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.
