We expected Prague to amaze us with its beautiful architecture and rich history, but it was these small surprises that really caught us off guard:
How clean and safe the city was
We were blown away by how neat the city was, particularly in the Old Town. Not a single trash can here! What’s more, it was so safe to wander about at night. We went for nighttime walks on the banks of the Vltava River with no fear. It was the city where you felt at ease even when you were walking in dark streets.
Efficient metro system
I had heard that the metro was good, but my gosh, it was awesome. It was super fast and super simple to use. Trains arrived frequently and the stations were immaculate and clearly marked. We went from one side of the city to the other in mere minutes. This was perfect for exploring because we were able to see so much more in one day.
Size of Prague Castle
I knew Prague Castle was big, but never had I thought it could be THAT big! ‘It’s its own town up there. There we roamed for hours, from St Vitus Cathedral to the royal gardens. And the view of the city from the castle is gorgeous and is definitely worth the climb.
Beer culture
I was surprised to see just how seriously the locals take their beer culture. I am used to wine being the drink of choice but in Prague you can get your beer everywhere. They even have their own term for small beer (less than half a pint). It was great to watch locals get a drink (or two) on their way home from work. And the beer was so cheap too.
Quiet, relaxed pace of life
For people used to loud and hectic metropolises, Prague was refreshing. Everyone seemed to take their time. People were walking along the river or in parks, simply having a good time. It was nice not to feel rushed. Even while at tourist attractions, it felt quiet.
Beautifully preserved architecture
It surprised me to see that so much of the historic architecture still survives. The entire city was like something from a fairytale. In the Old Town, there was a great deal of Gothic and Baroque architecture, and at every street corner you could find another beautiful structure.
Unexpected green spaces
There were so many green spaces in the heart of the city that I never thought I’d find. There were little parks and gardens everywhere. We went for a walk in Letná Park one afternoon and got a magnificent view of the city from there while eating pastries. It was a quiet getaway, right in the centre of Prague.
How walkable it is
Another pleasant surprise was how easy it was to walk everywhere in Prague. Prague is very pedestrian-friendly. Many of our days were filled with wandering around on cobbled streets, ducking into quaint coffee shops and hole-in-the-wall shops, and stopping every couple of minutes to admire another adorable street.
We spent lots of time aimlessly roaming around, crossing Charles Bridge, exploring Old Town, and finding quaint residential areas we would have never known about if we weren’t just walking around.
Effective public etiquette
People seemed a little cautious at first, but then we saw that it was just a different approach to respect. When taking a tram, for example, the elderly or the pregnant pass on seats without question. It was just a quiet, unspoken politeness that felt genuine.
Local humor
I know that probably doesn’t sound like a big deal, but honestly it took us aback a little bit. Some Czech people seemed stern or serious until you got talking. And then you’d realize they had this great dry witty sense of humor. It was just subtle and dry…many times told with a completely straight face.
We had more than one conversation where we paused and were like “wait, you’re kidding right?” And then would all laugh. It made talking to people more authentic and gave us another insight into what makes Czechs, well, Czech.
Surprising food scene
We were in for a treat when it came to food. Czech food is hearty, and there were some surprising flavors. We tried local classics such as svková (beef in creamy sauce) and knedlky (dumplings) that tasted great. We also discovered wonderful modern restaurants that experimented with the local ingredients. Who knew Prague was such a foodie paradise?
