World Travel: Prague

Arriving in Prague has to be one of the most disappointing moments in my travel days. I had been in Germany for almost a week enjoying beautiful sceneries, great castles, awesome beer and most of all, first world order. No other country until that moment had impressed me more than Deutschland. Add to it that my traveling partner was so damn impressed with the germans that he didn’t want to continue on with our plan to go to Prague. He was predisposed to the idea that he wasn’t going to like it, mainly because it wasn’t Germany. As we got to the train station it was clear it wasn’t Germany, it was dirty, aggressive, architecture that resembled the soviet days and people weren’t as friendly as our German friends. So, to say that our first impression wasn’t the best is no surprise. After a few days I didn’t want to go back to Germany. Prague is one of the best cities in Europe, a can’t miss experience and one of the most beautiful places to visit. Your door to eastern Europe awaits.

Being in Prague is walking in a place that screams cultural  sophistication. The many architectural styles that adorn the city are a marvel to witness by themselves. The whole city center is walkable and is as lovely as Barcelona’s Barri Gótic. I found walking in Prague one of its best experiences. Yes, Prague Castle, Charles Bridge, The Astronomical Clock and so may be great tourist attractions but walking the city was without a doubt my favorite thing to do. Every little corner has something to watch for. From a nice looking café to a nudie bar, its all there. Some of the most beautiful women i’ve ever seen are walking this streets too so its was also something to watch for.

People in Prague can seem a little rude at first, as their language sounds rough and tough to our occidental ears. But Czech’s are as nice as any in the world and you shouldn’t let first insctincts get in to you or you’ll be sure to have a really bad time. My friend could never get out of the idea that Germany was perfect and Czech Republic not. He constantly complained on how Germans would treat us much better or how beer wasn’t as good as the ones we had in Bavaria. This could ‘nt be farther from the truth as Pilsners are best where they were created. I’m not saying this just because i’m writting about Prague, i’m saying it with full confidence. Some germans , as proud as they are of their beer, agree with this premise.

Novê Mêsto is always a sight as many of the more stunning buildings are in this part of the city. Wenceslas Square is a sight that is still in my head. Walking this street, seeing the Art noveau buildings (Hotel Europa), contrasted by the modern comerce and local artists are without a doubt a highlight in my travel days. Of course, you can’t miss Prague Castle, impressive on its own, or the grest tourist trap, Charles Bridge. It sports some of the most amazing sculptures around and have this gotic feeling going for them that has attracted tourists from around the world. If you’re into World War II history you’ll also be glad to visit the exact place where Reinhard Heydrick was assasinated. There is also a museum to acompany this historic sight.

As overrated as I found the Astronomical Clock to be, it’s still s place that must be visited. The plaza around the corner is one of my favorite places in Prague and wouldn’t miss drinking a beer while I quietly people watch throughout a nice summer evening. No visit to Praha should exclude a picture in front of the Church of Our Lady before Tyn. This is one of the most memorable sights in Prague and it doesn’t disappoint. Malá Strana is where Prague Castle and The Lennon Wall a located. Walking to the top of the mountain where the castle is located may be a steep and exhausting journey but you can always go up by bus and stroll down watching the endless red roofs that invade the scene as you watch our lovely and adored Prague.

Nightlife in Praha is popular among europeans as there are many lively places that are available for al tastes. A big underground movement is felt throughout the city that can’t be ignored and it’s no wonder why many go to this gorgeous city to party ’till early morning times. Frank Kafka is a big name in Prague and his famous book “The Trial” is a favorite among the locals. His house is a museum and is worth a visit if you are a fan of his work if not for pure historic content. Gothic and Baroque architectural styles can be found around Staré Mêsto specially around the old town square which is every bit as interesting as other squares in the city.

There is much to say about Prague to fill a book. The endless stories one could tell about is inacredible city would never make it justice. Prague is one of the true gems of Europe and even though it’s become as turisty as any city in the world, its still cheap enough for anybody to afford. I wouldn’t miss this awesome place if I plan going to Europe anytime soon. It is the gateway to Eastern Europe and should be the starting point for any trip to the cheaper yet unexplored part of the “old world”. There are other places claiming to be the second coming of Prague, Krakow quickly comes to mind, but don’t forget, nothing beats the original. Much like Florence is to Italy, Prague is to Eastern Europe, a jewel of a city that begs to be explored. For those who want to visit other places that are as worthy of the usual but cheaper than the rest Prague may be your best bet. Twisting labyrinth like walkways and streets await you in one of the most amazing cities in the world.