All these years of travel have taught me one thing, that cities and places are like people. Each having a different personality. A peculiar character. A distinct individuality to impact us. And if you fall for a particular one, everything about that city seems beautiful. The beauty of that place gets the attention and the personality captures the heart. Prague was one of those cities that did so to me.

 

Like any enthusiastic traveler, while I was looking into any information on Prague. I asked my cousin who had already been there. For her, Prague seemed to be a bit more hyped about city than what it actually had to offer. And so, that created a neutral effect on my expectations from the city.

 

We had been travelling through Europe since a few weeks. Prague was the next destination where we decided, we would put a bit of a halt to our thrilling adventures. A place where we wouldn’t be bothered about exploring much all day. Eat what seems interesting and comes our way. Roam around like and aimless wanderers. Relax and take in Prague’s charm.

 

As we reached Prague, I felt drawn towards this beautiful city already. We drove towards the old town. I felt mesmerized staring at every pebbled street. Putting my presumptions to shame. Prague was a paradise with the old-world charm.

 

We had booked our apartment in the heart of the old town through Air BnB. And so, the landlord had helped us find a reasonably payed parking spot which wasn’t much far. We knew, we would be needing the car through these days as all the distances were walkable from our place. The apartment was in a very old mid-century building. To the extent that I would get a bit scared getting into it and walking up to our place. The apartment had a Victorian interior. The setting was one which felt so unknown that it appeared to be of an era way before I was born. But since it felt homely, it grew on me as I stayed. Our rooms had big windows that opened in the lively charming streets. A cool breeze kept blowing the curtains and throw the whole place. I was in an enchanting new place and a lot was yet to be discovered.

 

 

It was post sunset and we were set to head out. Since we were living right in the midst of the old town, as we got out, the streets were buzzing with swarms of tourists and locals. Walking through those cobbled streets had already left me enchanted, while I noticed that the baroque antique architecture was very well preserved in this city.

 

 

We walked past souvenir shops, local grocery and high end fashion stores, performing artists, jazz bars, live music, old European style eateries offering eclectic cuisines and much more. Since it was July so unlike the winter, the crowds were much larger in this peak season. I was thoroughly enjoying the spectacle of Prague’s premium space and it was absolutely delightful.

 

 

 

The rotating sculpture of Franz Kafka

Since Old Town Prague is fairly compact and the neighbourhoods can be explored easily. The next day, we walked through the intertwining streets to see the rotating sculpture of the famous yet tortured writer Franz Kafka. It was a man-made marvel of technology. An eleven-meter-tall eye catching sculpture, made of 42 plates of steel, which rotate to form the head of the famous Czech writer. The sight took me back to the era of the writer, thinking about the life he had spent here writing and thus becoming an integral part of Prague’s cultural history.

 

 

The Off Beat Old Town Square

While strolling through Prague’s medieval streets, emerged the famous Old Town Square. For me, this was a happening suburban place, busking with numerous activities. The central marketplace, attracting the public with notable structures like the statue of the famous Czech reformer, Jan Hus. A quintessential place for photography. From there I headed to the many world famous stores surrounding the square, and indulged in some retail therapy.

 

 

The Unique Astronomical Clock

This medieval clock is mounted on the wall of the Town Hall in the Old Town Square. It is a major tourist attraction. It had been sophisticatedly constructed in an extraordinary manner in the 1400s. The reason why it took a great deal of my attention was that the clock had 4 figures representing the majorly despised things at the time of its making. Those were vanity, greed, death and lust. It was fascinating how these were described in these statues.

 

 

The Charles Bridge; Spectacle and Stroll

An absolute beauty! Walking towards the Charles Bridge was an unimaginable spectacle. Made in 1390, years later it became a pedestrian only bridge. We could see scores of people strolling through the bridge. I couldn’t stop gazing at the baroque statues that lined the bridge’s protective wall and the deep blue river flowing beneath it. Walking through the bridge has a romance and grace of its own. Passing through an army of vendors, artists and musicians, we got a portrait of ours sketched as a memory we would always cherish.

 

 

 

 

Prague Castle and the Vintage Car ride

Just when we were awestruck by Prague’s charm and magnificence, a guide/driver appeared and tried to talk us into taking a ride in a classic antique yet stylish red car. Without even thinking much, we hoped on for the tour. The vintage car ride while gazing at Prague’s beauty was an enchanting experience, synchronizing with the city’s glamour and ancient. We dove through the narrow cobbled streets up to the castle. The ride was rather bumpy but enjoyable because of the live commentary of the driver. Prague’s history went back ages and the Castle was one of its biggest attraction.

The Prague Castle is known to be the largest ancient castle in the world, according to the Guinness World Records. It’s an expression of both Gothic and Baroque style which seems majestic. It is huge and we experienced great views of the city from there.

 

 

 

 

Prague is definitely Europe’s finest kept architecture. This unconventional place is one to visit. Explore its history and artsy glamour. Make a memorable travel experience.