Prague 1

As I had several hours jetlag, despite staying up late in the days preceding, my body felt like evening when I arrived about midday. The driver deposited me at an Aparthotel 5, in Smíchov, district 5. The accommodation turned out to be a very good choice. Even though it's on the left bank of the Vltava (which flows north), it was not far from all the important sights in Prague due to the excellent public transport system. The best thing about the pension was the friendly and helpful landlady Kristina.

I had a whole studio to myself, which included a fridge and cooking facilities which I didn't use. It was on an upper floor but there is a lift.

After resting, I equipped myself with a local SIM from the O2 shop in the nearby Nový Smíchov shopping centre. That was another reason for my choice of accommodation, it was very close to the commercial and transport hub of Anděl.

I took Kristina's recommendation of having dinner at the Staropramen brewery just a stone's throw down the road. The stew with potato mash in the picture doesn't look appetising but it was adequate. Naturally I had to have a beer with it.

I crossed the river on a pedestrian walkway on a railway bridge. This is a view to the right bank. The spires belong to Vyšehrad Castle, more on it later.

There is a long quay on the right bank and many boats tied up there. This looks like a small ferry.

Local residents.

Other locals, used to getting handouts.

Many boats are used as drinking and entertainment venues.

This is the Šítkov water tower, next the the Manes Exhibition Hall which joins the river bank with a fluvial island.

The beautiful old world Cafe Slavia, opposite the National Theatre.

I just liked the look of the hotel in the dusk.

Finally reached my destination, Charles Bridge. Even at that hour, it was chock full of tourists. Must be even busier during the day.

One of the many statues.

The view upriver.

I gained the left bank and passed many attractive and no doubt pricey restaurants.

As it was past my bedtime by my body clock I returned along the left bank south back to the pension.