Sweater Weather & Storybook Streets: Our Fall Girls Trip to Prague

It was that time of year again! The end of October a.k.a when flights are dirt cheap from the USA to Europe. My girls and I couldn't resist the opportunity to embark on another girl's getaway. So for the second year in a row, we gathered, we researched, we picked dates, and we booked the trip. This time to Prague, Czechia!

Day 1: From Durango to Prague (Then Straight to Dinner)

With so much excitement in our bones, we left our small town in Colorado in the afternoon, flew over the mountains to Denver, and somehow managed the holy grail of international travel: no delays or hiccups. Denver to Frankfurt, Frankfurt to Prague, wheels down by 2:30 pm. We were feeling slightly delirious in that post-flight excited kind of state.

After landing in Prague, we hopped on the airport express bus (easy, affordable, we recommend) and made our way into the city. That’s where we met up with our kind Airbnb host, and immediately fell in love with our home for the week. Four bedrooms (because grown women need their own rooms, of course), the top floor (ass workouts, here we come!), and the absolute best location: right in the heart of Prague, just minutes from Old Town Square. The kind of place where you drop your bags and think, ‘Yep. This is going to be good.’

*Made it to Prague, and on the Airport Express Bus to downtown*

Feeling bloated from airplane food yet functioning on adrenaline, we opted for a healthy dinner and landed at Healthy Longevity Café. Fresh, nourishing, and exactly what our jet-lagged bodies needed. We wandered back to the apartment as dusk settled over the city, already enchanted, and called it an early-ish night. The goal: beat jet lag so we could fully show up for tomorrow’s adventures.

Day 2: Prague Castle, Autumn Leaves & Golden Hour Magic

We woke to a moody Prague morning—cloudy skies, soft light, and that quiet hum a city has before it fully wakes up. Everyone was eager to explore, and we had big plans today: Prague Castle, bright and early.

Along our walk there, we wandered through Old Town Square, something we’d end up doing a lot on this trip. Morning Old Town is pure magic—cobblestones glistening, nearly empty streets, and the sense that the city is briefly ours before the crowds arrive. From there, we crossed the iconic Charles Bridge where we took in views of the Castle perched above the city. Then through Malá Strana, an area tucked between the Charles Bridge and Prague Castle. We walked past Baroque buildings in soft pastels line winding cobblestone streets, with red rooftops climbing toward the castle above. And finally, we climbed what felt like a never-ending staircase up to the castle entrance.

Prague Castle - The Castle = Confusion

Here’s where we admit something: we were confused. Very confused.

We didn’t realize that the “Prague Castle” isn’t really a castle—it’s an entire walled complex made up of St Vitus Cathedral, Old Royal Palace, Golden Lane, St George’s Basilica and the castle gardens. So, a whole village, really. Who knew?! I’m not sure we were able to fully wrap our heads around that, but regardless we leaned in and explored it all. The churches were grand, the golden lane was colorful, and the gardens were lush. But if the group had to vote, I think we were slightly underwhelmed. It was unique, beautiful, plus wrapped in history. But still something felt off. Almost as if we were waiting in anticipation the whole time for something to finally surprise us with that ‘holy shit, that’s cool’ moment. But it never really happened for any of us. I’m still wondering if it was because we were in search of a castle, but then again, there was no castle.

*Walking through the museum of medieval armory accessible from Golden Lane*

Photo Shoot With Prague’s Colorful Leaves

But on to our favorite moment of the morning as we stepped just outside the castle walls and began exploring the summer palaces. We looped around one palace, imagining what life would be like summering at such a lavish place, and found a stone stairway littered with giant yellow and orange leaves descending to a lower level with beautiful castle views. It was this spot where we decided to take an obscene amount of time staging autumn photos. No tourists, golden leaves, sweaters, dramatic poses. The silliest moments are my favorite!

*Views looking back at the Prague Castle complex*

*Wandering around one of the summer palace balconies*

*Discovering a happy spot full of autumn goodness*

Bruschetta, Please

Staying on a high note, we made our way to Lore Malastrana, an Italian restaurant in the heart of Prague that had been on our must-eat list. Hands down one of the most delicious meals we had in Prague. The white wine and conversation were flowing, while we were seated at a quaint table looking out onto the streets of Mala Strana. Bonus points to our adorable waiter, who taught us how to correctly say bruschetta (hard “k” on the “sch” part) AND sealed the deal by bringing us limoncello shots before we took to the city’s streets again.

*Pasta and truffles and wine and happy friends…*

Petřín Hill & Petřín Tower

Fueled by pasta and citrusy joy, we climbed even higher up the winding streets to Petřín Tower, an iconic steel lookout tower inspired by Paris’ Eiffel Tower. In the fall, it’s especially beautiful—sweeping views of Prague’s red terracotta rooftops and tree-lined hills. Tickets were around $12 per person, and the 299 stairs to the top were…dizzying. But the views? Completely worth the spinning head.

On the way back down, we wandered along a quiet path toward the Vltava River, just as the sun began turning the city golden and orange. We crossed another bridge and stumbled upon locals feeding what we can only assume are Prague’s river rats—muskrats, maybe? They were so cute, in a weird way. To end the day on a high note, Ellen snagged a chimney cone (Hungarian, but everywhere in Prague), and we stood there watching her eat it with equal parts jealousy and admiration.

Wow, Prague is pretty! What an awesome day.

*At the top of Petrin Tower, looking towards Prague Castle*

*Allyson taking a break from the 299 dizzying stairs to the top*

*Skipping down the leaf filled path back to town*

*From the top of Petrin Tower looking out towards the Vlatva River*

*From Petrin Tower, looking towards the Vlatva River and Old Town Square*

Day 3: Halloween in Prague, But First The Jewish Quarter

Day three landed on Halloween, and little did we know just how epic Prague does this holiday.

We started the day intentionally slow—sleeping in a bit and easing into the morning before moseying over to Prague’s Jewish Quarter (Josefov). Tucked right into the historic center, Josefov is one of the best-preserved Jewish quarters in Europe and holds centuries of history within just a few compact blocks. It’s home to several synagogues, a former Jewish town hall, and one of the oldest Jewish cemeteries in the world. A comprehensive ticket online, costing approximately 600 CZK (around $30–40), provides entry to key sites including the Maisel, Pinkas, Spanish, and Clausen synagogues, plus the Old Jewish Cemetery and temporary exhibitions at the Robert Guttmann Gallery.

We walked through the synagogue first—quiet, reverent, and heavy in the best possible way—then made our way to the Old Jewish Cemetery. Thousands of gravestones are layered into a surprisingly small space, some stacked on top of one another due to centuries of limited land. The uneven stones tilt at every angle, creating a hauntingly beautiful landscape. It was somber, thought-provoking, and incredibly unique to experience right in the heart of such a lively city.

Massages, Traditional Meals, & Costume-Prep

From there, we shifted gears and treated ourselves to massages. The setup was…kind of interesting. Imagine a series of small curtained rooms, all of us crammed into different spaces receiving different treatments at the same time all while hearing the people next to you. Amber and Ellen went for back massages, Allyson wisely chose a foot massage (because Prague is not flat and we walked a lot), and I opted for a full body massage. Rejuvenating for some…questionable for others (we’ll let Amber tell that story).

Feeling loose, hungry, and very ready for carbs, we met up afterward for a traditional Czech meal. Fried cheese, pork and bacon goodness, dumplings, cabbage, and giant beers in glass beer steins. Our waiter kept track of our beer consumption on a literal scorecard, which felt both efficient and mildly concerning. We didn’t linger too long, though—we were saving our energy (and alcohol consumption). Because after all…it was HALLOWEEN.

Back at the Airbnb, it was time to rest, reset, and get into costume mode. Our event Wonderland Halloween at Lucerna Prague didn’t start until 9 pm, so naturally we began pre-gaming. Costumes slowly came to life: cat, skeleton, bat, and witch—classic, reliable, internationally understood. Wine was popped open…or rather, attempted to be popped open. Turns out the wine opener in our Airbnb was broken, which led to creative problem-solving and ultimately shoving the cork into the bottle. Thank you, Amber, for your bravery and strength.

After approximately two million photos taken all over the apartment, we were officially ready. The best part? The venue was only an eight-minute walk away.

Halloween, Here we come!

Lucerna Prague is already an iconic venue—but on Halloween, it becomes something else entirely. We arrived at the Great Hall, checked in, and somehow found ourselves on the VIP list. No idea how it happened. We did not ask questions. We were escorted to an exclusive VIP area, handed bottles of Prosecco, and given a balcony view overlooking the stage and dance floor below. The space itself was jaw-dropping: a grand hall with three levels of balconies, ornate ceiling details, and old-world glamour that made us feel like we’d stepped into a movie. We honestly couldn’t believe this was our Halloween night. The costumes around us were next-level—gory horror looks, elaborate harlequins, dramatic makeup, and everything in between. After a couple bottles of Prosecco, we wandered to the other side of the ballroom, where I finally lived out a lifelong dream and did one of those 360-degree video camera moments. We shelled out all our korunas and have zero regrets. (See video. It’s everything.)
Then we hit the dance floor—and the night officially took off. There was dancing, epic people watching, a costume contest that we watched from our VIP balcony, a live Czech rapper, and more. We were thoroughly entertained by the way Prague does Halloween. Not sure any Halloween will ever live up to this one!

*Our VIP space overlooking the dancefloor and stage*

*Costume contest - Loved this IT costume!*

*The Great Hall’s ceilings are SO beautiful!*

360 degree video - Halloween style!

Day 4: A Perfect Saturday Along the Vltava

Saturday in Prague started slow—and honestly, deservedly so after our Halloween adventure. Surprisingly, no one was hungover (we’re choosing to credit the VIP Prosecco for that miracle). A lazy morning, coffee/tea, egg breakfasts cooked by Ellen, and eventually we pulled ourselves together and headed out into the crisp fall air.

Our first stop: Náplavka Farmers Market, which literally translates to “farmers market on the embankment.” And if you’ve ever been to a European market, you know they just hit different. High standing tables lined the river so people could sip wine while overlooking the Vltava, local artisans selling handmade goods, live music floating through the air, and vendors serving up everything from pastries to hearty street food. People wandered with grab-and-go cups of hot wine (perfect for an autumn day), and the entire place buzzed with that relaxed, weekend energy. After grabbing wraps filled with chicken, tomatoes, lettuce, and a delicious special sauce, we wandered a few minutes down the embankment to a spot I’d been dreaming about ever since spotting it on Instagram. Proof once again: social media wins sometimes.

*19th century storage vaults, tucked into the stone embankment walls along the river where today, they’ve been transformed into some of the coolest cafés, galleries, and bars in Prague*

Old Vaults, New Life (and Hugo Spritzes)

We stopped at Kobka Bar, one of the several riverfront spaces that were originally built in the 19th century as storage vaults, tucked into the stone embankment walls along the river. Today, they’ve been transformed into some of the coolest cafés, galleries, and bars in Prague.

Known as “čapadla”, these passages were once purely functional, used to catch and store boats. After a full reconstruction, they now feature massive glass doors—some weighing up to 2.5 tons—replacing the original vault entrances and opening the interiors directly to the river.

We started outside at a small table surrounded by chairs, soaking up the unexpected warm sunshine, sipping Hugo Spritzes, and marveling at how incredible the setting was. Eventually, we moved inside to sit right next to the giant glass window, watching the river glide by. Old Prague meets modern Prague.

Hands down, one of my favorite afternoons in the city.

*The massive glass doors are so beautiful!*

*Enjoying the warm sunshine outside Kobka Bar*

A Floating Bar & a Surprise Invitation

We continued wandering along the Vltava as the sun dipped lower, turning the water golden, when we stumbled upon a floating bar called Kayak Bar. In the summer, this spot transforms into a full-on river hangout—kayak rentals, saunas and hot tubs, a sandy “beach” for volleyball, and a laid-back vibe that feels more Mediterranean than Central European.

In the winter season it transforms into a warming gathering place where people can soak in hot tubs and relax in saunas at the top of the boat. Sadly on this evening, there was a private event and it was closed. But the owner spotted us lingering and invited us aboard anyway. He poured us each a local beer and welcomed us onto the back of his boat, where we felt like we had our own private floating bar for the evening.

We talked about his life, his vision for building the boat, and creating a space where people could connect with the river. One of those unplanned, serendipitous travel moments that stays with you long after the trip ends.

Ending the Night at Manifesto Market Anděl

Eventually, all those drinks reminded us that food was necessary, so we made our way to Manifesto Market Anděl to round out the night.

Manifesto is a modern food hall that blends global street food, local vendors, sustainability, and community into one vibrant space. Think sleek design, shared tables, craft drinks, and rotating food stalls serving flavors from all over the world. Live music was playing as we arrived, adding to the lively atmosphere.

We sampled Ukrainian dishes, Mexican food, and fries, bouncing between vendors and sharing bites. It was relaxed, fun, and the perfect low-key way to end a full Saturday in Prague.

Full bellies, happy feet, and the sense that we were really settling into the rhythm of the city.

*All the best things on a rainy afternoon - burrata pizza, craft cocktails, beers, creamy soup, and bread!*

Day 5: Rainy Streets, Fuzzy Blankets & a Green Devil

We woke up to a soft, steady rain and collectively decided we were ready for a slower-moving day. And to be honest, the city wears rain well. Everything feels moodier, shinier, and a little more cinematic.

Our first order of business was shopping, because squeezing four grown women into one dressing room is clearly a bonding experience. We ducked into a several story mall, and wow—it was packed. Like actually busy. I hadn’t seen a mall full of stores and people like that in a long time. It felt like stepping straight back into my glory days (minus the Auntie Annies).

We made a beeline for H&M, grabbed armfuls of clothes with reckless optimism, and took turns trying everything on while giving brutally honest opinions. In true fashion, after all that effort, we each walked out with only one or two items. A win is a win, I suppose.

From there, we headed to lunch at a restaurant with outdoor seating tucked under a warm tent—the best possible setup for a rainy fall day. We shared a bottle of wine, ordered a burrata pizza (because once you’ve eaten burrata in Barcelona, it becomes a lifelong craving), and added a few other delicious dishes to the table. Wrapped in fuzzy blankets, we watched the rain fall and people hurry past with umbrellas. It was one of those moments where leaving feels almost offensive.

But leave we did—umbrellas up—because we had somewhere very Prague to go.

Enter: The Green Devil’s Absinthe Bar

Next stop: Green Devil’s Absinthe Bar, a place that feels delightfully unhinged in the best way.

Absinthe has a long, complicated history in Central Europe, especially in Bohemia (modern-day Czech Republic). Often called “the Green Fairy,” absinthe became famous in the 19th century among artists and writers for its high alcohol content and ritualistic preparation. While myths once claimed it caused hallucinations, modern absinthe is more about strong herbal flavors—anise, fennel, wormwood—and tradition rather than trippiness.

Green Devil leans fully into the mystique. The bar is quirky, dimly lit, and unapologetically eccentric, with shelves lined with different absinthe bottles, every inch of the walls covered in bric-a-brac and staff who take the ritual seriously. Sugar cubes, slow pours, flames—it’s all part of the experience. It felt less like grabbing a drink and more like participating in a performance.

Was it strong? Absolutely. Was it weird? Definitely. Was it fun? I mean, I thought it was!

*Before descending into the Green Devil’s Absinthe Bar*

*Each table in the cellar was totally unique*

*Learning the unique process of making our absinthe drinks*

Prague at Night

We wrapped up the evening simply by walking. And honestly—Prague at night is unreal.

The rain left the cobblestones glistening, reflecting streetlights and historic buildings like mirrors. The city felt calm, elegant, and incredibly safe, even at night. There’s something about Prague after dark that settles into your bones—the quiet beauty, the glowing bridges, the sense that you’re exactly where you’re meant to be.

I don’t think I’ll ever forget how stunning this city is at night. Rain or no rain.

Day 6: A Fairytale Day Trip to Český Krumlov

No matter how much we love a city, we always try to sneak in a day trip—a chance to see the countryside, experience a different pace, and soak in something completely new. For this trip, Český Krumlov had been sitting firmly on the bucket list.

Located in southern Bohemia, close to the Austrian border, Český Krumlov feels like a place pulled straight from a storybook. The town is wrapped in a dramatic bend of the Vltava River, with red rooftops, pastel buildings, and a towering castle rising above it all. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and somehow manages to feel both preserved and alive at the same time—medieval charm without the stiffness.

We took the train south, which included one mildly chaotic transfer where we hopped on a train and it immediately started moving. No time to second-guess. We exchanged looks, silently hoping we were headed in the right direction. Thankfully… we were.

Descending from the train station down into town, the views were absolutely otherworldly. Layers of rooftops, winding streets, and the river carving its way through the landscape—it was one of those moments where you stop mid-step just to take it all in.

*Cesky Kromlov views before entering the town*

Wandering the Old Town

*Views from the top of Cloak Bridge! Insane!*

Český Krumlov is incredibly walkable and wonderfully explorable. We focused entirely on the Old Town, which can easily be done in a single day. Cobbled lanes twist and turn, opening into charming squares, tiny shops, and cafés that feel frozen in time.

We passed by the castle grounds and even spotted the bears that famously live in the castle moat—a tradition that dates back centuries when bears symbolized noble power. We couldn’t quite find the proper entrance to the castle tower, but we didn’t mind since there was plenty to see as we took in our first views from the top of Cloak Bridge. Wow!

Then began wandering without a plan, grabbed cups of hot wine to keep warm, and let the town guide us. No rushing. No checklist. Just soaking it in.

The Cloak Bridge

Eventually, we made our way to the lower viewing of Cloak Bridge (Plášťový most)—one of Český Krumlov’s most striking landmarks. This massive, multi-level stone bridge connects the castle to its theater and gardens, soaring high above the town below.

Built in stages between the 15th and 18th centuries, the bridge features covered corridors and arches stacked dramatically on top of one another. From below, it feels imposing and almost surreal; from above, it offers sweeping views of the red rooftops, river bends, and rolling countryside beyond.

Standing there, with hot wine in hand, it was impossible not to feel like we’d stepped into another era. Quiet, grand, and slightly magical—exactly what we’d hoped for from this day trip.

Burgers, Wine & Getting Lost (In the Best Way)

Midday hunger hit hard, and while it wasn’t traditional Czech cuisine, we happily pivoted to Můstek Burger & Beer—and wow, no regrets. These were not your average burgers. Thick, messy, wildly indulgent, and exactly what we needed.

I ordered the Můstek Burger, topped with a fried egg, and I’m not exaggerating when I say it may have been the most delicious burger I’ve ever eaten. It was the perfect recharge before heading back out into the streets.

*At the bottom of Cloak Bridge, jump shots!*

*The tower, which you can apparently climb for views. We didn’t though - there were plenty of views as is!*

*Amber and Allyson with their hot wines*

Next, we grabbed a bottle of wine and did what Český Krumlov does best: we wandered.

The river snakes its way through town, and we followed quiet paths that took us past vineyards, churches, parks, and peaceful corners far from the crowds. The pace slowed. The noise faded. Everything felt soft and beautiful, like the town was exhaling with us.

A Lesson in Czech Bus Stations

As the sun began to dip, we popped into a few local shops to pick up souvenirs—little reminders of this fairytale place—then made our way toward the bus station. We’d taken the train on the way there and planned to bus back to Prague.

Here’s a pro tip we learned the hard way: the bus stations in Český Krumlov are confusing. There are several. Do not rely solely on Google Maps—check your ticket carefully.

We made it to the correct station and waited. Right on time, two buses pulled in. The first had no signage, no announcement from the driver—nothing. We hovered nearby but assumed it must be a private bus. So we went to the second bus and asked the driver if it was headed to Prague.

It wasn’t.

That’s when we realized—the first bus was ours.

We took off running, waving and yelling as the bus began pulling away. Surely it would stop, right? It did not. It just… kept driving. And there we stood.

Well. Shit.

Ramen, Resilience & a Happy Ending

After a moment of disbelief (and mild panic), we regrouped, pulled out our phones, and booked another bus—this time from a different station. We had a couple of hours to kill. Spirits were slightly deflated, but honestly? We laughed it off. Because this is what happens when you travel.

We passed the time with bus station ramen (never great, always necessary), shared stories, and waited it out. The new bus came, we boarded without incident, and we still made it back to Prague at a perfectly reasonable hour.

The night ended the best way possible—with another beautiful walk through Prague, glowing and calm, reminding us why we loved this city so much.

Even with a missed bus, Český Krumlov was everything we hoped it would be. And maybe even better because of it.

*We stopped here for a pair of earrings, and ended up leaving with 18 pairs!*

Day 7: Sunshine, Rooftops & Beer on Tap (Literally)

There was good energy on our last full day in Prague. The sun was out, spirits were high, and we all just knew it was going to be a great one.

Even though we’d crossed the Charles Bridge countless times already, this time we slowed down and really soaked it in. Vendors lined the bridge selling art, jewelry, and handmade goods, while musicians played everything from classical violin to modern covers. We got a later start, so it was definitely busy—but instead of feeling overwhelming, it added to the buzz. Prague was alive.

We ended up buying way too many earrings from one vendor (zero regrets), then made our way up the steep steps near the castle—legs burning, hearts full.

*Views towards the Prague Castle from Charles Bridge*

*Exiting the other side of Charles Bridge*

Rooftop Views to Remember

One of our bucket list items for the trip was finding the perfect rooftop bar or restaurant, and since it was our last day, it felt non-negotiable. We had Kuchyň on our list, but since we weren’t hungry yet, we opted to just hang outside on their patio. And wow. The views stretched out toward Petřín Hill, over a sea of red rooftops, and down toward the river below.

After that, we stumbled upon a food truck market, which felt like a happy accident. There were tons of options, and we all grabbed a few different things to share—snacks, rich Prague cuisine, desserts and whatever caught our eye.

But the day wasn’t over yet. We had one final activity booked before even arriving in Prague—and it was a big one.

*Heading down from Prague Castle/Rooftop Bar*

Beer Spa at SPA BEERLAND

Enter: SPA BEERLAND – The First Tank Beer Spa in Prague.

If you’ve never heard of a beer spa, you’re not alone. Prague has many of them, and choosing one felt overwhelming—but this one absolutely delivered.

We arrived early, and they were able to get us in right away. Suddenly, we were ushered into a private spa room, shoes off, swimsuits on, ready for our hour of soaking. Each pair of us had our own oversized wooden tub filled with warm beer-infused water made from hops, brewer’s yeast, and malt—ingredients known for benefiting skin and circulation.

And then there was the best part: a personal beer tap right next to the tub. Unlimited Czech beer. Pour as you please.

The room had its own music, a speaker we could control, and after soaking, a hay bed where we could relax and let everything sink in. Two people per tub, plenty of room, perfectly warm water. We got deep into conversation, laughed, sipped, and collectively agreed the hour went by way too fast.

SPA BEERLAND blends Czech brewing traditions with spa culture, and somehow it manages to be relaxing, ridiculous, and delightful all at once. A true Prague-only experience—and the most perfect way to end our adventures in the city.

Another beautiful Girl’s Trip in the Books! Thank you, Prague

Prague left a lasting impression on all of us—clean, beautiful, incredibly safe, and endlessly fun. Even in the fall, the city felt alive and vibrant without ever tipping into overwhelming, the perfect balance for exploring, wandering, and lingering. There’s something about traveling with women you love that makes everything richer: the laughter, the chaos, the quiet moments, and the shared memories that stay long after the trip ends. From fairytale streets to unexpected adventures, Prague gave us more than we expected and exactly what we needed. It’s a city we’ll always carry with us.