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I’ve finally made it to Prague, a city that I had been idealizing for as long as I can remember. And for once, it turned out that my imagination and mile high expectations were matching the real thing. The beautiful pastel buildings, lavish ornaments, spires, bridges, even the statues and the slightly creepy and mysterious touch – everything about this city made me giddy as a schoolgirl and left me with a need to do some serious exploring.
So Prague is a pretty cool city. It has moved up all the way to the top of my list of favourite European cities, passing Berlin in a flurry, but Prague has also one big disadvantage. The crowds were absolutely insane. Choosing late fall for a visit, I had hoped that I would be able to avoid the worst of it, but it appears that Prague is popular with the tourists all year round.
Although the pictures below might give off the impression, that I had the place to myself, I assure you that quite the opposite was true. Sometimes I get asked, how I manage to photograph famous landmarks completely devoid of people. The answer is simple and requires a little bit of willpower (or someone dragging you out of bed). Get up well before sunrise, both to avoid the crowds and get some peace and quiet, as well as to make sure you get the best light for photography.
Still, apart from my early morning stints, I braved the days as well and elbowed and pushed my way all through the old town and up to the castle to catch the famous view. It was well worth it. Compared to the tight confines of small alleyways and squares, the crowds spread out more on the extensive and open castle grounds. I was able to breathe again and snap some beautiful photos high above Prague.
Old town square and the astronomical clock early in the morning
Marionettes – the witches are dancing in Prague
Little boy dreaming of Prague
View over Prague from the castle
The guards of Pragues castle, the Hradní Stráž, marching on the castle grounds
The guards of Pragues castle, the Hradní Stráž, marching on the castle grounds
The Charles Bridge early in the morning
These are all really lovely, Tiff. Hard to pick a fave – competition between the boy leaning over the wall, and the Marionettes 🙂
Thanks Lauren 🙂 The marionettes are still haunting my dreams…
Hi Tiffany. I especially like your photos at dawn. There are usually lots of people out and about on the “royal axis”, so “forcing” yourself to get up before dawn to catch the light and some of the sights with fewer people around is worth it in my view. Schöne Fotos, and they’re making me miss Praha. Despite the many times I’ve been there, I can always find something new to see and love in the city. Thanks for your post!
Thanks Henry! You’re right of course, dawn does produce some beautiful photos. I just wish I was more of a morning person 😉
What a beautiful place! So picturesque. I wish I was there!