What is traveling around Europe without some medieval history? I’m not sure it exists. Exploring medieval Prague was just the dose of medicine I needed to end a very long trip. I had just traveled through Budapest and then Vienna, and then took another train to Prague in Czech Republic. I did not prepare myself for how wonderful it would be. Maybe that was part of the charm? Everywhere you look there was something new, fascinating, and yes, charming, that was the right word. As I am writing this, I am thinking to myself, when can I go back again?
The entire historic center of Prague is a UNESCO World Heritage site and commonly listed as one of the best-preserved medieval cities in the WORLD! It also has an incredibly fascinating history as it was once the capital of Bohemia, residences of Holy Roman Emperors, and very important in the Austro-Hungarian Empire. Unfortunately, it also suffered at the hands of Nazi Germany occupation and subsequent membership of the Soviet Union. Today Prague is a thriving city, part of the European Union, and a hot spot for tourism.
[irp posts=”272″ name=”A Weekend Sightseeing in Budapest, Hungary”]
Traveling around Czech by car? Check out this Czech Republic Itinerary!
Table of Contents
Prague Food, Beer, and Absinthe
At this point in the trip, I was a bit exhausted after spending the previous seven days sightseeing. I was on an overload of new experiences, sights, smells, food, all of it. Once I set eyes on Prague, all of that washed away and I was just as excited as the first day of my trip. It was a four-hour train ride from Vienna to Prague, once I arrived and dropped my bags off it was dark and time for food.
I can’t remember the name of the restaurant I went to, but it was serving traditional Czech cuisine. Which I must say is perfect for how cold it was, the food is so warming and filling, and I wish I had a plate of meat, bread, potatoes, and cabbage now.
The next stop was U Fleků a restaurant/pub that dates back to 1499 and brews their own beer, Fleku dark lager, which is the only beer you can order. They often have live musical performances of Czech Folklore. While this place is full of tourists (don’t let that scare you), it also feels like you are stepping back in a time capsule and I had a lot of fun just experiencing the environment.
The final stop of the evening was the Hemingway Bar. This is one of my favorite memories even years later and I always highly recommend a visit to friends who pass through.
If you want to try authentic craft absinthe in an intimate environment this is THE place to go. The ambiance is dark and moody with a touch of vintage luxury. Candles casting shadows bounced around the quiet room as I read a carefully crafted menu. At first, it can sound and feel overly romantic, but by the end of the evening, it felt intentional and special.
Once sitting down, a server came to the table, and I explained that I was there to try absinthe for the first time. The server was extremely knowledgeable about all of the types of absinthe they had, where they came from, what they taste like, and provided some recommendations.
Then I got the whole experience, the absinthe fountain that contains water was brought to the table. Glasses with some absinthe and a beautiful absinthe spoon (pictured above) where you place a sugar cube. The water drips on the sugar to slowly dissolve it into the absinthe, you add as little or as much as you want.
If you plan on visiting I recommend making reservations as they are very strict about crowd control. You can also opt for their sister bar Cash Only Bar. It is a much more casual place without the performance. Although you can order it on the menu, you just won’t experience it the same.
[irp posts=”299″ name=”Fulfilling Childhood Dreams in Vienna”]
Prague’s Castle District
The next morning started off a bit cold and snowy. Thankfully Pension Corto, where I stayed in Old Town, served a very comprehensive hot breakfast. It was affordable, the room was clean, it was central, and offered great breakfast options so a win in my book!
 |
 |
|---|
Off into the cold and snow, I went wandering through Old Town towards Charles Bridge, the iconic footbridge in Prague. I took a few pictures, and made my way to the Castle District (Hradčany).
Tickets to visit the Castle District vary on what you would like to see. You are able to see some things without paying, but it isn’t worth it, you are just wandering the grounds without access inside anything. The first stop in the area was St. Vitus Cathedral, which is the main attraction of the Castle District. This gothic cathedral is the biggest and most important church in the Czech Republic, it also contains the tombs of Bohemian Kings and Holy Roman Emperors.
An interesting part of the cathedral is the gargoyles on the exterior, there are over 100 all around the structure, functioning as part of the drainage system, and for symbolic reasons. I am not a religious person but I appreciate the art and architecture of churches and my personal favorite is the stained glass. St Vitus’s windows were spectacular.
 |
 |
|---|
Now, don’t think I went to a church and did not go into the tower. Of course, I did the tower. It is an additional fee on top of the ticket you get for the castle district. Unfortunately, because it had just snowed that morning there was a lot of moisture in the air but it was still amazing to see Prague from above.
