The swans were among the first to greet us in Prague.
That was after our Airbnb houseboat hosts met us on a bank of the Vltava River and handed over the keys to their apartment. They gave us a quick rundown of things to do and see and left us with a bag of bread to feed the birds. They told us we’d probably see dozens of swans.
I didn’t expect that. I wasn’t sure quite what to expect in the Czech Republic. I had worried that staying on a houseboat in the winter in Prague might be risky, damp and cold. I was glad to be wrong.
Marka and Michal’s place, Houseboat Benjamin & Franklin, ranks up there as a memorable place to spend the night. It’s a modern and cozy, heated two-bedroom apartment. We had mild enough weather to enjoy the waterfront balcony. Our hosts even supplied us with a wifi hotspot, a Czech cell phone and an electric dinghy to take into the city.
As our boys fed the ducks, seagulls and swans, Sarge and I practiced tying bowline knots so we could be sure to secure a parking spot wherever we might find one on the water.
Our first glimpse of the “the city of 100 spires” was from our little boat gliding along the river on the first sunny Saturday of 2018. As soon as I saw the city skyline, I wished we could stay for longer than a weekend. I was mesmerized by the architecture and art in every direction.
The only thing on our agenda was to walk around the city. We stopped at places that caught our eye, starting with the Dancing House, a twisty building with a top that looks like Medusa. Next, we checked out the sculptures and vendors along the Charles Bridge, and then we hiked up the hill to the castle.
On the way down, we ducked into Tavern U Krale Brabantskeho for some refreshments. The pub claims to be the oldest in Prague and dates back to 1375. Our 10-year-old said this cavernous tavern was one of his favorite places of our whole year abroad. It looked like something out of “Harry Potter” with an old-world feel, swords on the walls, candlelight and a costumed barmaid, who, in medieval character, whipped Sarge on the back and asked if he was enjoying his beer. I’m sure the grandparents will be proud that we’re showing the kids great taverns of the world.
At least we didn’t keep them out late. The sun sets early in January in Prague, around 4:30 p.m. By the time we got back to the dinghy, it was dark. We saw Prague aglow as we headed back to the houseboat. Once we tied up, a couple of swans returned, hoping for some bread crumbs and attention.
I guess I am biased. I am a boat person. I like having my coffee while looking out over the water. There’s a peacefulness in watching the bending light, the ripples on the water and the world waking up.
This is how I will remember Prague: its steeples and swans, its beauty and its boats. And the kids won’t let me forget the pub.
Sounds like you and your family had lots of fun on this trip!! 🙂
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It was a good one!
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Lovely post..I visited few years back but have’nt been to the places that you visited…
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Thanks for reading!
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Tanya – Love your header photo and also your other photography. Plus your tales of getting around Prague – delightful – Thank You!
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Thank you, Deborah!
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Wonderful post and pictures. I hope that I can travel with family abroad someday. 🙂
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Hope you can, too, Mai!
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This sounds amazing! I’ve been to Prague before and have seen many, many bloggers talk about it, but this is the first time I’ve ever heard of someone staying on the water! So cool and so unique.
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Thanks, Kate! It was neat to see Prague from the water!
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What a gorgeous place!! Such stunning scenery! Thanks for sharing:)
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Thanks, Karin!
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I love Prague!
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Me, too!
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Oh this sounds AMAZING! I am dying to try a houseboat Air BNB but with a toddler in tow, it’s just way too stressful – something to try in the future for sure! Prague sounds amazing – and we’d be in that tavern too!
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My kids have always been around boats. You could use the lifejackets on board or the philosophy I grew up with: Sink or swim!
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The city is incredibly beautiful. This is such a memorable experience for your family!
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A friend of mine who used to live in Prague told me it was more beautiful than Paris. I think she’s right!
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Wow the architecture is breathtaking!
Lauren
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It really is!
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Sounds like you guys had a great time on this trip! It’s so beautiful!!
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It was a great place to visit! Hope we will go back someday.
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Prague is an amazing city! Thanks for your post:)
irinathayer.com
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