See Prague like a local! Places where locals gather for a beer, some of the best views and just interesting spots. During my short visit to Prague and Brno, I only had a glimpse into the life of the locals, but I really loved spending time with them.
I have reached Anita from Time Travel Bee blog, who lived in Prague for a year. I asked her to share her favorite, often overlooked places.
From now on, Anita:
See Prague like a local and visit the coolest spots
Prague is my favorite city in Europe, definitely the most magical with lots of spots with a cool vibe. In this post, Instead of talking about the historical tourist attractions, which are indeed stunning (described in my full guide around Prague), I invite you to see Prague like a local. I spend one year there discovering all the cool spots and here are my recommendations.
Table of Contents
1. The best view in Prague
I am sure you have seen the postcard photos of Prague with a few bridges in a row, aren’t you? This spot is like a landmark of Prague and still, not everyone reaches there. Somehow the biggest crowds stay in the old square, Vaclavske Namesti and the castle. I was always surprised how empty that spot was, which, in my opinion, has the most stunning view of Prague.
How to get there? Few steps behind the castle you can stop to see another part of the Royal gardens, very peaceful and beautiful. Continue walking until you reach a huge park called Letná. The best views are from here because you have all the Prague underfoot. My favorite viewpoint is from the Letenský zámeček! Small but interesting architecturally building from where you can see a few Prague’ bridges in a row.
If you continue the walk through the Letna park, you reach the metronome – famous statue, the symbol of freedom after communism collapse. In the same place, an enormous statue of Stalin used to stay. Now square next to the metronome is very famous for young people to come for a beer, play music, use the skate-park.
Don’t be surprised by long cable with many shoes hanging on it. The story behind it is that skateboarders were throwing their destroyed shoes onto the cable. Somehow it became a tradition that travelers or Erasmus students leaving the city throw their shoes as well. They believe that it will make them come back to Prague again.
2. John Lennon’s Wall of Peace
Below the castle hill, there is the Kampa Island famous for John Lennon’s wall – with colorful graffiti. As everyone can add their own message, the wall is constantly changing the colors and look. However, the message of peace and love always stays clear.
3. David Cerny controversial arts
Just a few steps from the wall there is a little park, There you can see the great view on the other side of the city. But your eyes will surely catch something else! Ugly, black, giant babies without face crawling around. It is an art of very famous Czech artist – David Černý.
The same babies are crawling on the highest building in Prague – the TV tower at Zizkov district. You can see the tower from the castle hill as well. I have to mention that this tower had second place in the competition for the ugliest buildings in the world… What an award, isn’t it?
If I made you curious about this particular artist – you can see other weird pieces of his art around Prague. My favorite is quite hidden, but just next to the main street – Vaclavske Namesti. The main statue on that street is the king Venceslav on the horse. The sculpture hidden in Art Nouveau Lucerna Palace is exactly the same sculpture but upside-down… Hanging from the ceiling, ancient king rides triumphantly astride, apparently dead horse.
One more piece of David Cerny’s crazy arts is in front of the Kafka museum on Mala Strana. Two men peeing on the Czech Republic shape. It’s a fountain so they really look peeing! What’s more, they move their hips! Hilarious! I cannot imagine sculpture like that in every country. Most of them wouldn’t be so open-minded, right?
4. The cutest street in Prague
The most narrow street in the city can barely fit one person going through. That’s why it was necessary to make a traffic light! This cute little street can be found on Mala Strana, not far from the Charles Bridge. Go there, press the button, wait for the green light to enter the courtyard with an amazing view on the Charles Bridge.
5. Riegrove sady – a picnic with a view
This is a truly local spot where I haven’t seen many tourists. The park in Rigrove sady is just 10 min. walk from the main street – Vaslavske Namesti. On the steep hill, you will always find people having picnic or beers. Why is it special? Because you have the whole castle hill of Prague in front of your eyes. I especially advise coming there for a sunset! It’s literally like a cinema, but free. You can bring your own beer or weed and enjoy the stunning view on Prague highlights.
6. Naplavka – promenade with life music
A place to enjoy the summer evenings is definitely Naplavka! It is walking distance from the city center, but you can also take a tram along the river in the direction of Vyšehrad. Naplavka is a promenade on the riverside. During summer every evening is packed! People come here to play music, talk and of course drink the favorite Czech drink – beer (Czech beer guide here).
7. Zizkov – students district with cool bars
If you are looking to see a cool district totally out of the touristic center I invite you to see Zizkov. It’s a students district so lots of bars with a cool vibe, a lot of street art and cafes. It’s also an old part of Prague, so the architecture blends with students atmosphere creating a unique place.
Follow Time Travel Bee
First time I came across Anita’s blog when I was giving out the Blogger Recognition Award. Her blog is beautifully designed, so is her content. You can visit the blog here – Time Travel Bee or follow here on social media:
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Further reading
If you catch rain in Prague, here is a good list of things to do indoors:
Things to do in Prague when it rains
For more general things to do in Prague – check out this post: Prague on budget
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