3 min read

Prague: Old World Charm (Part 2)

Photos taken/written by Jennifer Mahon

Motorcycle parked in front a wall of graffiti in Prague

EUROPE ROAD TRIP — DAY 8 (OF 19)

We’re still living it up in Prague! Today’s mission: explore Old Town, the Jewish Quarter, Lesser Town, and the Prague Castle grounds. Buckle up, there’s a lot to cover!

YOU'VE GOTTA SEE...

OLD TOWN (STARE MESTO)

Walking around Prague’s Old Town for the first time is like stepping into a storybook—if that storybook was also filled with tourists. It’s a beautiful maze of narrow streets, squares, churches, shops, cafés, and so. many. people. You’ll find something new and Insta-worthy around every corner.

OLD TOWN SQUARE (STAROMESTSKE NAMESTI)

Wow. Just wow. Old Town Square is ringed by pastel-colored Romanesque and Gothic buildings that look like they were plucked from a fairy tale. Some of the big players here: the Old Town City Hall, the Astronomical Clock, St. Nicholas Church, and the Church of Our Lady before Tyn. The square’s got a little bit of everything—street performers, restaurants, and shops. Oh, and if you’re in the market for Bohemian crystal, this is the spot. Just be ready to bargain!

Photos: Prague Old Town and Old Town Square

ASTRONOMICAL CLOCK

This 14th-century clock is a must-see—just don’t expect to be the only one there. You’ll be packed in with a few hundred of your closest tourist buddies, but it’s totally worth it. If you can, go up the tower for some killer views of the city. (I didn’t make it up there myself—line was too long—but after seeing the pics, I regret not waiting!)

Photos: Astronomical Clock, Old Town Square - Prague

TRDELNÍK

How do you pronounce this? No clue. But this tasty, flaky, cylindrical pastry is a Czech staple, and it’s the perfect sweet snack to munch on while you stroll. Find one, grab one, devour one.

Photos: Trdelník

TORTURE MUSEUM

A museum dedicated to torture? Yep, right by the Charles Bridge, tucked away in a little strip-mall-like building. It’s got three floors packed with replica torture devices, graphic displays, and plaques explaining which crimes got you which terrifying punishment. It’s grim, it’s weird, and it’ll take you about 45 minutes to get through—but it’s pretty fascinating if you’re into the macabre.

Photos: Torture Museum and the views from it

CHARLES BRIDGE

Dating back to the 15th century, this iconic bridge (look for Karluv Most on maps) connects the Old Town to Lesser Town, crossing the Vltava River. No traffic here anymore—just a bustling pedestrian zone filled with tourists, performers, and artists. The bridge is an architectural stunner, with 16 arches and 30 statues lining both sides, plus Gothic towers at both ends. Bring your camera and your patience!

Photos: Charles Bridge

LESSER TOWN (MALA STRANA)

Cross the Charles Bridge, and boom—you’re in Lesser Town (or Mala Strana, which sounds way cooler than "Lesser Town"). This lively area has all the charm of Old Town but with fewer crowds. Think restaurants, souvenir shops, churches, and more of those stunning historic buildings Prague is known for. It’s also at the base of the hill leading to Prague Castle, so it’s a perfect place to refuel before tackling that climb.

Photos: Lesser Town (Mala Strana)

PRAGUE CASTLE

Okay, so it’s technically not a “castle” castle, but more like a giant village. There’s the main palace building (complete with a grand hall and living quarters) surrounded by other palaces. The grounds also include St. Vitus Cathedral, which is worth the visit alone. The hike up the hill might leave you breathless, but so will the views—totally worth it!

Photos: Prague Castle Grounds

PRAGUE BY NIGHT

Prague truly comes alive after dark, and there's no better place to soak it all in than from Charles Bridge. As the city lights shimmer off the Vltava River, the view from the bridge is pure magic—one of those jaw-dropping, pinch-me moments. The Old Town skyline, with its Gothic towers illuminated, feels like something straight out of a fairy tale. Walking along the bridge at night, with the statues casting eerie shadows and street musicians providing the soundtrack, you really feel Prague's Old World charm. The whole city glows, and it’s an experience you won’t forget.