It’s a perfect weekend getaway in Czech Republic – Prague and Cesky Krumlov.
Choosing one, to avoid the hassle of the drive, is a good option too. But! If
you are the greedy traveler type, like me, who wants to be in dozen places at
the same time, a little road trip would do just fine!
I won’t bother you with my awes and wows about these so
different but so equally beautiful bohemian cities. I will leave you with my
photo diary and you decide for yourself if these orange roofs and cobbled streets
are worth your visit! (they are, they are! ☺)
Oh, and I will drop here my 3-days itinerary,
just in case, maybe it’ll be of any help. It’s got places of interest, accommodations,
restaurants etc with a few words of how we liked them.
Have a great day and, as always, thank you for being on my page and taking an interest!☺
Cesky Krumlov. Day 1
The entire historic center of Cesky Krumlov is Unesco World Heritage Cite, which escaped the bombings of WWII. You get immersed in the old charm of this well preserved medieval town the second you step into the old city.
1. Hotel Edward Kelly
In historic center, lovely old hotel with authentic furniture and squeaky wooden floors. We liked it.
2. Krumlov Castle (6 min walk from hotel)
Didn't take tour and regretted it. The place is huge and a tour would definitely help. Beautiful! The views are the best! Cloak bridge is amazing!
3. Cesky Krumlov Town Square, entire Historic Center (8 min walk from the castle)
This place has to be walked all over, not just the square. Wander the narrow streets, walk into thrift shops, find hidden steps, enjoy the views, listen to the sounds.
Music can be heard from the distance. Chase it. Find some hidden backyard cafe on Vltava with the view of the Castle, hordes of insects in the air, couples cuddling by the riverside and a music band playing something lovely under the lantern.
4. Kayak Ride on Vltava around the Old City (6 pm last reservation)
Loved it! On a hot summer day it is really a treat! Beautiful views.
5. We didn't make it to the restaurants I planned to, so not much of advice here. Except for - try to find something by the river, as the sound of water and charm of the illuminated castle create a very romantic setting.
6. Tip - plan to enjoy sunset somewhere with a view of the city. It is spectacular!
7. One more tip - park in the garage right behind the castle. Walk through the Cloak Bridge into the Old City. DO NOT drive there! (I did and oooooh it was a pain to get out once you drove in!!)
8. If I happen to visit Cesky Krumlov again, I will buy some jewelry with Moldavite stone. I love stones and regretted I didn't get anything.
Prague. Day 2
It is approximately 2,5 hours drive from Cesky Krumlov to Prague. Do not treat it as a burden, treat it as an adventure! We drove past beautiful serene landscapes, fields of poppy seeds and sunflowers. I chose rural roads instead of a highway and didn't regret it! It took us same time but we drove through a tiny curious town and stopped a few times to take pictures like these ones:
1. Hotel U Krale Karla
I chose this hotel for the looks! It used to be the property of Benedict Monks and has an absolutely unique style. Gorgeous rooms, gorgeous layout, drop dead gorgeous ceilings. However, it was a torture for me to live through the night with no AC in August (my sister said she was fine though, so keep this in mind).
2. Mala Strana (7 min walk)
Not to miss for sure.
Eat street food.
Trdelnik is a must!
3. The Lennon Wall (4 min walk)
When we came there a school chorus happened to sing "Imagine all the people...". Great place! Pay a tribute to the wall that pays tribute to ideals of freedom, love and peace. ☺
4. The Charles Bridge (3 min walk)
Well, should I explain?
Tip - go under the bridge to get the hell out of crowds of tourists and enjoy some quiet time on the bank, take pictures. Climb the Bridge Tower - nice view.
5. The Old Town Square (9 min)
Another must see place. The square remained relatively intact since the 10th century! Watch the world famous astronomical clock strike an hour!
On the way you might decided to pass
Hanging Sigmund Freud sculpture - a peculiar one, accompanied by a hanging woman with an umbrella.
6. River Cruise (10 min walk to the dock)
Well, though nothing spectacular, I did like it. The ship was very old and felt soooo nostalgic. It moved at almost nonexistent speed and we just enjoyed the breeze, views of the city, pigeons, setting sun, ate some berries we bought at one of the stalls in Mala Strana, rested our feet and minds.
7. T-Anker Terrace (20 min walk or take Uber)
I highly recommend this place to have a drink and some light dinner while enjoying sunset with a captivating view of the city!
Prague. Day 3
1. Prague Castle (4 min walk from hotel)
Prague Castle is really worth visiting. It occupies an immense territory with many points of interest. It sits on the hill and provides a few beautiful views of the city.
Don't miss the
changing of the guard at noon!
I also loved the
Golden Lane - so many peculiar houses of alchemists and people of various occupations, but one that I wanted to see the most is the house where Franz Kafka used to live and write.
2. Marionety Truhlar Shop
I love marionettes (puppets) and of this is something you might be interested in - make sure to visit this shop! Unique hand made puppets!
3. Petrin Hill
The views!! In my opinion Petrin Hill offers the most beautiful vista onto the city!
Take Funicular railway to get to the top and take a walk on your way back. The funicular itself is a landmark.
4. Dancing House
Even though nothing extraordinary I was glad I stumbled upon this building and managed to take a picture out of a moving car, behind the wheel! ☺
5. Cafe Louvre
We didn't make there. But! Next time in Prague, I will cross it out of my list. I have to have a meal there, if only because Franz Kafka and Albert Enistein had meals there! ☺
6. Tip - use Uber. Cheap and convenient, helped me out when I forgot how to get back to my car and the phone was nearly dead so I couldn't use navigation.
