Wednesday, June 29, 2016

Prague - A Day by Day Holiday Itinerary Part 3




This blog is a continuation of my 2 previous blogs:

Czech Republic Holiday Part 1
Czech Republic Holiday Part 2


9. Day 9 - Jun 12 - Sun


9.1 Highlights | Castle Karlsteijn | Prague

9.2 City: Prague

9.3 Accommodation: Residence Karlin 


On day 9, we set off from Plzen to Prague, but not without stopping by at Castle Karlsteijn. 


9.1 Highlights | Castle Karlsteijn


Castle Karlsteijn was founded by Charles IV, King of Bohemia in 1348. The castle was built to hold the royal treasures and coronation jewels of the roman empire and served as a retreat for the King. It stands out from the rest of the castles because it is blocky and rectangular as opposed to the usual round circular towers. 


Castle Karlsteijn, czech republic

Be enchanted by the streets of shops and restaurants on the way up to the castle. 

Castle Karlsteijn, czech republic

Castle Karlsteijn, czech republic, train BBQ


Castle Karlsteijn, czech republic, train BBQ



Castle Karlsteijn, czech republic
Castle Karlsteijn

9.2 City: Prague




Finally, we have arrived at the city of Prague. Prague is said to be so beautiful that Hitler did not have the heart to bomb it during WWII and hence escape unscathed. It is indeed very beautiful. 


After a country-side tour around West and South Bohemia, I wasn't very used to huge crowds



My version of Charles Bridge was a dreamy one:



Charles Bridge, prague, czech republic
Charles Bridge


Jolted by reality: 

Charles Bridge, prague, czech republic

The bridge may be short, but we took one hour to cross it because there was just too many things to see and admire along the way. 


Charles Bridge, prague, czech republic, painter, drawing

Charles Bridge, prague, czech republic, busker



9.3 Accommodation: Residence Karlin 


We stayed in Residence Karlin for the rest of our trip and paid 349 Euros for a total of 3 nights. We returned our car at the carpark near the central train and proceeded with the rest of your trip via the metro and by foot. 


prague carpark



carpark, prague, czech republic, budget car


The nearest train station to Residence Karlin is Křižíkova, which is within a very short walking distance. Metro in Prague is very well connected. 

Prague Metro Map


Metro station


For example: 

Prague Castle: 
Křižíkova --> Malostranska (5 Stations)

Old Town Hall
Křižíkova --> Mustek (3 Stations) 

Wenceslas Square
Křižíkova --> Mustek (3 Stations) 

Residence Karlin, Prague, apartment, bedroom

 
Residence Karlin, Prague, apartment, living room
This is the only apartment whose WIFI works! It works!!


Residence Karlin, Prague, apartment, kitchen

Residence Karlin, Prague, apartment, toilet

Residence Karlin, Prague, apartment, living room


Tip: 
Unlike B&B, apartments do not provide breakfast. 
Go to the supermarket near Residence Karlin and buy food for your own breakfast. The kitchenette comes with all sorts of pots and pans for your cooking needs. Supermarket closes at 8:00pm. 


10. Day 10 - Jun 13 - Mon


We spent the next 2 days exploring Prague by metro and by foot. 


Famous Landmarks to check out: 


10.1: Church of Our Lady before Tyn. 

Church of our lady before Tyn



10.2: Old Town Hall

Prague Old Town Square


10.3: Old Town Hall Tower

Prague Town Hall Tower, astronomical clock, calendar

The upper clock is the Astronomical Clock. How does it work? The lower one is the Calendar Clock. It's a convergence of Arts and Science.  

 


astronomical clock, calendar, old town hall prague

10.4: Charles Bridge

Prague Charles Bridge


Prague Charles Bridge


prague busker
Can you tell the secret to this illusion? 

stall at charles bridge prague


10.5: Nam Republiky

nam republiky, prague

nam republiky, prague

czech street food, desserts
czech street food, desserts



prague, metalsmith



10.6: Scene and Noted



streets of prague


streets of prague




11. Day 11 - Jun 14 - Tue


11.1 Highlights: Prague Castle


Inside the Prague Castle:

11.1.1: St Vitus's Cathedral



Prague, St Vitus's Cathedral

Prague, St Vitus's Cathedral

Prague, St Vitus's Cathedral


Prague, St Vitus's Cathedral


Prague, St Vitus's Cathedral




11.1.2: Lobkowicz Palace

Prague Castle, Lobkowicz Palace

11.1.3: View of Prague City from the castle

Prague City top view

Prague City top view

Prague City top view
Charles Bridge from the Castle

Prague City top view, charles bridge

Prague City top view

11.1.4: Golden Lane

These cottages along the inside of the castle wall were built in the 16th century for the castle's guards and gunners. A bit small though. 

Prague Castle, Golden Lane
Kids would love its size.
Prague Castle, Golden Lane


Prague Castle, Golden Lane, Knight
When you have run out of weapons, use your nose. 
Prague Castle, Golden Lane, Knight
Costume fit for a King.

Prague Castle, Golden Lane, Knight, weapons

Prague Castle, Golden Lane, Knight, weapons
Defence against the enemies.


Prague Castle, Golden Lane, Shield
The Shield
knives

11.1.5: Torture Chamber

You wouldn't want to be a prisoner-of-war in the medieval times. 

Prague Castle, Golden Lane, Torture Chamber

Prague Castle, Golden Lane, Torture Chamber

Prague Castle, Golden Lane, Torture Chamber

Prague Castle, Golden Lane, Torture Chamber


11.2 Highlights: Wenceslas Square

Take a metro to Mustek and take a slow walk at Wenceslas Square, where shops carrying modern retail brands and buildings line up on the sides of the square. 

Lady standing beside a tram


Continue on your walk and you will find the iconic St Wenceslas Monument, a Premyslid prince who was murdered by his brother Boleslaw. 

Was told to be wary of pickpockets at Wenceslas Square. So it's better to be be safe and take care of each other's belongings than to be sorry!

Czech Republic, Prague, Wenceslas Square, monument


12. Day 12 - Jun 15 - Wed


12.1 Highlights: Dancing House/Museum


It's our last full day at Prague and we really took it free and easy, exploring Prague at our own pace. We took the metro (Orange Line) to Karlovo namesti and walked over to the Dancing House. 



Prague Google Map

Prague buildings

The glass and concrete structure which, in fact, is two buildings with different facades and of different heights, is the 1996 work of Californian architect Frank Gehry and his associate Vlado Milunic. It was awarded special prize by Time, for blending modern architecture with an older, historical environment. The French restaurant on the top floor, has great views.-Lonely Planet.  

However, access to the top balcony is only allowed for patrons.  

Dancing House, Prague, Czech Republic


The museum on the first floor also allowed us a glimpsed into the communist country of Czechoslovakia in the 50s-70s. The joint state of Czechoslovakia, founded after World War 1, came to an end in 1993 and was split into Czech Republic and Slovakia. 

lady standing beside an old phone booth

mannequin, provision shop

mannequin, provision shop

From the starting point of Dancing House, we followed the green arrow, crossed the bridge and took a leisure walk. 

prague map
Add caption
prague
You can enjoy a cruise if you want. 


art installation

cruise

boy standing beside a statue


The base of the cable car is located at Újezd street. 
Take the funicular up to Petrin Observation Tower. 

Funicular to Petrin Tower

Ticketing machine


Tip: 

You need to purchase a ticket to take the funicular. BUT, if you have a train ticket (even those that you have purchased a few days back), do not throw away. The gantry will allow you access to the funicular for free. 

12.2 Highlights: Petrin Lookout Tower





Petrin Observatory Tower





Prague city top view
View from Petrin Tower
Prague city top view
View from Petrin Tower

Prague city top view


View from Petrin Tower

Street scenes:





tram

cruise in prague

This concludes the end of my 12 day trip in Prague. I hope you have enjoyed reading this and that this is helpful for your next self-drive holiday. 

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Self-driving in Europe. From right-hand drive to left-hand drive. How difficult can it be? 
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