Easter In Prague

Why spend Easter in Prague? Prague puts on a spectacular show during the Easter Season, with street markets, local food stalls and street entertainment.

We spent last Easter in Prague and it was a truly memorable trip. My oldest daughter, Emma,  spent a semester abroad in the Czech Republic.  She was intrigued after the previous year’s students came back to school raving about Prague. My husband Spencer, and younger daughter, Sophie, and I decided to visit her during our Spring Break, and take advantage of our “tour guide”. Fortunately Sophie and I have the same spring break every year, so we would only miss a couple of days on either end of the week.

While Easter is typically bit chillier than late spring, there are also fewer tourists than late spring and summer. It’s also one of the most affordable cities in Europe. The Czech Republic uses the Koruna (crown) rather than the Euro, which at present is about 25 kourna to the dollar.

Prague is undoubtably one of the most beautiful cities in Europe. What makes Prague so spectacular? Largely untouched by bombing from either side during World War II, most of Prague’s beautiful old buildings remain. One can visit the clock tower, Charles bridge, and Prague Castle one day…

and visit the Andy Warhol museum, John Lennon Wall, and the Dancing House the next.

A stroll down the streets and alley ways in Old Town Square is like a visit to a fairy tale land. Each building is more beautiful than the next. Walking around Prague, one cannot help thinking that Walt Disney must have been inspired by this beautiful city when he created Fantasyland. Easter in Prague is particularly special. I was a bit struck by how important Easter season is to Czechs, especially since they really were not encouraged to practice their religion during the Communist regime.

Unlike the United States, which is much more secular during Easter, the Czech Republic bedecks every tree, square and building with ribbons and eggs. Although the Czechs are not known for their cuisine, they excel at baked goods. Trdelnik stands, stalls and shops are everywhere in the city. Trdelnik is a cross between at doughnut and bread.

While it’s traditionally served with just cinnamon and sugar, Nutella is also a popular filling. It’s also a great vehicle for ice cream!

Similar to the beautiful Easter eggs that the Russians are known for, Czech artisans display their handiwork in stalls and markets all over Prague.

Prague is a city that lends itself to walking. I sort of feel that way about most European cities, and always opt for walking over the metro. We walked between 8-12 miles every day while in Prague. Of course if you have young children, or are not physically up to walking great distances, there are busses, the metro and bikes to rent. For about $40 US dollars an hour, vintage cars with a driver can be hired for a city tour.

Don’t forget to bring a bottle or two of champagne or wine! We had a few cool, rainy days, but when the sun came out, we were comfortable in light jackets. Even on the coolest of days, Czechs and tourists all over the city will dine out. In LA if the temperature dips below 70 degrees, everyone heads inside. In Prague, restaurants encourage outdoor dining, with heat lamps and sheepskin lined chairs, blankets and throws.

We ate outside on all but the coolest day. While we were there, temperatures ranged from the high 50s (F) to the low 70s. When it came to deciding on where to stay, we were conflicted between being close to Old Town, or across the Vltava in Lesser Town, which is closer to Prague Castle. In the end we decided on the ultra-modern Hotel Josef, located just off of Old Town Square. The rooms were clean and bright, with a sleek bathroom, free-wifi and a cool bar in the lobby. There is a gym and sauna available at no extra charge. The price for a double bed, (2 people) was under $150 US dollars. An ample breakfast is available at an extra cost.

There is so much more to say about Prague, I’m going to be doing a second post with a recipe, and more of the local dishes and delights of Prague.

If you ever have a chance to spend Easter in Prague, I don’t think you will be disappointed!