Pastel-coloured walls and creaky old doors. A castle on a hill and snow blanketing the town. Quiet evenings walking cobbled streets in the starlight. Cesky Krumlov really does feel like a fairytale! Although many visit as a day trip from Prague or Salzburg, we chose to spend four days there over New Year’s, and it was utterly magical.
It is a truth universally acknowledged that going for a weekend holiday on your birthday is a very good idea, particularly with six of your closest fun-loving friends. I took full advantage of this to escape for my November birthday to beautiful Prague. I loved the city, from wandering its multi-coloured streets to looking out over its plethora of bridges and towers. I’d love to go back soon, and I definitely recommend it for a weekend break (or longer if you can manage!). Here’s eight awesome things to do while you’re there.
Looking across to the Castle by Charles Bridge
Climbing the steps to the Castle
Prague Castle dominates the skyline of the centre of the city, as is only right given it is reportedly the largest ancient castle in the world. Its history dates back to 870 AD and you could spend hours exploring its walls, corridors and alleyways. As we only had a short time, we opted just to visit the Castle complex to admire the panoramic views over the city and to peek into the Cathedral of St Vitus.
The Cathedral itself dates from 1344, and is an incredible space. If you have time, have a peek at the Chapel of St Wenceslas where the saint’s relics are reportedly kept. If you’ve timed it immaculately, you may even see the Czech Crown Jewels, which are displayed to the public only every eight years.
The Jewish Quarter, known as Josefov, in Prague was created in the 11th century as the Jews of the city were forced to live in a small walled area. Because of this, the cemetery features layers of tombs, as you may be able to tell in the photograph above, and it is estimated that over a hundred thousand people may be buried in this small area. It was also supposedly home to the Golem, a creature made of clay who supposedly was brought to life in the 16th century to defend the inhabitants of the Jewish Ghetto from anti-Semitic attacks. Some stories say that the Golem got out of control and the rabbi who created him was forced to immobilise him, storing him in the attack of the Old Synagogue in case of further need of protection. Maybe he’ll reappear again one day!
The Old Synagogue – home of the Golem?
Because Prague largely escaped bombardment during the World Wars, much of its architecture is still beautifully preserved, including many colourfully painted buildings. The moldings were so intricate and the pastel colours so gorgeous that sometimes I felt like I was on a film set – it was almost too pretty to be true! On an entirely different level was the Dancing House – quirky but also quite beautiful.
Charles Bridge behind me
Charles Bridge is one of Prague’s most famous sites – a huge stone structure spanning the Vltava river, that was at the time of its construction in the fourteenth century the only way to travel between Prague Castle and the Old Town. It was packed with people admiring the 30 (now-replica) statutes of saints that watch over those who pass beneath.
Prague has some seriously interesting public art in its streets, most notably from sculptor David Černy. From crawling babies to birthing mirror sculptures to a moving head, these large-scale art pieces certainly provoke discussion!
Jaroslav Róna’s statute commemorating Franz Kafka
This teeny street near the Franz Kafka Museum on the western side of the Vltava River has a novel solution to pedestrian traffic control – a stop-go traffic light system. Although there’s little at the bottom, apart from a restaurant that I imagine hopes to take advantage of the food-traffic, we had fun taking our turn in this little alleyway.
Cynthia’s recommendation of trdelnik from the stall in Malostranské nám. 1/16 proved to be an absolute winner, with all of us pairing our warm cinnamon chimney-breads with delicious svarák mulled wine! I also sampled potato dumplings and a delicious tomato stew at Restaurace U Pinkasů, and loved my blogger meet up with Amy and Eric at Café Louvre.
Incredible dairy-free carrot cake
Arguably Prague’s most famous sight, the Pražský orloj – Astronomical Clock – is located in the Old Town Square of Staroměstské náměstí. It was installed in 1410 and is the oldest working astronomical clock, showing not only the time but the position of the sun and moon, a calendar and also a clockwork parade of the apostles.
The Old Town Square itself is filled with beautiful buildings, watched over by the Church of Our Lady Before Tyn and its “Adam and Eve” towers. These are so-called due to their uneven widths – can you spot them above or below?
I’ll definitely be returning to Prague one day soon – do you have any suggestions to add to this list for when I do?
November is my birthday month – so happy birthday to me! It was my second birthday over here, so I think it’s safe to say that presents to myself of tickets to see the New Zealand All Blacks rugby team on their autumn UK tour are now a tradition. I also took a weekend trip to beautiful Prague, a city I’ve been wanting to visit for a very long time. Then there were fireworks, the beginnings of Christmas, and a couple of walking tours – another busy month! I’m so excited that we’re now into December, it’s getting chilly in London but there’s lots to look forward to with Christmas markets, parties, a trip to see the Christmas Markets in Cologne, Germany – and of course the big celebration at the end of the month. Happy December all!
A sunny Saturday in beautiful Notting Hill
Incredible fireworks at Battersea Park
Loved this ombre tree by the Serpentine – nature is awesome
My first Paddington Bear – click here for more!
Poppy wreaths in Kensington for Remembrance Sunday
Beautiful lights at Southbank while on the #Giffgaffsnaps Walking Tour
Prague’s beautiful Astronomical Clock
Wrapped up warm to admire Charles Bridge – can you make out the many statues that line it?
I love this autumnal shadow shot of my friends and I walking through Prague
Views over the city from the steps up to Prague Castle
The gorgeous Cardiff Castle in Wales
Haha time in Millennium Stadium – go All Blacks!
An outstanding tasting menu at The Shed in Notting Hill started with these beauties
On a walking tour with World in London we admired the beautiful Aziziye Mosque in Stoke Newington
A festive #LDNBLoggersTea at Lancaster London was the perfect way to start getting into the December spirit!
Is your December looking super busy or are you relaxing at this time of year? Do you have any Cologne recommendations for my weekend trip?
This weekend I’m in Prague with the girls to celebrate my birthday with, what else, travel to a new country! So far I’ve been charmed by this beautiful city – the architecture is gorgeous, and I love how easy it is to walk around and admire. The rain now tapping on the roof might slow us down a bit – or just provide the perfect excuse for some pilsner sampling!
Charles Bridge
Delicious trdelnik and svarak
The famous Astronomical Clock
Check out my Instagram here for more pictures of beautiful Prague
