Photos & Recommendations from Prague, Just Four Hours from Vienna

If you’re studying in Vienna and looking for a weekend getaway, look no further than Prague. The capital of the Czech Republic, Prague is only a four-hour train ride from Vienna but feels like a whole other world. In this post, I will give you some recommendations for your own visit, as well as share some of my favorite pictures!

I went with a large group to Prague – seven other IES Abroad interns – and shared a private room at Hostel Mandarinka, which was right in the city center. The hostel was nice; it was well located, clean, and had private lockers outside of the bedroom. The three-person bunk beds were cozy, albeit somewhat claustrophobic. I would recommend the hostel, but I imagine there are similar options around.

When you explore Prague, a must-see is its old town, known in Czech as Staré Město. The area is marked by cobblestone streets, historic buildings, and Gothic architecture. Here, you will also find the Old Town Square, which is an open area surrounded by famous landmarks, including the Prague Astronomical Clock and Church of Our Lady before Týn. You’ll likely pass through the square multiple times during your visit. If you’re there around the start of an hour, stand around the clock for a quick show.

If you’re hungry, I highly recommend San Carlo Dittrichova for dinner. It’s not traditional Czech food (it’s Italian) but was easily my favorite meal on the trip. The ingredients tasted fresh, we watched pizzas spin around the oven, and it was reasonably priced. We also went to Pasta Fresca, but the former Italian restaurant was a better value. At both, you will need a reservation. For breakfast, I enjoyed porridge at café 11 and would recommend it for a quick meal. Durty Nelly’s Irish Pub also had a wonderful fish and chips meal, and although it was on the pricier side, I highly recommend it for watching a game or joining karaoke. Or, as occurred during the USA vs. Germany World Cup match, both at once! 

Now that you’re full, you should head to Prague Castle. Built in the ninth century, the castle complex looks over the city and has various attractions. I went inside the Great South Tower of the Cathedral and after climbing 287 steps to the top, felt very accomplished. For only $10, you get incredible views and a good workout! I would highly recommend climbing to the top of the cathedral, but I would advise trying to go on a sunny day.

There are two more Prague essentials to add to your bucket list: the Vojan Gardens (Vojanovy Sady) and the Charles Bridge. We stumbled upon the gardens accidentally and only realized where we were when we turned right and saw peacocks roaming about. Surrounding the birds, you see beautiful hedges, statues, and architecture. It was a wonderful surprise!

The Charles Bridge is another Prague staple but much busier. I would be especially wary of pickpockets in this area, as large crowds and distracting street vendors make it a prime location. However, it provides an unbeatable view of the water and city, and visitors would be remiss not to walk along it.

If you’re interested in Gothic landscapes and endless activities, look no further than Prague! The city is fun, safe, and incredibly photogenic. I encourage you to look for local activities (not just what’s trendy) and explore as much as you can. Just be mindful of men getting on all fours and barking (true story). Safe travels!