Czechia
A last day of exploring the historic sights of Prague, relaxing on an island and a train trip home
The last day of our city trip, we enjoyed a visit to the famous Prague Castle, went strolling through the pretty streets of Mala Strana, relaxed a bit on the Strelecky Island and boarded the night train back home.
A visit to Prague Castle and its surroundings 🏰
For days, we had been admiring the beautiful Prague Castle towering over the city, and finally, it was time to visit. The climb up the steps to the castle is quite a workout, but you can stop regularly to enjoy the breathtaking views. This is one of Prague’s most popular attractions, and you can tell—it’s busy. But the grandeur of the complex is undeniable. The various buildings, the cathedral, the gardens, the vineyard… all equally impressive. We chose not to pay for a tour inside, as it wasn’t ideal on a hot day with our kids, but even walking through the complex and admiring the splendor from the outside was worth it!
Strolling through Mala Strana
We wandered through the Mala Strana neighborhood and soaked in the grandeur of the buildings here. This is the oldest district of Prague, and every façade is a work of art. There are also charming cafés and restaurants everywhere, with beautiful terraces.
Spotting nutria and relaxing on Strelecky island
On a warm day, Strelecky Ostrov is the perfect little island to escape the city’s hustle and bustle. In the middle of the island, there’s a cozy bar and a great playground for the kids. But the main attraction? The nutria! These large rodents have made their home along the island's shores, attracting more and more curious tourists. Our kids were thrilled to see the nutria up close as they came ashore, looking for treats from visitors. For us, the island was an ideal spot to unwind, close to the water, with stunning views of the Moldau's banks. While the children played, we enjoyed a drink in this peaceful, idyllic setting.
A drink at the historic Foyer Café in Prague’s Main Station
Located in the historic part of Praha Hlavni Nadrazi, this café is a true gem. The Art Nouveau interior has been beautifully restored, exuding the grandeur of a bygone era. It’s a peaceful oasis in the heart of the station, making it the perfect place to relax. We savored a delicious homemade lemonade—we chose mango and passion fruit, a definite recommendation—before continuing our journey. The café itself is a feast for the eyes, with its classic charm and tranquil atmosphere. Well worth a visit, whether you’re passing through or simply want to soak in the unique ambiance.
All aboard the night train! 🚆
After an amazing city trip, it was time to board our European Sleeper back to Belgium. We settled into our compartment, reflecting on the wonderful memories we’d made in Prague. As the sun slowly set, the landscape transformed once again into a lush green expanse. It was lovely to read a book and chat about our adventures before unfolding our beds for a restful night’s sleep. In the morning, we arrived refreshed in Antwerp. The train… what a fantastic way to travel! This is something we’ll definitely want to experience again.
