czech

While having lunch at Cafe’ Imperial, I chatted with two ladies from England who clued me in about Petřín Hill. According to them, this attraction was not to be missed during my trip! Gladly, I took their advice.

I rode the Funicular from Malá Strana all the way up to the top of the hill. It was magical to watch the city below shrink into tiny dots as I overlooked the entire panoramic view.

Surrounding Petřín Tower are landscaped gardens, including a beautiful rose garden.

Fresh air and fragrant flora dreams.

A mini version of Paris’s Eiffel Tower, the Petřín Lookout Tower (Petřínská rozhledna), was built in 1891. I obviously had to climb to the very top!

I climbed 299 steps to get to the top of the tower and see the city views. It was truly spectacular. I’m not sure I could ever properly articulate it.

I want to be there now. What a special city.

The morning after I arrived in Prague, I scheduled a 3 hour walking tour through Airbnb with a local guide, Michael. He presented us with a handful of treasured locations that were off the beaten path.

As we walked around the castle vicinity, we headed into Novy Svet. Dating back to the 14th Century, this unique area consists of a few streets that represent a small village. My favorite attraction was the very low-to-the ground, cottage-style apartments where artists and writers live. Early on, residents hung golden house signs for their homes (such as a Golden Pear, Grape or Acorn) in their fight against poverty. So special!

You could see canons that had been fired into the walls!

Even though it was a particularly foggy afternoon, we got to take in some breathtaking views! The combination of Gothic architecture, sprawling views, lush trees and red roofs was almost too much to process.

While the others guzzled down Prague’s famous beer, I opted for possibly the greatest hot chocolate ever at Garden Cafe Taussig. There, you can relax while enjoying views of Prague castle, as well as a dreamy garden.

There are many buildings that feature alchemical symbolism in Prague. Perfect for a witchy lady like me.

And beautiful frescos that make me feel faint.

The Vrtba Garden is one of Central Europe’s most astounding Baroque gardens. It has elegant staircases, decorated banisters, terraces, statues, flower beds, and hedges.