Prague — 2019
Mission log · 26–29 September 2019
VIEWSCREEN // LOG 2019
PRAGUE — 27/09/2019
Four days in Prague, from 26 to 29 September 2019: from Charles Bridge and Prague Castle to Old Town Square, Petřín Hill and the colourful Lennon Wall. Log below, day by day.
Day 1 — Thursday 26 September 2019
Arrival and the Old Town
Arrival in Prague, and straight into the deep end: into the Old Town, past the Powder Tower and the imposing Obecní dům, to Old Town Square with its astronomical clock, over Charles Bridge towards the castle, and a well-earned dinner in the evening. A day that shows right away why Prague is called "the golden city".
First steps
12:25
Just landed in the city, and straight away those typical Prague streets with parked cars and pastel-coloured façades.
Statue along the way
12:39
A pause by a statue in a small park, while we're still getting our bearings in the city around us.
First bite
13:05
A hearty burger for our first meal, not exactly Czech, but exactly what we needed after the journey.
Obecní dům
13:44
The richly decorated Municipal House, one of the city's finest Art Nouveau buildings.
Through the Powder Tower
13:46
The Gothic Prašná brána towers above the street, the old gateway into the Old Town.
Trdelník stall
13:50
The sign for Prague's famous chimney cake, cinnamon and sugar scenting the air along the way.
St. Nicholas Church
13:54
The church's baroque dome stands out against a brooding, changeable sky.
Old Town Square
13:55
The heart of Prague, busy with tourists walking onto this square for the first time, just like us.
Terraces on the square
14:04
Parasols and packed terraces around the square, the perfect setting for a short breather.
The Black Star
14:11
An atmospheric terrace tucked away in one of the narrow streets between the square and Charles Bridge.
Church façade in the sun
14:17
The sky briefly breaks open above a stately baroque façade.
First glimpse of the Castle
14:18
From Charles Bridge, our first sight of Prague Castle in the distance above the Vltava.
Statues on the bridge
14:33
Looking out over the river between the baroque statues of saints.
The Vltava
14:37
A quiet moment by the water, with little boats and the Old Town skyline.
Catching our breath
15:11
At a table inside, menu in hand: day one is starting to take its toll on our legs.
Steak tartare
15:31
A classic on the table, beautifully plated with an egg yolk on top.
The main course
16:04
A plate that looks every bit as good as the day that led up to it.
Day 2 — Friday 27 September 2019
Petřín Hill and the Lennon Wall
The morning starts with a view over the Vltava, followed by the funicular up to Petřín Hill, complete with Prague's own (mini) Eiffel Tower. Then back down, past the colourful Lennon Wall, over Charles Bridge for a second time, and in the evening terraces, wine and a lovely dinner.
Morning over the city
08:52
Out early exploring the streets, the television tower rising above the rooftops under a grey sky.
The river in morning light
09:05
The Vltava winds beneath the bridges, with Prague's hills in the background.
Aboard the funicular
09:36
On our way up Petřín Hill, the old carriage's interior tells its own story.
Rose garden on the hill
09:51
Once at the top: flower beds and footpaths, a green haven above the bustle of the city.
The observatory
09:53
The domes of the Štefánik Observatory rise above the trees.
The little Eiffel Tower
09:59
Prague's own lookout tower on Petřín Hill, built as a tribute to its famous Parisian namesake.
Back down again
10:11
The city glides past again from the funicular, this time heading back down towards the centre.
The Lennon Wall
10:26
The famous graffiti wall, covered in messages of love and Beatles lyrics since the 1980s.
Colour on the wall
10:27
Visitors, just like us, photographing the ever-changing layer of graffiti.
Lunch break
10:41
A simple soup with bread, just enough to keep us going for the walk up the hill and back.
Back over Charles Bridge
11:52
Over the bridge for the second time, this time amid the midday crowds.
View over the Vltava
11:53
Another look at the river, this time from the opposite bank.
Terrace with a view
12:18
A moment to sit on a rooftop terrace, the city of Prague spread out below us.
A glass of wine
12:33
Red wine in the glass, grey clouds over the city: exactly the kind of moment a trip is made for.
Portrait on the terrace
13:18
A relaxed moment on the rooftop terrace, denim jacket and cap, glass of wine within reach.
Lingering a while longer
13:38
We stay a little longer on the terrace for the afternoon's last rays of sun.
Laughing at the table
15:25
A broad smile over the plate: the kind of photo every travel diary needs.
Evening falls
17:42
Looking for a place for dinner, a café's neon lights beckoning.
Day 3 — Saturday 28 September 2019
Blue Sky
A quiet day with few photos, but the trip's first blue sky. A short stop at a little shop, a leisurely lunch, and a walk through sun-drenched streets.
Past the little shops
10:41
A colourful shop window with a wooden delivery cart out front, a typical Prague street scene.
Lunch, first course
11:07
Fried cheese with chips, neatly plated: the stomach gets something to do again.
Lunch, second plate
11:07
A hearty grilled platter alongside, with fried onions and tomato.
Blue sky at last
12:04
After two grey days, the sun breaks through above the historic façades.
Sunny square
12:04
One last look at the city in the sunshine, with a car just pulling onto the square.
Day 4 — Sunday 29 September 2019
The Last Day
The last day. One more bite to eat, and a final, cosy beer in a real Prague pub before departure.
