The weather was chilly but perfect for walking around and we felt like we were taken to a time from long ago. We decided to take it slow and soak in the city so limited any outside travels to just one quick train ride.
We stayed at the H7 Palace a short walk from the center of town near the National Museum and loved it. It’s small and cozy but with modern amenities. Breakfast is not included but it was a saving grace for little jet lagged boy.
We were so happy to find a Korean cafe near our hotel! In fact, our driver told us that there were many koreans in Praha. And did you know, it is known to be very safe, so safe that people leave their kids in strollers while they go into a cafe!
We landed around 9am so had a full day ahead. Tj did not do very well but after eating and resting at a cafe for a long while we were ready to walk about town. We started at the National Museum and walked all the way down towards the Old Town Hall (center of town and the oldest part. touristy yes, but totally charming at the same time).
Cafe Louvre- Tj loved the fact that Einstein frequented here!
Very kid friendly with crayons and activity sheets and this fun vintage style newspaper about the cafe’s history.
Think this was Goulash and dumplings.
Beer is cheaper than water! So guess what big Tru drank all the time?
Right near the cafe Louvre- rotating sculpture of Kafka’s head see video here.
Altamira art store - small but full of fun treasures. I got one too many crepe paper rolls here!
Old Town Square- the ground here used to be at least 10 meters lower long long ago. Praha is known to flooding so they added more dirt/earth to make the ground higher! So most homes and buildings have underground basements / cellars which used to be the first floor.
After filling our bellies, we walked across the Charles Bridge. Can’t explain in words how beautiful it is.
We crossed as the sun was setting into Mala Strana (our favorite part of town)
We went left off the bridge and got a little lost but found this place for a warm meal. I suggest you make a right off the bridge into the heart of Mala strana- many more shops and places to eat!
Our first day was exactly how we pictured, wandering and eating around town. We had 2 destinations - visit cafe Louvre and cross the Charles Bridge. Everywhere else we just followed where the streets lead us. It was perfect!
Some travel tips:
Uber was the best way of getting around town. Super inexpensive and no need to explain where you need to go since GPS does all the work! Drivers were usually friendly, helpful about places to go and did speak English.
Use credit cards when possible - our exchange rate was better that way. Also getting money out of an ATM vs the airport saved us some more on fees.
Tipping! This was so confusing. The waiter hands you the bill and just waits for you to pay in front of him. Also tipping is a bit lower, one of the waiters told us 10% was common.
Restrooms are not free. Most cafes charge you to use them so it’s worth to stop for a break, get a tea/coffee and use the restrooms for free.
