Prague might not be your first choice when looking for a destination during your next trip to Europe, but it should be. The capital of the Czech Republic is a feast for the eyes and the stomach, and needs to be at the top of your list of ‘places to visit.’
As a North American, it is common to find people who still haven’t clued in to the fact that Czechoslovakia is no longer a country. So when I suggest to them that Prague is a must-see city, the first image that comes to their mind is one of a rugged and somewhat decrepit iron curtain metropolitan area. However, this could not be further from the truth.
Prague is in fact in the top 5 most visited cities in Europe. It’s a safe place that is, yes, a little rough around the edges, but the center is a magnificent gem that everyone must experience.
Prague is a place with a rich history that seems to get forgotten in the hustle and bustle of our textbooks. We tend to hear about and be drawn to cities like Amsterdam, London, and Paris, but I think it is in Prague that you will find a truly wondrous travel destination.
Prague has been blessed with a diverse array of architecture. The city managed to avoid much of the recreation of the urban fabric while it was a Soviet satellite state, and was saved from the bombing by both the Nazis and the Red Army in the Second World War. This means Prague has preserved its delightful array of Gothic, neoclassic, and baroque architectures that blend styles and function seamlessly.
Prague is one of those cities where you will be walking down cobblestone streets and truly feel like you are in the Europe you always wanted to visit.
Another reason you need to visit the city is the food.
My oh my I do love the gastronomic wonders of Prague. If you are willing to do some traveling in the winter, then Prague is certainly a place I would recommend going to while it is chilly outside. Czech food is perfect for it.
After walking around the city all bundled up, it is truly amazing to walk inside a nice warm building to eat some stewed meat and wash it down with a frosty beer.
Czech food might have some visitors turn their noses up, but I am a huge fan of what might be affectionately called ‘peasant food.’ It’s all about food that is cooked long and slow, and will definitely fill you up and warm your belly.
The standard you definitely need to have while you are in Prague is goulash with dumplings. If you are staying in the city of Prague. The best place to eat would be Dům U Vejvodů and Svejk.
Stay tuned for a list of must-see sights, and some of the history you’ll want to soak up while you are in Prague, but I hope you have at least had your curiosity aroused for a city you definitely need to see.