Located right on the Polish-Czech border, within the National Nature Reserve, the Rock City in the Czech Republic acts like a magnet. No wonder, because Adrspach in the Stołowe Mountains is a true gem. This well-known tourist attraction is loved not only by Czechs and Poles. Probably because, upon entering, we are transported to another world, the world of rocky labyrinths.

It’s a place that enchants at every step. Adrspach is adored by tourists who return there at different times of the year. Unfortunately, I can’t judge when the best time to visit is: summer is the most pleasant due to the temperature, but off-season is practically empty and even more beautiful.

If you’re still undecided whether it’s worth going to the Rock City in Adrspach, this entry will surely convince you. However, before you go, remember a few things. What are they? Read below.

Where is the Rock City located?

The Adršpach Rock City is located on the border between the Czech Republic and Poland, more precisely, in the Lower Silesian Voivodeship, about 5 kilometers from the border. It’s an ideal place for a one-day trip when visiting Lower Silesia.

Click on the map below to see the exact location and plan your route:

Adrspach Rock City: Practical Information

I’ll start with the most important: to enter the Rock City, you need to buy a ticket. You can buy it on-site or online. On-site, you can pay with a card or cash. When purchasing at the window, you receive an informational brochure with a map.

If you’re going to Adrspach during the season, remember that buying tickets online can help you avoid queuing at the ticket office. Plus, it’s cheaper online!

The cost for adults is 130 Czech crowns (November 2023), with discounts for children, and you can bring a dog for 50 crowns. Below is the complete price list (it varies during the season and off-season).

Rock City Price List (2023)

Source of information: official website of the Adršpach Rocks

Parking at the Rock City

You can get to the Rock City by train or car. The train from Wrocław operates during the season. If you come by car, remember that parking is an additional fee (we paid 100 crowns off-season). Card payment was possible. Parking can also be ordered online through the adrspasskeskaly.cz website.

Note that if you want to exchange currency, exchange offices can be found on-site, but many recommend buying Czech crowns on the Polish side (it’s cheaper). More about payments in the Czech Republic here: What to Pay with in the Czech Republic? Where to Exchange Money?

When to visit the Rock City?

Much depends on the season and opening hours. Adršpach Rock City is open from 8 am to 6 pm during the summer season, so you won’t enter before sunrise or after dark. The summer season lasts from April 1st to October 31st.

If you’re wondering when is the best time to visit the Rock City, personally, I recommend visiting in the morning during the summer. Around noon, it might be challenging to take photos without a crowd in the background; weekends in summer attract a large number of people. Specifically, there is significant tourist traffic during the summer. However, off-season, this problem doesn’t exist, but it’s worth noting that the days are quite short.

Why visit the Rock City?

Adrspach Rock City consists of rock formations built of sandstone. However, they are not small and cramped, like Błędne Skały, for example. We are dealing with a majestic, rocky reserve. Some rocks reach almost a hundred meters! Specifically, the highest rock formation, Milenci (Lovers), has a height of 81.4 meters, and the narrowest passage between the rocks is only 50 centimeters wide.

Entering the national nature reserve of Adrspach-Teplice Rocks, we enter another, fairytale world. Countless rock towers set amid beautiful nature. Undoubtedly, Adrspach is an extraordinary place that impresses tourists from around the world. Interestingly, movies like “The Chronicles of Narnia” were filmed there.

How to explore the Rock City?

Before you start exploring, go to the toilet because there are none along the trails. At the entrance, with your ticket, you can take a map with marked routes. I know that many people come with strollers; routes without stairs are also marked on the map. If you don’t have a paper map, don’t worry because signs with a map are placed every few meters. Moreover, the direction of the tour is very well marked, so you won’t get lost.

In Adrspach, there are several trails to choose from, and most importantly, you can walk all of them with one ticket. The most popular is the tourist trail through the Rock City, marked in green on the map, with a length of 3.5 km that you can cover in about 2.5-3 hours. Other trails include:

• Blue trail around the quarry, emerald lake (1.5 km)
• Yellow trail (Vlčí Gorge) leading to the Teplice rocks (5 km)
• Blue trail around the Teplické skály (6 km)

History of Adrspach

I know many will say that such an extraordinary place must have an incredible history. Interestingly, for many years, no one was interested in this place. Locals only went there during dangers and wars. This was because the place looked completely different: it was overgrown with dense forest.

Tourism began to develop around 1700, but it was only when a fire broke out in 1824, burning all vegetation, that the rocky labyrinths could be discovered. Tourist trails were established in the early 19th century.

Among the visitors were EmperorJoseph II, Austrian Emperor Charles, and Polish King Frederick August.

Attractions of Adrspach

The most famous attractions of the Rock City include the Gothic Gate, rock formations such as Dzban, Plac Słoni (Elephant Square), Ząb Liczyrzepy, and waterfalls. I’ll focus on the last one because when we were there in the middle of summer, the waterfall had practically dried up. However, in autumn, it was truly beautiful.

During the season, from May (sometimes April) to October, there is an opportunity for boat trips. From what I remember, such a cruise costs 100 crowns (around 16 zł). Many tourists say it’s a short but amusing cruise worth taking while in the Rock City.

Adrspach – Is the trail through the Rock City difficult?

As I mentioned, you can walk through the Rock City with a stroller, but not everywhere due to stairs that shorten the walking route, particularly for young parents. For this reason, if you want to go the entire tourist route, remember that the Rock City is a place for physically fit people due to a large number of steep stairs. However, these can be bypassed, so in reality, anyone can visit the Rock City.

I (as most of my regular readers know) am afraid of steep descents, so one or two moments on the trail were quite stressful for me. However, it was worth it, and apart from those exceptions, walking through the Rock City was pure pleasure for me.

As for clothing, comfortable attire and more sporty shoes should be sufficient.

Accommodation in the Rock City

There is no possibility of accommodation in the Rock City itself, but in the surrounding area, there are plenty of options. If you plan to visit the picturesque Adršpach, its vicinity is an excellent base for exploring the Rock City.

Under this link and on the map below, you can see well-rated accommodations.

Rock Cities in the Czech Republic

Is this the only Rock City in the Czech Republic? No. It’s worth noting that rock cities in the Czech Republic are not limited to Adrspach, and you can visit others, such as Teplické skály, Czech Switzerland, Kokorinsko, or Tiske Steny. Another similar place is Bohemian Paradise.

Therefore, you don’t have to end your visits to Rock Cities with just one trip. There is much to do in this area, and in Adrspach, you can stay longer and explore the surroundings.

In reality, you don’t need to travel abroad to see the wonders of nature. Rock Cities can also be found in Poland. Where? If you want to visit such places in Poland, it’s worth going to the Stołowe Mountains, for example, to Błędne Skały. Interestingly, “The Chronicles of Narnia” were also filmed there!

See also:

Attractions of the Czech Republic – What Is Worth Seeing There?

Best Things to Do in Prague

Gifts from Czech Republic

The post Rocking Imagination: Adrspach – The Czech Rock Town appeared first on Where Is Evelyn.

Parking in Prague seems simple to one who has not yet been there. Driving to the capital of the Czech Republic by car, there are a few things you need to know, and the most important of them is to find out if the accommodation offers a parking space. Because if it doesn’t, and we stay in the center, we can get into a little trouble.

Accommodation in Prague. Where to Park the Car?

If you have booked a hotel or apartment in the center, it is worth checking whether it comes with a parking space. Unfortunately, this is not very common, so we have several solutions: looking for a free (and legal) parking space, paid parking lots or parking somewhere further away. The further away from the center, the easier it is to find a place to park your car.

Important! Often you can buy a parking space belonging to the hotel, but it costs approx. 20 euro /day. For me, too expensive.

Where Can You Not Park Your Car in Prague?

First of all, at the restricted areas. Although it seems obvious, a few years ago we always parked at the Staropramen brewery. Parking there is banned, but we didn’t care like other Czechs. And there would be nothing unusual about it, if we didn’t get (countless) fines, and once we were next in line for towing. Yes, towing, because it’s an everyday occurrence in Prague.

 Secondly, it’s worth paying attention to zones, lettering on road signs and lines. Yellow means no more and no less that we can’t park (it’s not a zone, but a designated place where you can’t park). Zones are: blue, purple and orange. In each case, it is worth paying attention to the signs, which are located at the beginning of the parking lot. There the conditions, duration of validity or parking time are described. It is worth remembering that the blue zone is parked by those who have the appropriate permits and are most often simply residents of the area. It is possible to park there for a short period of time if you pay for a space in the corresponding app (Virtuální parkovací hodiny), but we did not use it.

Where to Park a Car in Prague?

It’s actually hard to answer this question without taking time into account. It is rare that a parking space will be waiting for you, so it is worth being patient. Certainly, it is easier to park a car in the New Town than in the Charles Bridge area. There, as a rule, it is better not to go with your car. You can also use paid parking lots, for example, in the Smichov district, but it’s about 15 minutes from the center.

Besides, on the other hand, close to Hradčany you can park about 10 minutes from the castle. I wouldn’t count on a closer spot. And as for visiting the Prague zoo, on weekends even the paid parking lots are overpacked, so I recommend parking on the side of Troja Castle.

Is It a Good Idea to Drive Around Prague by Car?

In my opinion, it is so much more comfortable, because there is not much… traffic jams. People use public transportation, which is really efficient. But looking at parking lots, it’s no fun, because there are too few spaces anyway. And you never know if there will be a spot – regardless of whether it’s the weekend or the middle of the week. I remember when I had a job interview downtown, Maciej drove me and it turned out that there was some kind of renovation and there was absolutely nowhere to park. After a while it became vacant, but not only was it very expensive, but until the last moment we were not sure if we could park.

Note: You can check parking spaces on, for example, zaparkuju.cz or use the Park and Ride option – that is, leave your car in a special parking lot and continue to take the subway. More information here.

How Much Does Parking Cost in Prague?

It all depends on the zone. Therefore, it is really hard to say. It is worth checking the official website of parking lots in Prague, there you will find downloadable price lists. Link here. You can also look for those free parking lots, but they are usually located a bit further from the center, for example, such a map was prepared on skrblik.cz

I hope that your doubts have been resolved. And if you have tips for others about car or getting around Prague – let me know.

Also check out the post: What to see in Prague

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Which attractions in the Czech Republic are worth visiting? There is definitely something to do, something to see and something to try in the Czech Republic.

Much depends on the time when you go. For example, Prague in summer is extremely crowded – it is, after all, holidays time. In autumn you can go to festivals that are associated with bourchak, or light, wine-based alcohol. For St. Martin’s Day – eat delicious goose meat. At the end of the year don’t forget the Christmas Markets, for example in Brno or Olomouc. At the beginning of the year it’s worth checking when the Carnival will be held. Carnival in the Czech Republic is a great event that I highly recommend.

Prague – the Heart of the Czech Republic

I don’t think anyone needs to be talked into visiting Prague, but the list of Czech attractions would be incomplete without it. It is the capital and the true heart of the Czech Republic. What is worth seeing in Prague? Typing such a search term into a search engine, most often the same places are repeated, and you often ask where and when to avoid the crowds in the Czech capital. I lived there for half a year, I was a tourist many times, and from all these times an interesting guide was created:

Best Things to Do in Prague

Český Krumlov

Český Krumlov is one of the most beautiful towns in the Czech Republic, and according to some, the most beautiful one. What is worth seeing here? The Old Town and Latarn, discover lovely cobblestone streets. In addition, there is a castle overlooking Český Krumlov, where you will find a mint, a theater, and in the wonderful gardens – a beautiful belvedere. It’s the kind of town you can enjoy exploring and return to over and over again.

Karlovy Vary – a Czech Gem Worth Seeing

Another town in the Czech Republic with a great vibe. Karlovy Vary is also the largest Czech spa resort. You will find beautiful buildings there, and four rivers flow through the town, so there are a lot of bridges in the town. In addition, it was there that several scenes from Casino Royale were filmed.  The interior of the Casino Royale itself was filmed right in Karlovy Vary. It was in the spa house Baths I. If you are a Bond fan, you must definitely visit this Czech city!

Litomyšl: a Beautiful Palace

Hearing Litomyšl, a Renaissance palace comes to my mind, but this is not quite true. For the palace in Litomyšl is not 100% Renaissance. It consists of 50% Baroque and 50% Renaissance architecture. It is beautiful, decorated with more than eight thousand frescoes. Precisely because of these drawings, it is better to reserve a limited time for viewing, because it authentically… sucks you in! Interestingly, there is a cellar downstairs, where you can not only buy wine, but also taste in a familiar atmosphere.

Hluboká and Vltavou Palace

I have visited many castles and chateaux in the Czech Republic, but this one is the most memorable. Hluboká nad Vltavou is definitely my favorite among the monuments in the Czech Republic. Hluboká is said to be considered the gem of southern Bohemia. A well-kept neighborhood, and inside, a romantic, fairy-tale palace surrounded by the Vltava River. It makes an incredible impression, so if you’re in the area, take a moment to visit it. It’s definitely worth it.

The Rock City of Adršpach

One of the more popular attractions in the Czech Republic is definitely the Rock City. There are several reasons for this, but the location is certainly partly decisive. For Ardspach is located not far from Polish popular winter resorts Karpacz or Kudowa Zdrój. It is one of the places you visit during a trip to Lower Silesia. The Rock City in Bohemia is stunning, beloved by tourists and incredibly photogenic.

Adrspach is located in the Stołowe Mountains and already at the entrance it takes you to another world, a world of rock labyrinths. However, before you go to the Rock City, remember a few things. What exactly? About this in the entry:

Adrspach – The Czech Rock Town

Rejviz

Natural attractions in the Czech Republic are not only mountains and rocks. Even not far from the Polish-Czech border there are many places worth visiting. Another interesting point on my list would be the Rejvíz nature reserve, located not far from Głuchołazy (Polish Opolskie Voivodeship). The reserve is really worth a visit, partly explored by walking on footbridges, as it was established to protect a peat bog, created about 6-7 thousand years ago.

It’s a less popular place than most on the list, but definitely worth a visit. You can read more about Rejviz here:

Olomouc

If you’re going to the Czech Republic and want to not only see, but also taste, choose Olomouc. I know that culinary highlights in the Czech Republic are mostly associated with meat, fried cheese, but that’s really just the beginning of the feast. Try the homemade ice cream, cakes or local drinks. However, Olomouc is unquestionably known from its famous cheeses, which are even so named.

Apart from that, Olomouc is home to beautiful monuments that attract tourists from all over the world. Olomouc is also called the city of churches. Even if this subject is not in the circle of our interests, St. Maurice’s Church is worth a visit. It makes an impression!

You can read more about Olomouc here:

Frydlant Castle

Looking for an idea for a trip near Polish southern border? A great idea for such a trip would be Frydlant Castle. A beautiful place, but also interesting for another reason: in Frýdlant you will learn a lot about history, architecture.

This place is on my list of Czech attractions not only for this reason. The castle is stunning, picturesque and definitely worth a visit. See for yourself.

Holaszovice (Holašovice)

There are quite a few places in the Czech Republic that are listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. One of them would be the village of Holaszovice – a village that has preserved its medieval urban layout! It’s a small village that attracts tourists, but it’s also a good place as a waypoint, as it’s a really short visit.

Hlinsko and Vesely Kopec (Open-air Museum + Carnival)

If you plan to see the Czech Republic from the perspective of wooden houses, go to Hlinsk. This town lies at the foot of the Bohemian-Moravian Highlands, which adds to its undeniable, slightly mountainous charm. The Betlém district, consisting of small wooden houses, is worth a visit. Today some of the houses are inhabited, some are open-air museums, and some are stores or restaurants. An amazing place, but that’s not the end of the story! It’s where the wonderful Carnival of the Czech Republic takes place, more precisely in the open-air museum Veselý Kopec. Highly recommended ?

Attractions of the Czech Republic

The Czech Republic offers many attractions to tourists. The ones I have listed are just the beginning of discovering this beautiful country. In the Czech Republic you will find many more beautiful cities with museums, galleries, also you can experience nightlife. Of course, there are opera houses and theaters for those who want a taste of local culture. For those who prefer something closer to nature, there is a good selection of places (parks, forests, reserves) with beautiful landscapes. I would forget one interesting fact. Did you know that Sněžka is the highest point in the Czech Republic? ?

For more inspiration, visit the Czech Republic category and selected posts:

Best Things to Do in Prague

Gifts from Czech Republic

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It always seemed to me that buying souvenirs and gifts from the Czech Republic was trivial. Why? I lived near the Czech border, so the subject was familiar to me. Until I went with friends and it became clear that buying souvenirs from the Czech Republic was an issue for them. Together we searched for the perfect gifts associated with the country. Below you’ll find the best, tried-and-true gift ideas from the Czech Republic.

Czech Glass

The main reason for visits to the Czech city of Jablonec is glass. Glasses, wine glasses, lamps, vases, jewelry or even… a chandelier. And this is just the beginning of the beautiful glass things made in the Czech Republic. Yes, it’s possible to buy them in many places in the country, but it’s Jablonec nad Nisou (along with its surroundings) that offers the cheapest, good quality products that will appeal to more than just glass fans. I wasn’t one of them until I took a trip on the trail of Czech glass, and today I know that if I’m in the area I’ll be happy not only to go there to shop, but also to create jewelry myself or make a glass vase.

Calendar from the Czech Republic

This gift may seem corny, but nothing could be further from the truth. Instead, it can cause quite a stir, when it will be May, and in the calendar … květen. Practically every month sounds different from the one in English.

If you want, you can go further and buy, for example, a book in Czech. This can be the beginning of an adventure in learning this language. And if you are interested in the Czech language, be sure to check out Czech false friends, words that are better not to use in Czech.

Czech Sweets

This is the easiest option: starting with the immortal Studentska chocolate, through Kolonada wafers to the famous Marlenka cake. But that’s not all, of course: candy lentils, coconut Margot bars or round Fidorki. One thing is certain, there is something for everyone.

Czech Spirits

I don’t know if there is anyone who hasn’t even heard of Czech beer. You can go to a market and buy there, but practically every town has a different local brewery. In Prague you will find countless of them, I lived near Pivovar Hostivař, which I recommend. Great place. You can also visit the Staropramen brewery, beer-related places are plenty. Other than that, Czech rum e.g. Božkov is very popular, wine is best from Moravia.

Caution: it is worth reading labels, because some of the wines described in Czech come from Hungary, for example.

Czech Sauces

This may not be the most popular gift and may be perceived as something strange until the recipient tries it. Tatarská omáčka or tartar sauce is extremely popular in the Czech Republic. However, at my place, Otma Gurmán ketchup reigns supreme – one of the best I’ve tasted. It’s worth trying new flavors, a gift from the Czech Republic can be original.

Garlic Chips

Czech chips flavored with garlic.  They are extremely rare in other countries, so if you have a lover of this aromatic vegetable among your loved ones, Czech garlic chips should make them much happier than a (sample) refrigerator magnet.

Regional Delicacies

Virtually all Czech cities will have something traditional to eat. I mean things that are characteristic of a particular region, city. Of course, you will often buy them in many places in the Czech Republic, but you have to try harder to find them. There are quite a few such foods and sweets, but among the most popular are hořické trubičky, which are (sweet) tubes originating from Hořice, or karlovarské oplatky, which are traditional wafers straight from Karlovy Vary.

Krecik – a Gift for Children, but Not Only

Probably many of you are familiar with the cartoon with the Czech Mole (cz. Krtek)! Today, in addition to fairy tales, you can buy teddy bears or other toys for children, but also things with its image, such as T-shirts or hoodies. It is one of the more well-known motifs, but it is not a popular gift like sweets. The reason is simple: in many places the Mole is just… expensive, and to be more specific, a plush Mole is often at least twice as expensive as a nice mascot with a different image.

Koh-i-noor: Pencils, Crayons and Pens

Although the Koh-i-noor company was founded in Vienna, it moved to České Budějovice in 1848. In addition to its famous pencils or crayons, you can buy gift and art sets. At Koh-i-noor you can get a gift not only for an artist, because they also offer elegant pens or a calligraphy set. An interesting, original gift from Czech Republic.

Accessories and Paintings with a Czech Motif

Czech motifs vary from city to city. In Prague pictures and sketches with Prague streets are popular, through T-shirts and caps with “Praha” written on them, to trinkets that will remind you of a trip to the Czech capital. In other cities accessories are not as popular, but you can easily find bags/blouses with the inscription “I love Brno”.

Gifts and Souvenirs from the Czech Republic

Looking for a gift idea? I know that sometimes it’s hard to decide, so I’ve compiled this list. I’m curious what you would add to the above list. I’m sure at least Kofola (the so-called Czech cola), cheese from Olomouc and dumplings are the three specialties that I didn’t mention that come to my mind.

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What to do in Prague? You often hear that in Prague you need to spend at least a week to see everything, that a weekend is not enough. I know from my own experience that to get to know Prague “from the inside” half a year is not enough. However, the truth is that to visit all the most popular attractions you only need… a weekend.

As you can guess, in this post I have not revealed everything Prague has to offer. Why? Probably because it would make a solid book, and this is just an entry/guide to help you plan your trip to the Czech Republic’s capital. Still, it’s worth delineating the attractions that you simply can’t skip – especially if you only have one day to spend in Prague. As I mentioned in the introduction, this is enough to get to know the city a bit. The Charles Bridge, the Old Town, St. Vitus Cathedral – it will be a pleasant walk, which is best to start just from the Old Town. I have seen those many times when I lived in Prague.

Typing in the search engine for things to do in Prague probably you will get the same locations, and you often ask where and when to avoid the crowds in the Czech capital. In fact, in recent years Prague has become even more popular with tourists, but fortunately there are still attractions that will give you a break from the crowds while enjoying the charm of the city. I hope to be able to surprise you?.

Top-Rated Attractions & Things to Do in Prague

The spots covered below are the places where you usually start your tour of Prague. You can skip something, you can add other attractions to the list, such as a boat trip across the Vltava River, John Lennon’s wall, the famous Vyšehrad, evening fountain shows or the Dancing House (by the way, I still can’t understand how this strange building can look so good in photos!). It is almost impossible to visit all the museums in Prague, but thanks to that, depending on what your interests are,you can go to the Kafka Museum, the Museum of Technology, the Beer Museum, the Torture Museum… or just sit in a typically Czech pub and eat fried cheese while listening to conversations at neighboring tables.

Market Square in Prague

Here one can start their adventure with the Czech capital and get acquainted with Prague’s churches (including St. Nicholas Church in Prague). In the market square you will, of course, see the Town Hall, and also find the famous Prague astronomical clock. NOTE: It is possible to climb the observation tower, but I personally recommend the elevator ride?.

Popular Sightseeing Spot of Prague: the Charles Bridge

For me, it is the most recognizable and popular attraction of Prague. It is here that every tourist “happily” strokes the famous dachshund, and every woman worries whether the crowd will snatch her purse. According to one Czech story, the tradition of stroking metal objects on the bridge was started by possibly drunken students who polished them off for fun. And that’s how the story began.

Mala Starna in Prague

Mala Starna includes the Market Square (Malostranské náměstí), Petrzin Hill and churches, including St. Nicholas Church No. 2. Petrzin Hill is the most popular hill in Prague, consisting mainly of gardens and parks. At the foot of the hill, you can find the monument to the victims of communism, further up is the observation tower (Petřínská rozhledna). You can take a cable car (Lanová dráha na Petřín) to the hill, running from the Újezd stop.

Hradcany in Prague

Hradcany – its main attraction is Prague Castle. Hradcany Castle is a complex of palaces, churches and other buildings, which also includes the Golden Street. This charming street (Zlatnická in Czech) is made up of tiny townhouses where you can now buy souvenir items. Contrary to what some guidebooks say, admission is free after 4 pm.

Prague attractions. What else is worth seeing?

Absolutely  kind of places of Prague where you will miss tourists. All you have to do is drive a bit away from the city center, or even walk to the other side of the river. There, in a place known as Stromovka, there are fewer people than opposite (Naplavka). Plus, the cityscape from this perspective is just as beautiful, or at least I always went there after classes at VSFS (I studied in Prague). Besides, I recommend Prague’s parks and forests. Of course, not necessarily those located in the city center?.

You Can Find Other Interesting Attractions of Prague Below:

A Boat Trip on the Vltava River

I specifically started with the center, because while sightseeing Prague, it can not be missed. Practically the entire Old Town is not only famous, but also besieged by tourists.

It seemed to me that a trip on the Vltava River on a Sunday noon would be hard to do without a booking, in addition, at the last minute, but it turned out quite the opposite! 10 minutes before departure we caught a 45-minute tour with a small beer and an audiobook.

Clock Tower – Bird’s Eye View of Prague

When crowds gather under the famous clock, and you hesitate to go inside, you need to know two things. The first is that most of the tourists do not go inside. The second: that inside, in addition to the beautiful mosaics, you can climb (or ride) up the tower and see the city from above, including the market. Interestingly, even on Sunday it’s hard to get a queue there, so it’s really cool (if you don’t have a fear of heights, of course).

Church at Namesti Miru

Even if you’re not a fan of churches, the square at Namesti Miru, or Peace Square, is one of the more recognizable points in Prague. The Church of St. Ludmila, located there, can also be visited inside and we agreed that its decorations are impressive. Plus, you can light a candle of intention (admittedly, only an electric one) and contemplate the architecture, Prague and the world around you.

Admission: free

Note: No photos should be taken inside.

Breweries in Prague: Hostivar

Although a stone’s throw from the Charles Bridge you can visit Staropramen, I recommend an excursion a bit further. More specifically, to the district where I lived, Hostivař. There you will drink beer from a local brewery (several types), eat something good (depending on the season), And after all, you can go to Hostivařská přehrade, in the park?. Sounds great, doesn’t it?

Vyšehrad in Prague

This hill is the second seat of Czech rulers in the 10th century. What’s interesting is that while at Hradčany the queue to the castle is a nightmare, at Visegrad there are no crowds. The Rotunda of St. Martin, the church that can be seen from across the Vltava River and the wonderful views are more memorable than the more famous sites. Maybe it’s because they are not as well known? Or simply because we can see Prague from several sides: from above, we can see both Smichov and Hradcany or the houses on the same side of the river. Visegrad is definitely worth seeing.

Admission to the hill: free.

Prague TV Tower: Žižkov

Despite being featured in many guidebooks, the crowds are not there. Maybe that’s because it’s a bit away from the center. The structure itself is interesting, especially since it is studded with sculptures of children by David Cerny. If you want to go up it’s worth checking the opening hours, as sometimes they close part of the tower. This is what we happened to up just recently and nothing came of our tour. It is worth choosing the right time – in my opinion, it will be ideal in the afternoon, before sunset. In addition to the amazing view, you can learn about the creation of the tower and its history.

What to Do in Prague?

What to do in Prague? So, almost everyone’s plan is to eat dumplings, look for a cartoon mole and stock up on Czech beer for the next month. Beyond that, how can you better discover the Czech capital, even on a short trip to Prague, starting with popular attractions and ending with everyday life? Five things that will help you get to know Prague better can be found below. I think you can allocate at least one day for all of them. Unless you get lost in some park or simply drink too much beer. Be sure to let us know what you most like to do in Prague.

Take a Trip… by Subway from Namesti Miru Station

Namesti Miru is the one of the stations that stuck in my mind because of its… length. To get to the subway you have to spend more than two minutes riding the escalator. The experience is interesting because the stairs just seem to never end. They are really long, comparing to other stations not only in Prague, but also in Europe. Interesting fact! As some of you may remember, a long escalator ride is not one of my favorites, so back when I was still studying in Prague, I usually made up my way to avoid getting on/off at Namesti Miru.

Stroke a Dog on the Charles Bridge

The queue to stroke a dog could reach a few meters, and many doubt that stroking a metal dog could bring good luck. The reality is that the dachshund/gelding was polished one night by students. And that’s simply how the tradition began. However, I believe in the power of intention and my dream spoken on the Charles Bridge came true. Maybe it’s a coincidence, or maybe the dachshund actually has some secret powers?

Visit the Golden Street… Quite Free

Many say that you can’t leave Prague without stopping by the Golden Street. Personally, I don’t agree with them, but it’s certainly worth seeing these tiny townhouses. True, no one lives in them anymore these days, but you can enter most of them and buy all sorts of souvenirs. How to enter for free? After 4 pm, admission is free.

Drink Beer Made in Prague

Staropramen is a beer made in Prague. So, going across the Vltava River you can smell the sweet aroma of the brewery’s production, and right next to the facility you can find a small museum. I myself traditionally recommend looking for a small brewery, where the beer is more local and the atmosphere is typically Czech (as the one I mentioned to you above). Note: option for adults only.

Have a Picnic in a “Lesopark”

The number of parks and forests in Prague simply knocks you out. Therefore, when you are fed up with the bustling and crowded atmosphere and have nothing to do in Prague, it is worth packing up and having a picnic in one of the parks. When you don’t have a blanket, or are too lazy to organize such ventures, no problem. Practically in every place you can find a stall where you can buy something to eat. And obligatory, Czech beer. You can find information about the parks, for example, here. Even on a cloudy day it is beautiful!

Where to Eat in Prague?

The center of Prague is stuffed with endless restaurants, bars, and eateries. I’m not a fan of unknown restaurants in typically touristic places, so I’ve had a few slip-ups while taking friends to such places. One of my favorite places when I lived in Prague was Kozlovna Lidická, located a bit away from the very center. As Kozlovna Apropos was near during the tour, we sat down there to try the food, which disappointed everyone. A cheap, tasty and quick place for Czech cuisine is Česká Kuchyně, located in the heart of Prague. Everything we choose lands immediately on our plate. My favorite combination is potato salad with poultry cutlet, and for dessert: fruit dumplings with cream sauce.  You can find dishes that do not necessarily deserve a set of Michelin stars, but the portions are really satisfactory.

Accommodation in Prague – Where to Sleep?

Where you want to spend the night in Prague depends only on your preferences (and budget, of course). You can spend the night in the very center, on the outskirts or near any of the beautiful parks. In the center you may not have a parking space.

If you are interested in accommodation in Prague, you can find recommended places at this link, or you can check on the map below:

Public Transportation in Prague

The easiest way to get around Prague is by public transportation (buses, trains and subway). You can find the price list here! As for getting around by car – the problem is not traffic jams, but finding a free parking space (and even paid parking spot in high season). IMPORTANT: Czechs often park cars in prohibited places. If we think that this is acceptable by the municipal police, we are mistaken.  In 90% of cases, after an hour behind the doormat you will find a notice of violation, and more than once we have seen cases in which the car was towed ?.

Many people have asked me about unconventional and amazing places in Prague. I’m into nature, forests and tranquility, so I can’t hide the fact that I didn’t go to the center particularly often. There are probably more forests and parks in Prague than museums… Each of the parks I visited was wonderful, and first on the list of my favorite places were Kunraticko-michelsky forest and Hostivařská Přehrada, where I spent most of my free time. By the parks you will usually find pubs and restaurants (on the menu a must: sausage, fried cheese, dumplings, and, of course, a beer!).

When traveling to Prague, I recommend exploring the lesser-known neighborhoods, because that’s often where the real gems of the city hide. I lived in the Hostivař district, which is about 20 minutes from the center (by tram/car) and in my opinion it is a good place to stop during a visit to the Czech capital: the center is not far away, plus you can get a taste of real Czech life. Walking through Hostivařská Přehradka, relaxing on the beach by the lake, Czech beer and… no tourists! The place to visit there is Pivovar Hostivař. It is there that you can feel the true Czechvibe, where no one is in a hurry, while sipping a beer and not worrying about the next day.

Prague – What is Worth Seeing?

The center of the city, the streets, churches and all the other monuments – all these have survived the Second World War. Thanks to the fact that Prague suffered virtually no damage, it is now one of the brightest jewels of all Europe. One can, of course, discuss the past and the rightness of certain choices, but in my opinion, it is far better to focus on what is now and what today’s Prague offers us. Attractions,  delicious food and a great atmosphere are the best way to spend a pleasant weekend.

After moving out of Prague, I missed those sights and all that the city has to offer. I would love to get back to exploring the less popular neighborhoods and streets today, because I’m sure that’s not all Prague has to offer yet.

The Czech Republic is ahead of the curve (I listed transportation prices at the beginning), and its capital is well worth seeing. Don’t worry if you only have a weekend to explore. Just take a notebook and plan everything down to the hour.

That’s all I can tell you about Prague for today. Let me know what your favorite places in Prague are. Or do you have your own ways to avoid the crowds in the Czech capital?

See also:

Parking in Prague. What Do You Need to Know?

Adrspach – The Czech Rock Town

Attractions of the Czech Republic – What Is Worth Seeing There?

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