Music, Palaces, and Timeless Charm: Salzburg and Vienna

Exploring Salzburg: History, Music, and Cinematic Surprises

We began our day with an early morning train from Munich, enjoying the scenic journey through the South Bavarian countryside. Upon arriving at Salzburg Hauptbahnhof, we started our walk toward the city centre, ready to explore the historic heart of this Austrian gem. Our first stop was Mirabell Palace, a striking baroque building set against the backdrop of the Salzach River. The palace exterior impressed with its harmonious proportions and elegant detailing, but it was the Mirabell Gardens that truly captured our attention. Symmetrically arranged flowerbeds, ornate statues, and geometrically trimmed hedges created a sense of order and artistry. The famous Pegasus Fountain stood at the centre, and the view down the central avenue framed the fortress on the hill in the distance.

Mirabell Gardens

An uphill climb brought us to the Hohensalzburg Fortress, perched majestically on Festungsberg. The ascent offered panoramic views of Salzburg’s rooftops, the Salzach River, and the surrounding Alps. The fortress itself was a maze of medieval halls, towers, and courtyards. Inside, we explored the state rooms with their elaborate decor, the museum displaying medieval weaponry, and the eerie, yet fascinating, torture chambers. From the battlements, the city stretched below us like a living map.

Hohensalzburg Fortress

Salzburg Old Town, as viewed from the fortress

Descending back into the city, we wandered through Altstadt, Salzburg’s Old Town. Narrow cobblestone streets were lined with pastel-coloured buildings, each with its own history. At the Old City Hall, the elegant facade and historic clock tower reflected the city’s civic pride.

Altstadt

A few steps away was the Domquartier complex. The highlight was the Salzburg Cathedral, an imposing baroque structure with twin towers and a grand dome. The Residenzplatz adjoining the cathedral offered another perspective of the city, a broad square framed by grand buildings, including the Residenz, the former residence of Salzburg’s prince-archbishops.

Domquartier

Music and history intertwined as we moved to Mozartplatz, a lively square centred around the statue of Salzburg’s most famous son, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. From there, we visited both the Mozart Birthplace and the Mozart Residence, gaining insight into his early life and musical development. The exhibits included original manuscripts, instruments, and portraits that traced Mozart’s journey from child prodigy to iconic composer. Nearby, the Mozarteum added a modern touch to the musical heritage of the city, hosting performances and exhibitions dedicated to the preservation of Mozart’s legacy.

Mozartplatz

Later in the day, we ventured a few kilometres south of the city to Hellbrunn Palace, a baroque pleasure palace built for leisure and entertainment. The palace’s elegant rooms were complemented by expansive gardens, but the real attraction was the Trick Fountains. We wandered through the grounds, amused and sometimes startled by hidden water jets, cascading fountains, and mechanical surprises designed to playfully drench unsuspecting visitors.

Trick Fountains at the Hellbrunn Palace

Throughout our visit, Salzburg’s connection to the film Sound of Music was evident at multiple points, from the picturesque gardens of Mirabell to the panoramic views from the fortress, and even along streets that featured in various scenes. Walking these streets, seeing the iconic locations, and connecting them with the music and scenes from the movie added another layer to the city’s rich cultural tapestry.

By the end of the day, we had experienced both the historic grandeur and the playful charm of Salzburg; a city where baroque architecture, musical heritage, and cinematic history seamlessly came together.

 

A Day in Vienna: From Imperial Grandeur to Timeless Squares

The day began before sunrise with an early morning bus ride from Munich to Vienna. As the vehicle rolled through Southern Bavaria, the scenery shifted from city outskirts to serene countryside. Crossing the Austrian border, the Alpine foothills gave way to rolling meadows and tidy villages, the landscape becoming broader and softer as we approached Vienna. After several hours on the highway, the skyline of the Austrian capital appeared; domes, spires, and imperial façades.

Stepping off the bus, we took the U-Bahn towards Karlsplatz, where the first stop of the day awaited – St. Charles Cathedral (Karlskirche). Established in 1713, the cathedral remains one of the finest examples of Baroque architecture in Europe. Its white façade, twin spiral columns modelled after Rome’s Trajan’s Column, and green copper dome dominated the square. Inside, an elevator and a narrow staircase lead to a viewing platform directly beneath the dome, offering a close-up look at the paintings and a view over the surrounding streets.

St. Charles Cathedral

From Karlsplatz, we boarded the U4 towards Schönbrunn Station to visit Schönbrunn Palace, the summer residence of the Habsburgs. As we exited the metro, the palace stretched before us, a monumental yellow façade surrounded by colourful gardens. Inside, the self-guided tour led us through lavishly decorated rooms: the Mirror Room, where Mozart performed at age six; the Millions Room, lined with intricate rosewood panelling; and the Great Gallery, where crystal chandeliers hang from painted ceilings. Outside, we walked through the garden’s fountains and statues up to the Gloriette, from which the entire palace and city skyline are visible.

Schönbrunn Palace

The U4 brought us back to Karlsplatz, where we changed to the U3 and got off at Herrengasse to reach the Hofburg Palace, once the winter residence of the Habsburgs. The sprawling complex housed several museums, including the Imperial Apartments and the Sisi Museum, dedicated to the life of Empress Elisabeth. The Silver Collection displayed ornate tableware used for state banquets. The Imperial Treasury, within the same complex, held the Crown of the Holy Roman Empire and the Austrian Imperial Crown.

Hofburg Palace

Next, we took the tram heading south to the Belvedere Palace, another Baroque masterpiece designed for Prince Eugene of Savoy. The complex consisted of the Lower and Upper Belvedere, connected by geometrically perfect gardens filled with sculptures and fountains. Inside the Upper Belvedere, the galleries displayed Austria’s most prized artworks, including Gustav Klimt’s “The Kiss”, dazzling in gold and colour, along with expressive works by Egon Schiele and Oskar Kokoschka. The terraces outside provided one of Vienna’s best panoramic views, the palace reflecting in its pond against the clear afternoon light.

Belvedere Palace

Returning by the tram to the city centre, we got off at Stephansplatz, the beating heart of Vienna, where St. Stephen’s Cathedral (Stephansdom) rose with its Gothic spire and multi-coloured tiled roof. The interior, with its carved stone pulpit and vaulted ceilings, reflected centuries of faith and craftsmanship. Climbing the South Tower’s 343 steps rewarded us with a commanding view over the old city, while the North Tower, accessible by elevator, housed the massive Pummerin Bell. Standing atop, the view of narrow lanes, church domes, and tramlines winding through the city felt timeless.

St. Stephen’s Cathedral

From Stephansplatz, we caught tram number 1 for the classic Ringstraße loop, the circular boulevard encircling Vienna’s historic core. This tram ride, known as the Ring Linien, is one of the best ways to see the city’s major landmarks. The route passed by Otto Wagner’s Post Office Savings Bank, an early modernist marvel with glass and aluminium details that marked a new architectural era. Nearby stood the Museum of Applied Arts (MAK), renowned for its collections of design and decorative art. As the tram continued, we glimpsed Stadtpark, home to the golden Johann Strauss monument. Further along rose the State Opera House, Vienna’s pride and one of the world’s most prestigious opera venues. The tram rounded the Imperial Palace complex, passing between the Museum of Fine Arts and the Museum of Natural History, their identical domes facing each other across Maria-Theresien-Platz. Continuing along the boulevard, the Austrian Parliament appeared, its classical façade echoing Greek temples, followed by the Burgtheater, a symbol of Austria’s theatrical heritage. Finally, the tram stopped at Rathausplatz, dominated by the Neo-Gothic City Hall, its tall spire a defining feature of Vienna’s skyline.

Austrian Parliament

As twilight settled, we took the U1 to Kaisermühlen-VIC and then a bus to the Danube Tower (Donauturm), rising above the Danube Park. The observation deck, reached by a high-speed elevator, offered panoramic views of the city under evening sky. Lights began to sparkle along the Danube River, while the highways below traced luminous ribbons across the landscape.

Vienna at night, as viewed from Danube Tower

Returning to the city centre by the same route, we made our way back to Rathausplatz, where the façade of the Rathaus was illuminated with intricate light displays. The lively crowd, and the music created a perfect close to the day.

Rathaus at night

Late at night, we headed to the International Bus Terminal at Erdberg, accessible by U3, for the return journey to Munich. Vienna, elegant and meticulously preserved, had offered a glimpse of its enduring charm; leaving impressions of Baroque domes, imperial palaces, and grand boulevards; a city where history and modern life coexist with effortless grace.

Under the Tuscan Sun: Florence and Beyond

Day 1: Florence, The Heart of Renaissance Art and Architecture

After an overnight train journey from Munich, we arrived early morning in Florence, the cradle of the Renaissance. The first rays of the Tuscan sun illuminated the city as we made our way to a Youth Hostel. After checking in and freshening up, we stepped out to explore a city that once defined the course of European art and culture.

Our first stop was Piazza della Repubblica, the vibrant square marking the historic centre of Florence. Surrounded by elegant cafés, arched porticoes, and street performers, this piazza reflected the city’s transformation from medieval marketplace to a lively cultural hub.

Piazza della Repubblica

A short walk led us to Piazza del Duomo, dominated by the magnificent Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, or simply the Duomo. Its marble façade in green, pink, and white tones was one of the greatest masterpieces of Gothic architecture. The Cupola was a marvel of engineering, a massive red dome that defined Renaissance innovation. Climbing to the top offered a panoramic view of Florence’s rooftops and Piazza della Repubblica. Beside it rose Giotto’s Bell Tower, a slender Gothic structure richly decorated with sculptural panels and vibrant marble patterns.

Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore with Bell Tower at the left

Piazza della Repubblica, as viewed from the top of Duomo

Continuing through narrow lanes lined with artisan shops, we reached Piazza della Signoria, the political heart of Florence. The square looked like an open-air sculpture gallery with replicas of famous works, including Michelangelo’s David and Perseus with the Head of Medusa. Overlooking it stood Palazzo Vecchio, Florence’s fortress-like town hall with crenelated towers and grand chambers adorned with frescoes celebrating the city’s history.

Palazzo Vecchio overlooking the Piazza della Signoria 

Just behind the piazza we continued to the world-renowned Uffizi Gallery, one of the oldest and most important art museums in Europe. Inside, masterpieces by Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, Botticelli, Raphael, and Titian filled the halls. Botticelli’s The Birth of Venus and Primavera were among the most captivating exhibits, embodying the elegance and humanism of the Renaissance. Running above the gallery was the Vasari Corridor, a secret passage built for the Medici family to move privately between the Palazzo Vecchio and their residence, Palazzo Pitti, across the river.

Uffizi Gallery

Birth of Venus by Botticelli

Crossing the Ponte Vecchio, Florence’s oldest bridge, was another highlight. The bridge’s unique charm lies in its row of small jewellery shops that hang over the Arno River, a tradition dating back to medieval times.

Vasari Corridor

Ponte Vecchio, connecting the two banks of Arno River

On the southern bank, the Palazzo Pitti stood as a grand Renaissance palace housing royal apartments and art collections. Behind it stretched the Boboli Gardens, an expansive landscape of terraces, sculptures, fountains, and shaded walkways that reflect classic Italian garden design.

Palazzo Pitti, as viewed from Boboli Gardens

Amphitheater of Boboli Gardens, as viewed from Palazzo Pitti

Later, we visited the Basilica of Santa Maria Novella, located near the main railway station. Its façade combined Gothic and early Renaissance elements, while inside were frescoes by Masaccio and Ghirlandaio. A short walk away stood Basilica di Santa Croce, known as the “Temple of the Italian Glories,” where greats like Michelangelo, Galileo, and Machiavelli were buried. The Basilica di San Lorenzo, associated with the Medici family, offered another artistic marvel.

Piazza Santa Maria Novella

Basilica di Santa Croce

Before dusk, we passed under the Arco di Trionfo, an elegant neoclassical arch that once marked the city’s northern gate. Our final visit of the day was the Galleria dell’Accademia, home to one of the most famous sculptures in the world, Michelangelo’s David. Standing over five meters tall, the statue embodies the perfection of human anatomy and Renaissance ideals of strength and beauty. Other exhibits include Michelangelo’s Prisoners and St. Matthew, revealing the artist’s process of “liberating” figures from marble.

David by Michelangelo

 

And quiet flows the Arno: Florence in the night

Day 2: Pisa, The City of the Leaning Tower

The next morning, we boarded a regional train to Pisa, an hour-long journey through the scenic Tuscan countryside dotted with olive groves and vineyards. From Pisa Centrale, we walked through the old streets toward the Leaning Tower, passing the tranquil Santa Maria della Spina, a small Gothic church on the banks of the Arno River. Its detailed marble carvings and pinnacles made it a hidden gem despite its modest size.

Santa Maria della Spina

Soon, the streets opened into the iconic Piazza dei Miracoli (Square of Miracles). Here, the Leaning Tower of Pisa stood at a striking angle, surrounded by lush green lawns and brilliant white marble buildings. The tower, actually the campanile of the Duomo di Pisa, leaned over a period of time due to the soft ground beneath its foundation; a flaw that turned into global fame. The Cathedral (Duomo) itself, with its Romanesque façade and bronze doors, reflected the height of Pisan maritime power. Adjacent to it stood the Baptistery, the largest in Italy, known for its acoustics and elegant design.

Piazza dei Miracoli: Duomo di Pisa (left), Leaning Tower (right)

Baptistery of Pisa

Before returning, we took a short detour through Piazza dei Cavalieri, once the political centre of medieval Pisa and now home to the Scuola Normale Superiore. The square’s Renaissance palaces, designed by Giorgio Vasari, showed another face of Pisa’s artistic legacy. In the afternoon, we walked back to the station and returned to Florence for the evening.

Piazza dei Cavalieri

Day 3: Siena, The Medieval Jewel of Tuscany

Next day, we took an early morning regional train to Siena, a city famous for its medieval character and timeless beauty. From the station, a pleasant uphill walk led us through narrow cobbled lanes to the magnificent Piazza del Campo, one of Europe’s greatest medieval squares. Shaped like a shell and lined with ochre-coloured buildings, this square is the heart of Siena’s civic life and the venue for the famous Palio horse race.

Dominating the piazza is the Palazzo Pubblico, the Gothic town hall adorned with frescoes depicting civic virtues and the famous Allegory of Good and Bad Government by Ambrogio Lorenzetti. Its slender Torre del Mangia rose beside it, offering sweeping views of Siena’s rooftops and the surrounding countryside. At the centre of the square lay the Fonte Gaia, an ornate marble fountain decorated with sculptures of biblical figures.

Piazza del Campo with Palazzo Pubblico on the centre

A short walk uphill brought us to the Siena Cathedral (Duomo di Siena), a black-and-white striped masterpiece combining Gothic and Romanesque styles. Inside, intricate marble floors, detailed frescoes, and the Pulpit by Nicola Pisano stood out as artistic highlights of medieval Italy. The cathedral’s library, with its frescoes by Pinturicchio, preserved the brilliance of Renaissance art within a Gothic setting.

Duomo di Siena

Continuing through winding alleys, we reached the Basilica di San Domenico, a massive brick structure that housed relics of St. Catherine of Siena. Nearby lay the Fonte di Fontebranda, one of the city’s oldest fountains, once essential for water supply and wool production. Its ancient arches and cool stone surroundings retained a quiet medieval charm.

Basilica di San Domenico

As the sun began to set, we walked back to the station, admiring Siena’s timeless skyline of domes and towers. Returning to Florence in the evening, we prepared for the overnight train back to Munich, reflecting on three days spent walking through centuries of history.

The journey through Tuscany was a vivid immersion into the world of Renaissance art, Gothic architecture, and medieval splendour. From the grandeur of Florence’s domes to the tilt of Pisa’s tower and the graceful charm of Siena’s piazza, every city revealed a distinct chapter in Italy’s cultural heritage.

Luxembourg: The Grand Duchy Diaries

Our journey to Luxembourg City began before sunrise aboard the ICE train from Munich. The route involved changing trains at Stuttgart, Koblenz, and Trier before crossing into Luxembourg. The stretch along the Rhine River valley between Stuttgart and Koblenz was a scenic highlight, rolling vineyards, quaint riverside towns, and hilltops crowned with medieval castles overlooking the waters. The Rhine, winding gracefully through steep cliffs, offered views of fortresses like Marksburg and Stolzenfels.

Marksburg Castle, towering over Rhine Valley

After arriving at Luxembourg City in late morning, we checked into the youth hostel located conveniently near the Alzette River, freshened up, and set out on foot to explore the historic heart of the city, a blend of ancient fortifications and modern vibrance.

Our walking tour began with the Old Fortifications that once made Luxembourg known as the “Gibraltar of the North.” The high defensive walls and bastions rising from the cliffs showcased the city’s former strategic strength. From there, we climbed towards the Holy Ghost Citadel, originally built in the 17th century, offering panoramic views of the Petrusse Valley below. The nearby Spanish Turret, remnants from the Spanish occupation period, stood as picturesque watchtowers guarding the valley.

Old Fortifications

Spanish Turret

Continuing further, we reached the famous Casemates, an underground maze of tunnels and galleries carved deep into the rock. The Bock Casemates, dating back to the 18th century, were especially fascinating. These subterranean passages once housed soldiers, horses, and ammunition, forming an integral part of the city’s defence system. Emerging from the tunnels, we stood atop the Bock Promontory, a rocky outcrop offering one of the finest views in Luxembourg. From there, the Alzette River curved gracefully below, and the pastel-toned houses of Grund spread out along the valley floor.

Bock Casemates, as viewed from the Corniche

View from the Casemates

Walking along the ridge brought us to the Beck Bastion and the scenic Corniche, often called “Europe’s most beautiful balcony.” From this elevated walkway, we looked over the lower town of Grund, its stone bridges, and the green valley beneath, a view that perfectly captured Luxembourg’s multi-level cityscape.

Crossing the Pfaffenthal district, we ascended towards Fort Thüngen, also known as the “Three Acorns.” The restored fortress, now part of the Museum of Modern Art complex, represented Luxembourg’s continuous evolution, from a fortress city to a cultural capital.

Fort Thüngen

Returning to the upper town, we wandered through the cobbled streets of the Old Town, where elegant façades, government buildings, and quiet courtyards gave a sense of timelessness. The Grand Ducal Palace stood proudly with its ornate Renaissance-style architecture, the official residence of the Grand Duke of Luxembourg and an emblem of the nation’s monarchy. Nearby, the Place d’Armes was surrounded by open-air cafés and framed by classic buildings. A short walk brought us to William Square (Place Guillaume II), marked by the equestrian statue of Grand Duke William II and the Town Hall, the civic heart of the city.

Old Town

Grand Ducal Palace

We then continued to the Gëlle Fra Monument, a golden statue symbolizing freedom and the bravery of Luxembourg’s soldiers. Standing tall against the sky at Place de la Constitution, it offered commanding views over the Petrusse Valley. The adjacent Cathédrale Notre-Dame, with its striking Gothic spires and intricate stained glass windows, added a solemn beauty to the scene.

Place de la Constitution

Cathédrale Notre-Dame

Crossing towards the Adolphe Bridge, we admired the sweeping stone arches spanning the deep valley, an engineering marvel and one of the city’s most recognized landmarks. From the bridge, the skyline of Luxembourg appeared layered, ancient walls, modern glass structures, and lush green valleys intertwined in perfect harmony. Nearby, the Viaduct (Passerelle), an older stone bridge, echoed the same grandeur, connecting the upper and lower parts of the city with graceful symmetry.

Adolphe Bridge

As dusk settled, the city’s lights began to reflect softly on the river, casting a golden hue over the fortifications and bridges. Our walk through Luxembourg had felt like traversing different centuries, from medieval defences to contemporary elegance, all compactly woven within this remarkable city built on cliffs and valleys.

Luxembourg City at night

Prague: The Pulse of Bohemia

Day 1: The Majesty of Prague Castle and Hradčany

Our visit to Prague began with an early morning flight from Munich. After landing, we boarded a city bus that took us through the clean, tree-lined avenues to the youth hostel, located conveniently near Dejvická metro station. After checking in, we took the metro towards Malostranská, the nearest stop for the Hradčany district. The short ride brought us to the foot of one of Europe’s most magnificent historical complexes – Prague Castle.

As we walked uphill from Malostranská, the panorama of Prague Castle unfolded above us, a monumental fortress that had stood for more than a thousand years. Through the centuries, each ruler had left a distinct mark; Gothic spires, Renaissance halls, Baroque facades, and neoclassical wings all coexisted in layered harmony, forming a living record of Central Europe’s architectural evolution.

Prague Castle

We entered through the massive gate, guarded by statues of battling giants, and stepped into the first courtyard; a wide ceremonial space lined with elegant buildings. Moving ahead, we reached the second courtyard, where the Chapel of the Holy Cross stood with its graceful arcades and classical proportions. Beside it, the Picture Gallery of Prague Castle displayed masterpieces from the collection of Emperor Rudolph II; paintings by Titian, Rubens, and Veronese among others.

At the heart of the complex rose the magnificent St. Vitus Cathedral, whose soaring Gothic spires dominated the skyline. Inside, the stained glass windows glowed in jewel-like colours. The Chapel of St. Wenceslas, decorated with gilded reliefs and precious stones, held the tomb of Bohemia’s patron saint. We climbed the Great Tower for a sweeping view over the city’s red roofs and the meandering Vltava River.

St. Vitus Cathedral

Next, we entered the Old Royal Palace, once the seat of Bohemian kings. The vast Vladislav Hall, with its ribbed vaulted ceiling, had witnessed royal banquets, coronations, and even early indoor tournaments. We descended via the Rider’s Staircase, wide enough for knights on horseback to pass, and explored the Ludvík Wing, once the royal residence. Close by, the Mihulka Powder Tower, a round bastion from the 15th century, reminded us of the Castle’s defensive past.

Summer Palace of Queen Anne

We continued to the Convent of St. George and its adjoining Basilica of St. George, one of the oldest surviving churches in Prague, notable for its Romanesque simplicity and twin red spires. Behind the main castle buildings, we walked into the Royal Garden, a tranquil Renaissance landscape with symmetrical lawns and ornamental fountains. The elegant Ball-Game Hall stood nearby, once used for aristocratic sports and festivities. Across the garden, the Summer Palace of Queen Anne, with its delicate arcades, was one of the finest Renaissance buildings north of the Alps. The nearby Riding School, now an exhibition space, completed this section of the complex.

Basilica of St. George

Our next stop was the Golden Lane, a narrow alley lined with tiny, colourful houses that once housed castle guards, goldsmiths, and craftsmen. One of these, number 22, had once been occupied by Franz Kafka, who found inspiration in its solitude. At the end of the lane stood the White Tower and the Daliborka Tower, both used as prisons in earlier centuries.

Leaving the Castle grounds, we entered Hradčany’s noble quarter, home to grand palaces and embassies. The Lobkowicz Palace, now a private museum, displayed family collections of art and musical manuscripts. The Schwarzenberg Palace, with its striking sgraffito facade, and the Archbishop’s Palace, with its Rococo ornamentation, showcased contrasting architectural styles. The Sternberg Palace housed part of the National Gallery’s European art collection, while the Černín Palace, immense and austere, stood as one of the largest Baroque palaces in Prague.

Lobkowicz Palace

Across the square was the Loreta, a Baroque pilgrimage complex famous for its carillon of bells and the replica of the Santa Casa from Italy. The nearby Capuchin Monastery added a sense of quiet devotion. A short walk took us to the Strahov Monastery, known for its Strahov Library, one of the most beautiful in Europe. The Theological and Philosophical Halls contained ancient globes, illuminated manuscripts, and ceiling frescoes depicting the pursuit of wisdom.

Descending from the monastery, we strolled down Nerudova Street, a charming Baroque thoroughfare lined with old merchant houses marked by sculpted emblems instead of numbers, such as the Golden Key and the Red Eagle. Among the grand residences were the Thun-Hohenstein Palace, now the Italian Embassy, and the Morzin Palace, recognizable by its statues of chained Moors.

Nerudova Street

We reached the Lesser Town Square (Malostranské náměstí), dominated by the magnificent St. Nicholas Church, one of the finest Baroque churches in Central Europe. Around the square stood elegant palaces like the Sternberg, Smiřický, and Kaiserstain, each with a distinctive story. The nearby Wallenstein Palace, now the seat of the Czech Senate, boasted vast gardens and decorative sculptures.

St. Nicholas Church

Our route then led past the Church of St. Thomas, the terraced Vrtba Garden, and the Church of Our Lady Victorious, known worldwide for the statue of the Infant Jesus of Prague. Passing through Maltese Square, we crossed over to Kampa Island, a peaceful green space by the river that offered fine views of the Charles Bridge.

The Charles Bridge, completed in the 15th century, connected the Lesser Town with the Old Town. Built of sandstone blocks and supported by sixteen arches, it was lined with thirty statues and sculptural groups depicting saints and historical figures. From the centre of the bridge, the view was unforgettable, Prague Castle stood proudly on one side, while the towers of the Old Town framed the opposite bank. Musicians, painters, and street performers added life to the historic scene.

Charles Bridge

Before returning, we walked through Vojan Park, one of the oldest public gardens in the city, tranquil and shaded, with small chapels dedicated to Elijah and St. Theresa. As evening fell, we boarded a tram back to Dejvická, completing a day filled with history and grandeur.

 

Day 2: Old Town, Jewish Quarter, and New Town

We began our second day by taking the metro to Staroměstská station, right in the heart of Prague’s Old Town. From there, we entered Josefov, the Jewish Quarter, a district steeped in history and resilience. The Old Jewish Cemetery, with its densely packed gravestones dating from the 15th to the 18th century, told a powerful story of endurance. Nearby, the Pinkas Synagogue served as a Holocaust memorial, with thousands of names of victims inscribed on its walls.

Jewish Town Hall

The Klausen Synagogue presented exhibits on Jewish traditions, while the Old-New Synagogue, built in the 13th century, remained one of Europe’s oldest active synagogues. We also visited the Maisel Synagogue, the Jewish Town Hall with its Hebrew clock running counterclockwise, and the richly decorated Spanish Synagogue, known for its Moorish interior design. The nearby Church of the Holy Ghost stood as a Christian counterpart, while the Convent of St. Agnes, an early Gothic structure, reflected Prague’s medieval religious life.

Maisel Synagogue

Crossing toward the river, we reached the Rudolfinum, a neo-Renaissance concert hall that now serves as the home of the Czech Philharmonic Orchestra. From there, we entered the maze of the Old Town, where every corner held a fragment of history. The Powder Tower, once a city gate and gunpowder store, marked the traditional start of royal coronation processions. Beside it stood the Municipal House, a masterpiece of Art Nouveau architecture.

Spanish Synagogue

We wandered through streets lined with historic houses bearing whimsical names, At the Three Kings, At the White Lion, At the Black Sun, and the House of the Black Madonna, an early example of Czech Cubism. The Church of St. James, with its richly baroque interior, and the Estates Theatre, where Mozart premiered Don Giovanni, stood nearby. The Carolinum, part of Charles University, reminded us of Prague’s long academic heritage.

Soon, we reached the Old Town Square, which was bustling with activity as the annual Prague Marathon was underway. Runners filled the historic square, circling past landmarks like the Church of Our Lady before Týn, the elegant Kinský Palace, and the Jan Hus Monument. The Old Town Hall, with its world-famous Astronomical Clock, drew crowds as the twelve apostles appeared in their hourly procession.

Astronomical Clock

We continued toward Mariánské Square, where the Clam-Gallas Palace displayed fine Baroque details. Along Karlova Street, we passed shops and courtyards before reaching the Clementinum, a vast Jesuit complex with libraries and an astronomical tower. At Knights of the Cross Square, we saw the Old Town bridge tower and looked once again toward the Charles Bridge, this time from the opposite side.

Charles Bridge

Following the tram lines along the river, we reached the Dancing House, an icon of modern architecture nicknamed “Fred and Ginger” for its fluid, dynamic curves. From there, we walked into Wenceslas Square, the symbolic heart of Prague’s New Town. Once a medieval horse market, it had become the stage for major historical events. The National Museum crowned its upper end, overlooking the wide boulevard.

Dancing House

Wenceslas Square

Nearby, the Franciscan Garden offered a quiet refuge amid the bustle. We visited the Church of Our Lady of the Snows, the Church of St. Ignatius, and the New Town Hall, each representing a different period of the city’s growth. Farther south stood the Emause Monastery, and the Church of St. Cyril and Methodius, associated with wartime resistance. Our walk ended at the Faust House; a historic residence linked to many legends.

New Town Hall

As evening approached, we took the metro back to Dejvická and returned to our hostel, our feet tired but our minds filled with images of centuries layered together in perfect continuity.

 

Day 3: Farewell and Return

The next morning, as we boarded the return flight to Munich, we watched Prague’s skyline fade; the towers of St. Vitus, the domes of St. Nicholas, and the bridge statues standing silently over the Vltava. Prague had presented itself as a living museum of European civilization, where Gothic, Renaissance, Baroque, and modern eras merged effortlessly.