An illustration of Aiden's profile. He has light skin, short brown hair and is wearing a blue shirt.

vienna & prague, in 194 photos by Aiden H. '28

iap '26 #1

Have you ever dreamed of visiting Europe? Ever checked your financial options and noticed that Central Europe is more realistic than the beaches of Spain and France? Ever heard of Billy Joel? Ever known of Prague as a city and the Czech Republic as a country separately, but then continuously forgot that Prague is in the Czech Republic for like, a decade? Ever used “Kafkaesque” to sound intellectual despite having never read Kafka? Ever wondered what it was like for a random college student on the internet to do these things for you? Have you wanted that very experience to contain a mind-numbing, overbearing amount of detail and documentation?

If the answer to any of these question is yes, I’m about to make your year in ways you could never have anticipated.

This past IAP,⁠01 Independent Activities Period, MIT's J-Term where students can take classes, participate in special programs, or just take a long winter break I participated in the GTL⁠02 Global Teaching Labs program, in which I spent 3.5 weeks in Germany teaching chemistry to high school students. But considering I was already going to be in Europe, I decided to leave four days early to explore on my own! Here’s what happened:

 

Saturday January 3rd/Sunday January 4th

After a mess of cars, trains, planes and time zone changes, I had arrived in Vienna. Nothing notable happened on the journey, except that it was my first longgg flight (the longest previous only being the four hours of DEN -> BOS) and it went surprisingly well/fast, mostly because I was entertained by the random men sitting in front of me who decided to get absolutely shitfaced drunk!

I was staying in a hostel because ~cheap~, so after heading there and dropping off my bags around 5:00 PM, I went out to the downtown area for the night to get dinner and see a couple of the most famous landmarks still open, including St. Stephens Cathedral! I don’t know why it was built or if it has any significance other than being pretty, but it definitely lived up to my expectations of spectacle:

Compact hostel room with two sets of bunk beds, white curtains, and wooden ladders. An orange towel hangs on a bed. Curtain-drawn window on right. Cozy and utilitarian.
hostel
Interior of a grand cathedral with soaring arches, ornate chandeliers, intricate sculptures, and an altar decorated for the season.
st stephen's
Interior of a grand cathedral with towering arches, ornate altars, and visitors among festive greenery and soft lighting.
Intricate gothic architecture featuring vaulted ceilings and detailed columns inside a historic cathedral.
Gothic cathedral interior with towering arches, ornate carvings, chandeliers, rows of empty chairs, and statues. The atmosphere is grand and serene.
Gothic cathedral at night, viewed from below, showcasing intricate spires and stained glass windows against a dark sky, creating a majestic and awe-inspiring scene.
City street at night with festive red lights illuminating buildings. People walk, bundled in coats. The scene feels lively and vibrant, capturing a holiday atmosphere.
A bustling city street at night adorned with festive lights and stars. People stroll past decorated shops, creating a lively and cheerful atmosphere.
A bustling city street at night adorned with festive lights and stars. People stroll past decorated shops, creating a lively and cheerful atmosphere.

I walked around the area for a little, but none of the stores were open because it was Sunday. I enjoyed the Christmas fairy lights until stumbling into an Italian restaurant for dinner (which was unfortunately not good enough to deserve a photo).

 

Monday January 5th

Monday was when we kicked activities into high gear. After a full night’s sleep in the moist air of the hostel, I convinced myself jet lag wasn’t real and got up at 7:00 to head to Schonbrunn Palace. It served as a palace for Austrian royalty (and occasionally Napoleon when he was, you know, Napoleon-ing), but now acts as a museum and public ground:

A large, historic building with yellow walls is in the background, featuring a tall Christmas tree in front. Groups of people, bundled in winter clothing, walk along a cobblestone path. Gold decorations frame the scene, creating a festive atmosphere.
Schönbrunn Palace
Festive market scene with a large lit star and
Festive market scene with a large lit star and
A large Christmas tree adorned with lights stands in front of the ornate yellow facade of a historic building. People in winter clothing walk around, creating a festive atmosphere.

The outside of the palace grounds has some activities and a bunch of little shops and food pop-ups:

A festive marketplace with decorated stalls in the foreground, adorned with garlands and lights. A Ferris wheel is visible in the background under an overcast sky.
Busy outdoor Christmas market with festive stalls adorned with greenery and lights. People in winter clothing explore food and craft displays. Cozy winter atmosphere.
People walk past decorated market stalls at an outdoor winter market. Stalls have lit garlands. The sky is overcast, creating a cozy, festive atmosphere.

Inside was obviously, for lack of a better term, gag. Eventually I stopped taking photos because it was genuinely two and a half hours of painted ceiling after ballroom after famous person’s bed after marble staircase ad nauseam:

An ornate church interior features a large religious painting with gilded frames and statues. A high, detailed ceiling enhances the grandeur and reverent mood.
Ornate hall with a grand ceiling mural depicting celestial figures and clouds. Elegant chandeliers illuminate the gilded, baroque décor. Majestic ambiance.
Opulent hall with gilded decor and intricate ceiling fresco. Visitors admire the ornate chandeliers and lavish golden details on walls.
Baroque-style ceiling fresco depicting a dynamic scene of angels, cherubs, and mythological figures amidst swirling clouds and vibrant blue sky.
Luxurious room with gilded walls and ornate black panels featuring intricate landscapes. A large, framed portrait of a man in regal attire dominates the scene. Antique chairs and opulent decor suggest elegance and history.

After Schonbrunn, I headed back into the thick of town and ate at a very famous touristy spot, Cafe Central. It’s pretty hyped because people like Freud and Lenin used to sit there and philosophize, but now it’s just a tourist trap (which of course I’ll buy into). The food was fine, but the experience was worth it enough:

People in winter clothing stand in line outside Café Central, Vienna. A decorated Christmas tree adds festive cheer beside the entrance.
Elegant cafe interior with arched ceilings, hanging lamps, and a lively atmosphere. Coats hang on racks, and patrons chat below. Cozy and inviting.
Elegant café with arched ceilings and large windows. Patrons sit at intricately designed chairs, creating a cozy and inviting atmosphere.
A plate of ravioli with sauce, topped with microgreens and sesame seeds, surrounded by cherry tomatoes. Silverware is placed to the side.
A plate of powdered sugar-dusted Kaiserschmarrn, a torn Austrian pancake, is on a white tablecloth. Nearby is a dish of red jam and a cup.
kaiserschmarrn (torn pancakes) is the one food i recommend most

As I left the restaurant, I wandered around some streets before arriving at Hofburg Palace in the middle of Vienna:

Elegant European building with ornate facade, housing a hotel and cafe. Street scene with people, cars, and a sculpture in the foreground. Overcast sky.
Historic building with ornate stone facade and green roof, surrounded by cars and pedestrians on a busy street. Overcast sky adds a muted tone.
Historic plaza with a prominent equestrian statue at the center, framed by a grand white building with ornate sculptures and gold accents. Overcast sky.
Equestrian statue in front of a grand baroque building with ornate sculptures. Overcast sky adds a somber tone. Banner on facade reads
Historic yellow building on a busy urban corner, showcasing detailed architecture with ornate balconies. People walk by; a cyclist rides along the street.
A bustling European square with historic architecture flanking both sides. People in winter clothing fill the scene, conveying a lively urban atmosphere.
Narrow European street with elegant, ornate buildings, arched windows, and decorative columns. Red newspaper box in foreground, cyclists in distance. Quiet, historic atmosphere.
Ornate green dome with gold accents atop a historic building, featuring a detailed stone statue of classical figures, evoking a sense of grandeur.
Hofburg Palace
Ornate green dome with gold accents atop a historic building, featuring a detailed stone statue of classical figures, evoking a sense of grandeur.
A bustling square in front of the grand, baroque Hofburg Palace facade in Vienna. Tourists gather below the ornate, green-domed entrance under a gray sky.
People gather outside the Hofburg Palace, Vienna, featuring a grand Baroque facade and a green dome under an overcast sky, creating a historic atmosphere.

This entire area is packed with monuments and museums, so I started with the National Library, which had a cool exhibit on the history of public health and medicinal conspiracy (how topical!):

A grand library interior filled with visitors. Ornate columns, gold-accented bookshelves, and a beautifully painted ceiling create a historic and awe-inspiring atmosphere.
Grand library interior with a central statue of an armored figure. Walls lined with wooden bookshelves, capturing a historic and majestic atmosphere.
Ornate library interior with tall, curved bookcases lined with books, elaborate gold details, statues, and visitors taking photos, conveying grandeur.
A grand hall filled with people, features a central white marble statue of a regal, robed figure surrounded by ornate columns and intricate woodwork.
Baroque cathedral ceiling with intricate frescoes of angels and figures in vibrant colors. Ornate architecture surrounds large, arched windows.
Ornate ceiling mural depicting a dynamic scene of angels and cherubs surrounded by clouds in vibrant colors. The setting exudes elegance and grandeur.
Ornate Baroque ceiling decoration with two golden angels playing trumpets, surrounded by intricate scrollwork and a regal coat of arms, exuding elegance.
Ornate library interior with a domed, frescoed ceiling featuring vibrant historical scenes and gold embellishments. Tall bookshelves line the walls.
A regal statue of a king in armor and robes stands confidently in a grand hall. Elaborate columns and ornate decor create an opulent atmosphere.
Ornate ceiling mural depicting a historical scene with figures in classical attire. Central figure with red cape, surrounded by soldiers and horses.

Eventually I walked around the corner into the official Museum Quarter:

Ornate stone building facade with arched windows and a large wooden door. Manicured conical shrubs line the walkway, creating a formal, historic atmosphere.
Historic European building with an ornate stone facade and rows of arched and rectangular windows. The architecture exudes grandeur and elegance.
Close-up of a neoclassical façade with ornate columns, topped by bronze statues and a golden eagle. Latin inscription in gold letters below the eagle.
Neon sign reading
A grand, ornate building with arches and domed towers under a cloudy sky, surrounded by manicured bushes; the scene feels historic and majestic.
Historic museum building with a grand domed roof, stone facade, and arched windows in a landscaped garden with neatly trimmed shrubs on an overcast day.
A grand statue depicts a seated figure atop a towering pedestal surrounded by four equestrian statues. The cloudy sky and gathered crowd lend a solemn tone.
Imposing neoclassical building with ornate façade, central steps leading to arched entrance, overcast sky, and sparse trees, conveying grandeur and history.
Elegant neoclassical building facade with columns and ornate sculptures. Wide stone steps lead to grand arched entrance flanked by statues, conveying historical grandeur.
Grand historic building with ornate stone facade, arched windows, and classical sculptures atop. Overcast sky; small figures walking nearby. Majestic tone.
Grand white neoclassical building with ornate windows and a central arched doorway. Trucks are parked nearby, separated by a strip of red and white tape. Overcast sky.

The anthropology/art museum was my favorite just for it’s architecture, which features a restaurant in the middle on the second floor under a huge glass dome:

A dramatic painting scene with four expressive faces. Three men and a woman display intense emotions of fear and anguish, conveying a tense atmosphere.
A vibrant still-life painting in an ornate frame showcases a lush bouquet of flowers in various colors, evoking a sense of natural beauty and elegance.
Painting of a human figure in profile, comprised of fruits and vegetables. The torso is made of wheat, with a rich mix of produce forming the face and head. The mood is whimsical and artistic.
Painting of a surreal portrait using assorted objects, like wood, metal, and fire. Bright flames form hair, creating a dynamic and imaginative composition.
Painting of a lush floral arrangement with vibrant red, blue, and white flowers in a gold vase. Nest with eggs below, set against dark green foliage.
A haunting painting of Medusa's severed head with snakes for hair, set against a dark, moody background. The artwork evokes a sense of horror and tragedy.
Framed painting of a vibrant flower bouquet in a vase. The flowers, in various colors, are set against a dark background, conveying elegance and tranquility.
A dramatic painting depicts a distressed man lying on the ground, eyes wide open. He is partially covered by a red cloth, exuding tension and urgency.
Bronze statue of a winged angel holding a wreath, standing atop a ball. The backdrop features a classical building facade and pine tree branches.
Bronze statue of a winged angel holding a wreath, standing atop a ball. The backdrop features a classical building facade and pine tree branches.
Bronze statue of a winged angel holding a wreath, standing atop a ball. The backdrop features a classical building facade and pine tree branches.
A marble lion sculpture roars majestically inside an ornate building. The lion holds a decorative shield with intricate carvings, under a high, arched ceiling.
A large, detailed marble statue depicts a warrior in a dynamic pose, towering over a fallen enemy in an ornate hall. Visitors observe, adding scale.
Ornate wall relief featuring two cherubs flanking a decorative shield with swirling patterns. A ribbon and crown top the design, set against a marbled backdrop.
Ornate ceiling fresco depicting a vibrant historical scene with figures in flowing garments, surrounded by intricate gold and beige architectural designs.
A historic painting shows an ornate Baroque building in a European square, bustling with small figures of people, conveying a lively, timeless atmosphere.
Large, ornate interior with marble columns and arches, featuring classical statues. A crowd gathers beneath a grand window, creating a historic and majestic atmosphere.
Large, ornate interior with marble columns and arches, featuring classical statues. A crowd gathers beneath a grand window, creating a historic and majestic atmosphere.
Elegant museum interior with grand marble columns, detailed arches, and classical sculptures. A large art banner and festive Christmas trees add warmth.
Elegant museum interior with grand marble columns, detailed arches, and classical sculptures. A large art banner and festive Christmas trees add warmth.
Ornate museum hall with marble sculptures, vaulted ceiling with intricate frescoes, and stone busts on pedestals. A person is observing the art.
Ornate museum interior with marble columns, decorative arches, and vibrant ceiling art. Visitors ascend a staircase, capturing the grandeur on camera.
Grand staircase in a lavish hall with intricate arches and ornate columns. People are admiring the architecture, creating a sense of awe and grandeur.
People ascending a grand, ornate staircase in a museum. The ceiling is adorned with elaborate frescoes, arches, and marble columns, conveying elegance.
Grand museum entrance with marble columns and a staircase leading to a large sculpture. People ascend the stairs, creating a lively and engaged atmosphere.
Ornate circular ceiling with intricate carvings and golden accents, featuring a central dome with round windows, creating a majestic, awe-inspiring atmosphere.

At this point I was dead exhausted so I stopped at a cafe for tea before trudging on into the darkness about 30 minutes south to the famous Belvedere Palace and museum. I don’t know if this or Schonbrunn is more famous, but I definitely preferred Schonbrunn’s vibes. Nonetheless, they famously hold The Kiss by Klimt!⁠03 which is like a mid-to-bad painting in my opinion but we don't gotta get into that

Illuminated baroque building at night, with ornate windows and arched entrances. People gather at the lit entrance, creating a lively ambiance.
belvedere
Illuminated baroque building at night, with ornate windows and arched entrances. People gather at the lit entrance, creating a lively ambiance.
Illuminated baroque building at night, with ornate windows and arched entrances. People gather at the lit entrance, creating a lively ambiance.
Grand ornate room with high ceilings, elaborate chandeliers, arched windows, and detailed frescoes. The ambiance is opulent and majestic.
A painting depicts a couple embracing, wrapped in a golden, patterned cloak, set against a shimmering background. The tone is romantic and serene.
A painting depicts a couple embracing, wrapped in a golden, patterned cloak, set against a shimmering background. The tone is romantic and serene.
A serene painting of a cottage surrounded by lush greenery and colorful wildflowers, exuding a peaceful, idyllic atmosphere with soft pastel tones.
A framed artwork featuring a stone relief of two seated figures surrounded by a vibrant floral wreath with roses, lilies, and greenery, conveying elegance.
A still life painting features vibrant flowers, a tipped basket spilling fruit, a white rabbit, and a glass bowl with fish, all on a dark background.
A vibrant painting framed in ornate gold depicts a lush garden path lined with colorful flowers. The scene conveys a sense of tranquility and beauty.
Framed painting of a serene autumn path with a woman and dog walking. Leaves in vibrant fall colors cover the ground, creating a peaceful, nostalgic scene.
Two ornate ceramic vases with intertwined tentacle designs in red and beige, displayed on a red pedestal in a softly lit museum setting.

 

Tuesday January 6th

Tuesday was relaxing but pictureless! I packed up, got breakfast, and then boarded the 4.5 hour train from Vienna to Prague. At this point in the trip I was pretty exhausted and already feeling pretty burnt out on travel, so I was okay not waking up early to go see another museum or palace. In fact, a lot of the time while I was traveling, especially in Vienna, I got super in my head about whether or not things were underwhelming, or if I wasn’t taking as much of an advantage as I could by doing literally everything possible from sun up to sun down, even if I didn’t want to. Fortunately, Prague very much made up for these feelings.

By the time I got to my hostel in Prague, I was tired enough to just get dinner (which was surprisingly good ramen for a Central European country?) and then pass out. Onwards and upwards!

 

Wednesday January 7th

Another very packed day! I had many less plans and had conducted much less research on Prague than Vienna, which ended up really working to my advantage. Instead of tiring myself with museum after museum, I kinda just wandered around and took a bunch of architecture pictures, maybe stumbling in somewhere if it seemed cheap and worth my time.

I started in the heart of downtown next to this famous clock! (Don’t ask me what it’s called, I’m not good with history or caring enough about it to Google what this clock is lol)

People gather in front of a historical astronomical clock mounted on an ornate stone tower under a partly cloudy sky, conveying a sense of awe and curiosity.
The image shows a historic astronomical clock on an old building with intricate details. People in winter clothing gather below, gazing upward.
Historic church with ornate architecture featuring three green copper-domed towers, intricate carvings, and bare trees in the foreground, under a cloudy sky.
A cobblestone square is bordered by colorful historic buildings under a cloudy sky. People in winter clothing walk, creating a lively, vibrant atmosphere.
A bustling European street scene features historic, colorful buildings and a gothic church. Pedestrians in winter clothes walk along the cobblestone road.
Cobblestone street scene with people walking, ornate historic buildings on both sides, and bare trees lining the path. The atmosphere is lively yet calm.
A bustling European street scene with ornate historic buildings, featuring pastel facades and red rooftops. People walk by shops beneath a cloudy sky.
A bustling European street scene with ornate historic buildings, featuring pastel facades and red rooftops. People walk by shops beneath a cloudy sky.

In typical European fashion, I kept wandering and found a castle:

Gothic-style church with tall, pointed spires against a cloudy sky. Stone facade features arched windows. People walk nearby, creating a lively atmosphere.
A large, gothic-style stone church with tall arched windows dominates the scene. Three people walk nearby on a cobblestone street under a gray sky.
Bustling European square with ornate, colorful historic buildings under a cloudy sky. People in winter clothing walk, creating a lively, vibrant scene.

I stopped in a random place for brunch and let👏me👏tell👏you👏 about this damn brunch. Not only was everything ridiculously cheap (two whole entrees and two drinks for like $20), it was so simple yet perfect. Whatever was in that pancake mascarpone cream was CRAZY I was essentially licking the bowl:

A wooden tray on a black table holds a white teapot, cup, honey, and lemon slice. Nearby are a salt shaker and glass. The café is cozy with people in the background.
A cozy café scene with two plates of breakfast on a table. One plate has scrambled eggs with herbs and toast, the other scones with fruit. A pot of tea, a glass of water, and a milk cup accompany the meal. A couple is chatting in the background, adding a warm, social atmosphere.
A cozy café scene with a stylish geometric wall and patterned floor. A table displays a water bottle, flowers, and a receipt, creating a relaxed vibe.

From here, I just walked around until eventually making my way to the famous Charles Bridge:

Urban scene with a tall, historic Gothic tower framed by old and modern buildings. People in winter clothing walk along the street, creating a lively, bustling atmosphere.
Street scene with pedestrians, including someone with a stroller, near a large stone building. The sky is overcast, and the atmosphere is bustling yet calm.
Narrow cobblestone street in Prague lined with colorful historic buildings. Church with tall spires stands in the background under a cloudy sky.
Narrow cobblestone street lined with parked cars and colorful European buildings, leading to tall, Gothic-style spires under a cloudy sky.
A bustling European square with cobblestone streets, surrounded by charming historic buildings. People are dressed warmly, conveying a chilly, lively atmosphere.
A crowd in winter clothing walks towards a Gothic stone tower adorned with statues. Historic buildings line the street, and the sky is overcast.
View of a city with a historic cathedral on a cloudy day. Tourists, wearing winter attire, stand on a stone walkway, capturing photos of the scenery.
Crowded Charles Bridge in Prague with people bundled in winter clothing. Historic buildings and a church with green domes visible in the background.
Gothic cathedral with pointed spires and ornate details, set against a cloudy sky. Red-roofed buildings in the foreground suggest an old European city.
A historic cityscape with colorful, red-roofed buildings along a river under a cloudy sky. A lamppost is in the foreground on a stone bridge.
A historic cityscape with colorful, red-roofed buildings along a river under a cloudy sky. A lamppost is in the foreground on a stone bridge.
View of a European cityscape with historic yellow buildings and red-tiled roofs under a cloudy sky. A hilly landscape is visible in the background.
People walk on a cobblestone bridge with historical stone towers and statues. The sky is overcast, adding a calm, chilly atmosphere to the scene.

Now across the bridge, I made my way up the basically 90 degree angle that is Prague sidewalks to a famous monastery, Strahov. Inside there is a library, small museum, and court grounds:

River scene with two people by the shore, overlooking historic buildings and a bridge with towers. Overcast sky and bare trees create a serene, wintery atmosphere.
River scene with two people by the shore, overlooking historic buildings and a bridge with towers. Overcast sky and bare trees create a serene, wintery atmosphere.
Stone bridge over a wide river with a yellow historic building in the background. Overcast sky, bare trees, and a few people by the riverside. Calm and serene atmosphere.
Bare tree branches frame a riverside scene with a bridge, historic buildings, and boats on a cloudy day. People in winter attire are in the foreground.
Narrow cobblestone street lined with parked cars and historic buildings under an overcast sky. A blue parking sign is visible in the foreground.
View of a cityscape with historical buildings featuring red roofs and a large, ornate building in the foreground. Overcast sky and scattered trees add a somber tone.
View of a cityscape with historical buildings featuring red roofs and a large, ornate building in the foreground. Overcast sky and scattered trees add a somber tone.
View of a cityscape with historical buildings featuring red roofs and a large, ornate building in the foreground. Overcast sky and scattered trees add a somber tone.
Street view of a historic yellow building with a clock, lined with parked cars and pedestrians on a cobblestone sidewalk under a cloudy sky.
People walk along a cobblestone path toward a historic white church with ornate windows and a golden sun detail. Leafless trees line the path, creating a serene atmosphere.
Ornate library with wooden shelves filled with books, grand frescoed ceiling depicting historical scenes, and elegant chairs, exuding a classic, scholarly ambiance.
Ornate library interior with rich wooden shelves filled with books. A vibrant, detailed fresco adorns the ceiling, depicting ethereal figures and a sky motif.
Ornate library hall with a vaulted ceiling featuring detailed frescoes. Wooden shelves lined with books, a central desk, and a statue evoke a historic ambiance.
Ornate library hall with a vaulted ceiling featuring detailed frescoes. Wooden shelves lined with books, a central desk, and a statue evoke a historic ambiance.
A painting in a golden frame depicts a woman in Renaissance attire holding a severed head and a sword. She appears calm, with a dark, dramatic background.
pov i get a sword
Ornate ceiling fresco with vibrant, historical figures above arched windows in a dimly lit room, exuding grandeur and artistic mastery.
Historic building courtyard with white walls and red-tiled roof, showcasing a tall bell tower with green accents against a cloudy blue sky. Elegant and serene.
View of a serene courtyard with a dusting of snow on the grass, surrounded by a historic building with red roofs and arches under a partly cloudy sky.
Scale model of a historic monastery with orange roofs and tall towers, surrounded by greenery and pathways, under soft indoor lighting.
Ornate church altar with a religious painting, surrounded by gold details and sculpture. Flanked by two tall, arched windows, creating a serene ambience.

Now we get to the real highlight: the VIEWS. On the way down from the thigh-burning hill, you can see the rest of Prague in such a breathtaking way that the dozens of photos on my Samsung Galaxy cannot capture:

Panoramic view of a city with red-tiled rooftops and historic buildings under a cloudy sky. The scene evokes a serene and timeless atmosphere.
Snow-dusted cityscape with red-roofed buildings under a cloudy sky. A path winds through the foreground, flanked by a fence, evoking a tranquil winter vibe.
Snow-dusted cityscape with red-roofed buildings under a cloudy sky. A path winds through the foreground, flanked by a fence, evoking a tranquil winter vibe.
Expansive cityscape of Prague with red rooftops, historic buildings, and distant skyline. A snowy foreground adds a wintery feel under a cloudy sky.
Expansive cityscape of Prague with red rooftops, historic buildings, and distant skyline. A snowy foreground adds a wintery feel under a cloudy sky.
View of a historic city with pastel-colored buildings and red roofs leading to a large cathedral with tall spires under a cloudy sky. Two people walk down a path.
Scenic view of Prague with red-roofed buildings and historical architecture. Overcast sky adds a serene, moody tone. Distant hills in background.
Scenic view of Prague with red-roofed buildings and historical architecture. Overcast sky adds a serene, moody tone. Distant hills in background.
Scenic view of Prague with red-roofed buildings and historical architecture. Overcast sky adds a serene, moody tone. Distant hills in background.
Panoramic view of a city with red-tiled rooftops and historic buildings under a cloudy sky. The scene evokes a serene and timeless atmosphere.
Panoramic view of a city with red-tiled rooftops and historic buildings under a cloudy sky. The scene evokes a serene and timeless atmosphere.
Panoramic view of a city with red-tiled rooftops and historic buildings under a cloudy sky. The scene evokes a serene and timeless atmosphere.

At the base of the river again, I saw a bunch of people walking up and down a side street, so I wandered up another hill to find a completely new neighborhood with a bunch of government buildings and, you guessed it, another breathtaking castle:

Historic city square with cobblestone pavement, a large baroque building with red roof, cloudy sky, people walking, and ornate streetlamps.
Historic beige building with many windows on a cloudy day, viewed from below. A Christmas tree is visible on a sloped wall with street signs.
Historic castle with ornate architecture on a cloudy day. A cobblestone plaza in front, people walking, conveying a sense of grandeur and history.
A cobblestone square with historic buildings featuring colorful facades. Bare trees, a vintage street lamp, and pedestrians create a serene winter scene.
Ornate historical building with a baroque facade facing a cobblestone square. People are walking, suggesting a lively, active atmosphere.
Ornate green street lamp with decorative elements stands in a cobblestone square. Surrounded by historic buildings with red-tiled roofs and parked cars.
Historic square with cobblestones lined with parked cars, adjacent to a large yellow building with arched windows; clear sky above suggests a crisp, peaceful day.
A grand historic building with a red-tiled roof and ornate architecture stands against a cloudy sky. Cobblestone street in foreground, cars parked nearby.
Historic church tower with a green dome and clock, surrounded by leafless trees. Cobblestone path with people walking nearby, under a cloudy sky.
Historic European building with a clock tower, reddish-brown roof, and beige facade. Parked cars and a bare tree line the cobblestone street. Cloudy sky.
A cobblestone street lined with historic European buildings featuring red-tiled roofs and ornate details. In the distance, church spires tower under a cloudy sky.
this is my favorite photo i've ever taken
A cobblestone square with people walking toward an ornate historic building against a cloudy sky. Decorative street lamps add a festive touch.
A cobblestone street lined with historic buildings, adorned with light snowfall. People walk under cloudy skies, evoking a serene, wintry atmosphere.
View of a cityscape with a cobblestone courtyard in the foreground. A few people stroll under a cloudy sky, with distant city buildings visible.
View of a cityscape with a cobblestone courtyard in the foreground. A few people stroll under a cloudy sky, with distant city buildings visible.
View of a cityscape with a cobblestone courtyard in the foreground. A few people stroll under a cloudy sky, with distant city buildings visible.
View of a cityscape with a cobblestone courtyard in the foreground. A few people stroll under a cloudy sky, with distant city buildings visible.
Cityscape of Prague with red-tiled roofs under a cloudy sky, featuring historic buildings and a distant modern skyline. The mood is serene and overcast.

This palace ground was different because there was a) actual policing and guards standing watch as people walk around, and b) an entire mini city within the palace grounds, with its own shops, hotels, restaurants, etc. It felt like I entered a city-within-a-city that was somehow completely hiding on the map and from my vision the whole time:

People walk towards a historic building with tall spires and ornate architecture. The sky is overcast, creating a cold, serene atmosphere.
Spacious courtyard surrounded by historic beige buildings with a small chapel, arched windows, and parked cars. The atmosphere is serene and architectural.
Gothic cathedral facade with tall spires and ornate details. People stand and walk in the foreground, some taking photos. Sky is overcast.
Gothic cathedral facade with an intricate circular rose window and elaborate stone carvings, conveying grandeur and historical artistry.
People walk through a spacious cobblestone courtyard surrounded by ornate historic buildings under a cloudy sky, conveying a tranquil, wintery atmosphere.
Gothic cathedral with ornate spires and green rooftops stands against a cloudy sky. People are scattered across the cobblestone square in front.
Looking up at a Gothic-style church facade with intricate stone detailing. Tall, arched window with metal grille against a cloudy sky. Dramatic and imposing.
Historic building with a red-tiled roof and arched windows against a cloudy sky. People walk across the cobblestone square, suggesting a cold, serene atmosphere.

And of course, more views:

A scenic view of a historic cityscape with red-roofed buildings and a prominent green-domed cathedral. Snow-dusted rooftops and hills in the background evoke winter.
View of a historic cityscape with numerous red-tiled rooftops and a hill in the background. A brick wall frames the left side. The atmosphere is serene.
A panoramic view of a cityscape with red-roofed buildings and patches of snow. The cloudy sky adds a serene, wintry atmosphere.
A panoramic view of a cityscape with red-roofed buildings and patches of snow. The cloudy sky adds a serene, wintry atmosphere.
A panoramic view of a cityscape with red-roofed buildings and patches of snow. The cloudy sky adds a serene, wintry atmosphere.
View of a cityscape with red-tiled rooftops under a cloudy sky. People in winter clothing stand in the foreground, beneath a large umbrella.

I recrossed the bridge into the main downtown, making my way towards an all-vegetarian Czech restaurant that was actually really really good? I had a much needed beet salad,⁠04 I LOVE beets I think everyone should love beets they are an essential part of any diet and lifestyle vegan goulash, and pistachio tiramisu.

Historic clock tower illuminated at night, surrounded by ornate buildings. A crowd of warmly dressed people strolls beneath glowing streetlights, creating a cozy ambiance.
Historic clock tower illuminated at night, surrounded by ornate buildings. A crowd of warmly dressed people strolls beneath glowing streetlights, creating a cozy ambiance.
A lively night scene of a historic square with ornate buildings lit by street lamps. People walk along the cobblestone, creating a warm, inviting atmosphere.
Nighttime cityscape with ornate buildings and glowing street lamps. People walk by on the cobblestone street, conveying a lively atmosphere.
Narrow cobblestone street at night, lined with historic buildings and glowing lanterns, leading to a Gothic church with pointed spires under a cloudy sky.
Nighttime city street with parked cars alongside ornate, historic buildings lit by warm streetlights. The cobblestone sidewalk adds a vintage charm.
A plate of beet carpaccio topped with dollops of creamy cheese, pecans, croutons, and garnished with fresh pea shoots on a white round dish.

And that was it! In the morning I packed up for Germany.

 

What I Learned:

  • Prague > Vienna. I prefer the architecture, food, and weather.
  • I don’t like solo travel…at least, in Europe. I’m not an extroverted person when it comes to making quick friends or talking to strangers, so it was very easy to feel lonely. This was verrrry shocking to me, considering I rarely feel lonely and am totally fine to go eat out/see a movie/hang out by myself year round. In a place where the goal is to wander and experience, though, I felt like I needed someone there just to talk about things with. If there were more tangible or physical activities and not walking/looking/reading, these feelings would’ve been curbed more.
  • I should prioritize weather/nature based vacation. There were no highlights about winter in Europe. I feel like parts of Vienna were ruined simply because I didn’t want to be outside, or everything was just grey and ugly. Prague has this problem considerably less, because the Russian vibe made the winter aesthetic feel more correct? I didn’t feel like any part of Prague was ruined because of the snow or would be enhanced by warm air and lush greenery.
  • I’m satiated with my European adventures for a while. I’m excited to explore places that are much more foreign to my lifestyle and views. My current dream destinations are Peru, Thailand, and Iceland. Considering my current budget and time, my goal is to go to Canada this year.⁠05 British Columbia in the summer? Though this is pretty similar to Colorado and not that foreign lol Belgium, Netherlands, and the like will take some time for me to become interested in though.

Overall, I’m of course glad I went and will look back on this for the rest of my life, but I would be lying if I said that spending 4 days walking around alone while jet lagged was totally perfect. I would absolutely in a heartbeat go back to Prague though….so if anyone wants to like pay for my trip or invite me just leave a comment or something.

Bis später!

(If you actually read this whole thing or even looked at half the pictures, you deserve a medal. Here it is: 🏅)

  1. Independent Activities Period, MIT's J-Term where students can take classes, participate in special programs, or just take a long winter break⁠ ↑
  2. Global Teaching Labs⁠ ↑
  3. which is like a mid-to-bad painting in my opinion but we don't gotta get into that⁠ ↑
  4. I LOVE beets I think everyone should love beets they are an essential part of any diet and lifestyle⁠ ↑
  5. British Columbia in the summer? Though this is pretty similar to Colorado and not that foreign lol⁠ ↑