Somehow, somewhere I feel like I'm still dreaming. I can't believe after 9 years, I am back to Prague once again. I still vividly remember if I was given another chance to visit Europe again, definitely Prague would be top of my list (refer to my old post: I'm In Love With Prague). Honestly speaking, I can't explain why I adore Prague so much to the extend, I would love to return for the second time. Probably because it's rich with history and culture as well as for its remarkable and prestigious architecture.
After few hours brief stop in Cesky Krumlov, my journey continued with CK Shuttle which I booked earlier. Something happened in the middle of the journey whereby a middle aged couple from Thailand just realised that the wife left behind her waist pack at the toilet of petrol station. She requested the driver to turn around and drive back to the petrol station but unfortunately the driver unable to do so due to company's rules and policies. However, that Thai lady managed to get her waist pack by end of the day. Imagine she left behind three handphones including the latest model of iPhone. Thanks to the honestly of the petrol station's staff who found it right after received the call from the driver. Therefore, bear in mind to always remember to check your valuables before leaving.
As I didn't make early request to drop-off right in front of my hostel, the driver stopped somewhere nearby the metro station. Here's come the scary moment. By the time I reached Prague, it was quite late at night. I was literally clueless of how should I get to my hostel. Luckily, I bought sim card with mobile data plan and brought along the leftover Czech crown from my maiden visit; or else I definitely cry for help.
Where I Stayed in Prague
My main consideration when selecting for hostel to stay in Prague is to be as close to Charles Bridge and Old Town Square. But because I did my planning quite last minute and with limited budget, the one and option I have is Ritchie's Hostel & Hotel. I can't deny that the location is nothing short of perfect as this hostel is surrounded by numerous of restaurants, cafes, souvenir shops and etc. However the downside I approached was the whole place a bit worn and the staircase leads to the hostel are insanely narrow. I can't imagine those travel with huge luggage bags especially able to lift up to the hostel.
My main consideration when selecting for hostel to stay in Prague is to be as close to Charles Bridge and Old Town Square. But because I did my planning quite last minute and with limited budget, the one and option I have is Ritchie's Hostel & Hotel. I can't deny that the location is nothing short of perfect as this hostel is surrounded by numerous of restaurants, cafes, souvenir shops and etc. However the downside I approached was the whole place a bit worn and the staircase leads to the hostel are insanely narrow. I can't imagine those travel with huge luggage bags especially able to lift up to the hostel.
Date Stayed: 15 September 2017 (1 night)
Room Rate: €18 for a single bed in 8-bed female dormitory attached with bathroom (Booked via Agoda)
Things to Do & See in Prague
Apparently, there are various of things to do and see when visiting Prague and trust me, you would definitely refuse to leave as you will be amazed by this charming, colourful and beautiful city. Prague has become the most popular travel destination in Central Europe along with Vienna and Krakow with millions of tourists visit the city every year. I did blog about few of Prague's attractions and sightseeing which I experienced 9 years ago (refer my old post: 5 Things to See in Prague). As for this time around, some of the attractions I revisit for second time and for the rest, it's my first time to discover and experience.
#1: The sight and sound of Prague during night time
Right after I done with the hostel check-in and dumped my bags, I went out to look for dinner. What surprised me was even it's almost 10pm by the time I went out from the hostel, there are like hundreds, no, probably almost thousands of people still wandering around the town till almost midnight. Well, it's not a bad thing afterall because for someone who travel alone like me, I totally felt safe to walk around by my own. As usual, I woke up early like around 6-7am on the next morning for the sake of photo opportunity cause by the noon time, the whole city is overcrowded and it's hard to shoot without being photobombed.
#2: The pure Gothic of Tyn Church in Old Town Square
#3: Early bird get the perfect shot
#4: World's oldest operating Astronomical Clock - Currently undergoing general repair
#5: Charles Bridge connects Old Town with Lesser Town.
#6: It's old of Prague's most beautiful structures.
#7: Old Town Bridge Tower - one of the most beautiful Gothic getaways in the world
#8: Prague Dancing House - Finally I seen this!
#9: Walked up the hill which took roughly half an hour for Petrin Lookout Tower, the mini version of Paris's Eiffel Tower
#10: If you don't have the stamina to climb up the hill, then take Funicular Railway from Ujezd tram stop.
#11: View over Prague while walking up Petrin Hill
#12: St. Nicholas Church in Lesser Town
#13: Prague Castle - I've been before, so not planning to visit again.
#14: My old photo on Prague Castle (refer my old post: 5 Things to See in Prague)
#15: John Lennon Wall - Not an ordinary wall, it's filled with inspired graffiti and pieces of lyrics from the Beatles' songs.
#16: Sex Machines Museum located in Old Town Square
#17: Any die-hard fan of Hard Rock Cafe? It situated right in the middle of Old Town Square
#18: Last but not least, don't forget to leave Prague without trying Trdelnik - sweet delicious pantry rolled in cinnamon sugar and with filling like ice-cream and chocolate sauce.
In case you are wondering how do I get around Prague, oh well besides taking on the metro twice, all I did is by walking non-stop. Prague is renowned as a very "walkable city" and it is easily walk from one point to another. However as almost all the streets are cobbled, be prepared to wear a comfortable walking shoe. Seriously you can't imagine how far and how long I walked in a day - the highest record is almost 35,000 steps just in a day, almost equivalent to more than 20km.
#19: Prague is renowned as a very "walkable city"
#20: Tram (streetcar)
How Much I Spent in Prague
Here are the breakdown:
PARTICULARS | AMOUNT | ||
€ | CZK | RM | |
Accommodation Ritchie’s Hostel – 1 night Add: Breakfast Transportation Metro (subway) line - 2 trips Food & Beverages Others Souvenirs – magnets, postcards, stamps, painting, tablespoon | 18 - - - - | - 90 24 253 725 | 92 19 5 52 150 |
TOTAL: | 318 | ||
Exchange Rate: €1.00 = RM5.12 as at September 2017
Exchange Rate: €1.00 = 24.80 CZK as at September 2017
Taking about currency and exchange rate in Prague, the official currency is Czech Crown (koruna). Not many shops and restaurants accept Euro, hence it is advisable to change Czech Crown. And when you intend to do so, please be aware that most of the exchange offices try to cheat customers with various tricks, especially those in tourist areas. I was almost being cheated for its flavourable and impression of good exchange rates which display on the board. I didn't notice the small fine print which stated below that the rate display only apply to those who exchange more than 100 EUR when I intended to exchange 20 EUR only. When I found out that the exchange rate is unfavourable and not the same as the display board, I told the exchange officer that I want to cancel the transaction but he refused as he had printed out the bill, implying it's too late. Damn! I told him it's not worth for me to exchange up to 100 EUR as I'm only staying for a day in Prague. But lucky me cause he agreed to give me at least with slightly rate, better than the rate given earlier on. At least I won't loss a lot of money. This is one of the scams and tricks that you must aware when exchange money in Prague.
Despite my bad experience with the exchange rate, Prague is still relatively safe and sound for female traveller who wish to travel alone. In case you are going Prague for the very first time, do spend at least 3 days and 2 nights, or probably who know you might extend your stay by end of your visit in Prague.
My Old Posts on Prague:
My Old Posts on Prague:
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