I’m what is called a shutterbug. I love pointing my camera and shooting anything and everything that catches my eye. I love caring my little compact point and shoot camera everywhere with me. What can I say, I just love photography.
We are lucky to have the opportunity to travel, see and have extended stays in many beautiful cities. One of those cities is Prague. This golden city, city of a thousand spires with it’s tumultuous history and stunning beauty is one that should be on everyone’s must see list. Often times I’ve heard people say that Prague is a city that has stayed in their thoughts long after their visit. This city just has something about it that evokes many emotions.
As I’ve explained I am a shutterbug and that means I’ve acquired lots, and lots of photos of Prague and our travels. Sharing some of these photos has been on my to do list for a long time. But thanks to a recent email with my sweet friend Gina I’ve finally decided it was due time. Gina suggested talking about my perspective on Prague. While this post isn’t a story it’s more of a small guide during the last days of summer, perhaps in the future I can share some funny things that have happened to us here. Until then I leave you with some snapshots of the magical city that is Prague.
This is a beautiful medieval restaurant on Jansky Vrsek 14 or right off Nerudova street in the Lesser Quarter. We haven’t been there in a long time but the food wasn’t bad, couldn’t tell you what it’s like now. They also have medieval style fire, dance and music shows.
We used to love eating here, their spaghetti Bolognese and basic tomato sauce pasta were excellent. Again we haven’t eaten here in a long time but think good homemade style Italian.
A view of the castle from Petrin Hill.
Taking the road less traveled through Petrin Hill.
Instead of climbing all the way to the top of Petrin Hill, take the funicular. Great views of the city.
View of the castle from the funicular stop.
Once off the funicular if you turn left you can go to the Prague observatory. Or…
Or, turn right and head for the Petrin Tower. Locals are very proud of this tower and often refer to it as the Eiffel tower of Prague. Except this tower is quite small compare to the Eiffel tower, but the views are fantastic.
At the ground level there is a small cafe to take a break either before heading up or a rest on your way down.
A view up of Petrin Tower.
Petrin Mirror Labyrinth, which looks like a mini castle, dating back from the late 1800s. It’s a fun place filled with goofy mirrors. Like those at the fun house when a carnival comes to town. You’ll have a good laugh at yourselves and the other visitors. Plus there is a beautiful diorama of a scene from the 30 Years’ War.
Continue walking right past the Labyrinth for more beautiful views of the city. This is overlooking the Old Town.
The building you see in the right hand corner is the National Theatre.
The two sides of Devil’s Stream.
The bridge dividing the two stream sides above has a gate filled with padlocks.
The padlocks are inscribed with names, initials and/or dates. These are placed here by lovers to signify undying love. Can I get an awwwwww!! We haven’t added ours yet, oops…
Keep walking over the bridge toward the French Embassy to find The Lennon Wall, as in John Lennon. This wall has stood graffitied since the 1980s. It was a place where young Czech expressed their desire to be free. It also signified a place to paid homage to those fallen during communist times.
Since the 1980s the wall has been graffitied with John Lennon and Beatles inspired words, quotes, and song lyrics. Anyone is allowed to leave, graffiti, their message of love or hope on the wall. It is a place where every visitor wants to leave their mark. Every once in a while the wall is painted over and a new canvas is left for those willing to leave their message. This is what the wall looked like just a couple of weeks ago, next visit it could look a bit different.
This young American girl was leaving her message. Wonder what she wrote…
Besides messages of hope, freedom and happiness you’ll also find goofy graffiti.
Not only messages but also drawings are left.
Perhaps it was because the sun was lower in the sky, or because we’d been walking for hours, but this message also stood out. I don’t need to be told twice.
If you keep walking through the ancient winding cobblestone streets you’ll come across this fantastic restaurant, El Centro. It is a Spanish bar and restaurant serving delicious Spanish food and wine.
This horrible photo does not do it justice, but the Paella Mixta is not to be missed. (My point and shoot does not like dim indoors lighting.) You can see great photos of their delicious menu here, El Centro photo gallery.
i enjoyed the photo tour :-) awesome pics
Thanks!
Nancy, these are beautiful postcards..very pretty and great scenery! Thank you for sharing!!!
Thank you Sandra :)!
We wen;t so many of these places on our trip, this post really made me smile! And want to come back so badly.
Hi Trixie, I’m glad to hear you saw many of these places and that it brought a smile to your face :)
Gorgeous photos! Thanks for sharing them – went perfectly with my cup of coffee!
Thank you Jen:)
Fabulous post – overdue indeed! I especially loved the three heart photos towards the end. Would make a nice Valentine’s Day triptych. ;-)
Hi Ruby, Thanks and good idea :)
Hi Nancy, what great photos you have of Prague! I am a shutter bug too! Please check out my blog http://www.travelwithpaula.blogspot.com
Hi, Thanks!
Beautiful photos of a beautiful city, it’s making me excited for our vacation! Thanks for the adventure in Prague Nancy!
Thanks Patty! I’m sure you’ll have a great time.
Everyone seems to be going prague these days.
Yes, Prague is a popular travel destination. It’s the city’s beauty and history that draws so many here.
What a wonderful post! I loved the photos and the info. I was lucky enough to live in Germany for three years and I still adore anything about that part of Europe. Thanks for this. :-)
Hi Janet, Thank you:) Glad that you were able to live and enjoy this part of Europe.
It’s a good thing you’re a shutterbug… Because it would be a waste of such talent! You take such beautiful pictures!!! Prague looks gorgeous. That meal at the end looks fantastic!
Thank you so much Ramona :)
Fun pictures! I knew about the padlocks, but not about the graffiti wall. Pretty, pretty city!
Thanks Ann!
Nancy,
Your photos and ability to bring me over there were amazing, just as I thought. I hope one day to be able to wind down those cobblestone streets. Is it really called a funicular, how fun, lol. I love the architecture there, we don’t have anything like it here. Thanks for including me in your story, I love that yellow heart, couldn’t you see that baked into a cake? Hope you are having a great week!
-Gina-
I’m so glad to hear that Gina, after all you were the inspiration behind this post :) Yes that is what it is called, so cute too. For sure you one day you’ll be walking down these ancient cobblestone streets while looking up and admiring the architecture. Hey maybe you can bake a heart shaped cake with yellow frosting and your own words of love and hope? Why not! Thanks you too :)
Beautiful pics..
Thank you Priti!
You’re lucky to live in such a beautiful city. Prague is lovely and I can imagine it is especially lovely this time of year. Enjoy… and thanks for sharing these incredible images!
Yes I am Frank. Thank you :)
We loved Prague when we were there, but alas, we felt it to be a young person’s city … the party life went on far too late at night for us! We contented ourselves with the historic aspects of the city, the incredible architecture, and a few nice restaurants.
Hi Susan, Yes Prague is a party city. In my humble opinion that is what is so great about it all the history, architecture, culture, food and the ability to party into the early morning hours if that is your cup of tea:)
Lovely photos! ;) Prague is such a great city, isn’t it?
Thank you! Yes it truly is :)
Such a beautiful city and such stunning photos Nancy…wish I could just pop over and visit :)
Thanks, would love to show you around :)!