After having to cut my semester abroad short due to COVID-19, I was so disappointed in losing so many trips I had planned. Originally, I planned to visit Steph, one of my friends from high school, while she studied abroad in Prague. 3 years later, I took the first opportunity to go back. This trip, I traveled with 3 friends from my PA program (Natalie, Hayley, and Mei)- one of whom I studied abroad with- as well as Steph. Even though she only spent a month living in Prague (as opposed to 5 months we originally anticipated), she was a great tour guide and showed us all around her former home.
After a long and particularly stressful travel day (thanks, Lisbon Airport), Steph and I joined my other 3 friends in Prague. Excited to start touring around, we ignored our jet lag and went to Steph’s favorite gelato place and ate it in front of the Astronomical Clock.
The next day, we walked 10 miles trying to take in as much of Prague as we could get- starting with the Charles Bridge. This bridge connects Prague Old Town with the rest of the city and it quickly became a favorite destination of ours. As shown, it has beautiful views of the city off each side, and is often filled with local artists or performers.
We also made a stop at the John Lennon Wall. This wall is intended to support freedom of speech, and is home to many messages and pictures regarding world peace, Beatles lyrics, and even a few about Minecraft.
A large portion of our 10 miles (and all 26 flights of stairs recorded by my Apple Watch) were spent at Petřín Gardens. This park has lots of steep trails leading to breathtaking views of the entire city.
The five of us combined finished eight books during our trip, so it only made sense that we visited the Municipal Library of Prague to see the famous Infinity Book Tower. Unfortunately I can’t upload a video of the inside, but once you peek your head in, the mirrors on the top and bottom of the tower give the illusion that the stack of books is never ending. This is to signify the infinite knowledge you can gain from reading.
Throughout our trip, we found ourselves aimlessly walking through neighborhoods (or putzing through Prague, if you will). The byproduct of such was finding quaint neighborhoods like this.
We also stumbled upon this beautiful square (Jiřího z Poděbrad Square) after failing to find a farmers market that trip advisor highly recommended.
Just across the Charles Bridge lies Prague Castle, a ninth century complex containing a cathedral, basilica, and palace! Steph and I admired the beautiful architecture while listening to Hozier’s new album, and were enriched by Hayley and Natalie’s summaries of the audioguide upon leaving each building.
Above are views from the towers at Prague Castle! These towers provided panoramic views of the city and the grounds of the castle itself.
Foods and Drinks
Also in Jiřího z Poděbrad Square was Cafefin. Disappointed by the lack of farmers market, we decided to console ourselves with some capuccinos and brunch! Mei and I split these two dishes- a brie and apple croissant as well as an avocado toast topped with prosciutto and figs.
Of course, we couldn’t leave without trying a traditional Czech meal. Steph brought us to Restaurace U Mlynáře, where I had beef ghoulash with bread and potato dumplings.
About Abroad 