So many people I know RAVE about Prague; for many, it's their favorite city in Europe. For that reason — combined with the knowledge that I already love quite a few cities in Central/Eastern Europe — I was really excited to finally see Prague for myself while traveling around for a month with Busabout. I was finally going to fall in love with Prague, too.
Did I fall in love? Well… not quite, to be honest.
I LIKED Prague a lot. I admired its beautiful buildings, strolled over its pretty bridges, and appreciated the vibe of the old city. It was also my first taste of the Czech Republic, which I was really excited about.
But while I liked Prague, I don't think I can go so far as to say that I loved it. In this case, “love” might be too strong a word.
I cannot deny that Prague is an attractive city, though. It is a VERY attractive city no matter how you look at it.
And so, because I don't have much else to say about this European capital, I figured I would just share some pretty photos from Prague with you instead. Perhaps you can make up your own mind about it.
And one more. Not “pretty,” per se, but this castle guard is still pretty cool:
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What's YOUR opinion of Prague? Which photo is your favorite?
*Note: I visited Prague as part of my Busabout trip around Europe. They provided me with transport on all 3 of their Europe loops, but all opinions of the destinations I visit are entirely my own!
We loved Prague. But we visited on their heat wave, which was crazy-hot. And I also had some VERY warm beer there.
…very warm.
Yeah, it was pretty crazy hot when I was there, too – hot and humid! Never a fun combination when you’re walking around all day.
I don’t know you, but I found this post and those about Berlin interesting because I feel the same way. I visited them both last December and have a hard time explaining to people why I think Prague is absolutely beautiful — the most beautiful city I’ve ever seen, in fact — yet feel kind of “meh” about it while being totally in love with the way-less-pretty-and-even-maybe-slightly-ugly Berlin. I think it’s the fact that Berlin’s history is so recent, and though like you I vaguely remember the Berlin Wall falling, it wasn’t until I was actually there that I was like “oh, okay. I GET it. This is fascinating!” The street art and general quirkiness don’t hurt either.
Glad to have another kindred travel spirit, Amy!
have you visited less crowded places as well or just focused on the main tourists sights? Prague is my all time favourite city, a place I could actually live in but I don’t even bother with visiting the Old Town anymore as it lacks the atmosphere I love in Czech Republic so much, I prefer the neighbourhoods (Zizkov, Smichov, Holesovice) that are real and still beautiful! But yes, the Old Town is extremely pretty! I think you should give Prague a second chance one day, and not in the touristic season too! I’m sure you’d enjoy it much more then!
I’m sure I would enjoy it more outside of the main tourist season, too, Kami. Maybe next time I’ll have to take you along as my guide!!
I’m always up for the trip to Prague so just tell me when 😉
Not that falling in love would take multiple trips, but I’ve had the great fortune in over ten visits to learn about all of the side streets from Hradcany down to Smichov and on the other side to Zizkov and Vinohrady. At night, the city has a completely different feel, especially away from the Prague Castle to Old Town axis. Thanks for your post, Amanda!
I would definitely be willing to go back! Perhaps it would take me a few trips to really fall in love with Prague.
Prague is outrageously pretty! It’s one of the cities in Europe which was not very talked about until sometime back… But I guess, it deserves a lot of attention for its exquisite architecture! Buildings look like pastries and cupcakes!
It’s true that Prague is much more popular now than it used to be. For good reason, though!
I haven’t been to Prague in over 10 years but I also had the same feeling when I was there. For me, let’s just say it was hard to experience the local-ness. I don’t know what it was about that city. I also discovered I was allergic to wasps too so that might have played into it!
The wasps certainly would cloud your judgment a bit, I would think!! I know what you mean, though. There were a LOT of tourists in Prague when I was there in August, and I didn’t feel like I had any truly “authentic” experiences there either.
Great photos, Amanda. I’m sorry you didn’t love Prague. I did, but it still sits behind Paris and London for me.
Thanks, Leah. I know how much you love Prague, and I was hoping I would, too! But, you can’t love every place. I still really liked Prague, though; absolutely no negative feelings about it!
certainly is very pretty! its quite the up and coming city! bet some night photos would of looked nice
I tried to take some photos at night, but sadly very few came out looking nice. Still pretty, though! And yes, Prague is definitely gaining in popularity!
I LOVE their aviator sunnies!
Haha yeah the guards were looking quite stylish!
I’m off to Prague soon and trying to decide whether to couch surf or stay in hostels. I’m hoping I fall in love with it too!
Totally up to you! I stayed at PLUS Prague, though it’s not in the city center (had to take a tram). I hope you enjoy it, regardless of where you stay!
Wow, your photos took my breath away! Prague looks absolutely gorgeous… My favourite photo would be the first one for sure! Never been myself but looking like I’ll have to add it onto the list. x
It’s definitely worth a visit. Glad you enjoyed the photos!
I love the astronomical clock! I have been to Czech Republic before, though not to Prague. I found it pretty, but I didn’t fall in love. It’s more in the “interesting” compartment in my mind.
I feel in love with another part of the Czech Republic – just not quite in Prague!
Man I feel like we’re very similar haha. I did Busabout back in 2009 and so far our hits and misses have been almost dead on. How’d you like Cesky? I liked that part of Czech much better.
LOVED Cesky. It was much more chilled out, and the scenery was even better than in Prague, I thought. (I’ll be writing about Cesky soon!)
I know that feeling – being somewhere and not getting *quite* the same connection. It just means you have more room in your part for places less loved.
Very good point! I like looking at it that way. 🙂
As you said, you really can’t deny how beautiful Prague is. Great pictures! Have you been to Budapest before? That was my first taste of Eastern Europe and it surpassed my expectations. Wonderful city.
Happy travels 🙂
Yes, I LOVE Budapest! I was there last summer and really enjoyed it. In fact, I’m convinced that the reason I didn’t love Prague more is that I had already fallen in love with Budapest!
But yes. No denying that Prague is gorgeous.