Day 2: From Castle Views to River Cruises

After an incredible first day in Prague, we were eager to dive deeper into the city’s rich history and vibrant culture. With clear skies and the promise of new adventures, our second day began with anticipation and excitement.

A Forgotten Toothbrush and a Rock-Paper-Scissors Adventure #

Our day began with a bit of unexpected fun. One of us had forgotten to pack a toothbrush, which led to a morning game of rock-paper-scissors to decide who would brave the early hours to fetch a new one. After a few rounds of laughter and playful competition, I ended up on the losing side. The early morning walk through the quiet streets of Prague was surprisingly pleasant, offering a peaceful start to what would be a busy day.

Hop-On-Hop-Off Bus Tour #

After our impromptu adventure, we started with a Hop-On-Hop-Off bus tour, a convenient way to cover more ground and see the city’s major attractions. The company offered two routes, red and blue, reminiscent of a choice in the Matrix. We chose the blue line, deciding to first explore the city from the comfort of the bus and plan our stops as we went along.

The tour began at the historic Old Town Square, bustling with early morning activity. The first stop was Republic Square, followed by the iconic Wenceslas Square, and then the quirky Dancing House. Each location offered a glimpse into the diverse architectural styles and historical layers of Prague.

Future Shopping Plans at Wenceslas Square #

As we passed Wenceslas Square, we noted it as a perfect spot for some future shopping. The square, known for its vibrant atmosphere and numerous shops, is a great place to explore and pick up unique souvenirs. The lively energy of the area was infectious, with street performers and the buzz of locals and tourists alike, making it a must-visit on another day.

Exploring Malostranské Náměstí and Prague Castle #

Continuing our tour, we headed towards Malostranské náměstí (Lesser Town Square). Here, we made a strategic decision to switch to the other bus line at Prague Castle.

This turned out to be a brilliant idea, as many passengers also decided to switch buses at this popular stop, giving us plenty of free space. We managed to snag seats in the front row on the upper deck of the double-decker bus, offering us panoramic views of the city as we resumed our tour.

Disembarking at Prague Castle, we took our time to explore this magnificent complex. St. Vitus Cathedral, with its stunning Gothic architecture, was a highlight.

The cathedral’s stained glass windows cast a beautiful array of colors inside, creating a serene atmosphere. We also wandered through the picturesque Golden Lane, with its tiny, colorful houses that once housed the castle’s artisans.

Light Lunch Break #

After a morning filled with exploration, we decided to keep lunch light and refreshing. Having had an incredible breakfast at our floating hotel on the river, the Botel, we opted for bubble tea and iced lattes at Starbucks. This simple yet satisfying break provided a cool respite and a chance to recharge before continuing our adventure.

Sightseeing Continued #

Post-lunch, we strolled a little around the Prague Castle area, soaking in more of its history and charm.

Then, we headed back to the Hop-On-Hop-Off bus to continue our sightseeing journey. The bus took us past Strahov Stadium, a massive structure with a disturbing history. Once the largest stadium in the world, it now stands as a grotesque monument to the past, evoking mixed feelings about its legacy.

From the stadium, the bus wound its way down a curvy road to Svanda Theatre. Here, we decided to change our tour once more. We took a pleasant walk to the opposite side of the river, enjoying the scenic views along the way, and prepared to board the boat for a river cruise.

River Cruise on the Vltava #

By early afternoon, we boarded a boat for a serene cruise along the Vltava River. The gentle lapping of the water and the soft glow of the early afternoon sun created a magical ambiance.

One of the highlights of the cruise was passing under the Charles Bridge, giving us a unique perspective of this iconic structure. Seeing the bridge from below allowed us to appreciate its intricate details and the statues lining its sides from a different angle. The experience provided stunning views of both sides of the bridge, making the cruise a truly memorable part of our day.

Indulging in Trdelníks #

After the river cruise, we decided to continue our exploration by foot. Leaving the boat docks behind us, we headed towards the Charles Bridge. Our true goal, however, was not just the bridge but a local specialty: Trdelníks (chimney cakes) filled with ice cream.

Walking along the lively streets towards the bridge, we were captivated by the vibrant atmosphere. The aroma of freshly baked Trdelníks filled the air, guiding us to our destination. Finally reaching the vendor, we indulged in the delicious treat, the warm pastry combined with the cold ice cream creating a delightful contrast. The Trdelníks provided us with a much-needed boost to fill up our energy levels again, readying us for the rest of our afternoon.

Dinner at Manifesto Food Market Anděl #

As we strolled around, we stumbled upon a nearby metro station and decided to head to the Manifesto Food Market Anděl for dinner.

The Manifesto Food Market Anděl was a culinary paradise, with a wide array of food stalls offering everything from traditional Czech cuisine to international delights. We indulged in a feast for the senses, sampling dishes from different stalls and savoring the vibrant atmosphere of the market. From savory street food to decadent desserts, every bite was a culinary adventure.

Evening Stroll Through Anděl #

After dinner, we took a leisurely stroll through the bustling streets of Anděl, soaking in the lively atmosphere of the neighborhood. The vibrant energy of the city at night was intoxicating, and we felt grateful to be experiencing it together in such a beautiful place.

Conclusion #

Our second day in Prague was a whirlwind of discovery and delight. From the historic landmarks and scenic river cruise to the indulgent treats and culinary adventures, every moment was filled with excitement and wonder. As we headed back to our hotel, tired but happy, we couldn’t help but feel grateful for the unforgettable experiences we had shared and the memories we had created together in this magical city.