Prague Travel Guide
Whenever I travel through Central Europe, it always feels like coming a little closer to home. There’s something about the cobbled streets, the hearty food, and the familiar atmosphere — a certain Slavic rhythm in people’s expressions and pace of life — that reminds me of Ukraine.
Take the language, for example. I keep hearing so many words that sound familiar. After all, both Czech and Ukrainian belong to the same Slavic language family.
Of course, our histories and mentalities are different, yet there were several periods when both Ukrainians and Czechs lived under the rule of the same powers. During the Austro-Hungarian Empire, the western regions of Ukraine were part of it, just like parts of the Czech lands.
Later came the Nazi occupation during World War II, and then both nations endured Soviet domination in the 20th century.
One way or another, all this left a mark on people, mentality, culture, and everyday life. Perhaps that’s why I often feel especially confident traveling around Central and Eastern Europe and the Baltic countries. The atmosphere feels familiar; it’s easy to find my way around, and I have a sense of what to expect from people.
What to See in Prague’s Old Town
Prague in September is pure magic. The summer heat is gone, but it’s still warm enough to walk around in light clothes. You can stop by a cozy café, sit on a sunny terrace, and not worry about a cloudy sky — even if it rains, it’s a short, warm summer rain.
The city’s architecture is stunning — so many styles, so many richly decorated cathedrals. And those famous astronomical clocks from the 15th century on the Old Town Square — what a marvel! One of the most fascinating wonders of medieval engineering in Europe.
For a few minutes, the entire square freezes; the crowd goes silent, and all eyes and phones turn toward the tower. One by one, the twelve apostles appear in the narrow windows, as if greeting and blessing the spectators.
Then the figure of Death strikes the bell, reminding us that nothing in this world lasts forever. He invites the other four characters to join him — but the Vain Turk, the Greedy Miser, and the Conceited Man all refuse.
What an incredible piece of craftsmanship and symbolism! You stand there watching like a child again, completely enchanted.
Czech History and National Pride
Prague has endured a lot throughout its long history, and Czechs carry that history with pride. You can see it in the monumental statues and memorials to great Czech figures — Jan Hus, Jan Žižka, František Palacký, Franz Kafka, Václav Havel. These monuments impress not only with their composition and artistry but with the reverence behind them.
One of the most moving stories of courage from Czech history is that of the World War II resistance fighters who carried out Operation Anthropoid, the mission to assassinate Nazi leader Reinhard Heydrich.
After the attack, the Czech paratroopers found a secret hideout under the Church of Sts. Cyril and Methodius. But they were betrayed by one of their own associates from the resistance.
Surrounded by German forces, they fought until the end, refusing to surrender. Today, this memorial site is called in Czech “Národní památník hrdinů Heydrichiády” – which its own website refers to as ‘National Memorial to the Heroes of the Heydrich Terror’.
A nation that honors and remembers its heroes deserves deep respect.
Vitus Cathedral & Prague Castle — Must-See Landmarks
Be sure to visit St. Vitus Cathedral, located within Prague Castle. Step inside — you won’t regret it. Its grandeur is something everyone should witness at least once. In fact, all the structures within the Prague Castle complex were built, rebuilt, and expanded for more than 1,100 years.
The castle reflects the entire history of the Czech nation — from its earliest princes to modern presidents.
Step through its massive doors. Light pours through colorful stained-glass windows, painting the stone walls with soft reflections of red, blue, and gold. I stood there for a while, just letting that calm beauty sink in.
Among the many treasures inside, one that truly caught my attention was the silver tomb of Saint John of Nepomuk. The sculpture gleams in the dim light — angels, clouds, and flowing drapery cast entirely in silver, shimmering like a frozen prayer. It’s hard to believe such delicate artistry could survive the centuries.
Czech Cuisine You Must Try in Prague
Czech cuisine deserves its own story. It’s simple, rich, and full of flavor — the kind of food that makes me feel like I’m back in my granny’s village kitchen, with something delicious slow-cooked in a real oven.
The most traditional dishes you’ll find almost everywhere are roast pork with potato dumplings and sauerkraut (vepřo knedlo zelo), and a filling and warming goulash soup – Czech comfort food.
Be sure to visit a traditional restaurant and try the famous roasted pork knuckle — it’s absolutely delicious! We had it in the restaurant Pork’s Vodičkova, and it was a blast! The potato pancakes were a great addition to the meat. I’m not really a meat lover, but this dish was truly unforgettable.
One portion was enough for two of us, but if you’re a devoted meat-eater, get your own — you won’t regret it.
I won’t even start talking about Czech beer — you already know it’s world-class! But the local pastries surprised me in the best way.
In a small café, Lžička Cafe, while choosing something to go with my coffee, the lady behind the counter suggested a cheese-filled pastry — bačty. It was so tasty that I decided to bake it myself at home, and I’ve already found the recipe!
Getting Around Prague
Prague’s public transport is excellent — clean trams, fast connections, and a very convenient ticketing system. I always prefer using mobile apps when I travel, so I downloaded PID Lítačka in advance. Through it, you can search routes, buy and activate tickets (30-minute, 3-day, or long-term), and pay easily by card or Apple / Google Pay.
Wonderful Prague — a wonderful trip!
We stayed for four days, and they flew by in a heartbeat. Each day was filled with impressions and long walks — we averaged around 23,000 steps daily, a record among all our European trips so far!
Go to Prague — you won’t regret it. Just make sure to bring the right shoes and the right company!
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About the author:
Hello and welcome! My name is Victoria, and I’m a private tour guide in Kyiv. Since 2016, I have been offering private tours on various topics for visitors to the capital of Ukraine. I speak fluent English and love sharing stories. When not guiding, I write about Ukraine on my blog and my travel experiences and insights in Sweden and the Baltics.