Prague is packed with history and character at every turn. From the moment we arrived, it felt like walking through a living museum. Grand spires, pastel facades, and cobblestone streets hint at centuries of untold stories.

If there’s one thing that captures Prague’s personality in a single photo, however, it’s the Astronomical Clock.

We joined the growing crowd gathered beneath it, cameras ready, as the next hour approached.

The figures began to move, the skeleton ringing his bell, the apostles turning in procession. For a few minutes, everyone stands still, heads tilted up, caught between the past and the present.

It’s incredible to think this masterpiece has been marking time since the 1400s. Up close, the details are mesmerizing. The deep blues and golds, the intricate details, and the way the clock seems almost alive.

I found myself wondering…how many people have stood at this very spot over the centuries, looking up, anticipating the same familiar chimes.

We spent our days exploring landmark after landmark, each with its own charm and history. One of my favorite spots was the Charles Bridge, truly one of the most beautiful bridges in the world.

It is a hub for tourists and locals alike, and so full of life and energy, music and laughter.

To truly experience the Charles Bridge, you must first appreciate the architectural “bookends” that protect its entrances. These towers are among the most beautiful Gothic structures in the world.

Be sure to look up as you walk through. I missed this the first time around!

The statues seem to tell their own tales, with every step revealing another breathtaking detail. I could have spent the entire day photographing these.

Prague truly comes alive at night. The city glows under soft amber lights, the castle illuminated in the distance, and reflections dancing across the Vltava River. It’s like walking straight into a fairytale. The architecture is just as magical as it looks in photos, maybe even more so when you’re standing right in the middle of it.

We averaged close to 20,000 steps a day exploring, and though our feet protested, our hearts were full. Occasionally we “had to” pause for a cappuccino and recharge, a much-welcomed break. On our final evening, we revisited a few favorite spots. We wandered the Charles Bridge one last time, and treated ourselves to something sweet. Ryan couldn’t resist another trdelník (a warm, spiral pastry grilled over an open flame and rolled in sugar). This time it was filled with soft-serve ice cream. I opted for a cup of rich, thick hot chocolate again, more like melted chocolate than a drink. There may have been some sharing involved.

TRAVEL TIPS:

1. Leave the heels at home. Cobblestones and castles don’t mix.
2. Stop for a traditional trdelník and a cup of thick, decadent hot chocolate.
3. Linger on the Charles Bridge to people watch and enjoy the artists and musicians.
4. Walk the city at night, when Prague is the most magical, castles and spires lit beautifully.
5. If you use public trams, make sure you validate your tickets as soon as you board.

Final Reflections

Three nights in Prague gave us the perfect mix of the iconic and the intimate. It’s a city that rewards curiosity, where every turn holds the promise of beauty, surprise, or a little of both. We came for the history and stayed for the magic woven into its everyday moments. We hope to be back, but next time, maybe we will stay longer. For more information on our itineraries, feel free to email me at dtgainor@gmail.com or visit Global Getaways to learn more about who we are and how we work.