3 interesting European cities to visit from Prague this summer

Whether you are studying abroad in Prague for a semester or receiving your entire degree at the University of New York in Prague, you should consider visiting at least one of these three locations. Summer is a great time to travel around Europe because you don’t need to pack heavy clothes or huddle in a café to warm up. For this blog post, we have picked three interesting and fun destinations for you to consider, because exploring new places and learning about world history is one of the many benefits of pursuing higher education in Europe. 

Exploring nearby countries is one of the best things about studying abroad in Prague. 

Ljubljana

Getting there

The most convenient option is a direct flight from Prague, which takes only 1 hour 20 minutes. However, if you are planning a more extended vacation covering several cities, you could take a train to Vienna and then another to Ljubljana. 

What to see

The capital of Slovenia only has 287,000 residents and has preserved its small-town friendliness – perfect for those who wish to relax and slow down after a long, busy semester. Ljubljana’s cityscape is most marked by the architecture of Jože Plečnik, who also designed Prague’s Church of the Most Sacred Heart of our Lord, located on our beloved Jiřího z Poděbrad Square.  The River Ljubljanica is crossed by 17 bridges, including the Art Nouveau-style Dragon Bridge, which is dedicated to the symbol of the city. 

Getting around

The city center is relatively small compared to Prague, and you can easily walk around or rent a bike. There is no metro, but the city bus system is very efficient. A local taxi app called Hopin Taxi works just like Uber. 

Did you know?

Ljubljana is ideally located for exploring the rest of Slovenia. You can hike up Smarna Gora to enjoy its panoramic views, or plan a day trip to the spectacular glacial lakes Bled and Bohinj. 

Nuremberg

Getting there

Nuremberg is located in the province of Bavaria, nearby the border with the Czech Republic. There are no direct trains from Prague, so the best public transport option would be the long-distance bus. This takes 4 hours and costs between 13 and 38 Euros, depending on seat availability and date of travel. If you drive yourself, you can save an hour. 

What to see

Nuremberg has no shortage of striking landmarks and is most famous for its medieval architecture and the final events of the Second World War. You can visit the exhibition in the Documentation Center Nazi Party Rally Grounds, which will provide a comprehensive picture of the Nazi dictatorship. Nuremberg Castle was once one of the most strategically critical imperial palaces of the Holy Roman Empire, and the Germanisches National Museum has a vast collection of items and art relating to German culture. 

Getting around

The city’s public transit system is quick, safe, and simple to use. The metro system has three lines, and there are also buses and trams. 

Did you know?

Albrecht Dürer, one of Germany’s greatest painters, lived and worked in Nuremberg from 1509 to his death in 1528. You can visit his five-story timber-framed townhouse, which has an exhibition of his drawings, and a beautiful collection of the 15th-century furniture. 

Krakow

Getting there 

The trip to Krakow takes about 7 hours by train, but with friends, the trip turns into a fun adventure, and you’ll be there before you know it. Alternatively, you could save time and go by plane from Prague.  

What to see

Krakow is the cultural capital of Poland, epitomized by its medieval castles, the Jewish quarter, and glorious Catholic cathedral and shrines. With beautiful markets and important historical sites, there’s something for everyone. If you made it as far as Krakow, consider a half-day trip to the Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Museum, for an emotional and eye-opening tour around the grounds of the largest Nazi concentration camp. We all learn about the Holocaust in school, but nothing compares to seeing the sites for yourself. 

Getting around

Although Krakow has no metro system, buses and trams run regularly from 05:00 to 23:00, with a restricted night service like the one in Prague. Uber and Bolt are also available in Poland. 

Did you know?

Since May 1988, Krakow has hosted the Jewish Cultural Festival, which combines multiple events from the March of Remembrance to music concerts and art exhibitions.