Navigating the Cobblestone Streets of Prague

Learning my way around Prague has been a lot easier than I expected. I like to think of myself as directionally privileged, but the initial thought of taking on a foreign city was scary. After taking a few weeks to figure out the city, I can confidently say I know my way around Prague. Here are my most used modes of transportation:

Walking

Prague is one of the most walkable cities. Even though the uneven cobblestone streets can get to your calves and feet, everything is relatively close. Not only is everything convenient, but it is such a beautiful city and there are always new things to see outside. Some of my favorite restaurants are a ten minute walk, school is a twenty minute walk, and the castle is a thirty minute walk from where I live. I have gotten so used to walking, that a twenty five minute walk feels like nothing now.

A stroll through the city

You get views like this when you're walking

Tram

My second most-used form of transportation while studying abroad in Prague is the tram. There are stops around every corner and they are labeled very well. As long as you know the route you need to take, you can easily get pretty much anywhere in thirty minutes or less.

Prague Tram

Metro

Prague's metro stations are notorious for their never ending escalators. Since they are underground you have to take the very steep and fast moving escalator all the way down. One takes over two minutes! Since my apartment is so centrally located, I only take the metro if I am going closer to the outskirts of Prague or if it happens to be more convenient than the tram. Just like the tram, they are clearly labeled and it is quite efficient.

Metro Station

Prague's famous escalators

Bus

Some people also take buses in Prague, but I have never found myself on one. The only thing that has been an adjustment on public transport here are the cultural norms. People generally speak very quietly and you want to avoid eye contact with people at all times. Not sure how this started, but I make sure to do all I can to fit in with the locals!

Dalia B. is the Fall 2017 MOJO Blogger and international intern in Prague, Czech Republic. She is currently a Junior studying Film & Digital Media at UC Santa Cruz.