We decided on a whim to spend a November weekend in Prague. An easyJet hop from Lyon whisked us to the Czech capital in under two hours, and both airports made the journey stress‑free. Soon we were strolling through cobblestone streets and soaking up the city’s gothic skyline.
After checking in, we headed straight for the Old Town. The square was quieter than in summer, with a crisp chill in the air. Street musicians played under the Astronomical Clock as we warmed our hands on cups of mulled wine.
Crossing the Charles Bridge felt like stepping into a fairy tale. The stone arches and baroque statues rose above the Vltava River, and the misty weather lent an almost dreamlike atmosphere. We paused often to admire the views upriver toward the castle district.
From the bridge we wandered into Malá Strana’s narrow lanes. Pastel‑coloured buildings and hidden courtyards made for endless surprises around each corner.
The highlight of our visit was exploring Josefov, Prague’s historic Jewish Quarter. Tucked between the Old Town and the river, this neighborhood bears testament to centuries of Jewish life in the city.
We visited several synagogues, each with its own story. The Spanish Synagogue dazzled us with its richly ornamented Moorish interior, while the Pinkas Synagogue memorialised Holocaust victims with thousands of handwritten names on its walls.
The Old Jewish Cemetery left a powerful impression. Layers of gravestones lean at odd angles, reflecting centuries of limited space and layers of history. It’s a humbling place that speaks to both loss and resilience.
After Josefov, we meandered through more of the Old Town’s winding streets. Cafés beckoned us inside for hearty Czech dishes like goulash and dumplings, perfect for warming up on a grey day.
On our second day we climbed up to Prague Castle. The ascent rewarded us with sweeping views back across the city’s red rooftops and spires.
Inside the castle complex we marvelled at the stained glass of St. Vitus Cathedral and the colourful houses of Golden Lane, imagining the artisans who once worked there.
As evening fell, we returned to the riverbanks. The city lights reflected off the Vltava, and we couldn’t resist taking one last stroll across the Charles Bridge, this time illuminated by lamplight.
Prague’s charm lies in the way history and modern life mingle on every street. Even with just a couple of days, we felt we’d stepped into a storybook.
The return flight to Lyon was just as smooth, and we landed with memories of ancient synagogues, misty bridges and warm Czech hospitality. It was a wonderful way to spend a spontaneous weekend.
We’re already dreaming about our next adventure — but for now, Prague holds a special place in our hearts.
