A Charming Winter Break in Prague

We rode the train from Berlin Central Train Station to Prague’s Praha Station. While we had a minor learning curve with their whole seating and reservation system, it was generally a comfortable trip.

We had booked our ticket without adding a seat reservation. The seat reservation is weirdly split from the main ticket purchase, so we just jumped on and played musical chairs whenever someone with a reserved seat came along.

While it worked out fine, I wouldn’t recommend this approach if you’re looking for a stress-free ride. Instead, I recommend booking through an app like Trainline, where you can choose your seats as you reserve the tickets.

Prague – My First Impressions

Four hours later, the train pulled into Praha hlavní nádraží Station. Mark and I grabbed our bags and made our way to our home for the next three nights. As we walked along the ancient cobblestone streets, I immediately fell in love with this city.

The spires of Gothic churches pierced the sky, while trams rattled past on their metal tracks, their bells chiming cheerfully.

There was something magical about Prague – something in the way centuries of history seemed to seep from every weathered stone wall and ornate façade. I couldn’t quite put my finger on it, but I knew this place was special.

Culinary Delights in Prague…

Before reaching the apartment, we made a quick detour for lunch. Kozlovna was nearby, so we stepped in, and this first meal would set the tone for our gastronomic journey through Central Europe. On our waiter’s recommendation, we tried their signature pork shoulder – a dish whose imposing presentation initially gave us pause but proved unforgettable.

The service and food were excellent, giving us the perfect introduction to Czech cuisine. Throughout our stay, we explored diverse culinary offerings: savouring delicious sandwiches at Naše Maso and enjoying Vietnamese dishes at Madame Lyn Restaurant.

We treated ourselves to Prague’s famous chimney cakes, and when we discovered a store claiming to serve the best hot chocolate in Prague, we simply couldn’t resist trying it out!

It turned out to be merely melted chocolate – a creative idea, but even a sweet tooth like myself would agree that a well-made traditional hot chocolate would have been more satisfying.

Wandering Around the City…

As for our other activities in the city, my time there passed in a blur, largely because I was immersed in a project that demanded significant attention. Despite this, I managed to carve out moments to experience Prague’s essence.

Between work sessions, I cherished our walks through the city’s winter-clad streets, discovering hidden corners and local treasures. We explored the iconic sites: the Old Town Square with its unexpected late Christmas Market, the historic Charles Bridge, and Prague Castle.

At the castle, Mark visited St. Vitus Cathedral while work called me back. As evening fell, we experienced Prague’s magical transformation, wandering through illuminated streets, visiting a church and meandering through its adjoining park.

Our three days in Prague offered a wonderful glimpse into the city’s essence. While my high ranking of Prague among European cities might be influenced by recency bias, I genuinely believe it stands among my favourites.

Coming from Berlin – a city that felt cold in both temperature and temperament – Prague’s warm and welcoming atmosphere was a refreshing change.

Though work commitments meant I couldn’t explore every corner of Prague, the moments I did steal away – whether wandering through the winter-draped streets or sharing meals with Mark – gave me a genuine taste of what makes this city so special. It’s a place that doesn’t just display its history; it lives and breathes it.

If I ever get the chance to return, I would do so in a heartbeat!

Have you visited Prague? What did you think of it? I’d also love to read about your favourite cities around the world. Please leave them in the comment section below!