There’s something magical about Europe, but if I had to pick one city that feels like stepping into a storybook, it would be Prague. Picture this: cobblestone streets that seem like they’re straight out of a medieval fantasy, towering castles overlooking the city, and the sweet scent of freshly baked trdelník (a heavenly spiral-shaped pastry) in the air. I’m convinced Prague is where fairytales were born—and trust me, my trip was a fairytale… with a few comic relief moments.

First Impressions: “Is This Hogwarts?”

Arriving in Prague was like getting my letter to Hogwarts—minus the owl delivery. From the moment I stepped out of the airport and into the city, I was surrounded by Gothic spires, whimsical bridges, and buildings so intricately designed, they could make the pages of a fantasy novel jealous. The city is draped in history, and I couldn’t shake the feeling that any moment, I might bump into a wizard (or a very fashion-forward knight).

But let’s be real: no matter how romantic or mystical a place is, getting lost is inevitable. Especially when Google Maps decides to betray you. I ended up wandering through narrow alleys that may or may not have been on any actual map (I swear, I discovered new dimensions), but it’s all part of the charm, right? Spoiler alert: getting lost in Prague is basically a rite of passage.

The Iconic Charles Bridge… and its Sea of Selfie Sticks

My next stop was the legendary Charles Bridge. I’d read all about it: historic, beautiful, lined with statues of saints… and people. So many people. If you thought Times Square was packed, try squeezing through Charles Bridge on a sunny afternoon. At one point, I thought I was in a flash mob of tourists—selfie sticks waving high, everyone trying to get that perfect “I’m in Europe!” shot. I was tempted to photobomb every single one, but I settled for admiring the breathtaking views of the Vltava River instead.

Despite the human obstacle course, the bridge’s charm is undeniable. It’s the kind of place that makes you feel like you’ve traveled back in time—if, you know, 14th-century Bohemia had Wi-Fi and Instagram influencers.

A Castle That Could Rival Disney’s (But with Fewer Princesses)

Next on the list was Prague Castle. I’m not saying it’s the most magnificent castle I’ve ever seen, but if you asked me to become a resident, I’d start packing. Perched high on a hill with sprawling courtyards, stunning cathedrals, and views that’ll make your jaw drop (literally—I almost tripped while staring at the view), this castle had me feeling like royalty. Minus the crown, unfortunately.

Let me give you a pro tip: wear comfortable shoes. By the time I made it to the top of the castle steps, I felt like I’d completed an intense cardio session. My reward? Panoramic views of the city that made every burning calf muscle worth it. As I stood there, taking in the endless sea of red rooftops, I realized that Prague doesn’t just look magical—it feels it.

Trdelník: The Pastry You Didn’t Know You Needed in Your Life

Speaking of rewards, let’s talk about food. If you visit Prague and don’t try trdelník, did you even go to Prague? This doughy, cinnamon-sugar-coated treat is basically happiness in spiral form. I must have eaten about three a day, telling myself that all the walking justified the calories. In fact, I’m pretty sure I burned more calories staring at the array of toppings they offered than I did climbing the castle stairs.

One trdelník vendor asked if I wanted extra Nutella filling, and while my brain screamed “no,” my heart whispered “yes.” Spoiler: I went with my heart. Zero regrets.

Dancing House and the Day I Questioned Reality

To add a little modern flair to my trip, I ventured to the Dancing House, a quirky building that looks like it’s mid-tango with the building next door. Honestly, it’s one of the weirdest and most fascinating pieces of architecture I’ve ever seen. It left me questioning if I had accidentally stepped into a Salvador Dalí painting. My advice: take a picture, but be prepared to explain to friends back home that no, your camera is not broken, and yes, it’s supposed to look like that.

Goodbye, Prague—But Not Really

As my trip to Prague came to an end, I realized one thing: Prague is a city you can’t help but fall in love with. It’s romantic, mysterious, and a little bit chaotic—just the way a good adventure should be. Sure, I got lost more times than I’d care to admit, had my feet threatened to revolt after all the walking, and I may or may not have eaten my body weight in pastries. But would I do it all over again? Absolutely.

Prague has this way of weaving itself into your heart, and as I boarded my plane, I couldn’t help but feel like I was leaving behind a little piece of myself in those winding alleys. Or maybe just the crumbs from my last trdelník. Either way, I’m coming back for both.

And next time, I’ll bring a map. Or a wizard. Either should help.

Follow the Crunch..🥜

The PBTraveler