“So how was Prague?” This is one of the most common questions I get about my travels — what is the atmosphere and the people like. My answer specifically to that for Prague is one word: Quirky.
It is more commonly known as one of the most beautiful cities in the world but I remember it distinctly for its loud traffic, thought-provoking statues, and welcoming attitude of the locals. So without ado, here are the seven quirky things you can find in Prague.
Piss sculpture
These bronze figures have moving hips and penises so that they can pee the shape of Czech letters in quotes of famous political leaders. Deliberately thought-provoking, the shape of the water pond also follows the shape of the Czech Republic, implying that they are peeing into the country.
Indeed, there is no better place to put them than outside of the Franz Kafka Museum — museum dedicated to the famous writer who sought to express the struggle of humans in understanding each other.
Our Insider Tip: You can send text messages that you would like them to ‘pee’ by messaging the number up on a signboard near the statue.
Address: Cihelná, 118 00 Malá Strana, Czechia
To book tickets to the Franz Kafka Museum, you can visit their website.
World’s smallest Traffic Light Lane
Just around the corner from Piss is one of the smallest lanes in the world. At a mere 50cm(1.6ft), traffic lights were installed to ensure that it was occupied by only one person at a time.
I will admit this lane was a little difficult to find. I walked past this 4 times before I saw it in between the shophouses. It leads to a restaurant below and the traffic light can only be changed from red to green from that end.
Sex Machines Museum
Is there no topic that is off-limits in Prague? If you are interested in knowing just how far you can go with intimate activities, visit this unique museum. Obviously, access is restricted to only those over 18 years of age.
Be fascinated by the erotic objects and toys on display as well as the black and white pornographic movies. It makes one reflect on the true meaning of what can be considered quirky if men have always been on the pursuit of pleasure.
Address: Melantrichova 18, Prague, 110 00
Phone: 00420227186260
To book your tickets, you can visit the their website.
National Marionette Theatre
For fans of puppets, you will be delighted to learn that there are performances going on at the National Marionette Theater, which are based on Mozart pieces. The theatre even holds workshops for those interested in learning about creating authentic and creepily realistic puppets which are about 25 cm in length each.
Do remember to save some space in your luggage to bring your new friends home!
Address: Žatecká 98/1, 110 00 Josefov, Czechia
Phone: +420 224 819 322
Book your tickets online here!
Street artists at Old Town Square
I suppose this doesn’t need much description except for a few tips you might want to keep in mind.
From performers who make impressive bubbles art, to those who impersonate celebrities, please be a kind tourist who donates a few cents upon capturing their picture. Some of them rely on it for a living and can get pretty aggressive if you don’t do so. There are those who do it purely for expressing and honoring their craft though, so be careful in reading the signs.
Vintage Cars (and motorcycles)
This may not be a novelty to you, but as a city girl from a very modern city, vintage cars (and huge motorcycle groups) are things that I see once in a blue moon. You could even choose to rent them with a driver for a tour around the city.
To ride in style, book your vintage car tours here!
If you think that was odd, you may want to reconsider with what I am about to tell you next.
Statues that you must touch
Legend has it that touching the plaque of St John of Nepomuk will give you the good graces to return to Prague one day. However, there is more than one spot that you have to touch!
Strolling along Charles Bridge, you will notice that there are three spots that have been touched so frequently by tourists that they have faded to silver from bronze.
Underneath the statue dedicated to St John, you will find two plagues with the faded, trendy look. One depicts a queen who allowed the power of the church to be separated from that of the throne, (hence St John’s martyrdom of being thrown into the river), and the other is that of a cute dog.
At the end of the bridge, there is another plaque that is said to bring you good fortune by touching it.
Do you think it is necessary to touch the figures for luck and a chance of returning to Prague? I’ll leave that up to you to decide when you walk the bridge. I keep my fingers crossed with hopes of returning!
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