Praha and its surroundings

BSanher
B Moments & Life
Published in
13 min readJul 1, 2018

Two weeks ago I traveled to Czech Republic specifically to Prague, I have to say that I had a week of storms, there was hail, rain, more rain and much more rain. In spite of the previous thing, the average temperature of 51ºF or 19ºC, very pleasant to walk and to know the city.

We arrived to Prague at noon, we were tired and hungry from the trip, and the first thing we did after leaving the suitcases, We looked for places to eat. We have to say that not all the places in the center of Prague are good, nor very cheap, because the center of Praha is a tourist place and quite expensive, compared to the outskirts of Praha or the rest of Czech Republic, but compared With London prices we will find it very cheap.

where are we going to eat?

We can recommend 12 places to eat cheap but food with unbeatable quality. But for the record, my favorites were Gate Restaurant (fresh food made by themselves, the handmade pasta was delicious) and Marina Restaurant (their salt crusted fish and pasta were amazing):

1. Pasta Krusta
As good lovers of pasta and in the absence of some Vapiano where to eat in Prague, this restaurant is the closest thing to the German chain. At the entrance each takes his tray, cutlery and drink until you reach the counter. There they cook in front of you the type of pasta that you choose with your favorite sauce. You can add ingredients to your whim and the result is always spectacular: a delicious portion of freshly made pasta. They also make salads just as rich and healthy as pasta. The decoration of the place is also “inspired” (not to say copied) in Vapiano, wooden tables with aromatic plants fill the place. It is a good option to eat cheap in Prague.

Address: Vodičkova 15, 110 00 Praha, Czech Republic

Pasta Krusta

2. U Magistra Kelly
This place offers typical Czech food of first level very near the Castle of Prague. Do not be fooled by the appearance of the entrance of the premises, the dishes are worthy of a luxury restaurant. The waiters are very close and are willing to help if you hesitate with any of the traditional dishes — the pork knuckle is spectacular! They also have a wide variety of very cheap beers. In addition, there is a perfect terrace when the weather is nice and free Wi-Fi, what more can you ask for around 8,80 £ (10€) per head? When paying, keep in mind that they do not accept cards. Although your website is only in Czech, you can contact the restaurant for any questions or reservations.

U Magistra Kelly

Address: Šporkova 5, 118 00 Praha, Czech Republic

3. U knihovny
This is another good place to eat cheap in Prague tasting its traditional cuisine. It is in the heart of the old part of the city and its place is very authentic and cozy. The food is spectacular for the price it has, there are hearty dishes for only 3,50 £ (4€) . A must is the goulash served in bread, although they have an extensive menu and a point in favor is that they have dishes for vegetarians. You can not miss their homemade desserts either and the service is very fast. A discovery to eat cheap in Prague.

Address: Veleslavínova 10, 110 00 Praha, Czech Republic

4. Naše maso
This is one of the most interesting places to eat cheap in Prague. It’s more of a butcher shop than a restaurant. If you are a carnivore and want to try traditional Czech food, do not miss it. We recommend you try their delicious meatloaf or their delicious hamburgers, which cost around 4,40 £ (5€). The only drawback is that the place is tiny and eating there can be somewhat uncomfortable. It is not the most pleasant place but the food is worth it.

Address: Dlouhá 39, 110 00 Praha, Czech Republic

5. Jewel Café Bar
It is an option a little more expensive than the previous ones to eat in Prague, but it is a gift for what it offers. This restaurant is perfect for a romantic dinner or if you want to treat yourself during your stay in the Czech capital, it has an intimate and relaxing atmosphere. The decoration of the place invites to have a drink after dinner. They have a wide menu with international food and also Czech specialties, both options are delicious. In addition the dishes have a very careful presentation and the attention is great. A luxury dinner for less than 17,70 £ (20€) per person, much less than it would cost an equal dinner in Spain.

Address: Rytířská 3, 110 00 Praha, Czech Republic

6. Giovanni Pizzeria
Located in the very center of Prague, very close to the astronomical clock, its delicious products will almost make you see the stars! Although it is always advisable to try the typical food of the country, an Italian where eating in Prague never hurts. They have excellent pizzas from 5,30 £ (6€) and delicious pasta dishes for 6,20 or 7£ (7–8€) . If you go in summer, do not hesitate to dine at one of their tables outside the premises. Undoubtedly, one of the best restaurants where to eat cheap in Prague.

Address: Kožná 481/11, 110 00 Praha 1, Czech

7. Alriso Risotteria, (a restaurant where you can eat in Prague for coeliacs).
This is another good Italian restaurant that you have to write down in your list. It is also a restaurant specializing in gluten-free food, something that celiacs are going to thank. All its extensive menu is gluten free. Their dishes cost around 5,30 or 6,20 £ (6–7€) and are plentiful. Neither the price nor its location are excuses.

Address: Betlemske nam. 11/259, Prague 11000

8. Pepe Nero
Another Italian located very close to the Old Town Square in Prague. Maybe it’s a little more expensive than the average restaurant in the city but it’s worth it. You can see how the chef makes your pizza to the forno di pietra, his best secret. Also one of the specialties of the restaurant are its desserts. If you want a recommendation, do not leave without tasting your homemade tiramisu.

Address: Bílkova 132/4, 110 00 Praha, Czech Republic

9. Pastar Restaurant and Food
If you like good pasta, this is one of the restaurants where you can eat in Prague that you can not leave. They put a lot of emphasis on fresh products and that is very noticeable in the final result. They also have a store where you can buy their products. We are sure that it will go through your head after eating there. It is a little more expensive than the previous ones, but an abundant pasta dishes will not cost you more than 8,80 £ (10€).

Address: Malostranske Nabrezi 1, Prague 101 00, Czech Republic

10. St. Martin
Although your letter could be more extensive, it is a great option to eat cheap in Prague. The presentation of their dishes is exquisite, as is their quality. They do not have any specific specialty, although we will remember it for something is because of its jazz background, which turned our food into an unforgettable memory. Regarding the price, for less than 8,80 £ (10€) per person you can eat perfectly. Our recommendation is the duck with gnocchi. Spectacular.

Address: Vlašská 7, 118 00 Praha-1, Czech Republic

11. Dish Fine Burger Bistro
If you are lovers of quality fast food, this is the best American food restaurant to eat in Prague. We love this type of food, although we sincerely prefer to eat in traditional restaurants in the city. The quality of their burgers is spectacular and you will find them from 5,30 £ (6€) Do not miss your list! Have patience that is usually full.

Address: Římská 1196/29, 120 00 Praha, Czech Republic

12. Marina Restaurant
Its menu is quite extensive, they offer us a very varied amount of dishes, it is a great option to eat at an excellent price in Prague, although it is on a boat moored on the banks of the river, it is very comfortable and especially in summer. The presentation of their dishes is super exquisite, as well as their quality and the service of the waiters is excellent. His specialty is Fish and seafood, but in his menu you can also find handmade pasta dishes or even pizzas. Regarding the price, for less than 10,60 £ (12€) per person you can eat perfectly. Our recommendation is any pasta dish or fish with salt crust, you have to try them. Spectacularly delicious
Address: Alshovo nabrezhi 8, Prague 110 00, Czech Republic

Marina Restaurant (view)

13. Gate Restaurant
Their menu is quite extensive, they offer us a very varied number of dishes, it is a great option to eat cheap in Prague, a little outside near the bus station in Florence. The presentation of their dishes is exquisite, as is their quality. His specialty is that all his food is handmade and fresh, his cheese cake with berries is delicious, the grilled vegetables were incredible, and the super juicy meat at its point with the right touch of spices, that Dinner turned our food into an unforgettable memory and we had to repeat twice more. Regarding the price, for less than 8,80 £ (10€)per person you can eat perfectly. Our recommendation is the dish with gnocchis which they put pine nuts, you have to try them. Spectacular.

Address: Sokolovská 31, 186 00 Praha 1, Czech Republic

We leave you with these 30 suggestions of things to see and do in Prague:

Cathedral of San Vito

1 ) Visit the Cathedral of San Vito, one of the most famous symbols of Prague: it is the largest Gothic church in the country. It will leave you breathless. If you dare to climb the many steps of the belfry you will be rewarded with sublime views (I assure you that the effort is worth it!)

2 ) Know what the “Anthropoid Operation” was in the church of St. Cyril and St. Methodius. This was the place chosen by a group of Czech guerrillas to hide behind the deadly attack on one of the most powerful Nazi leaders: Reinhard Heydrich.

Prague Castle

3 ) Do not miss the Prague Castle, the largest in the world, which within its walls retains much of the wonders of the city, such as the former Royal Palace, the Alley of Gold, the Convent and the Basilica of St. George , the Powder Tower, the White Tower, the Black Tower and much more. A curiosity might be to attend the changing of the guard at 12 o’clock.

(If you want to know all the history and curiosities of Prague Castle and the Mala Strana neighborhood, we recommend you to join a tour of the city (this is very complete and with good reviews) It lasts 3 hours and costs only 13,20£ (15€ )

4 ) Learn a few words in Czech: good morning say “dobry den”, thanks “dekuji vam”, how much does it is? “Kolik to stojí” and most importantly … “pivo” beer! ( beer is so cheap)

Charles Bridge, Staré Město (the old city)

5 ) Cross the famous Charles Bridge linking Staré Město (the old city) with Malá Strana (the small city) and admire its statues (and do not miss the street artists!). Try to do it at dawn, without a doubt the most magical moment.

6 ) If you like to read here, there are some books that you may be able to take with you in the backpack of your trip to Prague:

“The adventures of the good soldier Svejk”, by Jaroslav Hasek
“All the beauty of the world”, by Jaroslav Seifert
“The unbearable lightness of being”, by Kundera
“Tales of Malá Strana”, by Jan Neruda
“Magical Prague” by Ripellino
“The Golem”, by Meynrink
“The spirit of Prague”, by Ivan Klima,
…and as…. something of Kafka!
7 )Sit in a corner of the old city square: there, under the gaze of the town hall you can see everything!

8 ) If you want to buy souvenirs, the best place to do it is in the stores on Havelska Street: much cheaper than others.

synagogues -Nové Město

9 ) It is mandatory to discover the Jewish quarter of Josefov full of history, with its 6 synagogues (Klausen, Alta, Española, Pinkas, Maisel, and Vieja-Nueva), the monastery of Santa Inés and the Jewish cemetery. Without a doubt the most impressive visit in Prague.

10 ) Get lost in the narrow streets of Staré Město, the old quarter, or get on a trolley without knowing the destination … letting yourself be carried away is the best way to discover charming and secluded places from more touristy ones!

Park, Island of Kampa

11 ) Stroll around the island of Kampa, where the most lively park in the city is located.

12 ) Visit the most famous tower in the city: the Torre de la Pólvora, so called because in the past it was used as a storage for this explosive. You can climb up to have a nice view, that if paying!

13 ) If you want to spend an original night and get to know the Czech culture better, you can participate in a dinner with a show. It costs 40,70 £ (46€) and includes appetizer (traditional honey liquor), 4 different dishes, typical dance / singing show, transfer from / to hotel and free beer, wine and drinks. An experience to remember.

14 ) One of the most impressive visits is that of the church of Our Lady of Tyn: with its infinite pinnacles it leaves no one indifferent.

15 ) And close, look at the Town Hall Tower: it has the most beautiful astronomical clock in the world. The astronomical clock of the Tower of the City must say that during this 2018 being repaired and therefore can not see it in all its splendor, you will only see scaffolding work, it is expected to continue well until next year.

trdelnik, sweet bread rolls

16 )Try the trdelnik, some sweet bread rolls good!

17 ) Relax in the Vrtba Gardens, super pretty and surrounded by green. If it’s a sunny day you can take advantage of it and improvise a picnic.

National Museum

18 ) If you want to discover more about the history of the city and the Czech Republic, do not miss the National Museum (only the building is worth the visit!). Eye because it is closed for restoration, it was expected to open during 2018, which is not true until the date of this summer 2018.

19 ) Visit the John Lennon Wall in the Priory Square.

20 )Stroll through the colorful Alley of Gold (Zlatá Ulička) inside the castle: it is said that the street owes its name to the goldsmiths who worked there, although it was apparently the houses of the archers who defended the castle. Nowadays it is full of souvenir and puppet shops. But there is a surprise: at number 22 you will find the house where Franz Kafka stayed for a while.

Do not fall asleep! You still have to read 10 other things to see and do in Prague!

21) Visit Wenceslas Square, now it is full of hotels, shops and tourists but in 1989 here the Velvet Revolution and the consequent fall of communism began.

22) If you are a passionate brewer Prague is your city: you will find good and cheap beer. An essential visit could be U-Fleku, the oldest brewery in the city … here the best beer is black!

23) Attend a performance at the opera in Prague, it’s not as expensive as you can imagine: there are days when tickets are sold from 4,40£(5€).

24) Try the most famous Czech dish: the vepřo-knedlo-zelo, roast pork with pasta and cabbage.

25) The most famous symbol of modern Prague is surely the “Dancing House” of architect Frank Gehry. Receive opinions of all kinds: there are those who love her and who hate her. It seems to us very beautiful!

Strahov Monastery

26) Visit the Strahov Monastery with its immense library and incredible views, with its restaurant a bit expensive and waiters cheat you a bit with tips, then read the account and think about things not very pleasant, that your adorable grandmother told you do not repeat them in public.

Mount Petrin

27) Climb Mount Petrin to enjoy unforgettable views of Prague.

28) If you’re a Baroque fan, do not miss the church of San Nicolas de Malá Strana.

29) A curious activity is to see some black theater work: it is about shows where the stage is totally black as well as the clothes of the actors. The grace is that they only make you see what they want: so fluorescent lights and artistic lighting are used to capture the viewer’s attention. It is not super cheap, but sometimes you can find offers, here you can find tickets for less than 26,50£ (30€). It is a unique show in the world: it’s worth it!

30) Take a cruise on the Vltava River, very romantic and one of the cheapest in Europe … I do not say na and I’m telling you! Here you can find from the cheapest 9,40£ (only 11€) to a romantic cruise with dinner!

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