Prague – Quirky Experiences
Prague, oh Prague, the city of a hundred spires and a million tourists! It’s the perfect destination for those who want to feel like they’re in a fairy tale while being surrounded by selfie sticks and people trying to sell you overpriced souvenirs.
The first thing you’ll notice when you arrive in Prague is the sheer number of tourists. It’s like everyone in the world decided to visit at the same time. You’ll find yourself weaving in and out of crowds, trying to catch a glimpse of the famous astronomical clock while dodging the occasional pigeon poop.
Speaking of the astronomical clock, it’s a wonder of medieval engineering. Or at least, it was until you realize that it’s been under construction for the past decade. So, instead of marveling at its intricate workings, you’ll be staring at a bunch of scaffolding and trying to pretend that it’s still impressive.
If you’re feeling adventurous, you can climb up to Prague Castle, which is supposedly the largest ancient castle in the world. But don’t be fooled by the word “ancient” – it was actually built in the 9th century and has been renovated so many times that it’s basically a new building.
And if you’re lucky, you might catch a glimpse of the president of the Czech Republic, who lives in one of the castle’s many buildings. Just don’t try to sneak into his house – he’s probably got security cameras everywhere.
Quirky things to do in Prague
Paternoster lift
One of the most crazy things to do in Prague is something that few tourists even know about: riding a paternoster lift, which is essentially an elevator that never stops. This contraption looks like a normal elevator, but is actually made up of several compartments that travel in a loop up and down the building without a door. That means users have to perfectly time their entrances and exits by quickly hopping in or out when the platform gets to their floor which takes some getting used to, and hopefully you won’t have your hands full with say, groceries, while trying to attempt this.
Beer Bath
During this experience, guests immerse themselves in a wooden tub filled with beer for around 30 minutes, followed by a 20-minute rest on a straw bed or heated lounger to enable the beneficial properties of the mixture of brewer’s yeast, water, and hops to penetrate their skin. The blend is claimed to improve circulation and metabolism, soften hair, and provide relief for skin ailments like acne and psoriasis.
Cave Dining
Imagine dining in an underground world where the walls are adorned with art nouveau décor featuring Greek, Roman, and Egyptian mythologies, depicting the infamous underworld of Hades in a stalactite cave. The restaurant’s theme revolves around the tale of Orpheus and his beloved wife, making it a riddle for diners to uncover the concealed symbolism in the artwork while relishing the elevated cuisine. Eating a meal here is undoubtedly one of the quirkiest experiences you can have in Prague!
Chilling at the Eclectic Bar
If you’re on the lookout for distinctive watering holes in Prague, make sure to visit Kavárna Mlýnská, also called Mlýn. This eccentric bar is located on the fashionable Střelecký Island, a haven for hipsters, brimming with food trucks, and adorned with charming decor, including suspended lanterns and cozy hammocks, making it a perfect Instagram-worthy spot.
Watch a Puppet Show
Looking for a quirky source of amusement? Look no further than the National Marionette Theater, Prague’s oldest puppet theater. Get ready to be entertained by their Puppets Gala performance, featuring a dynamic lineup of the finest local puppeteers. Don’t miss out on the classic puppet operas of Don Giovani and Mozart; they are a must-see! The best part? The theater is located in the lively Old Town neighborhood, making it a perfect post-dinner activity.
