Favorite European city, of a woman who traveled for 6 months

As an American living in Colorado, I’m used to getting into my car to do almost everything. But in Prague, I didn’t need a car once. Most of the time I walked where I needed to go.

Although I would probably balk at walking 45 minutes in the United States, I found myself eagerly lacing up my shoes for the same in Prague. For what? Because every walk was like a experience.

The city is home to breathtaking architecture, art installations and green spaces. With each walk, I noticed a new statue or hidden detail, like the way the city’s coat of arms is engraved on each manhole cover.

Although the cobblestone sidewalks put a strain on my feet, they were so scenic that I didn’t mind.

When I needed to venture a little further afield, Prague’s public transportation was second to none. The iconic streetcars arrived frequently, were reliable and incredibly charming.

Another thing I love about Prague is how much history there is to explore. For example, I visited Prague Castle, the largest ancient castle in the world.

Visitors can admire ancient armor and magnificent artwork and learn about a historic event from 1618, when three Catholic officials were thrown from a castle window by a mob of angry Protestants.

The event even inspired a new word: defenestration – the act of throwing someone out of a window.

But perhaps the city’s most recognizable landmark is the Astronomical Clock. The clock face not only indicates the relative positions of the sun and moon in the sky, but also reveals a mechanical procession of the 12 apostles at the start of each hour.

Prague’s location in central Europe makes it an ideal starting point for day trips or weekend getaways. One day I headed north to visit a few national parks, filming locations from “The Chronicles of Narnia,” and the Bastei Bridge rock formation.

Another morning, I took a train to the small town of Pilsen and visited the original Pilsner Urquell brewery (where Pilsner beer was invented).

And in September, a five-hour train ride was all that stood between me and Munich’s Oktoberfest.

Although I enjoyed the museums and tourist attractions, sometimes I wanted more of a local experience. At that time, there were many options to choose from.

From wine tastings to live music to a harvest festival with traditional Czech dancers, I was blown away by the variety of events held in the city. One evening I even stumbled across a Spanish-themed festival along the river, complete with food trucks and dancing.

Every day in Prague offered me new and unexpected joy, and if I could permanently settle in a European city, it would be at the top of my list.

This story was originally published on October 24, 2024 and last updated on October 27, 2025.