Compass Affairs

Straight Outta Fairytale ♥

For any other place in the world, this statement might be a hyperbole. But trust us when we say this, for Cesky Krumlov, it's 100 percent true 😊

Walking down the streets of Cesky Krumlov, a small town almost two hours away from Prague, you are likely to confuse it with a magical realm or a Disney movie brought to life.

The 13th century Renaissance Castle at the heart of the city, the might Vlatava River flowing underneath it, baroque and Renaissance architecture - all of it make it very evident why the small town is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Perhaps the beauty of Cesky Krumlov lies in the fact that once you are there, the best way to enjoy the place is by doing nothing. Just relax, go for a lazy stroll down the Old Town Square, step in any of the restaurants to enjoy some delicious Czech cuisine dishes, and just take in the marvellous sights the city has to offer.

When we had visited the place in March, Czech had started to go under a lockdown due to the pandemic. Which meant that most of the restaurants and shops were shut a day after we arrived here. But the sheer and awe-inspiring beauty of Cesky Krumlov was truly enough to make our short trip absolutely magical and memorable.

P.S. One of the highlights of this South Bohemian town that we missed (damn you, corona) but is highly recommended is the Ghost Walk tour. These are guided tours that are held at night where you are taken to the spookiest parts of the town and told scary lores and urban legends. Fascinating, isn't it?

Pro Tip: You can actually walk from one end of the town to the other in around 20 minutes on foot. Which is why several tour guides recommend to just go for a one-day day trip to Cesky Krumlov from Prague. Do not do that! Trust us, you would want to spend more than a day here whenever you come.
@ Cesky Krumlov, Czeck Republic

Perhaps the best way to explore Prague is on foot. And the second-best would be public transport.
The Czech Republic capital's public transport network has to be one of the most efficient networks that we had ever seen. We explored the entire city by either hopping on to a metro train, or a bus, or a tram.
Not only was it super convenient, but using public transport was easy on the pocket too. And isn't that a win-win situation?
Plus, the experience of traveling through tram on the streets of Praha is certainly something that should not be missed.
In fact, the journey time between the airport and our hotel was roughly an hour for which we had to take two buses and a tram. And trust us, it was the most easy-peasy bit of traveling done by us throughout the trip.
Pro Tip: Our lovely walking tour guide, Nicolas, had firmly told us to avoid hiring local taxis in Prague because they apparently tend to fleece the customers with exorbitant prices. If you really need to get a car, hire an Uber cab instead, that would still be a better deal. So, follow Nicolas' advice.
Tell us, which is your favourite city to explore by public transport?
This is the series, where we bring to you our experiences from the heart of Central Europe


❤️

Praha. Prague. Praga. Prag.

The capital of Czech Republic, this city is the perfect blend of the medieval and the modern.
Prague, or 'Praha' in Czech, offers something for everyone, whether you are a history buff, adventure seeker, food lover or a shopaholic.
We went there in March this year, and even though things had slowly started shutting down due to Covid in the city, we managed to enjoy the magnificent views at Wenceslas Square, explore the quietude at Jewish Quarters, stroll in the Old Town, walk across Charles Bridge and catch the animated hourly show at the Astronomical Clock, which is an experience in itself.
It is also known as the 'City of a Hundred Spires' because of the many cathedrals and churches and their elaborate spires
Since it was March, it was the tail end of winter in the region so the temperatures were low. But we didn't mind that since obviously it was super hot back home. However, a little tip, if you ever plan to go to Prague in March, carry an extra pair of warm clothes cause the unexpected rains could sometimes play spoilsport.
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What was the last place you travelled before the lockdown? And how was that experience?

This is the series, where we bring to you our experiences from the heart of Central Europe.
❤️ 🏰 .saumya .rayaroth @ Prague, Czech Republic

Here's wishing everyone a very Happy Independence Day! :)

There is unity in our diversity. May this unity become stronger every day.