Day 4. A walk around Prague

On By Little Miss TravellerIn Czech Republic, Northern Europe, Prague 2022

Our final day in Prague had come around all too quickly but as we were booked home on an evening flight we still had plenty of time to enjoy the city.  After checking out of the lovely Mama Shelter hotel we took a short tram ride to Letna Park, located in an elevated position in the suburb of Holesovice, on Letna Hill on the northern edge of the Vltava river.  Trams 15 and 17 both stop near one of the park’s entrance gates and from there it is just a short but steep uphill climb.

Letna Park, Prague
Letna Park, Prague

Letna Park is laid out in a parkland setting with walking and cycling paths criss-crossing the grassland, many of these shaded by mature trees.  Of particular interest is a red Metronome which stands 75ft (22m) tall in a prominent position overlooking the city.

Letna Park Metronome, Prague
The huge metronome

It was on this very spot that a gigantic monument to Joseph Stalin was demolished in 1962 with the 7 tonne metronome installed in its place in 1992 to symbolise the end of the communist regime.  The metronome stands on top of a large concrete platform and although it is there to keep time, it was not working as it was undergoing maintenance when we visited.

Hanavsky Pavilion, Letna Park, Prague
Hanavsky Pavilion in Letna Park

A little further along from the metronome stands the beautiful Hanavsky Pavilion which is one of the most impressive art nouveau buildings in the city.  It was originally built as the pavilion for the Komârov Ironworks for the Prague Jubilee Exhibition of 1891.  This was the first cast iron structure to be constructed in Prague and is now home to a beautiful cafe restaurant which boasts stunning views of several of the bridges over the Vltava river.

Stunning riverside views from Letna Park, Prague
Beautiful views over the Vltava river from the pavilion terrace

On leaving there, we took a tram to Malostraka so that we could visit the Wallenstein Gardens and Palace.  The entrance to the palace gardens is next to the Malostraka metro station and is open to visit between April and October (admission free).

Wallenstein Palace, Prague
Wallenstein Palace

This geometrically designed garden surrounds Wallenstein Palace which is the seat of the Senate of the Czech Republic (similar to the UK House of Lords).  The palace was constructed between 1624-1630 and commissioned by Albrecht of Wallenstein who was one of the richest and most powerful noblemen of that time.

Wallenstein Palace Gardens, Prague
Wallenstein Palace Gardens

The elegant 17th century garden is designed in Baroque style and adorned with brass statues, fountains and a pond filled with koi carp.  The gardens are an oasis of calm in the busy city centre and often overlooked by tourists so I recommend visiting as they are truly beautiful.

Lesser Town, Prague
Lesser Town, Prague

After relaxing on one of the park benches awhile we wandered through the Lesser Town with its cobblestone streets, stone archways, cosy pubs and cafes.  We then returned to the hotel to enjoy lunch on its large, sunny terrace.  Here, we settled down on one of the comfortable swing seats and enjoyed a leisurely lunch of freshly prepared pizza and a glass of local beer.

Riverside walk, Prague
Riverside walk, Prague

Feeling refreshed, we hopped back on a tram to enjoy a riverside walk crossing onto several of the city’s islands which are easy to access.  We started at Slovansky Ostrov, a small island featuring winding paths and grassy areas.  The island was formed by silt deposits of soil during the 17th century and is now a popular place to sunbathe and hire a boat.  It’s southern tip is connected to an art gallery and restaurant that also serves as a bridge.

Vltava River, Prague
The scenic Vltava river

On leaving there we crossed over to Détsky ostrov.  The entrance to this island is over an arched stone bridge from where we walked along the shore as far as a lock.  We should have been able to access a further island but the access bridge was closed due to maintenance work and we needed to retrace our steps.  This island is popular with young families as it contains a series of playgrounds arranged in age order with the ones for the youngest children nearest the main bridge.

Prague riverside walk
Continuing our stroll beside the river

After quite a lot of extra walking we finally made it on to the third of the Vltava river’s islands Strelecky Ostrov.  Bridge Most Legil connects the two parts of the island and from its pathways there are excellent views of the famous Charles Bridge.  Dotted around the island are plenty of options for eating and drinking together with a stage bar surrounded by picnic tables.  This island was first mentioned in the 12th century when it was used for archery practice in the time of Emperor Charles IV.

Charles Bridge, Prague
We couldn’t resist a final walk across the famous Charles Bridge

That concluded our riverside walk and of our visit to Prague.  Upon our return to the airport we were delighted to discover it was running smoothly and there were no delays at either check-in or through security.  This allowed us ample time to relax in the departure lounge with one final glass of the local Tyskie beer prior to boarding our return EasyJet flight to Manchester.

Prague Old Town
Prague Old Town

I hope you have enjoyed this series of posts on Prague and that they may inspire you to consider visiting the Czech capital yourselves.

We were guests of Visit Prague and as always, all views and opinions are entirely my own.

 

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53 thoughts on “Day 4. A walk around Prague”

    1. That view of all those bridges was my favourite Linda. Airports are getting better except for Schiphol. Two issues recently both with luggage not being put on connecting flights. Turned up at our hotel and back home the next day though so not too bad, at least we made the connections ourselves!

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  11. Looks to have been a lovely weekend getaway in Prague! I likewise had gone to Letna Park to check out the Metronome, and the views from up there were understated, but lovely! I also went to Wallenstein Palace during my first visit: did you see the peacocks there? They were beautiful! Can’t wait to see where else the long weekend takes you!

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  17. Thanks for a tour around one of the most beautiful European cities, Marion. I love the views over the Vltava river from the pavilion terrace, it’s amazing how many bridges cross the river – Prague may be known as the city of a Hundred Spires but it could just as well be the city of a Hundred bridges. Thanks for sharing and have a lovely day 🙂 Aiva xx

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  18. The view over the Vltava river and bridges are such a lovely sight! And I’m always up for a riverside walk – so glad you had time to show this on your last day. Thank you Marion, I have indeed enjoyed your series on Prague – you have portrayed the city beautifully!

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  19. Loved the shot looking over the river and bridges! Our youngest son and partner are visiting Prague in January and have booked a super suite overlooking the river (half price because of the month!) and it looks sumptuous… Safe travelling! xx

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