Title: A 72-Hour Adventure in Prague: Beyond the Stag Do Stereotype
As I sat in a plane headed to Prague, I couldn’t help but overhear the jovial laughter of a group of men declaring their intent to indulge in four beers each. With the stag weekend in full swing, I was reminded of the stereotype often associated with Czechia: a hotspot for extravagant pub crawls and rock-bottom beer prices. Yet, with Ryanair’s enticing €60 round-trip offers and a desire to explore this vibrant city, I was determined to make my trip memorable without succumbing to alcohol. Opting to stay in Anděl, a lively neighborhood in the central district of Smíchov, I found it a balanced choice, allowing me easy access to the city’s attractions while steering clear of the bustling party crowd.
Eager to kickstart my journey, I began my first day with a stroll along the picturesque waterfront. The iconic Dancing House, a marvel of modern architecture, drew me in for some photos before I sought caffeine at (A)void cafe. Nestled in a unique setting, the cafe offers stunning views, although its quirky design felt slightly exaggerated. However, my main goal was to locate the TikTok-famous nutria. These amusing creatures, often mistaken for beavers, have recently drawn attention from curious tourists. Once widespread in Europe for their fur, nutria populations dwindled, but a few now roam the Vltava River, mingling with local wildlife. Choosing to arrive early ensured I glimpsed one of these adorable rodents, whom I affectionately named Nutty, before they retreated to the depths of the waterway.
Following my wildlife observation, I ventured into the bustling Old Town, filled with awe-inspiring Gothic architecture and lively souvenir shops. Tourists swarmed around the famous astronomical clock, building anticipation for its hourly reveal, which proved somewhat underwhelming. In my quest for culture, I visited the Central Gallery located beneath the Church of Our Lady before Týn. Featuring exhibitions from luminary artists like Andy Warhol and Salvador Dali, I gravitated towards the Dali section. Here, I marveled at iconic pieces, especially the famous lips sofa, a highlight despite being non-purchasable. Moving further, I encountered the work of Libuše Jarcovjáková, a remarkable photographer whose retrospectives captured poignant narratives from queer lives in communist Prague and her experiences as a caregiver. Her exhibit left an emotional imprint, particularly with a touching collage reflecting on her mother’s last years.
As the sun began to set, I sought another cultural experience—an Artaud performance at the New Stage theatre, inspired by Edgar Allan Poe. The chilling ambiance resonated beautifully with Prague’s gothic charm, and while I found myself jumping in fear a few times, the performance was captivating. As a ballet enthusiast, I deemed it a thrilling way to immerse myself in the local arts. After an exhilarating day of exploration, my thoughts shifted towards food, and I sought a sumptuous meal to recharge for the adventures ahead.
Deciding to indulge in a tasting menu at La Degustation, Prague’s first Michelin-starred restaurant, I was pleasantly surprised by the restaurant’s emphasis on a non-alcoholic drink pairing. This dining experience far exceeded my expectations, especially as I found myself the only patron that evening. Each dish, from creatively presented salsify to exquisite roasted beetroot, delighted my taste buds. The homemade juices and fermented drinks transformed the meal into a culinary journey, especially the enchanting grape soda served from an antique carbonator—an experience I have endeavored to replicate since returning.
Despite my initial expectations, I noted a clear shift in the atmosphere of Prague. The typical raucous Bachelor parties I anticipated were largely absent, a result of the country’s decision to regulate bar crawls to promote a more sophisticated tourist environment. With findings showing that British Gen Z are increasingly adopting sober curious lifestyles, with many drinking less or abstaining altogether, it seems Czechia is evolving to appeal to this emerging demographic. As discussed in recent data, 30% of UK adults aged 18-24 are consuming less alcohol than the previous year, indicating a profound cultural shift. For travelers, this means that exploring the depths of Prague offers endless opportunities that extend well beyond the legendary drinking scene.
