November 2015 – Prague, Czech Republic
As part of a whirlwind long weekend adventure—one that also included an overnight stay in a former Nazi SS castle in Germany—my friend Kevin and I hopped a train to Prague. I’d heard countless friends rave about the Czech capital, and I was eager to see if it lived up to the hype.
From the moment we arrived, Prague cast its spell. Despite the heavy crowds of tourists, the city’s fairytale charm was undeniable. The old town, with its maze of cobblestone streets and a skyline pierced by Gothic spires, felt like stepping into a storybook. Towering cathedrals, Renaissance facades, and Baroque palaces all wove together in a visual tapestry of architectural perfection.
But Prague isn’t just about good looks—it’s a city layered in rich, often dark history. From medieval empires to the scars of Communism, every corner tells a story. There was too little time to peel back all those layers, but what I did see left a deep impression.
Even with just a couple of days, I knew I’d be back. The Czech Republic still has so much to explore, and Prague—despite being well-trodden—is a place worth returning to again and again.
Location of Prague
A Stroll Through Prague’s Old City
Kevin and I spent hours wandering Prague’s enchanting old city, absorbing every bit of its charm and authentic European ambiance. Prague stands out as uniquely beautiful, largely because it escaped the heavy destruction many other European cities suffered during World War II. Remarkably, even Hitler, upon occupying Prague, insisted that the historic buildings of the old town remain untouched, captivated by their undeniable beauty.
Haunted Charles Bridge
Charles Bridge: Beautiful by Day, Haunted by History
No visit to Prague is complete without walking across the iconic Charles Bridge. Built in the 1300s, this medieval stone masterpiece stretches gracefully across the Vltava River, lined with brooding baroque statues and bustling with musicians, artists, and tourists. But beneath its romantic facade lies a darker past.
Charles Bridge is considered by many to be haunted—and for good reason. In its early history, the bridge served not just as a passageway, but also as a public warning. The severed heads of executed prisoners, rebels, and enemies of the state were once impaled on spikes and displayed prominently atop the bridge’s towers for all to see. It’s said that some of those restless souls still linger, trapped between worlds, and that their presence can be felt most strongly in the quiet hours before dawn, when the fog rolls in low over the river.
It’s eerie to think that one of Europe’s most beautiful landmarks also holds such gruesome secrets—but that’s Prague for you. A city where history, mystery, and beauty are forever intertwined.
Charles bridge
Old Towers
Residential windows of old buildings
Prague Castle at night-largest castle in the world
Prague Castle at night-largest castle in the world
A Tale of Two Pragues: Beer, Beauty, and the Stag Party Gauntlet
After a day of soaking in Prague’s architectural splendor—Gothic towers, cobbled streets, and centuries of layered history—Kevin and I settled into a table beneath the stars in Old Town Square. The glow of lanterns lit the pastel facades of Baroque buildings, and the gentle clink of glasses accompanied the distant melody of street musicians. We ordered hearty plates of traditional Czech food—goulash, dumplings, and roasted meats—and toasted with crisp local beer. Yes, the bill was on the steep side, but with a view like that, it felt like money well spent.
That night, we walked the few miles to our hotel, which happened to be in a completely different part of Prague—one that doesn’t make it onto postcards. As we drifted out of the fairy-tale charm of the old city, we entered Prague’s stag party district. Neon lights buzzed above pubs and strip clubs, and packs of heavily intoxicated British bachelors staggered through the streets in matching t-shirts or ridiculous costumes. It felt like walking through a hangover waiting to happen.
It was a bizarre contrast—the magic of Prague’s old world fading behind us while this chaotic, modern revelry roared ahead. I couldn’t help but marvel at how one city could feel like two completely different worlds in the span of a few blocks.
Still, that’s part of what makes travel so fascinating: the juxtapositions, the surprises, the unexpected layers. Prague gave us a little bit of everything that night—from timeless beauty to unapologetic debauchery. And honestly? That mix made the city all the more memorable.