Did you enjoy reading my post on Austria? I truly fell in love with the country! Today's post is all about my journey to the Czech Republic, covering Prague, Cesky Krumlov, and Brno. Highlighting the attractions, culinary delights, and accommodations. Interestingly, I had readers from Czechia many years ago, so I'm eagerly anticipating my visit. Keep reading to discover my experiences there!
About Czech Republic / Czechia
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The Czech Republic, also known as Czechia, is situated in Central Europe and is celebrated for its rich history, splendid architecture, delectable cuisine, and vibrant culture. The name change to Czechia came about as part of a campaign spearheaded by President Miloš Zeman after he took office in 2013. Zeman advocated for this change, stating that Czechia sounded more appealing and was a more concise term than the lengthier Czech Republic.
One of the Czech Republic's most renowned features is its impressive collection of over 2,000 castles scattered across its picturesque landscape. This surpasses the number of castles found in any other European country. Additionally, Czech people have earned the title of being the world's most significant consumers of beer, with an average consumption of 188.6 litres of beer per capita.
Prague
Prague, the capital and largest city of the Czech Republic, is gracefully divided by the Vltava River. Often referred to as the City of a Hundred Spires, Prague is renowned for its picturesque Old Town Square, the vibrant core of its historic district. Here, you'll find a captivating ensemble of colourful baroque buildings, striking Gothic churches, and the medieval Astronomical Clock, which delivers an animated spectacle each hour. The iconic Charles Bridge, a pedestrian bridge adorned with statues of Catholic saints and completed in 1402, further enhances the city's enchanting skyline.
Throughout its rich history, Prague served as the capital of the Kingdom of Bohemia and was the royal residence of various Holy Roman Emperors, most notably Charles IV. It took this city an impressive eleven centuries to evolve into the captivating metropolis we admire today.
Attractions
Prague Castle
Prague Castle is believed to have been established around 880 years ago by Prince Bořivoj of the Premyslid Dynasty (Přemyslovci). Remarkably, the Guinness Book of World Records recognizes Prague Castle as the most extensive and cohesive castle complex globally, encompassing an expansive area of nearly 70,000 square meters.
In contemporary times, Prague Castle serves not only as the residence of the country's head of state but also as a significant cultural and historical monument. Within its walls, Prague Castle safeguards the esteemed Crown Jewels, relics of Bohemian kings, precious Christian artefacts, invaluable art treasures, and historical documents of great historical significance.
Details
Location : Hradčany, 119 08 Prague 1, Czechia.
Business hours : Daily (6.00am - 10.00pm)
How to get there :
Tram - closet stop is Pražský hrad (Prague Castle). Approximately 15 minutes from the city centre (Wenceslas Square) to Prague Castle.
Metro - closet stop is Malostranská station. Travelling from the city centre (Mustek station) to Prague Castle using the metro takes approximately 15 minutes.
Bus - closet stop is Pražský hrad (Prague Castle). From the city centre, such as Wenceslas Square, it takes approximately 10 minutes by bus to reach Prague Castle.
Old Royal Palace
The Old Royal Palace, dating from 1135, is one of the oldest sections of Prague Castle. Originally reserved for Czech princesses, it became the king's personal residence from the 13th to the 16th centuries.
The original residence building at Prague Castle was primarily constructed from wood and dates back to the late 9th and early 10th centuries. Its precise location is not documented. In the 12th century, Prince Soběslav had a stone Romanesque palace built adjacent to a new fortification wall. Some remnants of this structure are still preserved underground. The palace was connected to All Saints' Chapel, which was consecrated in 1185.
St. Vitus Cathedral
St. Vitus Cathedral is the largest and most significant church in Prague. In addition to its role in religious services, it served as the site for the coronations of Czech monarchs. The cathedral also houses the tombs of several patron saints, kings, nobles, and archbishops.
Construction of the cathedral experienced interruptions during the reign of the new king, Wenceslas IV, and was further delayed when the Hussite War erupted in 1419. The cathedral remained incomplete for nearly 600 years. This extended period of construction was due to the damaging impact of the war and a destructive fire, which caused significant harm to parts of the cathedral and its interior decorations.
Details
Location : III. Nadvori 48/2 Prague Castle, Prague 119 01 Czech Republic.
Business hours : Mon - Sat (9.00am - 5.00pm) ; Sun (12.00pm - 5.00pm)
St. George’s Basilica
St. George's Basilica, located within Prague Castle in the Czech Republic, holds the distinction of being the oldest surviving church building in the castle complex. It was established by Vratislaus I of Bohemia in the year 920 and is consecrated to Saint George.
The basilica originally served as the second church at Prague Castle. Although the structure founded by Prince Vratislav I around 920 has seen some parts lost to time, it retains a historical presence. In 973, when the Benedictine nunnery was established, the church underwent expansion and reconstruction.
Golden Lane with Daliborka Tower
The Golden Lane, located within Prague Castle, holds a special enchantment. It earned its name from a legend suggesting that alchemists attempting to create gold resided here, though this is purely a myth. The lane's origins date back to the 15th century when Prague Castle underwent fortification. During the construction of new fortification walls, a narrow alley was formed between the old and new walls. The castle's retainers began building small, makeshift shelters within this space. Unfortunately, these shelters were destroyed in the great fire of Prague in 1541. However, in 1597, marksmen started constructing small houses along the lane.
The allure of the Golden Lane grew significantly at the beginning of the 20th century when artists started to take up residence in these tiny houses, seeking inspiration. One of the most renowned figures to stay here was Franz Kafka, who occupied house number 22. His sister, Ottla, owned this house, and Franz frequently visited after work to pursue his writing.
Old Town Square
The Old Town Square (Staroměstské náměstí) stands as the oldest and most iconic square in Prague's historical centre. Its roots trace back to the 10th century when it functioned as a marketplace situated at the convergence of significant European trade routes. The square was near the former customs house, known as Ungelt, where imported goods from foreign merchants were routinely processed. For the convenience of these merchants, several amenities were established in the 10th century, including the Hospital with the Church of the Virgin Mary, inns, and stables. The square became the backdrop for both regular and annual markets, offering a wide array of goods.
Bordered by age-old structures and magnificent churches, the Old Town Square undoubtedly ranks among the most stunning historical landmarks in Europe. This square is situated at the very heart of Prague's Old Town and stands as one of the city's 2 principal squares, the other being Wenceslas Square, a mere 5-minute stroll away.
We visited the Hermes boutique to explore their bag offerings, but unfortunately, they didn't have what we were looking for. Undeterred, we headed to my favourite brand - CHANEL, to browse their collection of bags and accessories. In the end, we made a delightful purchase, spending approximately 15,600 euros (around RM80,000+). I'm thrilled to share that I finally acquired my dream bag during this shopping spree!
Details
Location : Staroměstské nám., 110 00 Josefov, Czechia.
Business hours : The square is open to the public every day, 24 hours.
How to get there : Old Town is directly accessible from two out of Prague's three metro lines. Line A (green) runs directly through the middle of Old Town, while line B runs approximately along the Old Town's southeastern border.
Astronomical Clock
The Prague Astronomical Clock, known as the Prague Orloj, is a medieval astronomical clock affixed to the Old Town Hall in Prague. This historic clock was originally installed in 1410, making it the third-oldest astronomical clock globally and the longest-operating clock of its kind.
What distinguishes the Prague Clock is its exceptional mechanism, which not only tells the time and date but also traces the motion of celestial bodies, including the Sun and the Moon. Depending on the positions of these celestial bodies, predictions regarding forthcoming events were made using the clock's intricate workings.
Details
Location : Staroměstské nám. 1, 110 00 Josefov, Czechia.
Business hours : Daily (9.00am - 9.00pm)
How to get there : The nearest station is Staroměstská stop (Metro A) or Staroměstská tram stop. From there your walk will be no more than 10 minutes long.
Charles Bridge
Charles Bridge, as the sole river crossing until 1841, served as the crucial link between Prague Castle, the Old Town, and nearby regions. This vital land connection bolstered Prague's significance as a pivotal trade route connecting Eastern and Western Europe.
The commemorative plaque on the statue of John of Nepomuk has been polished to a gleam by the numerous individuals who have touched it over the centuries. Tradition holds that touching the figure of the falling priest on the plaque bestows good fortune and guarantees one's safe return to Prague.
Details
Location : Karlův most, 110 00 Praha 1, Czechia.
How to get there : Take the subway to Staroměstská, take the walk to Staroměstská, take the line 2 tram to Karlovy lázně, then take the walk to Charles Bridge Palace, Prague.
Food
Pork Knuckle
When in the Czech Republic, indulging in their pork knuckle is a must! This meat dish, capable of being fried, stewed, marinated, or baked, offers an unrivalled taste and aroma, regardless of the cooking method. The history of this beloved Czech national meat dish traces back to the 11th century.
Known as "Pečené vepřové koleno," it originated from the medieval tradition of baking meat after hunting. In those times, hunting was a favoured pastime of the aristocracy, often followed by grand feasts, with the main course being meat from the hunt.
Additionally, we indulged in the vanilla ice cream with chocolate sauce, and it was absolutely delicious.
Enjoy! Vietnamese Restaurant
We visited a restaurant conveniently located near our hotel for dinner, opting for a Vietnamese-Japanese fusion cuisine. To start, we shared a delectable California Maki as our appetizer. For the main course, we indulged in 2 bowls of Japan Udon Ramen. There's something comforting about enjoying a bowl of hot soup noodles, especially when traversing Europe. It seems Asians like us have a fondness for the warmth and nostalgia that hot soup noodles bring.
Details
Location : Sokolovská 85a, 186 00 Karlín, Czechia.
Business hours : Daily (10.00am - 10.00pm)
Hotel
Hotel Royal Prague
Nestled in Karlin, one of Prague's liveliest and trendiest districts, Hotel Royal Prague invites you to indulge in a distinctive experience at our design hotel, where style seamlessly intertwines with comfort to craft an elegant and inviting atmosphere. With its strategic location within walking distance of the metro and convenient access to the city's main attractions, our hotel stands as the ideal choice for both business travellers and holidaymakers seeking top-notch accommodation.
Boasting 196 meticulously furnished rooms, Hotel Royal Prague is dedicated to meeting the diverse needs of our guests. The interiors, characterized by elegance and luxury, ensure your stay is characterized by maximum well-being and comfort.
Details
Location : Thámova 688/36, 186 00 Karlín, Czechia.
Cost : RM588+ - RM1,265+ per night
Check-in time : 2.00pm ; Check-out time : 11.00am
How to get there : The nearest station is Křižíkova Subway Station.
Cesky Krumlov
Český Krumlov, located in the picturesque southern Bohemia region, stands as a breathtakingly beautiful town and ranks as Czechia's second most frequented tourist destination, following Prague. In recognition of its historical significance and architectural charm, the town's historic centre was granted a place on UNESCO's World Heritage List in 1992. Remarkably, the historic centre of Prague was also designated a World Heritage Site during the same session, making these the first two such sites in the Czech Republic.
The architectural splendour within Český Krumlov's historic core has remained remarkably intact across the ages, serving as a remarkable example of a well-preserved Central European town. Numerous towns throughout Central Europe shared a similar historical and architectural legacy, yet many sustained significant damage during conflicts or sacrificed their architectural heritage to accommodate more "modern" constructions.
In stark contrast, Český Krumlov's evolution has been marked by peace and a concerted effort to safeguard its heritage. Successive generations have made their contributions without causing irreparable harm to their predecessors' legacy. The preservation of old architecture and street layouts has been so thorough that it earned the town the prestigious status of a World Heritage Site.
Details
Location : náměstí Svornosti 2, CZ–38101 Český Krumlov.
How to get there : Český Krumlov is easily accessible from Prague by train or bus. The train station is located on the outskirts of town, roughly a 25-minute walk from the Old Town although a local bus from the Špičák stop, just across the Latrán bridge on the north of the town, cuts the walk down to a couple of minutes.
Food
Authentic Cafe
Authentic Cafe stands as a family-run restaurant and patisserie cafe situated in the heart of Cesky Krumlov, precisely at Svornosti Square. With a terrace that exudes a pleasant and relaxing atmosphere, the restaurant is dedicated to serving both Czech and International cuisine. What sets them apart is their extensive array of homemade cakes, perfectly complemented by a selection of exceptional coffee offerings.
We decided to try the homemade ginger tea with mint, accompanied by a packet of honey for us to add as desired. For my order, I chose the roasted chicken breast, served with Grenaille potatoes and zucchini, accompanied by a delightful carrot cream with lime. The chicken breast turned out to be incredibly tender, and to my surprise, I enjoyed the carrot cream despite not being a fan of carrots. On the other hand, my mom opted for the confit duck leg, served with homemade dumplings and red cabbage. She praised the juiciness of the duck leg.
Details
Location : nám. Svornosti 8, 381 01 Český Krumlov 1-Vnitřní Město, Czechia.
Business hours : Daily (8.00am - 8.00pm)
Brno
Brno, located in Moravia and near Czechia's borders with Austria and Slovakia, stands as the country's second-largest city, following Prague. This city held the position of Moravia's capital from 1641 until 1948. Despite Moravia no longer serving as an official administrative entity, it remains one of Czechia's three historic lands (alongside Bohemia and Czech Silesia), with Brno traditionally regarded as its capital.
Internationally renowned for its exhibition centre, Brno boasts a facility that opened its doors in 1928 and is among the largest exhibition venues in Europe. Annually, it hosts approximately 50 trade fairs and various events, attracting over a million visitors. While Prague holds the official status as the capital of the country, it cannot rival Brno in terms of trade fairs, earning Brno the moniker the capital of trade fairs (hlavní město veletrhů).
Liberty Square
Liberty Square, or Namesti Svobody, serves as a central square in Brno. Originally, it took on a triangular shape formed by the convergence of ancient trade routes and a stream that doubled as the city's sewer system in the 13th century. Present-day Liberty Square is encircled by various noteworthy and significant buildings. The House of the Lords of Lipa, renowned for its etched biblical scenes, boasts Renaissance-style architecture. Meanwhile, the Klein Palace, a Renaissance Revival edifice, hosts a variety of shops and restaurants.
Details
Location : nám. Svobody, 602 00 Brno-střed, Czechia.
Business hours : Open 24 hours.
How to get there : Tram No. 4 from the main train station is 2 stops - get off at Liberty Square.
The Cathedral of St. Peter and Paul
The Brno Cathedral of St. Peter and Paul, situated atop Petrov Hill, has a rich history dating back to the 12th century when a Romanesque rotunda stood on the site. Over time, it underwent gradual reconstructions, transforming from a Romanesque basilica to an early Gothic church. The current neo-Gothic cathedral, adorned with two 84-meter high towers, emerged from a reconstruction led by architect A. Kirstein between 1904 and 1909. The church's interior furnishings showcase Baroque elements from the 18th century. Attaining cathedral status in 1777 with the establishment of the Diocese of Brno, it is not only recognized as a national monument but is also a familiar image on the Czech ten-crown coin, making it a symbol for most Czechs.
Details
Location : Petrov 9, 602 00 Brno 2, Czechia.
Business hours : Mon - Sat (8.15am - 6.30pm) ; Sun (7.00am - 6.30pm)
Food
Chinese Restaurant Mandarin
Details
Location : Průchodní 378, 602 00 Brno-střed, Czechia.
Business hours : Mon - Sat (11.00am - 9.00pm) ; Closed on Sun
Arctica Gelato
Arctica Gelato has been delighting Brno, Czechia with the finest ice cream and custom cakes since 1936. Our personal pick? The delightful pavlova dort and berries flavour. Experiencing ice cream at a refreshing 9 degrees Celsius was truly remarkable! While the pavlova is a dessert I've enjoyed in its traditional form, this was my first encounter with it as an ice cream flavour. The taste? As sweet and delightful as pavlova always is.
Details
Location : Orlí 485/4, 602 00 Brno-střed, Czechia.
Business hours : Daily (9.00am - 11.00pm)
The Czech Republic is truly remarkable, and I'm already looking forward to revisiting it, particularly Prague. The friendliness of the people, delightful food, and breathtaking scenery made it an unforgettable experience. Stay tuned for travelogues covering Hungary, Poland, and Slovakia, and be sure to check out the travel vlog below for a glimpse into the journey!
Travel Vlog
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#ShiniInCzechia
For more photos, search the hashtag #ShiniInCzechia on Instagram. There, you can also find additional details about my personal experiences during the trip.
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