A while back Korean Air acquired a share in CSA, Czech Airlines. They have since divested, but if you assume this was solely an expansion step, you might be mistaken. Goal as I recall for Korean Air was to establish Prague as its European hub and dispatch travelers all across Europe from Prague. Prague’s location in the heart of Europe - a fact often overlooked by those of us having grown up with the Iron Curtain still in place - may have contributed to this decision. The main reason, as I understood, was a different one: Apparently, for most Koreans coming to Europe, Prague is a must visit.

First things first, there is an obvious practical reason: Prague is way more affordable than most European capitals, e.g. Vienna, Paris or London. In addition, it offers everything you would expect in a European capital: medieval gates, a great river promenade, palaces, churches, several Jewish quarters … Starting from the medieval period to WW2, every major European time period is found well preserved in Prague. My personal highlight are the Art Deco buildings scattered across town. Amazingly it all fits together creating a large European urban landscape. So, yes, I can understand why Koreans would want to come here: Prague is Europe in a nutshell and on a budget. I think the only comparable city in central Europe is Vienna, but Vienna tilts more heavily towards the 18th century and later than Prague.

By now, I have visited Prague four times. The first time was nearly 20 years ago with the usual sightseeing. Prague was already popular with tourists back then. The next two times I passed through town on my way to the airport and the railway station, coming once from Cesky Krumlov, the other time from Kutna Hora. With the little spare time I had, I took strolls around town. One of those times was in February, it was terribly cold and I was hoping to evade the tourist masses. But I was mistaken. Even in February the Karl’s Bridge was crowded.

My last time was in summer 2021, i.e. during (probably not after?)  the Covid crisis. I was hoping to get as lucky as Philipp did the year before and have the city to myself. But while the hotel rates are still low (good time to visit), the tourists are coming back. I even saw plenty of Asian tourists; not sure what visa regulations are in place nowadays. The one lesson I learnt on my 4th visit, is that Prague has so much to offer that it is always worth another visit. And to me this is the sign of a truly great sight.

While You Are There

Not going to reiterate the usual highlights. There are simply too many and this isn’t a travel guide. A few things I have on my bucket list for the next visit: I want to see Strahov Monastery for the library, I want to visit the modernist Müller Villa (requires a reservation) and I want to enter Kostel Nejsvětějšího Srdce Páně, built by Jože Plečnik. Matejicek pointed me to it. Personally, I would argue the church is one of Jose Plecznik's better works... Last but not least, an extension of the sight is planned and I would like to see the park that is already part of the inscription.

Some things I did this time: I went to the sewage plant (recommended). I took the train to Karlstejn. And spend too much money and drinks and food.

Suggestion Box @Prague Mayor

While some may take offense at the stag nights, the crowds on the Karl's Bridge or the tourist trap restaurants (fyi: the Kebab shop on the Karls Bridge has a 1.8 google rating), my main annoyance are cars. I hardly know a German old town that would allow so many cars into the old town and that would not enforce strict speed limits. It would be really nice, to be able to walk on the road in the old town without fear of being run over. Thanks.