Nomad

[Europe Trip #2] One Week in Prague: Medieval Charm, Beer, and Burčák Season

After leaving Moldova’s capital, Chișinău, I took a flight to Prague, Czech Republic.
It took about two hours — a quick and comfortable trip across Europe.

Getting from Prague Airport to the City Center

Once you exit Prague Airport, you’ll immediately see a bus stop outside the terminal.
There’s a yellow ticket machine right there — that’s where you can buy your public transport ticket.

Tickets come in different durations: 30-minute, 60-minute, or 1-day passes.
Choose based on how far your accommodation is.

Remember to validate your ticket (stamp it) when you board the bus — that’s when the time starts counting.
One great thing about Prague’s transport system is that the same ticket works for buses, trams, and the metro. Super convenient!

Staying at Czech Inn Hostel

I stayed at Czech Inn Hostel for one week, which cost around ¥17,000 (about €100).
It’s a large mixed dormitory (around 20–30 beds) with curtains that only cover half of the bunk —
so you’ll have some privacy, but not total seclusion.

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When checking in, you’ll receive a paper tag to place on your bed to show it’s occupied.
It’s a small detail, but quite typical of big European hostels.

Because it’s a huge shared room, beginners to hostel life might find it a little overwhelming.
However, the building itself is clean and stylish, and the Wi-Fi is fast, with a decent café and lounge space.
It’s located a bit far from the busy Old Town, so unless you’re looking for a budget stay or a quiet place to work,
you might prefer a more central option.

That said, if you’re a digital nomad, Czech Inn offers a comfortable environment to work remotely.

Exploring Prague: Where Every Street Tells a Story

Prague’s main attractions are concentrated around the Old Town (Staré Město),
and while it’s walkable, the area is surprisingly large —
so bring comfortable shoes and prepare for cobblestone streets!

The city is filled with stunning architecture, narrow alleys, and viewpoints everywhere you look.
Trying to see everything in a single day would be exhausting,
so it’s better to slow down and explore one district at a time.

The Astronomical Clock

The Prague Astronomical Clock (Orloj) is one of the city’s must-see landmarks.
Every hour, a crowd gathers to watch the small figures move as the bell rings.

It’s a medieval masterpiece that’s been running continuously for over 600 years,
showing the positions of the sun, moon, and zodiac signs.
After watching the show, stroll through the Old Town Square, grab a coffee to go,
and enjoy the vibrant street atmosphere.

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Charles Bridge

Built in the early 15th century, Charles Bridge connects the Old Town with Prague Castle.
It’s lined with 30 baroque statues of saints and artists —
a truly ornate and photogenic bridge that feels like something straight out of a fairy tale.

The view from the bridge is breathtaking, especially at sunrise or sunset.
As many travelers say, “It feels like walking through a Disney movie.”

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Prague Castle

Sitting on a hill overlooking the city, Prague Castle is one of the largest castle complexes in the world.
It contains several churches, palaces, and museums.
There are multiple ticket options, but the Main Circuit covers the most popular sites.
(As of September 12, 2025, the Old Royal Palace was closed for renovation.)

👉 Official ticket prices (PDF)

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St. George’s Basilica

This red-brick basilica stands out with its elegant interior, beautiful frescoes,
and stained-glass windows that fill the hall with colorful light.
It’s a peaceful spot — perfect for a quiet moment amid the crowds.

St. Vitus Cathedral

Located at the very heart of Prague Castle, St. Vitus Cathedral is massive and majestic.
It’s also where I learned the difference between a cathedral and a basilica:

  • A cathedral is the main church of a diocese (it has the bishop’s seat).
  • A basilica is a church honored for its historical or religious importance.

So, St. Vitus is a cathedral because it’s the center of the Prague diocese,
while St. George’s is a basilica because of its historic value.

Golden Lane

A charming little street once home to alchemists and craftsmen.
The tiny colorful houses look like something out of a storybook —
definitely one of the most picturesque corners of Prague Castle.

The panoramic view of the city from the castle hill is also stunning,
with rows of red rooftops stretching into the distance.

Food & Drink Recommendations

Bistro

Located in Old Town Square — a great place to enjoy a casual beer outdoors.
Perfect for solo travelers! Personally, my favorite spot in Prague.

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Kantýna

Famous for its hearty meats and carpaccio.
It’s lively, modern, and quite popular among both locals and tourists.

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U Kroka

I tried the traditional Czech dish Svíčková, and it was absolutely delicious with a refined flavor. There were also plenty of other tempting dishes on the menu!
Big portions, rich flavors, and cozy vibes — everything you’d expect from Czech comfort food.

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Seasonal Event: Burčák Festival

If you visit in September, don’t miss the Burčák Festival.
Burčák is known as the “baby wine” — a young, lightly fermented wine that’s fizzy, sweet, and dangerously drinkable.
It tastes like juice, but don’t be fooled — it’s alcoholic!

At the Havelský Market in the Old Town, you can also try Medovina, a traditional honey wine.
It’s warm, golden, and tastes similar to mulled wine — perfect for cool evenings.

Final Thoughts

Prague is a city where history and beauty blend effortlessly.
Every cobblestone street, bridge, and tower tells a story from another century.

Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler,
you’ll find new layers of charm — from Gothic cathedrals to cozy beer gardens.
Simply sitting in a café and watching the world go by here feels magical.

It’s a city that rewards slow travel, curiosity, and a good pair of walking shoes.

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kaz

Full-stack Engineer specializing in Backend/Frontend/Cloud Infrastructure | Digital Nomad since June 2023, traveling the world | Sharing programming tips and insights | Posting travel updates on X

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