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Prague, Like a Picturesque Dream

9:00 am

In early 2010, I embarked on a two-week trip through Central Europe. To date, it is one of my most memorable trips. This post is a part of a series of posts from that backpacking trip through Central Europe

After having such an amazing time in Budapest, Vienna, and my impromptu detour to Bratislava, I was ready for Prague - the last stop on my Central Europe trip. And after hearing raging reviews from friends about the Czech capital, the city had big shoes to fill.

Prague wowed me with its stunning architecture and natural beauty. From the Atomic Clock to the Prague castle, the Lennon Wall to the Jewish synagogues, the city offers a variety of different districts and sceneries, all against the backdrop of the beautiful Vltava River. Between drinking cheap Czech beer and enjoying the panorama view from the top of the Charles Bridge Tower, my stay in Prague felt far too short.

Prague, like Budapest, is distinctly different from Western European countries; in fact, it is probably where most of Western Europe was 20 years ago. Although the Communist Era ended around the same time in both the Czech Republic and Hungary, it surprised me how different the two have become. In contrast with Budapest, Prague is a capital thriving on its new-found freedom. Even in the middle of winter, Prague is full of energy and life.

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21 comments

  1. these are so beautiful. I am envious of your travels!
    m.

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  2. Absolutely beautiful. I'll admit, I've often dreamed of going to Europe but never considered visiting Prague. You've definitely changed my mind. x

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  3. Stunning photos! I remember traveling 'Europa' and your shots have brought back all the memories.

    Planning on visiting any other continents?

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  4. Love those photos... I especially like the graffiti picture, and the one in the church with the stained glass.

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  5. I've been wanting to go to Prague for SO LONG! thank you for the beautiful pictures :)

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  6. I have to say, I'm from Europe (the Balkans, specifically) and your photos make me feel so nostalgic and excited to go back :) I hope I can capture the atmosphere half as wonderfully as you have!
    All the photos are beautiful but I particularly love: the "Museum of Communism" matryoshka poster, the photo on the bridge(?) and how lovely the cityscape looks in the background, the stained glass "shadows", and all the cityscapes, especially the last one.

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  7. Sadly, my time in Europe is up in a month, then it's back to North America for me. I'll be in Asia within the next 12 months, just not sure when yet. Thanks for visiting!

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  8. Gorgeous collection as always. I missed out on exploring the Lesser Town when I was there but hope to go back one day ;)

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  9. Ah... Europe through your lens is very breathtaking and inspiring... If I never visit these places in person, I've done them through your lens :-)
    Thanks

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  10. You're far too kind. Thank you. =)

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  11. Wow, it's very beautiful. like your photos

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  12. Great photos! I lived in Prague for a year, a few years ago - you really captured it!

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  13. [...] 10. Prague, Czech Republic. One of the most beautiful European cities I’ve ever visited and one I’ve been recommending to all of my friends ever since, Prague is simply stunning. [...]

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  14. Gorgeous pics! Spent Christmas in Hanoi & Sa Pa Vietnam, only to be planning a trip next year to Prague with the friends-- and looks like I have further persuasive tools at my disposal! Thanks for sharing these- brilliant stuff.

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  15. I want to go to this place ever since I saw it on a TV show. This is the first time that i read something about it on the internet. I'm google-ing Prague now. Thank you so much for this. I suddenly remember my love for Prague. (: and beautiful photos!

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  16. Stunning shots! Just back from Prague last night couldn't agree more about how vibrant and stunning it is! We had the luxury of 10 days, some as tourists, and some kicking back in cafes and bars, walking along the river and soaking it in! I love the blue skies in your shots - we didn't see much sun - one half day only, but we were rewarded with stunning Christmas markets - brilliant fireworks over Charles Bridge (New Years Celebrations - they really take it to the next level!) Great photos! Happy travels - look forward to seeing more!

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  17. Now imagine this in summer.

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  18. You are absolutely right, Prague seems to escape people's minds when they plan their trips to Europe. I guess that's also one of it's quintessential charms. It isn't as occupied with plenty of tourists as most of the more travelled cities are. Therefore, you get a more genuine and organic feel of how the locals live. Don't you feel like you're walking in a story book when you stroll around?! thanks for sharing the photos :)

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  19. Great photos! Do you mind if I ask you what camera/lens you shot those with?

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  21. Hi, I really love your blog!!
    Beautiful photos. Reading this post makes me miss Prague a lot..I visited recently during my trip to Europe and was amazed by the architecture as well. I can't wait to go back again because I didn't spend nearly enough time there!!

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