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Petrin Hill via the Funicular – Amazing View of Prague and Hall of Mirrors Awaits!

Amazing view of Prague at viewing point outside monastery

What is a visit to Prague without a trip up to Petrin Hill via the Funicular? At Petrin Hill, you can enjoy amazing views of Prague, scale the Petrin look-out tower, head for the hall of mirrors (mirror maze) or simply stroll along the hills to Strahov Monastery.

Attractions at Petrin Hill

Funicular

Video of Funicular Ride up to Petrin Hill

Ujezd Station (near to Hotel Roma Prague)

We were quite early this particular morning. Air was still cold but the sun was coming up. We were actually the first to take the funicular. There were a few others who took the first train up the hill as well – maybe workers at the restaurants? If you’re early like us and not sure what to do, there’s actually a mini museum depicting the history of the funicular. An interesting history…

Petrin Tower and Hunger Wall

The main attraction atop of Petrin Hill would be the Petrin look-out Tower.

The Petrin Tower was built in 1891 for the Jubilee Exhibition. It is purposely reconstructed as a mini replica of the Eiffel Tower (looks familiar eh?). The tower is 60m high and has 299 steps to the top platform.

The wall you see in this picture is also known as the Hunger Wall. It was said that the wall was built by Charles the 4th, not as a means of defence but actually to employ the poor people and to feed them – hence the name Hunger Wall.

1st Floor of Petrin Tower - Did not go up as the lift was spoilt! — 1st Floor of Petrin Tower – Did not go up as the lift was spoilt!

Mirror Labyrinth

Again, we were early and we had to wait till the Mirror Labyrinth opened (opens at 10am daily except during winter months, opens on saturday and sunday only). It contains a maze of mirrors as well as some contoured mirrors for whimsical (laughter hall) effects.

Mirror Maze in Mirror Labyrinth Petrin Hill Prague

Dioramic Picture commemorating the clash between the Swedish Army and Jesuit College

This scene commemorates the battle of students with Swedes on Charles Bridge in 1648.

Enjoy a Stroll and Chill out with a pint at the Brewery

Atop Petrin Hill, not only can you enjoy a lovely stroll overlooking amazing views of Prague

View from Petrin Hill

You can also enjoy a pint at the local brewery!

Enjoy a pint for less than 50Czech Koruna!

Restaurant and Brewery Petrin Hill Prague

Inside Restaurant and Brewery Petrin Hill Prague

Chicken St Nobert (140cz) Restaurant and Brewery Petrin Hill Prague

Pancake with Caramel Beer Ice Cream (99cz) Restaurant and Brewery Petrin Hill Prague

Last Words

We hope you’ve enjoyed our short little synopsis of our trip up Petrin Hill. Do share with us other interesting activities or sights that you’ve enjoyed here!

Hotel Deals

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Petrin Hill via the Funicular – Amazing View of Prague and Hall of Mirrors Awaits
Municipal House Prague – Enjoy a cuppa at Kavárna obecní Dům while reveling in the arts
Wenceslas Square Prague – Shopping , Dining , Cinemas and more
Charles Bridge Prague – Beautiful Architecture with Stories and Legends to Tell
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Hotel that we stayed in Prague

Hotel Roma Prague Czech Republic – Great room at an excellent price

Updated on January 3, 2021November 30, 2012attractions Czech Republic Europe holiday Municipal House Places of Interest Prague Singapore Travel Blog Travel Travel Blog Travel Tips vacation

Municipal House Prague – Enjoy a cuppa at Kavárna obecní Dům while reveling in the arts!

Egg liquer and pineau des charentes louis bouron (Municipal House Cafe Prague)

The location of the Municipal House Prague used to be the seat of Bohemian Kings in the 14th and 15th Century. It was then demolished at the end of the 19th century. In its place, the current Municipal House was built between 1906 and 1912.

What to do at Municipal House Prague

If you observe carefully, the mosaic above the entrance is actually a homage to Prague. It is set between sculptures that represent the oppression upon the Czech people. Other sculptures at the top represents various areas of the arts such as history, literature, painting, music and architecture.

The real reason why we’re here is actually to enjoy a leisurely afternoon tea at the Kavárna obecní Dům, commonly known as the Municipal House Cafe. Here, you can enjoy the lavish setting , live piano accompaniment in the background, excellent service as well as the opportunity to just immerse yourself in the history and art nouveau designs exuberated by the Municipal House.

Menu of Kavárna obecní Dům / Municipal House Cafe

We ordered the Menu 1 and Menu 3 (approximately 8 euros each) and we had the apple strudel with vanilla ice cream, the traditional “sachers” cake with whipped cream, tea as well as some liquer.

Apple Strudel with Vanilla ice cream (Municipal House Cafe Prague)

Traditional sachers cake with whipped cream (Municipal House Cafe Prague)

A tea set up (Municipal House Cafe Prague)

We were pleasantly surprised at the set up of the tea set. Simple yet classy. The cake and strudel was good as well. The whipped cream was the kind that you know is freshly made, not too sweet, just nice. Lastly, we ended off the meal with liquer. We have never tried egg liquer EVER, so it was interesting to have tasted the egg liquer. Quite nice actually. Sweet alcohol with a tinge of egginess to it.

We’ll now leave you with a video of the interior of the Municipal House Cafe. Enjoy the atmosphere (albeit a short one)!

Inside the Kavárna obecní Dům / Municipal House Cafe

Hotel Deals

For your convenience, we have arranged for the best hotel deals in Prague right here!

If you enjoyed our content, “Like” us on Facebook Today!

Posts related to Prague Czech Republic

Top 6 Things to do in Prague and Attractions in Prague Czech Republic
Attractions and Things to do in Prague : Day 4-6 of Europe Trip

Attractions in Prague

Hotel that we stayed in Prague

Hotel Roma Prague Czech Republic – Great room at an excellent price

Updated on January 3, 2021November 21, 2012attractions Charles Bridge Czech Republic Europe holiday Places of Interest Prague Prague Singapore Travel Blog Travel Travel Blog Travel Tips vacation

Charles Bridge Prague – Beautiful Architecture with Stories and Legends to Tell

Charles Bridge is definitely the most prominent and iconic structure in Prague. Everyone visits Charles Bridge. In fact, without a visit to Charles Bridge, one can be considered not to have visited Prague.

Location of Charles Bridge Prague

History of Charles Bridge Prague

Charles Bridge crosses the Vltava River and this connection made Prague an important centre of trade between east and west Europe. Initially, the bridge was called the Stone Bridge or the Prague Bridge. It was only known as Charles Bridge (as we know it today) since 1870.

Another Entrance to Charles Bridge Prague

This entrance is particularly interesting because of the 3 levels that it has. The Moon, Sun and Star Level. These were suggested by astrologers of the time and it was recommended that the odd number pyramid was to be used (i.e. 135797531) for the construction date of the bridge.

Statue of Charles the 4th Prague Charles Bridge

There’s an interesting fact about the Charles Bridge. It was actually built initially, as a functional construction for jousting tournaments! Can you believe it?! At that point in time, there werent many decorations except for a simple crucifix. However, the desire of the Catholics for ornamentation resulted in 30 statues built between 1600 and 1800AD. Today, there are 75 statues along the bridge.

Reconstruction on one of the statues on Charles Bridge Prague

Things to do at Charles Bridge Prague

The bridge is 516 metres long with 16 pillars and 3 bridge towers. In the day, there would be many souvenir shops, performing artistes, painters and even pick-pockets (beware!) on the bridge.

Try not to buy your souvenirs here as they are usually more expensive than elsewhere in the city. Kate can attest to that right? :p

Also, from Charles Bridge, you can see many other prominent attractions of Prague…

The Famous Prague Castle seen from Charles Bridge Prague

"Money Meter" right at the back - Moves in April — “Money Meter” right at the back – Moves in April

The Prime Minister's House Prague — The Prime Minister’s House Prague

Hunger Wall and Petrin Tower in the distance

Stories and Legends of Charles Bridge

There are also many stories about which statue to touch to become a millionaire. If you touch other statues, you will have children OR your husband will become obedient husbands. Well, the story goes that one day, a tour guide was bringing a group of tourists along Charles Bridge, he started to say that “if you touch this statue, you will become rich!”. MANY tourists started to touch the statue! The other tour guides heard about it and started to come up with variations of these stories!

Taking turns to touch statues on Charles Bridge Prague

For instance, this statue of John Nepomuk (thrown into the river Vltava) has 2 stories to it. IF you touch the statue on the right, you will be rich! (notice that the statue has been touched till it changed colour!). IF you touch the statue on the left (think it was a dog), then your husband will be obedient!

Videos and Charles Bridge at Night

Charles Bridge at night is also worth a visit. The lights of the street lamps bring out the feel of the olden day Prague. A romantic stroll with your other half in the evening is in order if you’re in Prague.

Here are some videos of Charles Bridge. Enjoy!

Charles Bridge from a distance with view of Vltava River

Charles Bridge at Night

Charles Bridge in the Day

Hotel Deals

For your convenience, we have arranged for the best hotel deals in Prague right here!

If you enjoyed our content, “Like” us on Facebook Today!

Posts related to Prague Czech Republic

Top 6 Things to do in Prague and Attractions in Prague Czech Republic
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Updated on January 3, 2021November 14, 2012attractions Czech Republic Europe holiday Old Town Square Places of Interest Prague Singapore Travel Blog Travel Travel Blog Travel Tips vacation

Old Town Square Prague – History, Astrological Clock and more!

Church of our Lady at Tyn Old Town Square Prague

The Old Town Square is the old city centre of Prague. It was at the old town square that the cross roads of several long distance roads met. Hence at that time, the old town square of Prague was known throughout the world in the 11th century and was also a market place.

360 View of the Old Town Square in Prague

View of Old Town Square at night

Today, the old town square of Prague is home to an array of pubs and cafes as well as major attractions such as the Astronomical Clock, Church of our Lady Tyn as well as the St. Nicholas Protestant Church.

See Top Face - Astro Clock is able to tell 3 different times! — See Top Face – Astro Clock is able to tell 3 different times!

St. Nicholas Protestant Church Old Town Square Prague

If you observe carefully at the towers of the church, you will notice that one of the tower is actually “fatter” than the other tower. Our guide – Monika, joked that the architect was tipsy that night and drew out the wrong measurements. The fact is that the “fatter” tower actually represents Eve (pregnant) while the thinner tower represents Adam.

The Jan Hus statue is located right in the centre of the Old Town Square. It was erected on 6 July 1915 to mark the 500th anniversary of the reformer’s death.

You may also notice white crosses on the floor near to the astronomical clock. It represents the protestants that were executed during persecution.

Crosses to represent protestants that were executed

Also, if you notice carefully, you’ll see that the wall beside the Astrological Clock is actually partially “sectioned” off…

Wall that extended to St. Nicholas Church Prague Old Town

This originally extended all the way to St. Nicholas Church. However, it was hit during WW2 and this is what remains of it today.

Another interesting fact about the Old Town Square is this building…

Building where Albert Einstein played violin Prague Old Town

Referring to the blue and grey building, this was a place where Albert Einstein used to chill out when he was in Prague. He even played the violin there to show off! 🙂

There are actually so many things to do in Prague and especially in this Old Town Square, it is so full of rich history! Take time to discover them!

For your convenience, we have arranged for the best hotel deals in Prague right here!

If you enjoyed our content, “Like” us on Facebook Today!

Posts related to Prague Czech Republic

Top 6 Things to do in Prague and Attractions in Prague Czech Republic
Attractions and Things to do in Prague : Day 4-6 of Europe Trip

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Hotel that we stayed in Prague

Hotel Roma Prague Czech Republic – Great room at an excellent price

Updated on January 3, 2021October 31, 2012attractions Czech Republic Europe holiday Hotel Roma Places of Interest Singapore Travel Blog Travel Travel Blog Travel Tips vacation

Hotel Roma Prague Czech Republic – Great room at an excellent price!

Breakfast Buffet Spread Hotel Roma Prague

After our visit to Maastricht, we took the train back and caught a flight to Prague. There, we booked a ride to our hotel in Prague – Hotel Roma.

Location of Hotel Roma Prague

Hotel Roma is located along Ujezd road and is a really convenient and cheap place to stay. Each night costs about 90euros. Given that breakfast is provided and that it is within walking distance of all the main attractions (funicular is just opposite!), the price is really value for money.

The lobby has a huge tank that houses a mini shark (:o) as well as many clown fish (Nemo!). There’s somewhat a touch of class as you enter into the lobby.

The receptionists spoke excellent English and we were quickly checked in and given directions to our room. There is a lift that took us to our level. Along the way, pictures such as this (see below) brought out the ambience of Rome…

The room was spacious and had a TV with cable. The toilet did not come with a bath room though.

We had our breakfast the next morning (breakfast starts from 7am to 10am) and the breakfast area was nicely laid with bright red table cloths. The spread was typical of European breakfasts – Cheese, Ham, Eggs, Fruits and Cereals.

All in all, Hotel Roma is definitely a place recommended to stay as it provides a good “HQ” for your visits to all major attractions in Prague. The price is good and breakfasts are included as well.

Next, we’re headed out to old town!

For your convenience, we have arranged for the best hotel deals in Prague right here!

If you enjoyed our content, “Like” us on Facebook Today!

Posts related to Prague Czech Republic

Top 6 Things to do in Prague and Attractions in Prague Czech Republic
Attractions and Things to do in Prague : Day 4-6 of Europe Trip

Attractions in Prague

Hotel that we stayed in Prague

Hotel Roma Prague Czech Republic – Great room at an excellent price