We took the tram down to the Legion Bridge and got off the on the other side of the River Vltava so that we could walk back over to get a look at the waters which seemed to have receded some since last night, but it was still over it's banks. We walked adjacent to the promenade towards Charles Bridge. The promenade was, at most, behind the flood barriers that were still in place, Charles Bridge was still closed by barriers, there was a police presence all along the promenade and on the bridge.
Rob had missed breakfast so we stopped at Hotel u Zlateho for alfresco coffees on route to the Old Town Square, Rob had a panini and I couldn't resist it and ordered a banana crepe. After this we continued to the Old Town Square, which I had seen for the first time last night, in the bright morning sunlight it was as magical as ever, it really is quite beautiful and you can literally spend hours just milling around. There was a jazz band providing some live music for us whilst we explored.
We climbed to the top of the Tower of the Old Town, City Hall, from here you get fabulous views of Prague on both sides of the River Vltava. There is a lift that can take you to the top but we opted to climb the stairs.
When we got down from the Tower we were just in time to witness, together with a huge crowd, the hourly show of the Astronomical Clock on the wall below the Tower, the show is named "The Walk of the Apostles", a clockwork show of figures of the Apostles and other moving sculptures—notably a figure of Death (represented by a skeleton) striking the time; the crowd loved it and signalled this with a round of applause.
From the Old Town Square we walked to Wenceslas Square, where we stopped for refreshments at Hotel Adria - no food, just a czech beer for me and a mojito for Rob. We stayed here for quite a while just watching the world go by and planning the rest of the day which we agreed should be to go to see Prague Castle.
We walked from Wenceslas square back down to Legion Bridge to cross the River Vltava and walked towards the castle. At Kampa Island, or at least next to it as due to the flood it was closed, we were tempted by a sign that read "Coffee and Apple Pie 95 Koruna" that's about £3.15, well we couldn't resist after all we hadn't had lunch, it was hot and they offered seats in the shade.
After lunch we continued up to the castle, which is really several buildings and palaces and a very impressive gothic cathedral, St. Vitus Cathedral. There were, of course, lots more photos taken here including some back across the River Vltava to the Old Town. We walked back down to the river and crossed it on the Mánes Bridge.
By the time we had got back to the Old Town Square it was time for food again, so we had pizza at Ristorante San Nicola, alfresco, watching the tourist as they mingled around this impressive old square. After dinner we walked back to Legion Bridge and hopped on a tram back to our hotel for an early night.
Prague is a beautiful city, and I would recommend a visit, but stay for longer than two nights as there is so much to see. I will have to return to this city to take in more of the sights.
Prague Tram
The Old Town Square from the Tower
The Astrological Clock
Prague Castle
St Vitus Cathedral
View of Charles Bridge
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