Prague: A Chill Summer Stay at The Julius
Solo in Prague: Driving In, Slowing Down, and Soaking It All In
I arrived in Prague the way I like best, on my own time, windows down, playlist on, and no airport chaos. Driving in from Germany was pretty smooth, and by the time I pulled into the city, I was ready to ditch the car and just wander.
I stayed at The Julius, right in the centre of Prague. Seriously, you couldn’t ask for a better location. It’s one of those spots where the city just kind of unfolds around you. As I rolled up, there was this buzz outside people arriving, heading out, checking maps, laughing in the sunshine. It had that proper city energy that makes you want to drop your bags and explore.
The hotel itself is fresh and stylish without trying too hard. Think marble floors, warm lighting, velvet curtains in deep greens, and burnt orange chairs that somehow make everything feel cozy. The lobby bar’s the kind of place where you could just as easily order a coffee at 9 AM or a glass of wine at midnight and feel equally at home.
I booked a superior room for about €183 a night, which honestly felt like a bargain for what you get, spacious layout, open-plan kitchen (though I didn’t cook a thing), big windows, and a bathroom that was all sleek marble and an excellent rainfall shower. It felt more like an apartment than a hotel room, in the best way.
Dinner at Lokál Dlouhááá - 8 mins from The Julius
After settling in, I headed over to Lokál Dlouhááá, a casual Czech spot just an 8-minute walk from the hotel. The vibe? Loud, fun, full of locals, wooden benches, big plates of comforting food, and the hum of Czech beer culture in full swing.
I went for the svíčková, which is beef sirloin in creamy sauce with cranberry and dumplings -something I’d never tried before. It was rich, hearty, and exactly what I needed after the drive. The place has a 4.5-star rating on Google, and it’s not hard to see why. Simple food done well, no touristy gimmicks.
Coffee at EMA Espresso Bar - 6 mins away
Next morning, I needed proper coffee, like, good coffee. I walked over to EMA Espresso Bar, a short six-minute stroll, and was instantly happy with my choice. Minimalist space, efficient baristas, and great beans. I ordered a flat white with oat milk and a croissant, grabbed a window seat, and just chilled. It’s the kind of place where locals hang out, laptops open or chatting softly, not rushed.
Google gives it 4.6 stars, and yeah - it lives up to the hype.
One Thing I Did: Letná Park Views
Later, I made my way to Letná Park: a bit of a walk (about 25 minutes from the hotel), but totally worth it. There’s this iconic spot where you can see the Vltava River winding through the city, with all the bridges lined up in a perfect row. It’s peaceful, breezy, and gives you that “I’m really here” feeling. I just sat on a bench for a while, watching the city move below. It was the pause I didn’t know I needed.
