Travel in Your Twenties. Destination: Prague

   I have recently become an avid reader of travel blogs. So much       

   advice, so many lists, so many opinions…it really becomes

   overwhelming, but in such an exciting way! When thinking of all

   the destinations I want to tackle in my twenties, I thought of

   details I would like to know from someone who had already

   made the trek and had some insider tips :) So, I created a simple,

   fast, quick-and-dirty format to give you the highlights of the trips

   I took during my time abroad in spring 2012. 

   This will be a reoccurring series, Travel in Your Twenties, with

   new posts every Thursday! Stay tuned for more destinations

   (think Seville, Aix-en-Provence, Cinque Terre and Lisbon!)

Are there other things you would like to know before going abroad? Other insider scoop that would be useful? Let me know!

The Packing List

Prague is a city of walking! And while weather can get warmer during the day, nights are pretty chilly. I recommend the following staples (and add your own flair!):

-TOMS (my preferred Euro walking shoe)
-Light long sleeve (think this or this)

-Dark wash jeans

-Knee-length dress

-Dark cardigan

-Pashmina scarf (can be worn in so many ways!)

-Leggings for sleeping/travel

-Black tights (always necessary)

-Longchamp (most durable piece of luggage/daily tote I own)

The Bed

We stayed at this gem of a hostel when we were there for Easter weekend 2012. My friends and I got our own room (which is always a nice, quiet change in the hostel world) and had a small, but convenient kitchen to prepare food in every day! Overall very chill atmosphere, some nice Michelle Branch in the mornings, and friendly staff. I personally adored the walk along the river each morning to get downtown-a beautiful way to wake up and greet the city!

The Food

Since I am pescetarian, there wasn't a whole lot of "traditional" food that I chose to eat while in Prague. However, I highly recommend a glass of the hot wine (amazing spice! and a great way to warm-up on a chilly afternoon/evening of sight seeing) and the little pastries, Trdnelik, being sold in the Old Town Square.

We did most of our eating by shopping at small corner stores (don't be scared by the amount on your receipt-the crown is crazy inflated!) and cooking at the hostel. 

The Tricks

Enjoy your long walks :) That was one of my favorite parts of visiting Prague, simply immersing myself in the Eastern European culture and architecture. We usually had some type of destination (see this monument, or visit this sight) but the trip along the way is just as exciting (if not more so!). Also: come ready to enjoy you some history. This city is so rich in stories and events, you will be astounded. 

The Memories

What is a Travel Post without some of my favorite sights? Listed in order of "must-see" value!

1. Old Town Square

The hub of this city with open-air stalls and a traditional market with food and handcrafts. Over Easter weekend we enjoyed live performances of folk dancing and music here as well! Lots of cute cafés directly off the Square. This is where you can snatch-up that Trdnelik and hot wine.

2. Jewish Quarter

A powerful and astounding testament to the once-thriving Jewish community in Prague. Taking you through all of the synagogues of the quarter, each with its own displays, you can easily spend an entire day here. From weddings and education to the Holocaust and ostracism, you will be immersed in the daily lives of this community and leave both humbled and shocked. We spent a long morning here, and it was hands-down one of the best museums I went to all semester in Europe.

3. Prague Castle Quarter

Beautiful architecture and a maze of buildings and attractions make this quarter magical and gorgeous. Enjoy all of the little sights along the way-Golden Row was my favorite! Of course, the view of the castle across the river at night cannot be rivaled.

4. Lennon Wall

Just as inspiring as I had read! What an amazing testament to the desire for peace, promoting a message that still resonates with so many people today. Adding your own voice to the wall of declarations and prayers is extremely powerful and cathartic. Take a moment to simply recognize the gravitas of this place.

5. Charles Bridge
While you will undoubtedly cross this bridge countless times to get to and from your different destinations, take time (at least once) to really enjoy the attractions along the trek. From the fun craft stalls to the live musicians and the gorgeous views up the river, take in the culture right around you.

BONUS tip: If you are in Prague for Easter (as I was) take a second to slip into the large cathedral on the Old Town Square (you will know which one I am talking about) and if you are lucky you will hear the choir sing. Never have I been so inspired by the acoustics, history and magnificence of a place before. I was literally moved to tears by the profound beauty and serendipity of this moment. I hope you can find a moment just as precious in each of the cities you visit.

For more reasons why you should visit Prague, check-out my photo album on Facebook! Comment below with your travel tips, and other sights I should add when I go back :)