It’s been two months since I left the Czech Republic’s capital city, and yet I already miss it terribly. Picture yourself on a warm summer day, roaming around in old cobbled streets with pretty pastel-coloured houses full of detail and striking red rooftops; as you walk you can hear a musician playing an old acoustic guitar; you look up to a bright blue sky and you see soap bubbles floating in the air which brings the child in you to life… This is Prague. A city made for dreamers, artists and travellers who love culture. A bohemian fairytale place, full of history and heritage. If I could go back, I’d do so in a heartbeat. Here’s why:
1. Bubbles in Prague
If you’re roaming around the streets in Prague you’re bound to come across one of these gigantic soap bubbles — at Wenceslas Square, Old Town Square, or at night on Charles Bridge. Simply mesmerising.
2. Musicians
Everywhere you go in Prague you’ll come across a singer, musician, or band. The streets are alive!
3. The cobbled streets
Almost all the streets in Prague are cobblestone, especially stunning at sunset — it brings romantic to a whole new level.
4. The streets in general
Looking out of the window of a café I was inspired by the shadows of people crossing the road right opposite. Every street is a photograph waiting to be taken.
5 & 6. Newlyweds — everywhere
You’re bound to come across newlywed couples at Old Town Square and Prague Castle. The joy on their faces — and on the faces of everyone around them — is infectious and beautiful.
7. The cross at St. Vitus Cathedral
Inside the Gothic interior of St. Vitus Cathedral I came across a really captivating cross — the way it was positioned made it look like I was being watched over.
8. The façade of St. George’s Basilica
The striking red Baroque façade of St. George’s Basilica — the oldest surviving church building in Prague — left me staring in awe. It contrasts with the rest of the castle complex and yet blends in perfectly.
9–11. Prague Castle
From the Changing of the Guards to the stunning view of the city, Prague Castle is a place that demands time and contemplation. There’s a lot to see, so allow yourself a proper break to take it all in.
12–13. The Lennon Wall
The padlocks on the bridge on your way to the Lennon Wall are covered with messages of love and hope. The Wall itself, which hasn’t stopped changing since the 1980s, is so powerful — it shows you can never silence people and their freedom of expression.
14. Memorials of Jan Palach and Josef Toufar
A cross on the ground near the National Museum marks a memorial for Jan Palach and Jan Zajíc, who committed self-immolation in protest of the Soviet invasion. Josef Toufar was tortured to death by the communist secret police in 1950. Prague does not let you forget how precious freedom of expression is.
15. The Jewish Quarter
The full tour includes a section in a museum that brought me to tears — drawings by children who suffered the Holocaust, asked to draw how they felt. One synagogue wall was covered entirely with names of those who didn’t survive. I did manage to photograph the stunning Spanish Synagogue, where every surface is covered with Islamic-style polychrome and golden patterns.
16–17. Handmade souvenirs and Czech cookies
Prague’s artisans are extraordinary — from hand-painted puppets and wooden mice to gorgeous gingerbread cookies decorated with care. I brought paintings, cookies, and memories that lasted far longer than the cookies did.
18. Trdelník
Oh my god — these are a must for anyone with a sweet tooth. Sweet dough wrapped around a stick, roasted over an open flame, dipped in sugar and served warm — generously lined with Nutella on the inside. I was having at least one a day. You’ll find them at stands in all the main squares.
19. Shooter’s Island at sunset
I set up my tripod at the tip of Střelecký Ostrov overlooking Charles Bridge and just sat there, feet in the sand, waiting for the sun to set. Such a stunning scene.
20. Charles Bridge by night
During the day it’s full of artists selling their works; at night, the lamp posts cast warm light, Prague Castle glows against the dark sky, the river Vltava mirrors the restaurant lights, and musicians enchant their audience. It’s magical.
There are many, many other reasons why I miss this beautiful city. All I can say is — I can’t wait to go again, and I would recommend visiting Prague to anyone!