Continued from my 4 days in Poland, I took the night train from Warsaw and arrived in Prague in the morning. After I got-off the train at Prague Main Station (Praha Hlavní Nádraží), it was about 8.30AM. I walked to the hotel nearby the train station what I booked in advance to leave my luggage before coming back to check-in again at 3PM. It means I had full day to explore Prague, one of the most romantic city in the world !
From the hotel, I could walk to Prague Old Town Square which is just about 900 meters away. At this square, it has plenty of tourist attractions. The first thing I did is strolling around this area to see the charming of architecture and take the photos. Prague Old Town Square has been the heart of the city since the 1100s. It was a busy place for markets, public events, and important moments in Czechia history. The square is surrounded by colorful buildings from different times, showing Gothic, Baroque, and Renaissance styles together. This area is so beautiful and like I was in the fairy tale which is befitting to the world heritage place.
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Jan Hus monument
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At 10AM, I started to catch the details of Prague by visiting The Church of Our Lady before Týn which is located next to old town square.
The Church of Our Lady before Týn is one of Prague’s most famous landmarks, rising over Old Town Square with its twin towers. The church was built mainly in the 1300s and became an important center of religious life in the city. Inside, the space feels grand and calm, with high ceilings and rich decorations. Visitors can see beautiful altars, old paintings, and detailed sculptures. One highlight is the tomb of the famous astronomer Tycho Brahe. The mix of art, history, and atmosphere makes this church unforgettable. The Church of Our Lady before Týn is open 10AM – 12PM and 3PM – 5PM, closed on Monday. On Sunday, it is open during 10.30AM – 12PM only. Admission to the church is free but photo and video are strictly prohibited.
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I just spend about 20 minutes in The Church of Our Lady before Týn before walking to the small place but it is one of the most important landmark of Prague, The Astronomical Clock Tower which is just few steps away.
The Astronomical Clock Tower in Prague sits on the Old Town Hall and has been marking time since the early 1400s. It is not just a clock, because it shows the time, the sun, the moon, and old calendar signs all at once. The design is richly decorated with statues and symbols. Every hour, small figures move, and crowds gather to watch this medieval show that still works today.
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Then, I continued my walking trip to see another icon on Vltava river, Charles Bridge. However, to see Charles bridge in full panorama view, it means we must not walk on it. So, I decided to use Mánes Bridge which is paralel to Chrales bridges. Then, on the way back, I would walk on Charles Bridge to absorb the real and traditional atmosphere. I guessed this is the good idea.
Charles Bridge is a famous stone bridge that connects Prague Old Town with the Lesser Town. It was built in the 1300s during the time of King Charles IV and became an important crossing of the Vltava River. The bridge is lined with statues and old lamps, giving it a strong medieval feel. Its arches, towers, and river views make it one of the most beautiful and iconic places in Prague.
Charles Bridge view from Mánes Bridge
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Prague Castle Complex from Charles Bridge
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Upon crossing the river, I could see my next destination of the day where I would spent most of the time of today there, The Prague Castle complex. Actually, from the river bank at old town side, everyone can see this grand structure for sure.
Prague Castle Complex sits high on a hill above the city and has been the center of Czechia power for more than a thousand years. It began as a fortified settlement and slowly grew into a huge castle area used by kings, emperors, and today the president. Inside the complex, Prague Castle shows grand halls and courtyards that reflect royal life. St. Vitus Cathedral stands out with its tall towers, colorful windows, and dramatic design, making it a true city landmark. Nearby, St. George Basilica feels calm and simple, with thick walls and a peaceful atmosphere. Golden Lane adds charm with its tiny, colorful houses, once home to guards and craftsmen. Together, these places mix history, art, and architecture into one unforgettable area. Prague Castle Complex is open daily, 9AM – 5PM (Open till 4PM during November – March).
At Prague Castle Complex, it has main 2 parts which have separated ticket and area.
- Prague Castle + St.George Basilica + Golden Lane (Circuit ; Okruh) : Visitor need to buy the ticket to visit these place at ticket counter. The cost was 450 CZK/person (about 22 USD)
- St.Vitus Cathedral Tower (Tower ; Věž) : It has separate ticket to go up to the tower (by spiral stairs – get your body ready 💪🏻). The ticket can be purchased at the entrance of the cathedral at 200 CZK/person (about 10 USD).
Of course, I started with the easiest thing first, climbing up to the tower of St.Vitus Cathedral. 🤪 It has 287 steps of stair to reach the top floor. But, I can tell you that IT IS SUPER WORTH TO GO THERE !. Because the panoramic view of Prague city is waiting you there.
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I spent more than one and half hour to climb-up to the tower and enjoy the bird’s eyes view of Prague. Next, I walked to purchase the ticket for circuit part and began to visit Prague Castle which is just next to St.Vitus Cathedral. Outside Prague Castle, you see strong stone walls, wide courtyards, and elegant buildings that mix Gothic, Romanesque, and Baroque styles, showing power and royal history.
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Just opposite Prague Castle, it has the outstanding red wall building, St.George Basilica. Inside, you could see a quiet space with stone walls, simple arches, and historic tombs, creating a calm and spiritual feeling away from the busy castle area.
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From St.George Basilica, I moved to the next attraction where has different felling than religious place, Golden Lane. It is just 150 meters away.
Golden Lane is a small, colorful street inside Prague Castle, once home to castle guards and craftsmen. Today, you can step inside tiny houses, see old tools, simple furniture, and learn how people lived here centuries ago.
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I spent my time at Prague Castle Complex until 2PM. Actually, it has so many things to do and explore here and I I think I could not cover all of them due to my limited time. So, I decided to bid farewell to Prague Castle Complex and back to the old town to find something for lunch before catching up the places in city center. And, certainly, I used Charles Bridge to walk back to city center. 😁
After quick lunch, I walked back to Old Town Square again to visit St. Nicholas Church which is just next to the Jan Hus monument
St. Nicholas Church was built in the 1700s during the Baroque period. It was created to show the power and beauty of the church at that time. Outside, the building stands out with its green dome and elegant design. Inside, the church is rich with colorful paintings, detailed statues, and a beautifully decorated ceiling. Soft light and music often fill the space, making it feel calm and impressive. Today, it is not only a church but also a popular place for concerts and quiet moments. St. Nicholas Church is open daily 10AM – 5PM (until 4PM on Saturday) with free entry.
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About 3.30PM, just before sunset, I walked back to the hotel to check-in. On the way back, I stopped at Powder Tower for a moment to capture the photos. Indeed, I passed by in the morning. But it was still dark in that area. That was why I decide to comeback here in the afternoon.
Powder Tower was built in the late 1400s as a city gate for Prague’s Old Town. Its dark Gothic style, sharp details, and tall shape make it look strong and dramatic, marking the historic entrance to the old city.
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At 4PM, I arrived at the hotel and checked-in to take a rest and regain the energy. Today, it was one of my memorable day as I feel like I travel back in time to see the historic places as well as the story of the grand empire of Czechia. Another one story of my life had been written again today. Next day, I was still in Czechia but it would be the different day as I planned to take the day trip to another historic city, Český Krumlov. So, it was the time to recharge the battery and get ready for the next adventure. Good Night….Sleep Tight. 😇😀
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Written by : Shipy Siwarit Tiasuwattiseth
Shipy-Ship 