As an American who lives in Colorado, I'm used to hopping in my car to do almost everything. But in Prague, I didn't need a car once. Most of the time, I just walked wherever I needed to go.

Although I'd likely balk at a 45-minute walk in the US, I found myself eagerly putting on my shoes for the same thing in Prague. Why? Because each walk felt like an experience.

The city is home to jaw-dropping architecture, art installations, and green spaces. During every stroll, I'd notice a new statue or hidden detail, like how the city's coat of arms is engraved into every manhole cover.

Though the cobblestone sidewalks did give my feet a workout, they were so picturesque that I didn't mind.

When I needed to venture a little farther, Prague's public transportation was second to none. The iconic trams came frequently, were reliable, and were incredibly charming.

Another thing I like about Prague is how much history there is to explore. For example, I visited Prague Castle, the world's largest ancient castle.

Visitors can view ancient suits of armor and beautiful artwork and learn about a 1618 historical event when three Catholic officials were thrown from a window of the castle by a mob of angry Protestants.

The event even inspired a new word: defenestration — the act of throwing someone out of a window.

Perhaps the city's most recognizable landmark, however, is the Astronomical Clock. The clock's face not only shows the sun's and moon's relative positions in the sky but also reveals a mechanical procession of the 12 Apostles at the top of every hour.

Prague's location in Central Europe makes it an ideal starting point for day trips or weekend getaways. One day, I headed north to visit a few national parks, filming locations for "The Chronicles of Narnia," and the Bastei Bridge rock formation.

Another morning, I took a train to the small city of Pilsen and toured the original Pilsner Urquell brewery (where pilsner beer was invented).

And in September, a five-hour train ride was all that stood between me and Oktoberfest in Munich.

While I appreciated the museums and tourist attractions, sometimes I wanted to get more of a local experience. On those days, there were plenty of options to choose from.

From wine tastings and live music to a harvest festival with traditional Czech dancers, I was blown away by the variety of events around the city. One night, I even stumbled upon a Spanish-themed festival along the river, complete with food trucks and dancing.

Every day in Prague offered a new, unexpected joy, and if I could move to a European city permanently, it'd be at the top of my list.

This story was originally published on October 24, 2024, and most recently updated on October 27, 2025.