Hidden gems in Prague

City breaks are great fun but the crowds can become slightly overpowering after a while.  Especially if you struggle with walking or have issues with lung conditions.  As I am only small, I found the crowds of the main tourist attractions super hard to deal with and I felt suffocated.  Luckily, I had a very good receptionist in my hotel who advised me of some quieter places to visit.  I can honestly say, I hadn’t heard of these places prior to my visit to Prague. But, I am so glad I visited as these were some of my favourite places in Prague.

John Lennon Wall

The art is amazing. Usually, I am not a fan of graffiti but this is so talented. (Mostly) The messages are lovely and its a colourful addition to the otherwise very plain little square opposite the Buquoyský palác or French Embassy. The wall is owned by the Knights of Malta and after John Lennon was murdered in December 1980, he became a hero for many young Czechs living in a Communist city. They often paint over the graffiti but it reappears differently each time. I wonder if Yoko Ono has drawn anything on the wall, as I’ve heard many celebrities write things on it.

I even met a celebrity! Asterix’s dog, Dogmatix. (Thanks to my friend Au the Fox for explaining who he is).

I think the drawing of a woman on the wall is particularly beautiful, but its a shame someone has written something stupid on top of her nose. One of the reasons this wall really had an impact on me was a quote from a Beatles song:

All our dreams come true if we have the courage to pursue them.

Riverside next to Charles Bridge

The view for the Mala Strana side of the river gives a better view of the Charles bridge than anywhere else.  Near the next bridge along, there are seats and ducks! I love going to feed the ducks, it’s such a relaxing activity. If you are brave, the swans eat out of your hand, I was too scared to try this.

There are also places to take a boat ride along the river. I can imagine that is a very relaxing way to spend a couple of hours. One day I hope to ride on a boat, it’s definitely top 3 in my bucket list!

Petrin Hill

I chose to walk up Petrin Hill, which was a very, very, very steep climb. I would advise anyone with any form of chronic illness which is worsened by exertion or vigorous exercise to take the funicular tram (I wish I had done this). There is an observation tower at the top, which I didn’t go up. And lots of park to enjoy. 

Best part is, if you hate hills like I do. You can walk along from Petrin hill to Prague Castle and avoid walking up and down lots of hills (yay!).

Kampa Island

This is the perfect place to visit after the John Lennon Wall. Crossing the Lover’s Bridge leads you on to the the peaceful island of Kampa. I didn’t explore Kampa as much as I would have liked. But, I found it strangely relaxing and similar to Venice. There were lots of tour boats floating on either side of the island, on both the Vltava and Čertovka (the Devil’s Stream – strange name for a river).  There are also plaques around the picturesque little square showering how high the flood waters have been in the past (11 dinosaurs high!).

Výstaviště Praha (Prague Exhibition Grounds)

I passed this building on my way to the zoo, its very pretty. It was incredibly busy because St Matthew’s Spring Fair was on.

I love the colour and decoration of the building, it reminded me of a palace.

And then, sadly, it was time to leave Prague …

For a daily dose of dinosaur, feel free to visit my Instagram Vegan0saurus

And above all, watch with glittering eyes the whole world around you because the greatest secrets are always hidden in the most unlikely places – Roald Dahl