Prague on Where in the World is Kat Kong?

Prague Castle, Cold War History, & Musical Evenings - October 11-14, 2022

Thu, 09 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Part 1: Planning & Pre-Cruise Athens - September 28-October 1, 2022

Part 2: Embarking Norwegian Jade, Ephesus & Patmos - October 2-3, 2022

Part 3: Rhodes & Mykonos - October 4-5, 2022

Part 4: Argostoli & Corfu - October 6-7, 2022

Part 5: Santorini & Disembarkation - October 8-9, 2022

Part 6: Prague: Arrival, The Augustine & Old Town - October 9-10, 2022

Part 7: Prague Castle, Cold War History, & Musical Evenings - October 11-14, 2022

Part 8: Barcelona: From the Vltava to the Mediterranean - October 14-15, 2022

Part 9: Embarking Valiant Lady, Ibiza & Day at Sea - October 16-18, 2022

Part 10: Virgin Voyages: Malaga Heights & Madeira Green - October 19-21, 2022

Part 11: Virgin Voyages: Crossing the Atlantic & Miami Arrival - October 22-30, 2022 (Coming Soon)

A Morning at The Augustine

Carbs and Cardio

The next morning, we decided to explore a different side of the a-la-carte breakfast menu. While I don’t usually opt for a carb-heavy start, I couldn’t resist trying the “Fluffy Pancakes”, in addition to the buffet options. Kaleb had the classic Eggs Benedict.

After breakfast, we decided to find the hotel’s fitness center. Given that the property is a converted 13th-century monastery, I didn’t expect a massive facility, but it was well-equipped for a workout. They even provided fresh fruit and bottled water for guests.

Ascending to the Hrad

The Walk to the Castle

We began the climb toward Prague Castle. Our route took us through the Waldstein Garden once more, which is just as pleasant in the morning light, before we continued upward through a local park.

St. Vitus Cathedral

Our first stop within the castle complex was the grand St. Vitus Cathedral. The exterior of the building is exceptionally ornate, featuring the soaring gothic spires that define the Prague skyline. The stone carvings and gargoyles are intricate and demand a close look.

The interior is vast, divided into several distinct sections and chapels. While the architecture itself is imposing, the stained glass windows are the true highlight.

Castle Grounds and Relics

After exploring the cathedral, we wandered through the broader castle grounds. We found several displays of medieval relics, including a collection of knight’s armor (which were very short!) and, more somberly, various historical torture devices. It offered a grim look at the medieval justice system that once operated within these walls.

We also passed by Kohl’s Fountain in the second courtyard and passed the ornate Ballroom, which is still used for official state events.

The Royal Garden and Metronome

The Royal Garden was quite expansive, providing a quiet place to walk away from the main crowds of the cathedral. More importantly, it offered lofty views over the city of Prague, with the red roofs and Vltava River laid out below us.

We also tracked down a quirky local landmark: the Prague Metronome. It sits on a pedestal where a giant statue of Stalin once stood, serving as a functional piece of art that keeps time over the city.

Culinary Returns

Back to Naše Maso

For a late lunch, we found ourselves gravitating back to Naše Maso. It’s hard to beat the quality there, so we went in for another round. This time, we tried the cheeseburger and the meatloaf sandwich. Both were excellent—just as savory and well-prepared as our first visit…yum as always!

Dining at The Augustine

Afterward, we returned to The Augustine to relax for a while. Since our Fine Hotels + Resorts (FHR) booking included a USD $100 property credit, we decided to enjoy dinner at the hotel’s own restaurant. The setting—within the courtyard and vaulted glass-covered space—is beautiful, and the menu offers a refined take on European and Czech classics.

We began with complimentary bread and butter, followed by a selection of starters and entrées. Every course was beautifully presented and delicious, making for a very relaxing end to a busy day of sightseeing.

Park Vistas and Cold War Sights

Petřín Hill and Tower

The next day, we headed to Petřín Hill, a massive green space that offers a peaceful escape from the stone-paved streets below. Walking through the wooded paths was very tranquil, with the autumn leaves just starting to turn.

The focal point is the Petřín Lookout Tower, which looks like a smaller cousin of the Eiffel Tower. The views from the area are spectacular, providing a clear vantage point over the Malá Strana district and the river.

Wenceslas Square and Communism Museum

Descending from the hill, we made our way to the long boulevard of Wenceslas Square, which leads up to the imposing National Museum. This area has been the site of many historic protests and gatherings throughout Czech history.

For an early supper, we stopped at Bageterie Boulevard. It’s essentially a high-quality fast-casual sandwich shop, reminiscent of Subway but with much better ingredients and bread.

We then spent the afternoon at the Museum of Communism. It is a sobering but fascinating look at life under the regime during the Cold War. The exhibits cover everything from daily life and education to the secret police and the eventual fall of the Iron Curtain during the Velvet Revolution.

A Musical Evening at the Municipal House

That night, we attended a performance by the Czech National Symphony Orchestra at the Municipal House (Obecní dům). The building is an Art Nouveau masterpiece, and the Smetana Hall interior is breathtaking. It wasn’t too crowded for a weeknight, allowing us to really enjoy the acoustics and the atmosphere.

Final Days and Domestic Duties

Laundry and Local Flavors

On our last full day in Prague, we had some logistics to handle before moving on to the next leg of our trip. We started the morning at The Augustine with another unique a-la-carte item: a traditional Goulash Soup. It was rich and hearty, not leaving much room for the buffet.

We then set out to find a laundromat. We used Bloomest, which was a bit of a walk from the hotel. I was genuinely impressed by how fast the industrial machines were; we were in and out in no time. There was also free wi-fi. (As a side note for future travelers, there’s now a place called SPIN & SIP even closer to the hotel, where you can actually have a drink while you wait!)

For our final supper in Prague, we couldn’t resist—we went back to Naše Maso one last time. We finished our “meat tour” with their pastrami sandwich and a selection of sausages. It was the perfect, savory end to a wonderful stay in this city.

Prague has a way of drawing you in with its history and keeping you there with its food. Unfortunately, with my addiction to Naše Maso, we didn’t get a chance to try out more restaurants or beer gardens - a return trip is for certain! Tomorrow morning, we leave the spires of the Czech Republic behind and head to Barcelona for a short stay before embarking on our transatlantic cruise on Valiant Lady…stay tuned!

Prague: Arrival, Monastery Luxury, and Old Town Charm - October 9-10, 2022

Mon, 06 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Part 1: Planning & Pre-Cruise Athens - September 28-October 1, 2022

Part 2: Embarking Norwegian Jade, Ephesus & Patmos - October 2-3, 2022

Part 3: Rhodes & Mykonos - October 4-5, 2022

Part 4: Argostoli & Corfu - October 6-7, 2022

Part 5: Santorini & Disembarkation - October 8-9, 2022

Part 6: Prague: Arrival, The Augustine & Old Town - October 9-10, 2022

Part 7: Prague Castle, Cold War History, & Musical Evenings - October 11-14, 2022

Part 8: Barcelona: From the Vltava to the Mediterranean - October 14-15, 2022

Part 9: Embarking Valiant Lady, Ibiza & Day at Sea - October 16-18, 2022

Part 10: Virgin Voyages: Malaga Heights & Madeira Green - October 19-21, 2022

Part 11: Virgin Voyages: Crossing the Atlantic & Miami Arrival - October 22-30, 2022 (Coming Soon)

From the Aegean to the Vltava

Aegean Business Lounge

Before our non-stop flight to Prague, we spent some time in the Aegean Business Lounge. The space offered a substantial selection of refreshments to tide us over, including various sandwiches, a self-serve bar, and traditional Greek sesame rings (koulouri).

I kept my grazing to a minimum, as I knew we’d be served a full meal during the two-hour and forty-minute flight.

The Mysterious Onboard Apology

Upon boarding the aircraft, we were handed a letter apologizing for a “miss in service.” Curiously, it included a voucher for a free business class flight to anywhere Aegean flies, valid for one year. I couldn’t actually spot anything wrong with the service, and our departure was only delayed by a few minutes, so the gesture was as unexpected as it was generous. Though, it was mostly useless to us, having no plans to return to Greece within the year.

Aegean’s business class uses a configuration similar to British Airways’ Club Europe, where the middle seat of a standard three-seat coach row is blocked off to provide more personal space.

The onboard dining was impressive for a relatively short flight. After browsing the food and wine menus, I selected the sea bream entrée. The meal concluded with coffee and a piece of chocolate.

Arriving at The Augustine

After landing in Prague, we took a Welcome Pickups ride to our hotel, The Augustine. The driver struggled a bit with the navigation; the Malá Strana district is a maze of narrow one-way streets, which required a few u-turns before we finally arrived.

The hotel is situated within a 13th-century monastery, and the public areas retain much of that historic, vaulted architecture. In contrast, the guest rooms are contemporary and comfortably appointed. Check-in was efficient, and we were welcomed with a glass of champagne and the news of a complimentary upgrade to a junior suite.

Waiting in our room was a personalized note outlining our Fine Hotels + Resorts (FHR) benefits. It was accompanied by a very local welcome amenity: pretzels, sausages, and St. Thomas beer—a dark lager brewed specifically for the hotel and only available on property. It was the perfect snack to have on hand as we settled in; in fact, it served as a light dinner after all the eating we had done the past week.

Monastic Luxury in the Junior Suite

The bathroom was particularly well-appointed, continuing the theme of modern luxury within the historic setting. It featured extensive marble decor and high-end fixtures, including a bidet. The layout included both a deep, separate soaking bathtub and a dedicated rain shower. It was a comfortable, spa-like space that felt quite indulgent after a day of travel.

A Monastic Breakfast

The following morning, we headed down for breakfast, which featured a combination of an expansive buffet and a made-to-order a-la-carte menu. The variety of choices was quite comprehensive, offering a nice balance of local European specialties and standard breakfast favorites.

We paired items from the buffet with eggs from the kitchen, which made for a very substantial start to our first full day in the city.

The buffet itself was well-organized with several dedicated stations. The hot sides were consistently replenished, and the fresh fruit and baked goods offered plenty of variety.

There was also a wide array of traditional cold cuts and cheeses, alongside various cereals, yogurts, and even a few small desserts for those looking for something sweet in the morning.

Exploring the Monastery Grounds

Before heading out into the city, we took some time to wander the hotel grounds. The Augustine is a maze of monastic corridors that open up into quiet, peaceful courtyards. It’s an interesting layout that feels very separate from the bustling streets just outside the walls.

From the street, the building is surprisingly plain. You would hardly know there is a luxury hotel inside, which I think adds to the feeling of it being a bit of a hidden sanctuary in Malá Strana.

Crossing the Charles Bridge

Our first task was to cross the famous Charles Bridge. This historic stone bridge, lined with statues of saints, is the main link between Malá Strana and the Old Town. Walking across, we could see several other bridges spanning the Vltava River. At the end of the crossing, the massive Old Town Bridge Tower stands as a gothic gateway into the heart of the city.

Old Town Square and the Astronomical Clock

We continued our walk into the Old Town Square, the historic center of Prague. The square is surrounded by a mix of architectural styles, from the gothic Týn Church to the baroque St. Nicholas Church.

One of the main draws here is the Prague Astronomical Clock (the Orloj), which was first installed in 1410. It’s a remarkable piece of medieval engineering. A large crowd always gathers at the top of the hour to watch the “Walk of the Apostles” and hear the clock chime.

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Views from the Old Town Hall

After watching the clock, we made the climb to the top of the Old Town Hall Tower. It’s a bit of an ascent, but it was well worth the effort for the panoramic views of Prague’s red-tiled roofs and narrow alleys. From this height, you can really see why it’s called the “City of a Hundred Spires.”

Afterward, we spent some time wandering the surrounding pedestrian streets, which are filled with shops, cafes, and historic facades.

A Tour of the Klementinum

Next, we took a tour of the Klementinum, a massive historic complex that once served as a Jesuit college. It was a fascinating look into the city’s scientific and academic history.

While we weren’t allowed to enter the Baroque Library Hall itself, we were able to peer in from the doorway. The interior is filled with incredible frescoes and historic globes, looking like something straight out of a movie.

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The Klementinum is also famous for its collection of astronomical instruments. We saw several pieces that were used for tracking stars and celestial movements centuries ago. Finally, we made our way to the top of the building, which provided yet another perspective of the city’s landscape.

A Late Lunch at Naše Maso

Because we had started our day with such a substantial breakfast at the hotel, we weren’t ready for lunch until around 2:00 PM. We had seen excellent reviews for Naše Maso, a famous butcher shop and eatery, so we headed there for a bit of a “meat infusion.”

The shop is small and incredibly popular. Interior seating is very limited, so we joined the other patrons standing at the bar tables outside on the sidewalk to enjoy our meal.

The food was every bit as good as the reviews suggested. The quality of the meat is the focus here, and everything we ordered was prepared simply but perfectly. It was a high-energy, casual dining experience that felt like a true local Prague staple.

I’ve heard that Naše Maso offers a special “butcher’s dinner” that is notoriously difficult to reserve. It is definitely something I would like to try on a future visit if the timing aligns.

A Scenic Return and the Waldstein Garden

After our meal, we started the walk back toward Malá Strana to freshen up before our evening plans. The route provided some peaceful views along the Vltava River, offering a different perspective of the city’s bridges and embankments.

Before reaching the monastery, we took a detour through the Waldstein Garden (Valdštejnská zahrada). Part of the Wallenstein Palace complex, this baroque garden is a quiet retreat filled with manicured hedges, bronze statues, and a large pond.

The most striking feature of the garden is the massive “Dripstone Wall” (or Grotto). It has a very unusual, organic texture made of artificial stalactites. If you look closely at the weathered stone, you can sometimes spot hidden faces or animals carved into the limestone-like formations. It was a fascinating and somewhat eerie contrast to the very formal layout of the rest of the garden.

Traditional Dining at U Modré Kachničky

For dinner, we walked to U Modré Kachničky, a restaurant specializing in traditional Czech cuisine and known specifically for their duck dishes. The interior has a nostalgic, old-world feel that seems unchanged by time, which felt very appropriate for the style of food they serve. Making a reservation through their website was a simple process.

We decided on the tasting menu, and Kaleb added the wine flight. When our server—who I believe was the owner—asked why I wasn’t joining in on the wine, I explained that I have a very low tolerance for alcohol. She was incredibly kind and offered me a tiny “sip” of each wine in a fresh glass for every course, free of charge. It was a thoughtful touch that added so much to the evening.

Our meal began with a glass of champagne, fresh bread with butter, and a rich pâté.

The next course was foie gras, followed by the duck. The portioning was perfect—I received the thigh while Kaleb got the drumstick, which is exactly how we usually split a leg anyway.

After a refreshing sorbet intermezzo to cleanse the palate, we were served a tender veal course.

We finished the evening with a lovely chocolate tartlet. It was an excellent introduction to Czech fine dining.

Nighttime in Malá Strana

On the walk back to the hotel, we stumbled upon the Lennon Wall. Even at night, the colorful graffiti and layers of messages were striking. We took our time wandering back, enjoying the quiet nighttime views of the city as the lights reflected off the river.

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Tomorrow, we stay on our side of the river to explore the massive Prague Castle complex and the gothic details of St. Vitus Cathedral…stay tuned!