Few cities cast a spell quite like Prague. As one of the most enchanting and well-preserved cities in Europe—replete with castles, churches, cobblestone streets and a meandering river—its captivating charm is undeniable. Legend has it, Prague’s fairytale origin dates to the 8th century when Princess Libuše envisioned “a great city whose glory will touch the stars.”
From the moment you arrive in Prague, it is clear the Czech people are both very proud and very resilient. The city has endured many transformations from its medieval times, including surviving Nazi occupation in 1939 and a Soviet Communist regime following World War II. (The non-violent 1989 Velvet Revolution marked the end of communist rule.) But today, Prague is a vibrant, welcoming and peaceful city.
I had the pleasure of visiting this magical place last summer to experience first-hand its rich heritage. Arriving at the Almanac x Alcron Hotel, I settled into my suite with a stunning view of the Prague castle and the rooftops of the city. The hotel, like Prague itself, has a storied past, having hosted artists, politicians and celebrities. During the Cold War, the international press reported from the hotel and foreign correspondents could be overheard swapping stories at the Alcron bar.
Designed by architect Alois Krofta and opened in 1932, the modern décor of the hotel is described as “Old-World Art Deco elegance meets contemporary Czech design.” Now part of the Almanac Collection of luxury boutique properties, the Alcron offers 178 rooms and 26 suites. The convenient location near Wenceslas Square is walkable to the city’s many attractions. But be forewarned, pack comfortable shoes—I logged an average of 17,000–20,000 steps a day—there is so much to see.
The shining jewel of the city is the hilltop Prague castle overlooking the Vltava River. The UNESCO World Heritage site is touted as the largest castle complex in the world, encompassing palaces and churches in architectural styles ranging from Romanesque to Gothic to Baroque. Saint Vitus Cathedral, a prominent example of Gothic architecture, contains the Bohemian crown jewels as well as the tombs of kings and Holy Roman Emperors. Over the centuries, the compound has served as a seat of power and is currently the official residence of the president of the Czech Republic.
To reach Prague Castle, I crossed over the Vltava River via the Charles Bridge (another UNESCO World Heritage site) which connects the two historic neighborhoods of Prague: Old Town (Staré Město) and Lesser Town (Malá Strana). Named for King Charles IV, the bridge is lined with 30 Baroque statues of saints with Gothic towers at each end. With a panoramic view of the city, the bridge is a popular gathering place for artists, photographers and tourists.
Another must-see is the Astronomical Clock in Old Town Square. A feat of medieval engineering, circa 1410, it is the oldest functioning astronomical clock in the world. Crowds gather on the hour to watch the procession of the 12 apostles emerge as the clock chimes. Nearby, the Jewish quarter, Josefov, offers a glimpse into the city’s Jewish history and is home to one of the world’s oldest Jewish cemeteries and several synagogues, including the Spanish Synagogue built in the Moorish style.
Standing out amongst the medieval architecture is the deconstructivist design of the Dancing House by Frank Gehry and Czech architect Vlado Milunić. With its fluid form and non-linear windows, it is believed to be symbolic of the country’s transition from communism to freedom, and a striking contrast between the old and new Prague.
If you find yourself in Prague on a Saturday, as I did, make your way to the Náplavka farmer’s market by the river. It’s a great spot to listen to street musicians and sample local delicacies.
After a full day of touring, I was happy to return to the Almanac Alcron to enjoy a specialty cocktail at the hotel bar, followed by a gourmet meal at their restaurant. Chef Richard Bielik shared his inspiration for the creative menu, noting a focus on seasonal, sustainable and plant-forward dishes. His inventive approach and imaginative presentation offer a modern twist to traditional Bohemian cuisine. My meal at the Almanac was, without a doubt, the best meal I had in Prague!
There is so much to experience in Prague—from its centuries of history and culture to its architectural beauty to its diverse cuisine. With just three days in the city, there was still more to discover—a return visit may be in my future!
