Arrive at Manchester airport early but as usual with anything to do with airports we can’t check in early. Screw the customer and let’s create a queue.
Settle into the lounge with Kurt and have a few beers.
Flights on time and ok.
Typical of the EU we spend 50 minutes getting through immigration. You have to ask yourself do they really want visitors?
Uber to the hotel. It’s the Grandior, 5 star luxury. Finish the night off with a Slivovitz night cap.
While Einstein’s theory of special relativity was published in 1905, there’s no evidence to suggest he first read it aloud in a cafe called “Cafe Einstein” in Prague. Einstein did, however, spend a brief period in Prague in 1911-1912, holding a position at the German University. His theory of relativity was published in 1905, long before his time in Prague.
Breakfast is awesome, just about everything you can imagine apart from Vodka and Champagne.
Pick up. A hop on off bus tour, red route around the outskirts of Prague followed by a river cruise and some beer. The river cruise wasn’t that impressive but at least it was sunny, even if the wind kept it cool. Beer was good.
Then it’s the rest of the bus tour, followed by a pleasant stroll through the old town, it’s lovely. Stop for lunch and a beer in the Old Town square, it’s just buzzing. How come these places all have a “famous bridge” the Charles Bridge this time.
Decide on a Beer Hall for tonight’s tea, even pop in to see it. Go along in the evening and it’s closed for a private party; never mind plan B we’ll go to the Pilsner Urquell Beer Hall; their kitchen’s closed at 1700. What is it with my first night plans, some how they always screw up – never mind shit happens suck it up.
Find a decent restaurant and of course they serve beer.
Then it’s back to the hotel for a night cap.
Day 2 in Prague starts with an awesome breakfast accompanied by live piano music. Then it’s the Old Town bus tour. Stroll across the famous Charles Bridge and settle on another beer. In the PM we stroll around old town in the warm sunshine.
For evening entertainment we go to a medieval banquet, complete with not so exotic dancers; acrobats; more dancers; whirling flame dancers and swallowers. The dancers are a tad better than Hooters.
Leisurely stroll back and then an evening of cocktails at the hotel.
Another musical, awesome breakfast. Checkout, and then have a stroll around the Old Town in the sunshine. Try some of the Local street food in the market square. Then it’s another beer.
Stroll back to hotel to pick up the suitcase, stopping for a wine on the way.
Then it’s Uber to the airport and all the usual crap from airport followed by a 2 hour flight home.
With hindsight I think two full days would have been enough. Our last day was just lounging around.
Managed to try most of the popular Czech food:
Trdelník
This iconic street food is a food that you must eat on your trip to Prague. Watching trdelník (chimney cake) being prepared is almost as good as eating it. First, the dough is wrapped around a stick and heated over a flame, creating a chimney shape. It’s then rolled in cinnamon sugar, brushed with butter, and fillings are added.
Goulash
Goulash is a famous food enjoyed all over central Europe. The Czech version is hearty and served with dumplings. It’s one of the top foods to try on your Prague trip. This rich stew, made with tender beef, onions, and paprika, is a comforting dish that showcases the best of Czech cuisine.
Grilované klobása
This is a simple yet delicious snack served at food stalls and restaurants throughout Prague. Not unlike a hotdog, grilované klobása (grilled sausage) is served on bread with mustard. You can pick from a wide range of other toppings according to your tastes. This savory treat is a must-eat food in Prague, offering a quick and satisfying bite.
Palačinky
Similar in appearance to crepes, palačinky (Czech pancakes) are prepared with a different recipe and cooking technique. They can be either savory or sweet and are typically served with toppings like jam, nuts, and cream, or meat and cheese. Palačinky have been enjoyed in Czech households for generations, making them a beloved treat.
Slivovitz
The only thing to drink in Prague is beer, right? Wrong. No trip to Prague is complete without tasting Slivovitz, Bohemia’s exquisite plum spirit. Delicately flavored and warming, this is one to savor. This traditional Czech liquor, made from plums, has a rich history and is a must-try for anyone exploring the local food and drink scene.
Svíčková with knedlicky
Svíčková (braised beef) with boiled knedlicky (dumplings) takes hours to create, and despite its simple appearance, has a delicate combination of flavors. It consists of sirloin beef and vegetables served in a smooth sour cream sauce and is one of the most popular foods in Czech Republic.
Czech beer with pickled cheese
Czechia is world-famous for its beer, and the region has many microbreweries, creating delicious varieties. The best food to accompany these is nakládaný hermelín, a kind of pickled cheese often served with onions, peppers, and dark bread. This traditional pub snack features a soft cheese marinated in oil, garlic, and spices, creating a tangy and flavorful treat that complements the rich taste of Czech beer perfectly.
Perníky
Who doesn’t love gingerbread, with its delicate flavors and fairytale associations? Perník, the Czech variation, is a soft, heavily spiced gingerbread, typically less sweet than other varieties but no less delicious. Perníky has a long history in Czech culture, with recipes passed down through generations, making it a beloved and traditional food in Prague.
Koleno
Koleno, or pork knuckle, is a must-eat dish when visiting Prague. This hearty and flavorful dish features a slow-roasted pork knuckle, often marinated in beer and spices, resulting in tender meat with crispy skin. Koleno is a beloved Czech specialty that showcases the rich and robust flavors of traditional Czech cuisine.
Kyselica – the one that got away. Never mind I have the recipe for Wendy’s Ninja soup maker.
Invented by Romanian shepherds in the 14th century, this delicious soup has endured the ages to become one of the most popular foods in modern Czech cuisine. If cabbage soup doesn’t sound appetizing, it’s because you haven’t tried kyselica yet. It’s a delicious blend of sauerkraut, sour cream, potatoes, smoked sausage, and often mushrooms.