My Prague Half Marathon
If you’ve ever wanted to explore a new city by literally running through its streets, Prague is the perfect place to do it. I decided to make a weekend trip from Berlin to Prague, and what better way to see the city than by participating in the Prague Half Marathon? Spoiler alert: It was hot, it was sweaty, and it was absolutely worth it.
Day 1: Arrival and Exploring the Old Town
Flixbus Adventures: Berlin to Prague
Traveling to Prague from Berlin was a bit of a mixed bag, thanks to my frenemy, Flixbus. I've had my share of questionable experiences with this budget-friendly bus service. It’s not exactly luxurious, but it’s cheap and, for the most part, gets the job done. I wouldn’t call it my first choice, but for a quick weekend trip like this, it did the trick. After about five hours on the road, we rolled into Prague, and I was ready to make the most of my time in this stunning city.
Hostel Life: The Perfect Prague Base
I arrived around midday and headed straight to Pension & Downtown Hostel, where I stayed in a girls-only room with five other beds. The room, which we shared with a private bathroom, was nothing fancy but perfectly located—just a 10-15 minute walk from the Old Town and only five minutes from the river. It was exactly what I needed for my short stay, and in the world of hostels, having our own bathroom was a major win. If you’re heading to Prague for a weekend, this spot is ideal. The hostel let me check in early (major win), so I dropped off my stuff and ventured out for a snack.
Wandering Through Old Town: Museums, Markets, and Park Hopping
My first stop was Café Café for a strawberry ice cream bowl and coffee. I was expecting vanilla ice cream, but to my surprise, it was yogurt ice cream—so good! With my sweet tooth satisfied, I began exploring Prague by foot.
I wandered through the Old Town, passing by the Astronomical Clock and the bustling market in Old Town Square. I couldn’t resist popping into the Central Gallery, where they had exhibitions featuring Andy Warhol, Salvador Dalí, and Alfons Mucha. Art fix—check.
To kill some time before race check-in, I took a leisurely walk to Královská obora Stromovka park, passing through Letna Park along the way. After picking up my race materials, I headed back towards the Old Town for dinner. I had planned to try Lokál Dlouhááá for some authentic Czech food, but the wait was too long, and I was too hungry. Instead, I found myself at Peru Peru, where I had a delicious meal before strolling back to my hostel, enjoying the sight of the Astronomical Clock lit up at night. I crashed early, knowing I had a big day ahead of me.
Day 2: Race Day!!
The next morning, I started my day with a delicious pancake and fruit breakfast at Den Noc. It’s a cozy spot, and the pancakes were exactly what I needed to fuel up before the race. Afterward, I hopped on the tram to the race start.
The race itself was hot, but incredibly enjoyable. Running through Prague was like a sightseeing tour on steroids. We passed through Old Town, residential areas, and along the river—I got to see so much of the city in just a few hours. If you’re a runner, I highly recommend doing a race in a new city. It’s an excellent way to get a feel for the place, do some people-watching, and cover a lot of ground in a short time.
Post-Race: Beer and BBQ
After crossing the finish line, I did what any sensible person would do—I grabbed a beer. We found a local brewery nearby, and there’s nothing quite like a cold beer after running 13.1 miles. Post-beer, I headed back to the hostel to shower and change.
In the evening, I met up with some friends at Královská obora Stromovka park for soccer and a BBQ. It was the perfect way to unwind after the race. Later, we took the tram to Bike 7, a bar along the water, for some drinks. Prague at night, with a drink in hand and the river beside you—what more could you want?
Day 3: Brunch, Bridges, and Goodbyes
On my final morning in Prague, I packed up and stored my things at the hostel before heading out for brunch at Café Savoy. This place is a bit fancier, and the building itself is stunning. I spent half my time just admiring the architecture. The food was delicious, and the atmosphere was lively—a great way to kick off the day. A quick tip: Get there early, because it gets busy fast, and there’s likely to be a wait if you don’t have a reservation.
After brunch, I met up with a friend, and we walked past the Memorial to the Victims of Communism, crossed the Charles Bridge, and visited the Lennon Wall before making our way to Prague Castle and St. Vitus Cathedral. The cathedral was absolutely breathtaking, but the gardens were a bit underwhelming. They were peaceful, though, and the views from the castle made it worth the visit.
We parted ways after the castle, and I headed to the Museum of Decorative Arts. It was a fun little stop, and I enjoyed seeing the changes in fashion and decoration over time. I wrapped up my visit with a meal at Liberica Café, which was right downstairs. The salmon dish was fantastic, and the summer drinks were refreshing—a perfect end to my Prague adventure.
Final Thoughts: Prague in a Weekend
Overall, my weekend in Prague was a whirlwind of running, exploring, and eating. The city is beautiful, full of history, and the perfect size to explore over a few days. Whether you’re there for a race or just to sightsee, Prague won’t disappoint. Just remember to pack good walking shoes and leave plenty of room in your schedule to just wander—you never know what hidden gems you might stumble upon.
