Following In A Monk’s Footsteps in Prague
Exploring the Strahov Monastery in Prague was not on my list of things to do when researching the UNESCO World Heritage Listed city, but a few people when I arrived in town mentioned it to me and I am eternally grateful that I added it to my list of attractions to visit.
After a brilliant walking tour the day prior, my second day in Prague is spent strolling the rolling hills of the monastery, experiencing their brewery and finishing it off with a stunning sunset on the iconic Charles Bridge.
Where to stay in Prague
Prague is a city full of clean and cheap backpacker accommodation options and as a solo traveller on a budget, I stayed at the Hostel Prague Tyn which was brilliantly located and was lucky enough to actually score a completely empty dorm room for two nights out of my three night stay. They also provided a complimentary sandwich lunch each day which definitely helped save on food costs.
In terms of more luxe options for hotel accommodation, the Hotel Ventana is one of the most beautiful hotels in the city and the Hotel U Prince is also super well located and lovely.
Booking.comAn evening at the Czech breweries
I left you last time having had the kind of walking tour around Prague that would make anyone’s pedometer buzz for joy. After a brief trip back to my hostel to rug up for the frosty Prague night air, I am off again to meet my Urban Adventures crew for a night of Czech beer tasting and tapas around town.
By now I think my love affair with Urban Adventures is well known on the blog, but I have to tell you that this evening bar hop around the different Czech microbreweries is absolutely one of my favourite experiences.
I loved it so much I even forgot to take photos!
After three weeks of travelling solo, it is so lovely to meet other travellers and have a few drinks with excellent company. We wander as a group trying pilsners, dark ales, hoppy beers and IPAs. Our guide is incredibly knowledgeable about Czech beer and it’s obvious that he’s having as much fun as we are.
Myself and a couple of American girls even kick on afterwards and find another recommended microbrewery where locals are partying long into the night. Over a treacle coloured Czech beer that tastes somewhere between dark chocolate and coffee, we plan to meet the following day to check out the Strahov Monastery.
Note: unfortunately Urban Adventures are not currently operating tours in Prague, however there are plenty of other fantastic options available.
Petrin Hill Observation Tower
The next morning rolls around, crisp and cold but with insanely clear blue sky – perfect to check out the Petrin Hill and Observation Tower and then lazily wander down the hill through the monastery and back into town.
I meet my new American friends at the base of the hill and we wait together for the cable car nursing slightly dusty heads from last night’s brewery adventures. The cable car trip is packed full of tourists and the observation tower at the top is even more so.
Little more needs to be said about the need to add this observation deck to your Prague itinerary – the photos speak for themselves.
The Strahov Monastery
A trip down the hill isn’t complete without stopping in for some more Czech beer at the Strahov Monastery Brewery. The monastery was founded way back in 1143 and is a picturesque and peaceful attraction located perched on a hilly area of Prague which makes for some stunning views.
The Strahov Monastery in Prague also has its own brewery and restaurants and for lunch, we stumble in the dark down some steps to a restaurant called Peklo that gives off the feeling that we’re in a cave. We sample some of the seasonal brown beer down below in the dimly lit cavernous space.
The Monastery Library
The Strahov Monastery also is home to one of the most impressive libraries, even if access is only granted to a select few at certain times of the day and photographing the space costs more.
The Philosopher’s Hall roof is painted with a sky-like fresco and the bookshelves are tall, glossy wood that are warm and inviting.
The other section of the library, the Theological Hall is similarly stunning, with stucco style designs adorning the room. Even without being able to walk inside, a glimpse in here is pretty magical.
Sunset at the Charles Bridge
After another beer, this time in an outside cafe looking over Prague city, it’s time to make my way back down the hill towards the Charles Bridge in time for sunset.
The sky starts to turn a pinky hue as I ascend the tower, hustling to get a good spot for photos.
And the results probably speak for themselves.
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