Prague, for the First Time
I visited Prague for the first time last week, and I’m still a little in awe. I had expected beauty, of course. But I hadn’t expected the calm. The sense of safety. I hadn’t expected the romance of the cobbled streets and softly lit façades, or the comforting rhythm of a city that feels like it knows exactly who it is. As it turns out, Prague is not just a pretty postcard. It’s a place to slow down, soak up the atmosphere, and come back to.
Architecture: A Love Letter in Stone and Stucco
In Prague, you don’t just walk — you drift, wide-eyed, through the city. From Baroque churches to Gothic spires, the entire city feels like a meticulously curated historical dream. But it was the Art Nouveau architecture that really caught my attention. It’s not just found in the obvious places, such as the Municipal House (Obecní dům), but everywhere: balconies adorned with curvilinear ironwork, floral stucco reliefs adorning faded pastel façades and café signage that looks like it came straight from a Mucha poster.
There’s something inherently romantic about Art Nouveau in Prague. It’s elegant without being overwhelming and ornamental without being excessive. It gives the city a gentle, warm and, above all, human rhythm.
Food: Duck, Goulash, and Everything That Follows
OK, vegetarians and vegans, this one’s not for you — although Prague can still cater for you. I don’t always expect food to be the highlight of a trip, but it absolutely was in Prague. Let’s start with the obvious: the duck. It was perfectly roasted, crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. Also, it was served with white and red cabbage and dumplings that soaked up every last drop of sauce. It was comfort food elevated to poetry.
And then there was the goulash. Rich, earthy and deeply satisfying. I don’t know if it was the cold breeze, the setting sun, or simply the cosiness of Czech cuisine, but I can’t remember the last time I felt so nourished — not just full, but happy. Also: beer. But you already knew that. We Germans are quite proud of our beer, but I have to say, I prefer Czech beer. Beer is a part of Prague’s culture, and I embraced it too.
Sights: Castles and Collections
Of course, a first-time trip to Prague wouldn’t be complete without a visit to Prague Castle. I spent almost an entire day wandering through St Vitus Cathedral, the Old Royal Palace and the Golden Lane. The view across the river alone makes the climb worthwhile. The castle is not just a single monument, but an unfolding narrative in stone of kings, saints, myths and revolutions.
Another equally impressive site is the National Museum at Wenceslas Square. Beyond its grand dome and monumental staircase lies a carefully curated mix of art, history and science. I came for the architecture, but I stayed for the exhibitions. It’s a space that reminds you of the power of museums to shape a city’s identity, and of how Prague wears its history not as a burden, but as something to be shared. As an archaeologist, I was particularly interested in the museum’s stone collection. It was beautiful!
Prague surprised me in all the right ways. It’s a city that doesn’t demand your attention, but quietly wins you over — street by street, dish by dish, hour by hour. I went with no expectations and came back with a full heart and stomach, feeling that this would be the first of many visits to come.