Prague had been sitting on my list for years.
Not because it was difficult to reach. Quite the opposite. Europe is full of places that are easy to visit “one day”, which often means they never quite make it to the top of the list.
We arrived in early January. The Christmas markets were still operating, although only just. The holiday crowds had largely gone home, hotel prices had fallen back toward normality, and the city felt busy without feeling overwhelmed.
The hotels gave the trip its structure. Between them, we spent a few days walking, eating, and seeing what Prague looked like after the holiday crowds had gone home.
These were some of the moments in between.
Charles Bridge at dusk, with Prague Castle beginning to light up across the river.
Trams are part of everyday life in Prague.
Municipal House was one of my favorite buildings in the city.
We seemed to end up back at the Powder Tower more than once.
Prague leans into its darker tourist attractions.
I wasn’t aware beer shampoo was a thing until this trip.
One of many shopfronts that felt unchanged by time.
The Christmas markets were still operating, although only just.
A few more days and most of this would be gone for another year.
The Christmas markets were still standing, but Prague already felt like it was moving back into its normal rhythm.
Every visitor eventually ends up standing in front of the Astronomical Clock. We were no exception.
Charles Bridge remained busy even after the main holiday period had ended.
Prague Castle dominated the skyline, whether we were looking for it or not.
The view toward Prague Castle from Charles Bridge after dark.
We spent one evening on the Jazz Boat, watching Prague slide past through the windows.
“It’s taken me all my life to learn what not to play.”
Most days followed a fairly simple pattern: walk until we were cold, hungry, or both.
The W Prague suggested Kantýna for lunch while our room was being prepared.
Kantýna was busy, loud, and exactly what we wanted that afternoon.
Czech beer, plenty of meat, and a welcome escape from the January cold outside.
January turned out to be an excellent time to visit. The Christmas markets were still standing, but the city had largely moved beyond the holiday rush.
The hotels gave the trip its structure. Prague gave it its texture.
Part of the Prague in January series
While We Were There: Prague in Early January