Fairytale Prague

Being in Prague is like setting foot inside your favorite storybook. The clip-clopping of horse-drawn carriages, sherbet colored buildings, and red rooftops sprinkled with rusty turquoise domes and spires create a magical fairytale land that seems worlds away from reality.

Visiting Prague has been a dream of mine since I was in junior high, and for years it has been at the very top of my “Places I Want to Go” list. I don’t know why it took me so long to get there, but I’m so glad I waited until I did. Experiencing Prague with my mom, my favorite travel buddy and partner in crime, made the city that much more enchanting.

On our first day there, my mom and I headed up to the castle where we hurriedly rushed from sight to sight. I tried to push my way through the bumbling hordes of tourists so I could admire the sublime views, but I felt overwhelmed by the sheer amount of people. The castle itself wasn’t as breathtaking as I expected, and I felt worried that this was what the rest of Prague would be like. Would I really feel disappointed after dreaming about this city for so many years?

We stuck around the Castle Quarter until just before dusk, and like a breath of fresh air, the masses finally emptied out. We leisurely explored the gardens, taking our time to contemplate the mesmerizing vistas and eventually saunter back down to Old Town. Upon returning, we were itching to finally see Old Town Square. As soon as we turned the corner and found ourselves facing the Astronomical Clock, we were immediately overcome with awe.

Nestled in between the picturesque pastel buildings was a sprawling Easter market, bustling with vendors selling hand-painted eggs, traditional Czech pastries, roasted sausages, wooden marionettes and mulled wine. The intoxicating scents mixed with the captivating sounds of traditional folk music pulsing through the entire square, beckoning us forth into a peregrine reverie.

For the rest of our time in Prague, we were filled with the same sense of wonder that first intoxicated us in Old Town Square. As we meandered through the city's many colorful Easter markets, crossed the venerable Charles Bridge and explored the remarkable Jewish quarter filled with intricate Art Nouveau architecture and breathtaking synagogues, we took in the entire city with awe. We marveled at the history and culture, and surrendered ourselves to the city's many sights, sounds and tastes.

My Prague Picks:

Best Hotel: Savic Hotel
Best People-Watching: Old Town Square
Favorite Museum: Museum of Communism
Best Views: Atop the Astronomical Clock in Old Town Square
Favorite Restaurants: Švejk Restaurant U Karla and Il tří růží
Must-Try Dishes: Goulash, dumplings and beer


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