Welcome to Prague

This post will be short as I spent 4 uneventful hours on the train. The Central Station in Prague is gigantic and I was wandering around trying to find an ATM (they use Czech Koruna) I stumbled into an old section of the station. I’ve noticed that in many European cities, the train stations are works of art. This one isn’t quite that fancy but it’s still pretty.

I arrived at the Charles Bridge Palace Hotel too early to check in, but they took my bags and off I went to lunch.

Prague is known for two things…. bohemian crystal and garnets, so of course, I had to help the local economy just a little. I bought a set of 6 colored, hand cut crystal glasses perfect for aperitif, sherry, etc. Sorry but I didn’t think to get a picture of them before he wrapped them up but if I pass the store again tomorrow, I’ll grab a pic of them.

And, since garnet is my birthstone (January) I picked up a pretty ring.

Neither of my purchases were very expensive and every shop is having a Black Friday sale, so they were even more reasonably priced. Europe may not have had Thanksgiving last week, but they certainly have the Black Friday sales this weekend. I noticed that 2 years ago when we were in Athens for Thanksgiving.

With shopping out of the way, it was time to start the sightseeing, and the first stop was the Old Town Square. This is also where the main Christmas Market is located. I didn’t really explore the market yet, but from the little I saw, I think it’s the same as Budapest and Bratislava with mostly food/drink booths. I’m heading back out tonight to attend a concert at a church on the square, so I’ll check it out then.

Prague Orloj is a medieval astronomical clock on the wall of the Old Town Hall. The clock was first installed in 1410, making it the third-oldest astronomical clock in the world and the oldest one still in operation. It probably does something on the hour, but I didn’t see that today. Hopefully I can catch it doing its thing before I leave.

The square is surrounded by beautifully painted buildings.

I thought these were pretty as well.

It is crazy cold here…. upper 20s/low 30s, so before heading back to the hotel I stopped for some hot chocolate and a little dessert. The seating was outdoors but they have heaters and blankets, so it wasn’t too bad.

Because of the cold and the lack of public transportation, I decided to use the Hop On Hop Off bus for sightseeing. It will take me to all the main tourist areas without having to walk as much. I won’t have nearly as many steps as I’ve had, but it’s better than freezing to death. I got a 48-hour ticket so I can spread the sightseeing over both days I’m here. Maybe that will give me shorter days and less time in the cold.

The closest bus stop to the hotel is back at the square so I’ll explore that more tomorrow and report back. I’ll get to the square earlier in the morning before the market opens, so hopefully, it won’t be as crowded. Maybe I can get pictures without so many people.

Have a good day everyone and I’ll report back tomorrow.