Monday 15th October 2018
Our campsite was conveniently located close to bus and rail connections linking directly to the city centre. They also offered a free minibus to the station, from 08.30 to 11.00, although it was only a short 12 minute walk.
We were able to purchase our train tickets from reception and went for the 24 hour fully inclusive ticket, giving us unlimited travel on all forms of public transport. At a cost of 110 CZK each, about £3.75, we thought this was a bargain. We were also provided with a comprehensive leaflet detailing different public transport links from Camping Sokol Praha to the centre of Prague and back.
The journey from Dolní Počernice station on the S1 line to Prague, Masarykovo nádraží (end station) takes approximately 13 minutes and trains run approximately every 30 minutes.
A cautionary note; remember to check if you need to validate your travel ticket before boarding public transport when abroad.
We were chatting to a Dutch couple from our campsite whilst we waited for our train and they told us a tale of not validating their tickets whilst in Berlin and despite having appropriate tickets, they had not validated them and they were facing a €60 fine. A ‘sorry, we didn’t know’ wasn’t considered an acceptable excuse by the transport personnel.
With a rough plan for the day and the sights we wanted to visit we headed off in the direction of the Old Town Square. To say that Prague was extremely busy would be an understatement.
The city was absolutely heaving! We avoided the main pedestrianised zone, so it was possible to get some relief from the crowds for a while, before coming face to face again with hordes of tourists at the main attractions.
Nevertheless, we managed to get around the city on foot and see most of the things on our wish list.
Many of the streets are cobbled, so make sure you wear comfy footwear.
It’s quite difficult not to get distracted by the gorgeous pastel coloured buildings which you pass in narrow alleyways, on street corners or surrounding the city squares.
Be sure to look above as you walk as there are so many interesting views.
First stop on our wish list, Old Town Square.
It was nearing 12 0’clock and masses of people were congregating in front of the Old Town Hall with its tower and medieval astronomical clock, waiting for the chimes.
We were lucky, as the clock had undergone some reconstruction and restoration and has only been up and running since 28th September this year.
This vast square, which is approached from several pedestrianised alleyways, with every perceivable shop, bar or restaurant has many beautiful buildings around its perimeter and is the location for the monument to Jan Hus.
From here we made our way towards Charles Bridge over the River Vltava, with views over to the Lesser Town and Prague Castle.
No traffic is permitted on the bridge, which is a good thing, as this popular spot attracts crowds of people, as well as a variety of small stalls selling Prague knick-knacks and several busking groups.
If you want to take a Prague cruise there were several operating along this stretch of the river.
Once over the other side we decided to take a break for lunch and headed away from the bustle of the crowds heading off to the castle and found a quiet spot on a leafy cobbled street in the Malá Strana district and enjoyed some outdoor dining in the sun.
After lunch we walked through the area known as Kampa, on the east side, where the Old Prague Kampa museum is located along with the Babies sculpture.
From here we made our way towards Hradčany Square passing more interesting examples of stunning architecture.
Next on our agenda was Prague Castle. Be prepared for a climb.
We took the new castle steps, over 200 of them with some large flat areas to pause and take a breadth (Zámecké schody). Not to be confused with The Old Castle Stairs, Staré zámecké schody, 121 relatively steep steps, which date back to the 17th century, a scenic route to or from the castle enjoying the city views and Fürstenberg Garden.
Once at the top you can enjoy spectacular views across the rooftops of the city and many other spectacular buildings and palaces in Hradčany Square, near Prague Castle.
Entrance to the castle is via one single security checkpoint area.
Once inside the castle grounds you can purchase a ticket to tour different buildings (I think there are 3 types) or you can walk around the castle grounds, taking in the beauty of the buildings at no charge.
The castle complex is vast and is said to be the largest ancient castle in the world, according to the Guinness Book of Records.
Back down from the castle we boarded a rather busy tram at Pražský hrad and headed back across the river to wander the myriad of shops and hunt for an off the beaten track restaurant to enjoy an evening meal.
As luck would have it we stumbled across Pizza Coloseum, close to the Stavovské Theatre, where we chose a table on the cobbled pavement area, rather than inside the restaurant, as the evening was still quite warm.
The menu choices were varied, the food delicious, the service was great and the price was even better, less than €38 for 2 starters, 2 mains, one a superb Argentinean steak combo, wine, beer and coffee.
Darkness had long since descended and the autumnal chill was in the air so we made our way back to Masarykovo nádraží station for our journey home.
Although our evening in Prague had come to an end, it was clear that for many the night had only just begun.