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Prague is a city full of history, interesting architecture, and, of course, great food. As both a traveler and a baker, I found the city to be a perfect mix of culture and flavor, making this trip one to remember. From the cobblestone streets to the beautiful old buildings and amazing pastries, there was never a dull moment.
International travel can be a bit of a challenge, and this trip was no different. We started with a 6 a.m. drive to Chicago, which took about three hours. Once we got to the airport, we had a four-hour wait until our first flight. After flying into Newark, we had a nice view of New York City as we came in. From there, we had another two-hour layover before boarding our flight to London, which was a long seven-hour journey. We spent those hours trying to get some sleep in cramped seats.
Once we landed in London, we had a two-hour layover before the last flight to Prague, which was only two hours long. After what felt like forever, we finally made it to Prague!
Stepping off the plane in Prague was a huge relief. After a long journey, we were finally here. After checking into our hotel, The Old Armory, we forced ourselves to stay awake until 8 p.m. to avoid jet lag. We couldn’t waste any time and headed out to explore the city.
Walking through Prague felt like stepping into another time. The narrow streets are lined with buildings that have been around for centuries. The architecture is so different from what we’re used to, and every turn seems to bring something new—whether it’s a hidden courtyard, a lively café, or an old church. The cobblestone streets were a bit tricky to walk on, but it was part of the experience. And the cathedrals? They’re something you just have to see to understand how impressive they are.
Prague has some incredible castles, and we visited two of them. The first was Prague Castle, just a short walk from our hotel. It’s not only a historic site but also the current seat of the Czech government. Inside, we explored the cathedral, which had towering arches and beautiful stained glass windows. We also visited the crypt where past kings, including King Wenceslas, are buried.
The second castle, Karlštejn Castle, was a little farther out of town. We took a train to reach it and passed through a quiet country town along the way. This castle, built in 1348, was where the crown jewels were kept. The walls of the castle are really thick—some as much as 25 feet—built to protect the treasures inside from potential attacks.
One of the best parts of the trip was the food. The Czech cuisine was different but not too unfamiliar. Dishes with hearty beef roasts and bread were common in most places, much like what you might find in Wisconsin. A popular appetizer was fried cheese, kind of like a giant cheese curd—comforting and tasty. Rye bread with caraway seeds also showed up in a lot of dishes, adding a unique twist.
As a baker, I had to check out at least one bakery while in Prague, and I wasn’t disappointed. One of my favorites was Artic Bakehouse, which had a cozy feel and a theme based around Icelandic Viking culture. The pastries and bread were amazing. Their chocolate croissant, which had a different shape than usual, was one of the best I’ve ever had. We also grabbed a baguette, which had a crisp crust and a soft inside, perfect with some butter.
I also tried something called a “love ball”—a dense, donut-like pastry with a hint of lemon and raisins. It was unlike anything I’d had before and definitely memorable.
Another pastry you can’t miss in Prague is the trdelník. This cylindrical pastry, made from yeasted dough, is similar to a churro but less sweet and more bread-like. Traditionally, it’s served plain, but lately, they’ve started filling it with soft-serve ice cream. While it was good, I have to say some of the other desserts I tried were better.
The trip back was, as expected, long. We left the hotel in Prague at 5 a.m. to head to the airport. After a two-hour flight to London, we navigated the massive Heathrow Airport to catch our next flight. The flight to Chicago was about eight hours, and we had to stay awake most of the time to help with jet lag. The flight was pretty rough, and the landing was bumpy. Afterward, we still had a three-hour drive back home. All in all, we were awake for nearly 24 hours, which made for a very tiring end to the trip.
Looking back on our time in Prague, it’s clear that the city’s charm is about more than just the big landmarks. Yes, the castles and cathedrals are impressive, but it’s the little things—the quiet courtyards, the cozy cafés, and the friendly people—that make the city feel special.
Whether getting lost in the narrow streets or trying a new pastry at a local bakery, every moment felt like a step back in time. Prague is a city where history, culture, and food come together in a way that leaves a lasting impression. It’s definitely a place worth visiting.
Photos From the Trip
