Europe (2017): Overnight Train From Prague To Krakow

After spending more than 24 hours in the beautiful city of Prague, I proceeded to the next country which I never been before - Poland. Poland is a country in Eastern Europe with a rich and eventful history which situated next to Czech Republic. After did my research, I decided to take overnight train from Prague to Krakow. Well, it's not my first time to experience overnight train as I experienced this before in Norway last two years (until now I haven't blog anything about my Northern Light experience yet) but then the difference is, I'm taking alone for this round. It's wise to book everything beforehand than purchase on the spot.

WHERE I BOUGHT MY OVERNIGHT TRAIN TICKET FROM & HOW

Almost majority of my transportation tickets I bought online and for this overnight train from Prague to Krakow, I purchased directly from this particular website - the Czech Railways (CD) website www.cd.cz. It's pretty simple and straightforward to book from this website, just like how you purchase your airticket from AirAsia or Malaysia Airlines website. The train booking normally opens 90 days ahead, or even 60 days for certain routes in Eastern Europe. As I plan to overnight in the train, I chosen the sleeper with 3-berth compartment instead of couchette. Of course then, my choice would be slightly higher in term of the cost but I rather sleep comfortably so that I can have the energy to continue my adventure on the following day. Curious how this train looks like? Watch the video I uploaded at the bottom.

#1: Praha Hlavni nadrazi, the largest and main railway station in Prague which provides international railway connections. 

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Europe (2017): Hello Prague Again!

Somehow, somewhere I feel like I'm still dreaming. I can't believe after 9 years, I am back to Prague once again. I still vividly remember if I was given another chance to visit Europe again, definitely Prague would be top of my list (refer to my old post: I'm In Love With Prague). Honestly speaking, I can't explain why I adore Prague so much to the extend, I would love to return for the second time. Probably because it's rich with history and culture as well as for its remarkable and prestigious architecture. 

After few hours brief stop in Cesky Krumlov, my journey continued with CK Shuttle which I booked earlier. Something happened in the middle of the journey whereby a middle aged couple from Thailand just realised that the wife left behind her waist pack at the toilet of petrol station. She requested the driver to turn around and drive back to the petrol station but unfortunately the driver unable to do so due to company's rules and policies. However, that Thai lady managed to get her waist pack by end of the day. Imagine she left behind three handphones including the latest model of iPhone. Thanks to the honestly of the petrol station's staff who found it right after received the call from the driver. Therefore, bear in mind to always remember to check your valuables before leaving. 

As I didn't make early request to drop-off right in front of my hostel, the driver stopped somewhere nearby the metro station. Here's come the scary moment. By the time I reached Prague, it was quite late at night. I was literally clueless of how should I get to my hostel. Luckily, I bought sim card with mobile data plan and brought along the leftover Czech crown from my maiden visit; or else I definitely cry for help. 

Where I Stayed in Prague
My main consideration when selecting for hostel to stay in Prague is to be as close to Charles Bridge and Old Town Square. But because I did my planning quite last minute and with limited budget, the one and option I have is Ritchie's Hostel & Hotel. I can't deny that the location is nothing short of perfect as this hostel is surrounded by numerous of restaurants, cafes, souvenir shops and etc. However the downside I approached was the whole place a bit worn and the staircase leads to the hostel are insanely narrow. I can't imagine those travel with huge luggage bags especially able to lift up to the hostel.

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Prague's Attractions & Sightseeing

Date of Visited: 2nd October 2008

Prague is one of Europe famous tourist destinations. There are lots of old buildings with beautiful murals on them. To get true sense of Prague, the best way is hitting the pavement like I mentioned before in my previous post. So in this post as what I promised before, here are few of attractions and sightseeing which I experienced before that must visit and see if you plan to visit Prague in future.

1. Prague Castle

The Prague Castle is the ancient symbol and the most significant Czech cultural monument. As Prague Castle has been recorded as the world's biggest ancient castle, hence it is the number one tourist attraction in Prague.

The other side view of Prague Castle

Just like the other Royal Palaces, there is an hourly changing of the guard ceremony. At noon, the ceremony includes fanfare at a flag ceremony as well in the first courtyard.

A photo group with the whole tourmates and tour guide in front of Prague Castle

The Castle is accessible by everyone and it is open daily. However, there are some areas require to buy a ticket for entrance. In that case, we decided to visit the other attractions instead.

2. Charles Bridge

Among of all the bridges of Prague, Charles Bridge is the famous historic bridge that connect between Prague Castle and the city's Old Town and other adjacent areas. It is also one of the most famous attractions that you shouldn't miss out when visit Prague. Charles Bridge is richly adorned with sculptures - coats of arms of the countries belonging to the Czech Crown.

A full details of Charles Bridge was written on a wall of a high tower

A whole view on how the bridge looks like

Numerous of painters and musicians when crossing across the bridge

And if you are looking for shopping around Prague, Charles Bridge does offer various of stalls that selling anything from black and white photos of Prague to home-made jewellery. This is where I search for my travel knick-knacks; keychains and fridge magnets.

3. Old Town Square

The Old Town Square is one of the two main squares of Prague. This is one of the most beautiful historical sights in Europe with numerous of ancient buildings and magnificent churches surrounding the square. Take a look on the photo above, on the left-hand side is the world notable famed, Astronomical Clock meanwhile on the right-hand side is Church of Our Lady Before Tyn.

Old Town Square is also another recommended place if you want experience slightly more cultural shopping experience where you could find typical souvenirs such as Bohemian crystal and hand-made Marionette Puppets.

4. Old Town Hall with the Astronomical Clock

Prague Astronomical Clock is the third oldest clock in the world and it is still working until now even thought it was installed in 1410. If you notice the first clock on top, it is the zodiacal ring with the signs of different zodiac whereas the yellow clock on the bottom is added with calender.

5. Church of Our Lady Before Tyn

Dominates one side of Old Town Square, standing a church named The Church of Our Lady Before Tyn, or the pure Gothic Tyn Church where it can been seen all over Prague city. Its unique twin towers with many spires is useful as bearing and meeting point for the tourist.

Last but not least, enjoy the magnificent night view of Prague which will truly amaze you.

For your information, Czech Republic is among few of Europe countries that use their own currency instead of Euro currency. The currency of the Czech Republic is the Ceska koruna or Czech Crown (Kc). There are few shop and eateries that accept Euro but we prefer to change a few.

Leftover Czech crown from my Europe trip.

[Credit To: Wikitravel, Praguewelcome.com, Pragueexperience.com]

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I In Love With Prague

Date of Visited: 2nd October 2008

I guess many of you know of Paris, Rome or even Berlin but have you guys ever heard of Prague? Even myself did not know where exactly is this place until I landed my foot there, out of my expectation Prague has instantly took my breath away.

Around Europe for 20 days and visited 10 countries and 13 cities, Prague is one my favourite city after Venice, Italy. Prague is the capital and largest city of Czech Republic, which situated in the heart of Europe and borders on Germany, Poland, Slovakia and Austria.

Most of the historical monuments, museums and galleries are situated on both banks of Vltava river, which is the country's longest river such as Prague Castle, Charles Bridge, Old Town Square and many more to be listed on.

A view from the hill where we can seen bridges over the Vltava river and each of these bridges have their own unique name

Townscape of burger houses and palaces punctuated by towers, and its individual buildings are concentrated on the Vltava river.

A random shot by my friend which I really love this

Prague Castle, the national cultural monument and biggest ancient castle in the world.

Time for a lil bit of snapshot before walking down the hill to the metropolitan city.

Touring around the city of Prague is never a big deal for foreign tourists like us, as Prague is renowned as a very "walkable" city. For those who enjoy venture the old and new city by foot, it is easily walk from one point to another point around the town center. However, almost all of the streets are cobbled, rendering it very difficult for disabled or elderly travellers to get around effectively.

Rudolfinum, a concert and exhibition hall of Prague

An exhibition of collection of Barbie Dolls. We didn't went in and have a look due to time constraint.

Bronze statue of one of the best author in Prague, Franz Kafka

Sitting on a tree that had inspired Isaac Newton to formulate the theory of gravitation - An Apple Tree.

One of the reason I was madly in love with Prague was because my friends and I got to experience the feelings of autumn season compare to the other cities we visited, where can seen that the colour of the leaves had shifted from green to either yellow or orange.

We even noticed that some part of this building has been covered by the red autumn foliage. Introduce my travelmates where we travelled to South Korea again after 3 years of this Europe trip. [NOTE: Will blog about South Korea once I almost done with my post around United Kingdom and Europe.]

Unsure whether Prague is famous with these kind of dolls but it can be seen everywhere around Old Town Square, the streets that filled with gift shops geared towards tourists.

Seriously, I can't define how beautiful and wonderful of Praha (another name for Prague by the local) but if I was given another chance to visit Europe again, definitely Prague will on the top of my list. Besides rich with its history and culture, most of its history architecture are not being affected much from the World War II and able stay true to form, no wonder Prague is the sixth most-visited European city after London, Paris, Rome, Madrid and Berlin. I will continue few list of Prague's attractions in the next post.


[Credit To: Wikipedia, PragueWelcome.com, Historic Centre of Prague, Wikitravel]

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