-CURIOSITY HAS NO BORDERS-
Europe / A Travel Journal
czech republic
“Where every winding street seems to lead into another century.“
May 11-18, 2019
At a Glance
CAPITAL
Prague
LANGUAGE
Czech
CURRENCY
Czech Koruna (CZK / Kč)
BEST TIME
April–June & September–October
TIME ZONE
Central European Time (CET) — UTC+1; CEST (UTC+2) during daylight saving time
DRIVING SIDE
Right
DAYS STAYED
7 Days
PLACES VISITED
Prague
Navigate This Journey
Jump to any part of this trip
Our Journey
A Beautiful City in a Dark Chapter
Our trip to Prague is a difficult one for me to write about, because if I am being completely truthful, I do not remember all of it.
That is not because Prague was forgettable. Quite the opposite. It was a place I had wanted to see for years—one of those cities that had always lived somewhere on my travel bucket list. But we visited during one of the darkest periods of my life, when I was well into my addiction to alcohol.
Where Curiosity Took Us
#1 Prague
Prague is a beautifully preserved European capital known for its medieval streets, colorful buildings, Gothic churches, grand squares, and storybook skyline. The Vltava River winds through the city beneath the iconic Charles Bridge, connecting neighborhoods filled with historic architecture, cafés, hidden courtyards, and centuries of history. With Prague Castle overlooking the city and the Old Town’s winding streets below, Prague feels romantic, atmospheric, and remarkably easy to explore on foot.
Funny Moments
Starbucks Was Supposed to Be the Safe Choice
I am starting to think there is something about me, international travel, and bathrooms that simply does not mix.
This is not my first bathroom disaster. It will not be my last.
Apparently, every country I visit has decided that in addition to seeing the sights, trying the food, and experiencing the culture, I should also be tested under extreme restroom conditions.
Prague was no exception.
Historical Feature
The Window That Helped Ignite a War
THE DEFENESTRATION OF PRAGUE
In 1618, an argument inside Prague Castle ended with three men being thrown from a window—and helped set in motion one of the most devastating conflicts in European history.
At the time, Prague was the capital of the Kingdom of Bohemia, a politically important territory within the Holy Roman Empire and one that had long been shaped by religious tension. The Protestant Reformation had transformed much of Europe during the previous century, challenging the authority of the Catholic Church and dividing kingdoms, cities, and ruling families along religious lines.
Bohemia was especially complicated. Protestant ideas had deep roots there, stretching back to the followers of Jan Hus in the early 15th century, long before Martin Luther began the Reformation in Germany. By the early 1600s, a large portion of the Bohemian nobility and population followed various Protestant traditions, while the ruling Habsburg dynasty remained firmly Catholic.
💡 DID YOU KNOW?
Prague actually experienced earlier defenestrations in 1419 and 1483. The 1618 event is the most famous — and the most far-reaching.
THE WINDOW
This is the window from which the officials were thrown during the Defenestration of Prague in 1618.
Visit the Old Royal Palace at Prague Castle and stand in the very room where history was thrown out the window.
Local Food
If there was one part of Prague that did not win me over, it was the food. And believe me, I really wanted it to. Given my Slovak heritage, you would think there might have been some deep ancestral connection waiting to happen. Maybe I would sit down in front of a traditional Czech meal, take one bite, and suddenly feel generations of Eastern European relatives nodding approvingly somewhere in the distance. That did not happen.
Must Try
- Svíčková
- Vepřo knedlo zelo
- Czech goulash
- Smažený sýr
- Bramboráky
- Chlebíčky
- Koláče
- Medovník
- Trdelník
- Czech beer
Through My Lens
The Photo That Tells the Story
A Moment Between Centuries
This photograph was taken on Prague’s famous Charles Bridge, where a street musician sat along the centuries-old stone walkway playing an instrument I had never seen before. With his long gray hair, colorful clothing, the worn stones beneath him, and Prague’s historic architecture rising in the background, the entire scene felt almost timeless—as though he belonged there just as much as the bridge itself.
What stayed with me, though, was the quietness of the moment despite being in one of Prague’s most recognizable and well-traveled places. He seemed completely absorbed in his music while people moved around him and the city carried on. For a few minutes, among the crowds, history, and constant movement of Charles Bridge, his music became part of how I experienced Prague.
Prague
Plan Your Trip
The little things that make traveling a whole lot easier.
🪢 Local Customs & Etiquette
💬 Useful Local Phrases
💰 Money, Payments & Tipping
📅 Climate & Best Time to Visit
✈️ Getting There & Getting Around
🛏️ Where to Stay
🛡️ Health, Safety & Hydration
🔌 Staying Plugged In
🛂 Visa & Entry Requirements
Packing List
Pack smart. Travel lighter. Leave room for the unexpected.
🎒
Essentials
VIEW LIST ↓
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Lightweight, versatile clothing
- Light sweater or jacket
- Compact umbrella
- Sunglasses
- Refillable water bottle
- European plug adaptor
- Portable power bank
- Small crossbody bag or daypack
- Passport, cards, and some Czech koruna
- Personal medications
- Light layers for changing weather
🧴
Nice to Have
VIEW LIST ↓
- Lightweight scarf
- Foldable shopping tote
- Packing cubes
- Waterproof phone pouch
- Small portable fan for summer
- Camera gear
- Extra room in your luggage for souvenirs
🧥
Seasonal Additions
VIEW LIST ↓
Summer: breathable clothing, sun hat, light rain layer
Spring & Fall: sweater or light jacket, compact umbrella, waterproof shoes
Winter: warm coat, scarf, gloves, hat, waterproof boots
Prague & Cities: comfortable walking shoes, polished casual layers
Castles & Historic Sites: sturdy walking shoes, light layers, small daypack
Countryside & Day Trips: weather-resistant jacket, comfortable shoes, extra layer
Travel Lessons
❝
Always check for toilet paper before committing.“
❝
If you see something green on the menu, order it immediately.”
❝
Never assume your heritage means your taste buds got the memo.”
❝
Always pack more underwear than you think you need.”
❝
Trdelník can fix almost anything.”
Our Curiosity Rating
Our completely subjective take on Czech Republic — based on what we experienced, loved, photographed, ate, survived, and would happily do again.
Culture
★★★★
Wildlife
★
Photography
★★
Adventure
★
Food
★
Would we go back?
★★★★
Our Passport Stamps
Every stamp tells a story.
Written by
Ali Kubeck
Curiosity Has No Borders is more than a travel blog—it’s our journey of exploring the world with curiosity, connection, and an open mind. Together, Sarah and I seek authentic experiences, embrace the unexpected, and find meaning in the moments that can’t be planned. We hope our adventures inspire others to step beyond their comfort zones and discover how travel can change the way we see the world.
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We’d love to hear from you — whether you’ve been to this destination, have questions about the trip, or just want to share a thought. Comments are open below.
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