Weekend of relaxation and fun in the capital of the Czech Republic: between aperitifs, dinners, cocktails on the river and a visit to the old town.
I had never been to Prague first of this May 2019 and I literally fell in love with it.
Capital of the Czech Republic and crossed by the Vltava river, I think I can say that Prague is one of the most fascinating cities in Europe. Full of history and ancient beauties but also, unexpectedly for me, contemporary and with a thousand activities dedicated to young people.
Prague with friends
Me and three friends in their thirties have chosen it as a destination for a relaxing weekend and chat, practically at random, by selecting the Ryanair cheapest flight departing from Bologna.
We left Bologna on a Saturday morning, arriving in the Czech capital for lunch time. We took a transfer to the city center organized by the residence in which we were staying, in less than half an hour we were in Prague, under a splendid sun.
Accomodation
If you want a very central place, welcoming, well furnished and at a great price, I recommend you The Art House, is located a stone's throw from the beautiful Charles Bridge, which with its statues has inspired many city legends and from there it is within walking distance more or less any beautiful place.
Once settled, we immediately went out for lunch, going to the charming central square of the old city. Here you will find the very famous Astronomic watch Tyn Church and the Town Hall building.
What to eat
Here we had lunch on the outdoor tables of the Mincovna restaurant, in Staromestske nam. 1/7, 110 00 Stare Mesto, recommended to us by a friend. Great local food and views of the square. We wanted to taste a little bit of everything so we got one shin, a g and a mix of mixed starters. Good choice.
Bar stilt houses on the Vltava river
After lunch, we decided to take advantage of the splendid sunny spring day and, walking along the riverside, we could not resist the call of the pedal boats. So we looked for the nearest rental and plunged into the sea of pedal boats filled with young people that crowded the Vltava River that day. And, brilliant idea, a few rides after the rental, we discovered that along the river you can stop in small ones wooden bar / stilts, docking somehow, and ordering some great drinks, in our case Mohjiti on the go, to relax further by floating on the water. In this way we spent at least two hours basking in the sun in total relaxation.
Aperitif in Prague
We got off the pedal boat and took a tour of the islets in the middle of the river and the surrounding neighborhoods, stopping for a pleasant aperitif in a restaurant along the river, built on a barge, which is called Pon Ton. Where we had a drink and ate some local snacks.
Where to dine
Then, after a short break in our apartment near the Charles Bridge, we crossed the city on foot to go to a very special Prague restaurant, where we were practically the only tourists, where the main theme is meat in any version and where it seems to being inside a very special butcher's shop. This place, which is not really a restaurant but you eat all right, is called Kantyna, and is located at Nine Mesto in the new district of Prague. I advise you to take the tartare, the carpaccio, the savory pancakes as a side dish and make you a lady steak as you prefer.
The next morning we instead dedicated ourselves to visiting the oldest part of the city and then walking through the narrow streets of the Malá Strana district, going up to Prague Castle, symbol of the city.
The old Town
We did not visit the interior of the castle because, beyond the long line, they told us that it takes at least a full day and a lot of calm to visit it well, so we will do it in a next weekend in Prague. In addition to the castle you can see the beautiful Gothic Cathedral of San Vito, Royal Palace, and many other spaces. Afterwards we walked up to the suggestive John Lennon wall.
This wall, following the singer's death in 1980, became a symbol of peace and freedom for the local youth, who began to fill it with graffiti and writing. At lunchtime, we decided it was time to have a snack in a local neighborhood with stuffed bagels.
In the early afternoon our return plane was waiting for us, so with a taxi (the prices are really low) we went back to the airport and left for our Bologna.
Thanks to the fabulous spring weather, this was a beautiful weekend in Prague. Absolutely to be redone to discover new glimpses of this splendid city.
