Prague
This was my first big stop on my 3-week Euro trip in April 2019 and my first time in an Eastern European country. I was really excited for Prague because it’d been on my list for a long time! I wouldn’t say it was my favorite destination (I think the weather had A LOT to do with that – was supposed to be in the 60s and instead was high 30s/low 40s most of the time I was there) but I definitely enjoyed the food, the beer and experiencing a new culture.
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WHERE TO STAY
MAMA SHELTER PRAGUE // @MAMASHELTERPRAGUE
Located in Prague 7, it’s a little off the beaten path but near a lot of really great food/drink spots (and very budget friendly but nice which is what I was looking for!). It kinda had Standard vibes with the instagram photos which was fun. Since I was solo traveling and staying a fair walk away from the main parts of town, I honestly didn’t do a lot of stuff after dark and ate at the hotel a lot (which honestly wasn’t a bad thing – the food was good!). A lot of the main attractions are in Prague 2 and 3 but between the trams, Uber or just walking, staying in Prague 7 is totally doable (and quiet!). There are also many blog posts on where to stay in Prague so definitely Google that!
WHERE TO EAT
This was a random place I found near my hotel and the first place I ate in Prague and it was low-key delicious. I highly highly recommend it if you’re in the neighborhood (would be the perfect place to go after a few beers at the Letna Park beer garden nearby!).
I ordered the pulled beef “burger” and a glass of wine.
This was one of my cousin’s favorite places to go when she studied abroad in Prague and they have a lot of what the Taste of Prague blog deems as the “must eats” of Czech dishes.
What I ordered: French beef tartare with french fries (this is one of the top dishes to try when in Prague and definitely at Café Savoy). I also really wanted to order the schnitzel and the vetrnik but I was so full and when I tried to go back the kitchen was closed because it was between lunch and dinner.
MR. HOT DOG // @MR.HOTDOGPRAGUE
Yes, I specifically sought out a hot dog restaurant while in Prague. It kept popping up on social media before I got there and the first day I tried to eat there they were full at 6:15 PM! So I went back super early the next day because I was on a mission.
I ordered the New York Hot Dog and it was great! This was more like an afternoon snack for me because of the time I arrived but they have a pretty extensive menu so you could definitely order more!
RESTAURACE MINCOVNA // @RESTAURACE_MINCOVNA
I went specifically for the traditional Czech goulash and it was amazing. I recommend making a reservation because I ate at the bar (which was fine for one but any more than that and a table would be better!).
This place is an Instagram dream! When I went it was super crowded (it was a Sunday and it was rainy so probably had a lot to do with it!). The chai I got was delicious and they do coffee to go which is great (although it took forever so don’t be in a rush when you go).
This bar has two locations which is great! I tried a traditional absinthe drink and it was a lot stronger than I wanted so from there I switched to the Absinthe Gingerbread Mule and it was great. I also got a little crazy and tried the absinthe that had the massive dead grasshopper in the bottle and that was like straight fire to my throat. Great to try (and probably great for the guys) but I don’t recommend a full glass of it!
This is a great hot chocolate spot (but fair warning, it’s very thick hot chocolate and I’m glad I got a small size!) with chocolate bars, cakes and ice cream sandwiches in the summer time. There are two locations – I’ve linked the one I went to.
GOOD FOOD // @GOODFOODORIGINAL
Get the trdelnick which is a “chimney cake” with fillings.
I went for the Kozel beer and tried their schnitzel and it was really good! I was originally on a mission for schnitzel at Café Savoy (but of course the kitchen was closed between lunch and dinner) so I was pleasantly surprised when this spot had schnitzel on the menu (and when it tasted good!). They have a few locations – I’ve linked the one I went to.
Serving traditional cream rolls (as well as ice cream, cakes and other pastries), this place was a random stop while wandering home one night. I highly recommend – they’re super light and absolutely delicious! I had the pistachio chocolate but I don’t think you can go wrong with any flavor!
T•ANKER // LOCATION TAG/PHOTOS ON IG
A rooftop bar on top of the Kotva Department Store. I went for the views of the city and grabbed a pear stout which was really good. They also served food but I didn’t have any.
THINGS TO EAT AND DRINK IN GENERAL
Kozel dark beer (it’s SO good, I was obsessed), duck permintier (a dish with shredded duck and potatoes on top and bottom and really yummy), trdelnick, goulash, schnitzel, vetrnik (Cafe Savoy has a mini version which is apparently the way to go). And be sure to check out Taste of Prague (@tasteofprague) for even more suggestions. I wish I had done one of their food tours!
WHAT TO DO
- Wander the Malá Strana neighborhood: super cute shops and restaurants. While you’re there check out the John Lennon wall (it was really crowded when I went in the early afternoon but worth a walk by)..
- Walk the Charles Bridge (but go EARLY before it’s insanely busy)
- Prague Castle (I didn’t go inside the main complex but it was a nice walk from the Charles Bridge).
- Nový Svět: a neighborhood right by Prague Castle that’s quaint and quiet. Not much to do but look at the cute houses and streets but it’s a nice escape from crowds.
- Beer gardens: the one I loved the most was in Letná Park near my hotel and overlooked the city which was lovely. I just wish the weather had been warmer when I got there! It’s near the Letenský zámeček restaurant for geographical reference.
- Petrin Hill: has a lookout tower that resembles the Eiffel Tower (Petrin Tower) and great views of the city. I walked from Prague Castle/Nový Svět over to Petrin Hill but there’s also a tram that’ll take you from the bottom to the top (or you can take the stairs if you really want to).
- Check out the Dancing House (and while you’re in that area pop by The Real Meat Society which was on my list for food but the day I went they were closed!).
- Visit the Náplavka farmer’s market (only on Saturdays!). I went specifically for kolache from Simply Good Baking but couldn’t find it when I got there (I arrived a little later than I wanted). So I grabbed a beer, kolache from a stand that looked good and wandered around a bit. It had a really great, fun vibe and lots of different food stands but I highly recommend you get there early for the best selection.
- Museum of Communism: I actually enjoyed this more than I expected to. It wasn’t on my original itinerary but it was really educational and I’m glad I went.
BUCKETLIST
If I make it back to Prague, my main mission will be eating and drinking my way through the city. There are a ton of restaurants and bars I want to try which I’ve bookmarked for my next trip:
- Hemingway Bar
- The Real Meat Society
- Oh Deer Bakery
- PAPRIKA Mediterranean
- Vinograf Wine Bar
- Lokal
- Sisters Bistro (for chlebíčky)
- Cash Only Bar
- The Alchemist Bar
- La Gare
- BeerGeek Bar
- Spices Restaurant at the Mandarin Oriental (for the kulajda potato soup)
- Burger Letná
I would also plan a few day (or overnight) trips from Prague because there is a lot to see throughout the rest of the country. My top picks are: Karlovy Vary, Karlstejn, Cesky Krumlov, National Park Bohemian Switzerland, and Český ráj. For more details/ideas visit this post or this one.
