Travel for 2 cost breakdown (at the time of writing this post):
- Old Town Square Hotel: $150 per night
- Roundtrip Airfare from San Francisco to Prague (1-stop): $650 pp
- Food/Entertainment/Transportation/Souvenirs: $500
- GRAND TOTAL FOR 2 TRAVELERS – 4 days: $2250
- OR – Book it with a 10-day package to Berlin, Vienna and Munich for $2700!
***At this time, we are not endorsed by any outside affiliates. That said – when booking our trips, we have had a lot of success with Hotels.com, Skyskanner, and Tripmasters.
Booking
Booking a trip to the Czech Republic (and all of the EU) is easy for Americans! The US passport allows US citizens to enter the EU visa-free for up to 90 days. You will be free to roam all Schengen Area countries (including Germany, France, Italy, Austria, Belgium, Finland, and more). All you need is a US passport, flights, and accommodations and you’re good to go!
Big City Amenities and Attractions – Small Town Vibe
When first making your way into the old town (tourist haven) of Prague, you’ll notice passing through a modern city — a modern city with Eastern European roots and Western European business. It’s fairly large and rather busy. On another trip, I would like to go back to explore that more modern side of town. But, for the first experience of Prague, how could one not go to the Old Town Square? How could you not marvel at the bridges, the lights, the castle, and the Trdelnik?
The Old Town Square is reminiscent of many other European city centers from days of olde. But, there is something unique about it. The astronomical clock draws your attention to not only their careful consideration of time, but also place. The colors of the square are bright and fun. And the restaurants and hotels surrounding it bring a sense of peace in the middle of chaos.
To me, this idea of chaos and serenity defines Prague. It can be chaotic, noisy, and full of fun — from the absinthe bars open all day, to the club scene and hub of electronic music. But yet, it is also incredibly peaceful, serene, and romantic. Prague is a bit of a shapeshifter. You might think you have the city understood, but I’m guessing you haven’t even scratched the surface.
Prague is a beautiful place. The Czech Republic contains a rich, robust and proud culture, and one that I wish I knew more about. The good news is that if you take the time to travel to Prague or a surrounding area, the Czech people are more than happy to tell you about themselves, their history, their GDP and why their culture is vibrant and fascinating.
What We Did
We wanted to explore both sides of the old city, we wanted to eat well, drink local creations, and stay as warm and cozy as possible in the sub-zero February temperatures.
We spent our first night in our hotel, Old Town Square Hotel, which was a little quirky, but fun. The staff was incredibly helpful and attentive, perhaps a bit too much for our typical tastes. However, if you would like to spend the day chatting with the concierge, this is a perfect place for you!
The people in the hotel (and everywhere in the city) were incredibly kind. On that first night, we were tired and jet lagged, and we requested room service. This seemed to confuse the hotel staff a little. But, they quickly and happily obliged. They scurried around looking for a menu and gave it to us. We called from our room and placed an order.
About twenty minutes later, a waiter in uniform and white gloves arrived at our door bringing linen table clothes, a bottle of wine, and soups. We were confused, as we hadn’t ordered soup. But, we went with it. When in a foreign country, things don’t always go as you plan. It was delicious soup, for what it was worth. A happy accident, we thought.
About ten minutes after the soup, there was another knock at our door. This time, another waiter was bringing us our entrees. Which were, by all accounts, five-star worthy dishes of duck and goulash and dumplings. Noah still swears that this is probably the best duck in the entire world. If you know of other contenders, let us know!
Then, about twenty minutes after that, there was another knock to clear the table and bring us desserts (free and unordered). We asked, finally, if this was room service from the hotel. The waiter informed us that it was not, but that they were happy to serve us from the Restaurace White Horse (probably the most famous duck restaurant in all of Prague – and possibly Europe, the West, the World??).
We were baffled by the service, generosity, and overall kindness of the people we met all over the city. This was just one example of many that came during the trip.
We highly recommend seeing the traditional sights of Prague – Charles Bridge, Wenceslas Square, Old Town Square, John Lennon Wall, and the Prague Castle. But, also, get out and explore the food from the goulash to the sweet and messy Trdelnik, you won’t be disappointed. And, if you’re up for an adventure, check out Absintherie and ask them for recommendations. Lastly, go on a cheesy river cruise, if for no other reason to see the beautiful lights of this breathtaking city.
Toast the Moon Rating:
- Food and Drink: 10/10
- Culture/Locals: 10/10
- Things to Do: 10/10
- Adventure Opportunities: 9/10
- Cost: 9/10
- Total: 9.6/10 – Na zdraví!
Enjoy your adventure!
Toast the Moon – Cheers,
Noah and Majhon
Can’t believe you visited Prague in February, it must have been freezing cold! Going on a river cruise sounds like a fun thing to do, not to mention all the other touristy things, can’t wait to visit Prague one day, it’s such a beautiful place to explore and photograph. Thanks for sharing and safe travels 😀 Aiva
Thank you for the post Aiva! We actually enjoy traveling during the low season. We bundle up and feel like we have the city to ourselves 😁 Plus it’s MUCH less expensive! Happy traveling! Hopefully you’ll get to Prague very soon!
Great post! I spent a week in Prague with my 7 and 9 year old kids in November 2012. We took a bus from Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Germany, which I would never do again. Prague was lovely, but I do have one wild story. We stayed in an apartment high above the river.
I accidentally locked us out by leaving a key inserted in the lock on the inside of the door, and couldn’t get back in. Of course my phone and our jackets were inside. No one around us seemed to be home, or would open their door, and I was starting to panic.
7 year old AP saved the day by suggesting that we walk across the river to the Apple store, where we could ask to log into my email to get the phone number of the apartment owner to ask for help. It worked! The Apple store was very kind and let me get the info, and then called the owner on our behalf. A locksmith (at my expense) was arranged, and the owner’s mother volunteered to host us for tea near the apartment while we waited for the locksmith to arrive. Holy wow, that was an experience we will NEVER forget! Bonus: tea in an authentic CZ apartment with a sweet old lady and her cats. 🙂
Leave it to AP to save the day!! 🤣 I love that story!! Apple employees (and their families) doing good deeds around the world needs to be one of their marketing campaigns. Haha!!
I love Rothenburg as well! But, I can’t imagine taking a bus to Prague from there! Wow! You guys are brave! I wish I could’ve been there for the afternoon tea, that sounds like the best part 😉
The bus was the “easiest” (most direct) way to get there, as it would have required a bunch of train changes that made me nervous since I was traveling alone with 2 kids. It was a Lufthansa bus, so I imagined a flight on wheels experience. Instead, it was overcrowded, overheated, stinky bathroom, and full of creeps wanting to talk to my kids.
Ah! I see. That makes sense. What an adventure!! And great stories!! 👏