Exploring Prague: A Local’s Perspective
I’m a Czech girl from the eastern part of the country. I moved to Prague to attend university and, after several years abroad, it has become my official base. Now, after more than a decade, I proudly call Prague home.
When I want to get out of the city… I easily visit the suburban areas of Prague. The large nature reserves like Prokopské údolí and Divoká Šárka provide a refreshing respite from city life and always recharge my batteries.
A typical weekend involves… enjoying a late brunch in one of my favorite places, like SmetanaQ Bistro by the Vltava River or a small neighborhood café called Mezi srnky, where table-sharing is encouraged. Sometimes I indulge in Vietnamese food at Caféfin. Afterwards, I head to an event or two; there’s always something happening in Prague. One of my hangout spots is Kasárna Karlín, revived from former military barracks. A stroll through Havlíčkovy sady with its artificial grottoes typically follows, ending with a movie at one of the cozy cinemas like Kino Pilotů in Vršovice, which has a good bar perfect for post-movie discussions.
When I need to relax… I wander to less frequented areas of Prague. A great option is the Karlín district, where I enjoy the small park, Kaizlovy sady, often quiet except for a few dog walkers. I usually conclude my meandering at a nearby café, like Můj šálek kávy or Bistro Proti Proudu.
When I’m looking for a cheap eat… I often visit Loving Hut, a vegan buffet chain where you can fill your plate and pay by weight. Alternatively, keeping an eye out for daily lunch menus often leads to good meals for just 100-150 CZK.
My go-to foodie spots… are mostly in the Vinohrady district, known for its diverse culinary offerings. One of my favorite new ramen spots is Bon Ramen, located off náměstí míru Square. I also enjoy Indonesian cuisine at Javánka Bistro, just around the corner from my apartment. For Belgian flavors, Bruxx on náměstí míru is a special treat. When I crave traditional Czech dishes, restaurants like Kravín, Vinohradský Parlament, and Máchova always satisfy my appetite.
When I have friends in town… I prioritize showing them iconic sights. We usually take tram no. 22 to the Prague Castle, cross the Charles Bridge, and stroll to the Old Town Square to admire the Astronomical Clock. I also introduce them to lesser-known areas, such as the New World Quarter near the castle and the hilltop Vyšehrad Citadel.
My favorite place to see the sunset… is Letná Park, as it offers a breathtaking view of the sun setting over the city, creating an absolutely magical atmosphere.
One of the best things about Prague… is the ease of getting around. The compact city center allows for easy walking, while the efficient public transport network, notably the trams, makes exploring effortless. I find riding the trams quite therapeutic as I relax and gaze out the window.
The best time to be in Prague is… during the off-season, particularly outside the summer peak, pre-Christmas, and Easter. Honestly, Prague is enchanting year-round. I particularly enjoy late September to early October, when the Indian summer often makes an appearance; it’s warm enough yet largely free of crowds.
