From London to Prague
Our journey began in London, boarding a train at St Pancras and tracing the path beneath the Channel via the Eurotunnel to Calais. From there, we continued by road to Bruxelles Midi to board the European Sleeper — our home for the night as we travelled eastward toward Prague. From station to station, it was a 24-hour adventure across five countries, the kind of journey that makes the destination feel all the more rewarding. After 668 km, we finally reached Prague, the elegant and ever-enchanting capital of the Czech Republic. Though our stay was short — just 48 hours — we were determined to make the most of every moment.
Our base was the Hotel Paris, a gem nestled in the heart of Prague’s Old Town. From here, we wandered cobbled streets that seemed plucked from another century, where pastel façades and baroque buildings opened into wide squares. In the Old Town Square, we joined the crowd gazing up at the astronomical clock, waiting for its hourly dance of figures to chime the passage of time.
To take in more of the city without rushing, we opted for a vintage car tour — a stylish and leisurely way to discover Prague’s wider quarters.
Winding through streets lined with history and over bridges that have withstood centuries, we admired the city from beneath its skyline of domes and steeples.
And for those of you who know George, and Lulu, they are constantly panting in cars, but not this time. I think George enjoyed it most. Wind blowing in his hair, he just sat and enjoyed taking in the view. I guess the message was clear. I need a convertible! LOL!
One of the best ways to experience any city is through its food, and we had to try some the local delights. We discovered kolaches filled with sweet poppy seeds and cream cheese – and so did George, who took a large bite of it – and at the cafe, I found my oat matcha! And we couldn’t resist chimney cakes spun fresh in the streets — crisp on the outside, pillowy within, and dusted in cinnamon sugar – filled with vanilla ice cream and strawberries. We tucked into steaming bowls of goulash with dumplings, hearty – that was a must!
But the moments that stayed with us most were at the Charles Bridge — once at sunrise, when the air was cool and still.
And again at sunset, when the sky burned gold and pink. With statues casting long shadows and the Vltava River shimmering below, Prague gifted us a quiet magic.
And just like that, our time in the Czech capital drew to a close.
The last time I visited Prague must have been around the year 2000 — a brief business trip that left little time for exploration. This time was different. With George, Lulu, and Mr. Darcy in tow, we discovered a city where dogs of all shapes and sizes were part of the everyday landscape. While travelling with our dogs may have limited our access to formal fine dining, there were countless charming cafés and welcoming outdoor terraces. This wasn’t a culinary pilgrimage but a journey of presence — soaking in the local culture, sharing quiet moments, and enjoying the city at our own pace.
Next stop: Bratislava.
