Bonjour, darlings! It’s Emma, your favourite pink-loving, tutu-touting travel companion, and I'm back from the heart of Europe – Prague!
The city truly is magical, a beautiful blend of fairytale castles, cobbled streets and captivating history, all bathed in a warm glow under a crystal-clear sky. I feel like I’ve stepped straight into a fairytale, complete with enchanting music drifting from every street corner, and enough pink and sparkly treats to satisfy even the most discerning ballerina.
This week, I’m going to take you on a whirlwind tour of my Prague adventures. From a graceful performance at the National Theatre (a must-see, dear readers, and even a tiny bit tutu-worthy for its stunning interior, if I may say so) to discovering hidden gems of fashion and design in the bustling city centre, Prague truly lived up to its charming reputation.
Pink & Glittery Delights in Prague's Historic Heart
Upon arrival, I knew Prague was going to be a symphony for my senses. My senses of sight and smell were instantly captivated by the fragrant scent of roasted chestnuts wafting from street vendors, and the kaleidoscope of colours painted on the facades of the historic buildings. Even the tram I took to my hotel, a charming little pink and white carriage (it just had to be!), was charming in its own right. It seemed the city itself had put on a show just for my arrival!
My hotel, The Golden Unicorn, is an exquisite little place nestled within the old town, just a hop and skip away from the Charles Bridge. It was a delightful mixture of old-world elegance and modern convenience, with an elegant tea room where I could sip on fragrant herbal teas and scribble my travel diaries (which you, my dear readers, are lucky enough to be enjoying today).
The Magic of Ballet in the National Theatre
After unpacking and freshening up (I always carry my trusty pink tulle travel bag, you never know when a quick ballerina twirl will be needed!), it was time for the main attraction – the ballet at the National Theatre! This magnificent building is a real testament to architectural beauty. Its façade is adorned with majestic statues, its interiors are opulent, with velvet curtains, golden chandeliers, and even a few strategically placed mirrored surfaces. Just the perfect spot for my debut in Prague!
The performance, a production of Tchaikovsky’s Swan Lake, was a captivating blend of grace and emotion. I was completely enchanted by the ballerina’s masterful artistry. And yes, it had my toes tapping along, even though it was far too late in the night for any tutus (or any dancing for that matter)!
Ballet Fashion & Shopping Extravaganza
Oh, the shopping in Prague! If you are a lover of fashion, then Prague is your paradise. The old town boasts countless boutiques, each displaying unique pieces. I felt a powerful urge to buy a new tutu every few minutes (luckily, a true ballerina always exercises restraint – sometimes!). But I couldn’t resist acquiring some local delights - beautiful hand-painted scarves in soft pastel hues (perfect to drape over my ballet outfit) and an ornate vintage jewellery box shaped like a miniature ballet shoe (for all my shiny trinkets, of course!).
My afternoon of shopping also unearthed a vintage clothing store crammed with treasures. As luck would have it, a sparkling pink sequin dress with a tutu skirt (oh my!) peeked out from behind a stack of clothes, waiting for me to unearth its hidden glory. I just had to bring this little beauty home with me (it looked exquisite draped over a plush, vintage-inspired chaise longue in my hotel room – picture it!)
Charming Prague by Pony and Train
One morning, after a hearty breakfast at a cafe overlooking the Vltava River, I decided to embark on a charming day trip. I felt an irresistible call to explore Prague’s surrounding countryside and took a delightful ride on a local train, painted in vibrant turquoise with golden detailing (perfect for any pink-loving ballerina!). My heart did a little skip when I saw it arrive at the station, with the most perfect array of flower pots in each window! It reminded me of one of the vintage travel posters from the ‘50s – and indeed, my entire day felt like something out of an old Hollywood movie.
The countryside was stunning. Hills rolled endlessly into the horizon, dotted with quaint villages. I decided to try a different mode of transport and took a ride on a horse-drawn carriage, pulled by a handsome, glossy black stallion. (Oh, dear reader, a pony is surely one of the most romantic things in the world!). The gentle sway of the carriage, the fresh air on my face, and the scenic landscapes all conspired to whisk me away on a tranquil journey, perfect for composing new dance routines and fantasising about fairy tales (just the way ballerinas do, of course!)
My Favourite Pink Tutu Places in Prague
Here’s a little secret - my journey isn’t all about finding beautiful clothes and majestic sights. It’s about the experiences I get to share with all of you. That's why, dear readers, I always keep a detailed travel diary!
Here are my absolute favourites spots in Prague:
The Old Town Square: With its impressive astronomical clock (every hour is a mesmerizing ballet of figures, gears, and bells), and the stunning architecture, I was spellbound from the moment I arrived.
The Charles Bridge: A fairytale structure bathed in a soft golden glow during the evening, and bustling with local artists, street performers, and (you guessed it!) delightful little pink boutiques.
The Kampa Island: I took a leisurely stroll along the picturesque riverside paths, a calming space after a day filled with tutus and tours. The hidden secret here is the Kampa Museum, dedicated to waterwheels and with some breathtaking artwork on display – the perfect muse for my ballerina moves!
The Prague Castle: Oh my, this place is something else! I found myself transported back in time as I explored the charming grounds and impressive interiors of this magnificent architectural gem. There's even a hidden rose garden (think romantic scenes from ballet stories) tucked away behind a stone wall, perfect for impromptu twirls (tutus allowed, of course!)
The Best Place to Get Your Tutu On in Prague
Prague is truly the perfect blend of history and modern-day life, and even my hunt for the perfect pink tutu yielded unexpected treasures. I discovered a little hidden shop tucked away in a narrow alley off of the main square, called The Pink Fairy Boutique. Inside, rows of glittering pink tulle and colourful ribbons made my ballerina heart flutter.
The owner, a kind, friendly woman with twinkling eyes (like an enchanted fairytale fairy!) guided me through the different designs, and together we worked on a special custom-designed creation for my next show. And just in case, dear reader, that you, too, are in search of the perfect pink tutu, let me give you this secret little tip. She offers a 10% discount for all readers of Pink-Tutu.com – just mention my name and your trip to Prague. (Isn’t she a true pink-tutu fairy?)
A final note before I sign off: As I am still trying to reach everyone with my pink-tutu mission (I feel strongly about spreading tutus as far and wide as I can), I am currently planning a special Pink Tutu Prague Performance to showcase the power and beauty of ballet in the heart of this magical city. So stay tuned!
I’m off to explore even more hidden corners of this breathtaking city, leaving my pink tutu trails all along the way! Don’t forget to check back next Wednesday for more updates from Prague and another week of enchanting adventures from your favourite ballerina-blogger!
With love and a little twirl, Emma
www.pink-tutu.com
