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Go to Prague, They Said: Ten Things

It must have been God that put our Airbnb in the same building as an Indian restaurant and a Vietnamese restaurant. He knows my heart, even when I sometimes doubt him. No matter in what country, city, province, or chicken truck I found myself, I’d always meet travelers who’d say, “whaaaat? You’ve never been to Prague? You must go!” So I went and brought five other dope folks with me, and we all had a great time. I am now that man who says to traveling strangers and friends, “you’ve never been to Prague?! You must go!”

Once you get over 99% of the men looking like the villain from a Liam Neeson film, tattoos reading “I Died The Day I Was Born” included, you will surely fall in love or a very deep like with this quaint European city.

Since living in New York, Los Angeles, Johannesburg, and other places, and having friends constantly visiting, I’ve become the king of seeing an entire city in a matter of one or two days, even when the locals tell me I need five. And I don’t wake up early. But since I’m talking to you, and you’re probably a slow walker, I suggest you wake up around 8:30am, eat a light breakfast and get on your way.

1. Lennon Wall: If you’re a fan of the prophet John, you’ll love this wall. It’s covered in Beatles graffiti and dope poetry and lyrics and Lennon sketches and such. This wall represents freedom of expression in an otherwise dull world.

2. Stroll Golden Lane: A cool walk on an old, cobblestoned street with painted old houses I assume in which intellectuals and artists lived. You’ll find unassuming restaurants that serve rabbit and other amazing animals on a plate, and romantic corners for a cool photo shoot.

3. Castles, Palaces, and Cathedrals: Because why not? Map out which are closest to you and which are close to each other and go explore. Don’t forget Prague Castle.

4. Head Across Charles Bridge: My advice is to go around sunset and watch the sky perform its daily magic.

5. Float Up The River: Find a boat tour that will sail you along the river, under bridges, and toward the beautiful hills and homes and castles. Some even serve food, but they aren’t filled with adventure like this socal rafting expedition. It definitely reminded me of when I went river rafting in the grand canyon.

6. Cathedral of San Vito: It’ll pop out of nowhere while walking, at least it did for me, and it’s certainly a great backdrop for a few photos with your iPhone 7 Plus portrait feature.

7. Mala Strana Neighborhood: One of the oldest areas of Prague, you’ll definitely feel the authenticity and history. If you’re into architecture and beauty, you’ll love it here undoubtedly.

8. Train Ride: Start at Main Train Station and wander through the city and into the suburbs, taking in the views that are worth putting on postcards. You’ll see mountains and castles and waters and downtown! Do it!

9. Free Walking Tour: Of course you will tip in the end if you love it, and you will love it. I always recommend Sandemans Tours, but there are many others that will show you specialty things like street art, food, nature, etc.

10. Museums: And not the boring ol’ museums where you don’t quite understand what you’re looking at or why you should even care about the thing, but the amazing museums. Check out:
A. The Museum of Alchemists and Magicians of Old Prague
B. Speculum Alchemiae
C. Sex Machines Museums (yes!)
D. Museum of Torture Instruments
E. Memorial to the Victims of Communism

And at the end of the day, if you’re in the mood for some amazing Pho, head over to C&P (Novákových 894/9, 180 00 Praha 8-Palmovka, Chequia). But if you’re in the mood for Indian, go grab some Rogan Josh and Garlic Naan at Curry House a few doors down (Novákových 7, 180 00 Praha 8-Palmovka, Czech Republic).

Carry an Umbrella. Enjoy Prague!

Darnell Lamont Walker, a self-professed traveling foodie, has been found sitting at tables eating baby goat sweetbreads, drinking tequila, and laughing loudly with strangers. The writer, filmmaker, artist, and sometimes photographer puts happiness above all.