A magical place that will certainly get you in the Christmas Spirit.

Flying back from La Rochelle this summer, I was drawn into an article in the inflight magazine describing the top 3 destinations to visit this winter:

Prague

Budapest

Kraków

Prague instantly jumped out at me. It’s a city I have wanted to explore for a while now and seeing the Instagram photos my cousin and his girlfriend posted last year definitely heightened my desire to go. When I returned home I began googling and could not believe how cheap it would be!



= £273. And no that’s not per person… it was the total cost.

Travel ✈️

The flights are scheduled for 2hrs and 15min outbound (Manchester ➡️ Prague) and 2hr 25min inbound (Prague ➡️ Manchester), generally though it’s a little over 2 hours. I prefer short haul flights for shorts breaks as it maximises your time in your destination and for cheeky little City Breaks like this, they really are perfect. The flight was delayed but I had a whole 9 days off work and the champagne in Terminal 3 got me into the holiday spirit!



The carry-on baggage Policy has recently been updated with Ryanair, so make sure you check these early enough as my little pink trip “cabin” bag was sadly too big. Ryanair otherwise is a pretty decent airline, you get what you pay for. The plane does feel smaller than some of the competitors but when it’s that cheap and so close, you can’t really grumble.



Metro/ Trams

“Public transport in Prague is cheap, efficient and highly integrated.” https://www.pragueexperience.com/travel/public-transport.asp

I did some “research” before we left and was pleased to read how easy it would be to get around – and cheap! The Czechs certainly have the transport system sussed. You can buy passes from the Metro stops I didn’t quite figure out how to do this if you wanted to get the Tram first. The pass we got was a 24hr travel pass which permitted unlimited travel on busses, metro and trams. There was also a 72hr pass, but this didn’t suit our travel itinerary. There is no metro station at the airport so to reach the centre you will have to take a bus or arrange an airport transfer like we did. The airport transfers are well organised with a text service and the drivers are prompt and helpful.

We arrived to the hotel around 21:00 tired, hungry but eager to explore what the city of Prague had to offer. Of all the food options we went for McDonalds on UberEats 😂

It did the job. Nuggets demolished, it was time for an early night ready for our first full day in the city.

The Apartment http://www.laboutique.cz/ La Boutique Hotel Prague. Studio Apartment.

The apartments are situated a five minute walk from the main hotel. When I found this out, which was before we left, I was disappointed as I was worried we were far away and the distance from the main hotel could be quite far. It’s not. It’s literally a five minute walk and if anything I felt like we had a much better experience staying in this courtyard apartment with a mixture of local residents and other tourists. The bed was extremely comfy (5*) and it was very spacious. It has everything you need: a hairdryer, hangers, a safe, spacious shower, heated towel rail, daily maid service, and a beautiful rug and picture of NY skyline! They’re necessities too right? It even has a very good TV, which I didn’t think I’d use (my boyfriend might while I get ready I thought) but after 20,000 steps and -2 degrees a little afternoon snuggle and Netflix session is a cosy way to end the day before getting “dolled up” for cocktails and food! The TV is set up so that you can link your Prime Video and Netflix accounts too (how nifty?)

I’d set my alarm for 8, much to my boyfriend’s slight annoyance and humour; but, I wanted to make sure we had plenty of time to see all the “Best Things to Do in Prague (many of my ideas came from thecraxytourist.com or Prague Experience – great sites worth checking out if you’re considering a trip). First we loaded up on food at the inclusive breakfast the hotel were offering. It was pretty basic, whilst their was variety but it brought the cost of the holiday down so we could spend our pennies on other things… like countless glasses (or plastic cups) of mulled wine!

Wenceslas Square was beautifully lined with boutiques, designer shops and then all the way up the central walkway were little sheds (or huts) offering cheeses, sausages, handcrafted decorative pieces, mulled wine, crepes, trdelník (pictured left), flowers, wreaths, roasted and caramelised nuts, art and alcohol. And probably a whole heap more, that’s just off the top of my head. I was amazed. The trees had been beautifully decorated with lights which changed colour in unison. It felt truly magical. I was so excited to experience it all! We walked aimlessly through the stalls, big smiles, numb fingers, taking it all in. I posed for my first picture outside the National Museum and he was unwillingly pressured into having his picture taken. I think I did a pretty good job though! 😍

3rd Oldest Astronomical Clock in the World!

Before I went to prague I couldn’t even tell you what an Astronomical Clock was. I could have hazard a guess; but, I wouldn’t have really cared (or so I thought). The clock, situated in Old Town Square, was installed in 1410 and is truly beautiful to admire. The colours and intricacies of the dials really took me back and I was seriously impressed with this historic spectacle. If you get the opportunity watch the clock strike the hour, it’s said to be quite the show, and with the dash of onlookers at 5 to the hour it seems to be quite popular. We were always too late or too short and missed it every time! Gutted.







The best way to find experiences and things to do is be open to walking around and having no set direction of where you are going. Yes have places that you want to visit in mind but don’t restrict yourself (or your schedule) to them!

CHARLES BRIDGE







Charles Bridge walk with my love. Gorgeous glimpses of the sun setting which were not expected but a very welcomed treat.

One of the most visited sights in Prague, Charles Bridge is strikingly beautiful. Our stroll across the historic bridge was perhaps my the most enjoyable activity for me in Prague. The sun was setting as I was snapping away and this just intensified the atmosphere at this truly picturesque location. Prague is oozing with history and this bridge tells it’s own story. Aside from it’s obvious attraction, the bridge permits access to the other side of the river where you can find Prague Castle, St Vitus cathedral and the John Lennon Wall to name a few of the “biggies”. But 20,000 steps was enough for Day 1, so we headed back to the hotel (where someone fell asleep) before getting changed and heading out for dinner and cocktails.

Day 2 It is not an exaggeration to say that Prague was mesmerizing me and I was awe in at all this incredible city had to offer. Day 2 we had a far less structured plan compared to the first day. We had been recommended by the hotel receptionist to do the other side of the river: so that is the Lesser Town area. Here you will find the castle, the cathedral and lots of parks, including Petrin Hill which has a mini Eiffel Tower at the top; but it was far too cold and foggy for a trip up there. On a bright, clear day the views are said to be “well worth the climb” and I have read that they are some of the best in the city. The second day was much colder, but thankfully I had my ear muffs, scarf and gloves at the ready and a big puffy coat to keep me warm. We headed back over Charles Bridge to get to Lesser Town: you don’t have to do this but I enjoyed the walk across the bridge so much that I wanted to relive it once more. The views weren’t as good on this day as it wasn’t as clear but we had fun anyway! On our walk we meandered into several little shops, well I did he just kind of followed, I think he was glad to escape the cold for a little while. 😂 The detail and work that had clearly gone into the handcrafted souvenirs was amazing and I wanted to buy everything! My absolute favourite find was these beautiful little ornaments below. How beautiful are all the colours? Even looking at them now makes me smile.

John Lennon-inspired graffiti – EVEN a non Beetles fan will be impressed!

Still on the other side of Charles Bridge, you have The Lennon Wall or John Lennon Wall. Since the 80s it’s been filled with lyrics from famous Beatle songs and various symbols and images related to the iconic singer. The wall is seen as a symbol of love and peace, both of which were important to the late Liverpool Legend. The wall itself is bursting with colour and is situated in a quiet little street away from the bustle of tourists – although there will be a few trying to get a pic or two in front of this. BUT fear not, it’s a big wall! I’d definitely recommend visiting this, even if you’re not a Beatles/ John Lennon fan.

Time you enjoy wasting, was not wasted. John Lennon

How far up is it? My very tired legs.

Prague Castle

Not sure whether to stick this on the itinerary? I think it’s more a question of when are you going to fit it in! Prague Castle does involve quite a bit of walking, but there are plenty of things that you can stop and do along the way. Take photographs of the stunning architecture, visit the many markets dotted about inside, explore history by visiting St. Vitus Cathedral, one of the palaces or enjoy one of the many gardens. There is so much to do inside the castle walls that you definitely need to allow a good three hours to get the most out of this experience/ attraction.

Reasons to visit:

It’s “the most significant check monument”

“Prague Castle is the largest coherent castle complex in the world…” Now that’s pretty impressive and something to boast about.

The steps/ climb will work off all the indulging at the markets.

There are EVEN MORE markets in case you haven’t seen enough.

There’s lots of cute cafes and coffee stops inside.

The detail of the architecture is mesmerizing!

If those reasons aren’t enough… entry is FREE! (Additional Charges may apply once inside if you want to go inside particular areas. Check out the website below)

https://www.hrad.cz/en/prague-castle-for-visitors









“I want to travel the world with you, go to every country, every city, take pictures and be happy.” WWW.dailytravelpill.com

And so our holiday was coming to an end. I had not acquired the ability to pause time. All I knew was in this City, with this Man I was content and peaceful. The last night could not have been any more perfect. We went to the best restaurant I have ever experienced and I genuinely mean that. COMO, was oustanding in every aspect. The environment, the openness but also the cosiness, the chic atmosphere, exceptional waiting service and delicious food (the kind where you make a comment or sound after EVERY mouthful! Literally.) We just talked, ate and drank and had the loveliest evening together in what we both agree is one of our favourite cities on this Earth!

I really hope I have done Prague justice because it is the best holiday I have had. It’s took me ages to write this blog with the new job and Christmas and I wanted to relive it all.

Lauren xo







