is notably a special photo opportunity due to its Wenceslas Statue by artist David Černý. In addition to a great café that exudes the charm of long-gone years, you will also find the historic Lucerna Cinema, where Franz Kafka enjoyed watching movies.

Goods have been sold at Havel Market since 1232. This fact makes it the oldest market in Prague's Old Town, and it is certainly worth a visit, even though the offerings tend to be more tourist-oriented and pricier. A much more authentic market experience, combined with some very interesting architecture, awaits you in the various market halls of Prague. The Holešovická Tržnice Market, for example, is located on the grounds of a former slaughterhouse. Here, you will find mainly fresh fruits and vegetables, regional food, and some restaurants and cafés. Everything here exudes an incomparable urban warehouse charm. I especially recommend the restaurant SaSaZu, where the most delicious Asian street food-inspired dishes are served.

However, the farmers' Saturday Market by the banks of the Vltava exudes the most enchanting market atmosphere, taking place every Saturday from 8 AM to 2 PM. Here, you can not only browse beautiful arts and crafts and vintage items but mainly indulge in the tastiest traditional delicacies from stall to stall. And all this with the unbeatable river panorama in the background!

After your market visit, if you stroll towards the Old Town and Charles Bridge with a satisfied feeling and a full belly, you will automatically pass by the Dancing House with its particularly distinctive architecture. At the top of the roof is the Glass Bar with a beautiful open-air rooftop terrace that offers a stunning view towards the Prague Castle and the National Theatre. Although there is an admission fee, it is certainly worth it!

My tip: Are you a fan of flea markets? If so, you must schedule a visit to the largest flea market in the Czech Republic during your city trip. This market has been open every Saturday and Sunday since 2004 from about 6 AM to 2 PM on the 50,000 square meter outdoor area beside U Elektry Street and is still a real insider tip for Prague.

Prague is not called the City of a Hundred Towers for nothing, as no matter where you look, a tower tip always rises above the rooftops. Instead of being pushed up the much more famous Old Town Hall Tower along with hordes of other tourists, I recommend climbing the Old Town Bridge Tower instead. After you conquer the 138 steps, a dreamlike beautiful panorama of the city opens up before you. The famous Charles Bridge stretches across the sparkling Vltava directly beneath your feet, while Prague Castle makes a beautiful backdrop. It's best to visit the tower early in the morning, as admission is only half price during the first hour after opening.

My tip: An equally unforgettable view over the rooftops of the Golden City is promised by the astronomical tower of the Clementinum, which is unfortunately only accessible as part of an (English-speaking) guided tour. However, the tour also includes a visit to the historic Baroque library, which rightfully ranks among the most beautiful libraries in the world. Also free to admire, still a true Prague insider tip and a very cool idea on top of that: the endless book tower in the city library!

If you have a bit of time left during your trip, you can enjoy a creamy lavender cappuccino in the company of cuddly house tigers at Katzencafé Kavárna Kočičí, visit the adorable nutrias on the Vltava Island, or indulge in sinful delicious Cronuts (a tempting cross between croissant and donut) at Oh Deer Bakery.

Experience Prague in extraordinary moments: take a complete circle in the historic paternoster elevator at the YMCA House, or slip through the narrowest alley in the city - provided the pedestrian traffic light gives you the green light!

Disclaimer: My stay in Prague was partially supported by the city's tourism office.