All of us, at least once in our lifetimes, have had our hands on those fairy-tale books and, despite our adulting, have tried to live that fairy-tale world even if for a fleeting moment. On my part, I have laid my foot in Disneyland and marvelled at some of the wonders of the world. It was not until I stepped into the majestic Prague, however, that I witnessed my fairy-tale moment coming to life!

This cradle of Czech culture and one of the famous destinations of Europe, the city of Prague, enveloped by a subtle Gothic architecture and rich culture, unnerved me. I was staying right in the Old Town Square. So, the delight was doubled. Despite the place swarming with people and tourists, crowded pavement cafes and commercials going overboard, it’s impossible to overlook the grand spectacle of Prague’s premier public space coming to life as a group of 60-plus-men rode off for their guided city tour together on rented bicycles.

While pacing my way down to the Old Town Square, I came up to the first spot from my itinerary, the Astronomical Clock Tower. An assembly of medieval buildings, presided over by the iconic Astronomical Clock, it represents the four figures representing things disliked by Praguers, namely, Vanity, Greed, Death and Lust. It was well worth the climb up the spiral staircase of the 60m tall clock tower as I got to witness the panoramic view of the Old Town Square.

Walking down to the other spots, whistling to the tune of the street musicians playing their piano accordions and violins, I realised that the tummy growl needed to be attended to. The closest shop to my view was selling some traditional Prague Trdelnik, more famously called chimney cake. And there I was, experiencing the crispy cylindrical dough, followed by the sweet melt of ice cream cooked in an open fire.

Macaron Bar

The next stop in my itinerary that I was pretty excited about was the Museum of Prague’s Ghosts and Legends. Dedicated to the folklore, myths and supernatural tales of Prague, this 90-minute-long walking tour was meticulously curated to give tourists that perfect eerie feel to the core. As I walked down the Charles Bridge with a fine ear for the haunted past, I could feel the chill it left in my spine.

A trip to Prague wouldn’t be complete without a visit to the Prague Castle. While exploring the large courtyards and historical halls, I was amazed by the beautiful St Vitus Cathedral and the way its stained-glass windows illuminated the stone floor with colourful light. The Golden Lane, showcasing small, colourful homes, provided an insight into the daily lives of the alchemists and goldsmiths of the past.

I enjoyed a satisfying meal of roasted pork knuckles, dumplings and sauerkraut called Vepro Knedlo Zelo for lunch. The Knedliky, a traditional Czech dish, has a soft and pillowy texture that is ideal for absorbing the flavourful gravy. This meal, showcasing a mix of tastes and mouthfeels, represents the cosy, traditional style of Czech cuisine.

As night descended, I ended up in Wenceslas Square, the central area of Prague’s New Town. The square hummed with vitality, beckoning exploration of its shops, eateries, and theatres. I made myself comfortable in a quaint eatery to sample another traditional Czech dish: Palacinky. These thin pancakes, akin to French crepes, can be enjoyed with either sweet or savoury toppings. I chose a sweet option, stuffed with jam and garnished with whipped cream.

Although I am a teetotaller, no account of Prague’s culinary scene can leave out the mention of its beer culture. Czech beer, or pivo, is renowned worldwide, and Prague is its epicentre. I just wanted to learn more about the culture and, hence, I decided to visit a local pub. In the convivial atmosphere of the pub, no account of Prague’s culinary scene can leave out the mention of its beer culture. Czech beer, or pivo, is renowned worldwide, and Prague is its epicentre. I just wanted to learn more about the culture and, hence, I decided to visit a local pub. In the convivial atmosphere of the pub, I learned about the Czech tradition of ‘hospoda’ — a place where friends gather to enjoy good food, great beer, and lively conversation. The sense of community was palpable, and the beer was the perfect accompaniment to the hearty fare for me.

Debaditya Chaudhury

As my time in Prague drew to a close, I reflected on the city’s unique blend of history, culture and cuisine. From the bustling markets to the quiet corners of ancient churches, from the savoury Svickova to the sweet Trdelnik, Prague is a city that invites exploration and rewards curiosity.

Each dish I tasted was a journey through time, a delicious reminder of the city’s rich culinary heritage. And leaving Prague, I knew that I was leaving a piece of my heart in this enchanting city, with its flavours and stories lingering in my memory.