Winter Trip to Munich, Salzburg and Prague

 Winter Europe Trip: Quick Summary

The quick summary should help with general pointers, and I also have a detailed blog, but thats too detailed and I write it as part of my way of cherishing memories. So feel free to skip that.

This was a winter trip during the December holidays, and it’s essential to prepare for the cold weather and set realistic expectations. Here’s a concise overview of our itinerary and key recommendations:

Itinerary Highlights

12 days including travel

Munich :

• Day 1 : Arrived in Munich; explored the Christmas market at night.
• Day 2 : Took a walking tour, had lunch, and visited the English Garden.
• Day 3 : Drove 2 hours to a castle and experienced a medieval Christmas market.

Rothenburg ob der Tauber:

• Day 4 : Drove 2.5 hours, explored Rothenburg, and returned to Munich.

Partnach Gorge & Salzburg:

• Day 5: Visited Partnach Gorge (around 3 hours total).
• Day 5 : Drove to Salzburg; toured the salt mines and attended midnight mass at Salzburg Cathedral.

Salzburg:

• Day 6 : Enjoyed the Sound of Music tour, Salzburg Christmas market, and a classical music concert in the HohenSalzburg fort.

Hallstatt:

•Day 7 : Drove to 5 Fingers, hiked, and explored Hallstatt.

Prague:

• Day 8 : Walked around Salzburg and drove to Prague; 
• Day 9 : Took a walking tour and explored the Christmas market.
• Day 10 : Spent the next day exploring Prague further.

Return to Munich:

• Day 11 : Spent half a day in Prague before driving back to Munich 
• Day 12 : Breakfast in Munich and  flying home to San Francisco.

Key Recommendations

Winter Travel Essentials

• Pack thermals, gloves, beanies, scarves, jackets, fleece pants, and sturdy winter boots.
• In a winter trip, thermals, gloves, beenie, scarf and jacket and fleece pants and good shoes play a big role in how comfortable you feel and they felt like major characters in this trip for us. So these are absolute essentials. We packed 3 thermal sets each, and re-used 2-3 fleece pants, 2 jackets and enough woolen socks for each apart from essential other clothing items 
• I had my boots which was not apt for winter so on couple of days when it was really cold or it got wet, I could feel the chillness. Poor footwear can ruin your experience, so invest in insulated winter boots.

Weather Considerations

• Expect delays: snow and cold weather can make hikes (like Hallstatt) slower and may force changes in plans. We also had to move the Partnach Gorge hike to a different day based on weather conditions
• Embrace the cold: once acclimated, you’ll enjoy the festive energy as everyone braves the weather.

Holiday Vibes & Christmas Markets

• The beauty in summer is very different from the holiday vibe in winter. If you are coming for natural beauty with greenery, this is not the time. But if you enjoy holiday vibes and want to experience it in Europe, then you will enjoy. 

• Visit 2–3 markets in cities you genuinely want to explore, that way you get to enjoy the city for other things other than christmas markets . After a few christmas markets, the experience can feel repetitive.
• Carry cash, as most Christmas markets don’t accept cards.
• Vegetarian options are available in christmas markets, but please make sure of ingredients before you buy if you are a vegetarian.; prioritize trying 1–2 festive items you’re excited about.

• The Holiday vibe : this is simply great in Europe. And they also know how to do their Christmas right. Everyone even in the cold is out and about which in itself very cheerful. 

Food & Dining

• Bavarian, Austrian, and Czech cuisines were enjoyable in parts but heavy overall.
• We opted for variety, including Indian, Italian, and Thai.
• Use Wolt instead of Uber Eats for food delivery.

Logistics

• Driving was convenient for intercity travel, but parking can be a challenge in city centers like Munich and Prague.
• Within cities, we walked or used Uber (very affordable in Prague).
• You need to get the Vignete, which is a pass to take your car between cities. This can be purchased online. We got a Vignete online to go to Austria, and one for Prague. 

Hotels

• In Munich and Prague, our hotels were in the old city. It was convinient to walk around etc.
• In Salzburg, our airbnb was 10 minutes away from the Salzburg old town center. But uber was cheap, so if you wanted to avoid parking, uber is a convinient option

City Impressions

• Munich: Lively town center; the walking tour and Partnach Gorge were highlights. The castle visit was nice but not a must-see.
• Rothenburg: Stunning and highly recommended!
• Salzburg: Elegant and charming, with a vibe that must be magical in summer.
• Hallstatt: Small but breathtaking. Public transport is recommended due to limited parking.
• Prague: Vibrant and mystical, with its dark architecture and lively energy. We loved our time here.

Attractions: Hits and Misses

• Highly Recommend:
• Munich Walking Tour - a great way to know the city
• Rothenburg
• Partnach Gorge
• Sound of Music Tour ( a well planned tour, highly recommend watching the movie before you take this tour)
• Salzburg Classical Music Concert : 
• kids might feel bored, but otherwise really nice experience 
• Prague Walking Tour( again very nice to know about Prague)
• Prague Castle (exterior).
• Hallstat and Five fingers hike (better in summer, but doable in winter)
• Midnight Mass in Salzburg Cathedral : Something I enjoyed, because I was there in Salzburg on Dec 24th night.
• Optional:
• Neuschwanstein Castle (skip the interior tour if pressed for time).
• Salzburg Salt Mines (fun for kids, but not essential).
• Medieval Christmas Market outside of Munich : It was a bit chilly, and a little away from Munich.
• I used Guru Walks - free walking tour to book walking tours in Munich and in Prague.

Food Highlights

• Munich/Rothenburg: Kartoffeln spirals, Apfelkucherl (potato cakes), Flammlachs (salmon bun), Kaiserschmarrn (sweet pancake).
• Salzburg: Germknödel, roasted chestnuts, Mozartkugel (chocolate).
• Prague Christmas Market: Sauerkraut, sausage potatoes, waffles, grilled cheese with jam.

Restaurants We Enjoyed

• Munich/Rothenburg: Hofbräuhaus, Rabiang Thai, Coffee Fellows, Cafe & Bäckerei Mauerer
• Salzburg: Zaffran Indian Cuisine, Café Mozart, Café Braun in Mondsee, Hotel Stein - lovely view of Salzburg from here
• Prague: Lokal (for beer), Sangam Indian Restaurant, Vicep for Czech food,cafe 420,  Cerna Madonna and our most favorite Cafe Letka

Some Thoughts

Winter in Europe is not just about the destinations but also the atmosphere. The holiday spirit, beautiful markets, and snowy landscapes make it unique. However, it requires flexibility, preparation, and the right mindset to embrace the cold.

Detailed Blog

Day 1: Travel to Munich

The journey begins with the usual flurry of packing and travel prep! Our flight from San Francisco was at 8:30 PM, so I spent the day working until about 2 PM, squeezing in some last-minute packing and cleaning in between. I made sure to get the kids home from school a bit early, and we all got ready to head out.

We’ve developed a little pre-trip ritual: we tidy up the house so we come home to a clean space, minimizing post-vacation stress. Once everything was squared away, we took an Uber to the airport around 5 PM, arriving by 6 PM. Thanks to TSA PreCheck, we breezed through security and had plenty of time to grab some food and coffee before heading to the gate. Boarding went smoothly, and the flight took off on time.

I had downloaded Virgin River on my phone, so I spent part of the flight watching that, but also found time to dive into my Kindle, reading The troubled blood by Robert Galbraith. Of course, I tried to sleep too, though I managed only about two hours of rest. Breakfast was served just before landing, and soon enough, we touched down in Munich.

We arrived on time, breezed through immigration, and as we made our way to pick up our rental car, we stumbled upon a charming Christmas market right at the airport. After grabbing the car (a surprisingly compact European model—our luggage barely fit with one small suitcase squeezed into the backseat), we embarked on the 45-minute drive to our hotel.

There was a bit of confusion about parking, but once we sorted that out, we checked in and made our way to our room. To our delight, it even started snowing lightly—what a magical touch!

After Sree parked the car and joined me in the room, we bundled up and ventured out to our first Christmas market. We headed straight to Marienplatz, just a short walk from the hotel, and it did not disappoint. We tried two different kinds of Kraufin, the iconic potato spirals, and a hash-brown pancake. Of course, we couldn’t resist three glasses of Glühwein to warm us up. The whole experience was enchanting—walking through the festive stalls with twinkling lights, festive treats, and the crisp winter air was just perfect.

Thankfully, the cold wasn’t as biting as we expected, and we had a lovely time strolling around. By the time we returned to the hotel, we were ready to rest. We were hoping to stave off jet lag for the day ahead, which we hoped would be filled with more exploring and adventure.

Krafpen

First Gluhwein

Potato skewers 

Marienplatz

Day 2: Exploring Munich’s Old Town

We all woke up a bit earlier than usual today—thank you, jet lag! Unfortunately, none of the breakfast spots around us were open that early. Thankfully, Sree found a nearby coffee shop where he grabbed some fresh croissants for the kids. We spent some time browsing around and soaking in the morning atmosphere before we finally got ready and ventured out in search of a proper breakfast.

After a bit of walking, we stumbled upon a cozy café just a short distance from our hotel. It had a nice selection of breakfast items and coffee, much more than just pastries, so we enjoyed a hearty meal to start the day. It was a chilly morning, and we were still getting used to the whole layering process—thermals, coats, gloves, scarves—but we were getting the hang of it!

Post-breakfast, we headed back to the hotel for a quick rest, then ventured out again toward Viktualienmarkt. This lively market was a real treat, brimming with local vendors and vibrant energy. It’s a great place to wander around, especially if you’re looking to sample regional specialties or just enjoy the local vibe.

At 10:45, we joined a walking tour of Munich’s Old Town. While we waited, we met a lovely couple from Spain and ended up chatting with them for a while. The tour itself was fantastic—about 2.5 hours of fascinating history and local stories. Our guide was incredibly knowledgeable, taking us through the heart of Munich’s old town, starting with the Gospelskein Turn, then weaving through charming streets and revealing secrets of the city’s past. We even learned about the infamous Hofbräuhaus, the iconic beer hall that we later visited for lunch.

The tour wrapped up, and we decided to continue our time together with the couple from Spain, heading to Hofbräuhaus for some classic Bavarian fare. We tried a variety of local dishes, all delicious (of course, accompanied by some beer), and spent a long, leisurely lunch chatting and enjoying the atmosphere.

After lunch, we took an Uber to the English Garden, a huge green space right in the city center. I’d heard about the surfers who ride the artificial waves in the park, so we made a point to check that out. It was fascinating to watch them carve through the waves, despite the chilly weather. From there, we wandered over to the Chinese Tower, which was beautiful in its own right, set amidst the wintry landscape. We couldn’t resist visiting the Christmas market near the tower, where Pappu indulged in a delicious crepe—a perfect treat for a cold afternoon.

We spent a little more time soaking in the festive vibes before taking an Uber back to the hotel. By now, the jet lag was really starting to catch up with us, and we were all feeling pretty drained. As soon as we got back to the hotel, I collapsed into bed—but, of course, I woke up at 1 AM, wide awake. Since then, I’ve been struggling to get back to sleep, so I figured it was a good time to write this entry.

All set to brave the cold

Breakfast at nearby cafe

Market

This is called Maple of Munich - represents what Munich stands for

Bavarian food

English Garden

Chinese tower - explored christmas market here

Day 3: Rain, Neuschwanstein Castle, and a Medieval Christmas Market

Jet lag hit hard today—I woke up at 1 AM and couldn’t really get back to sleep. Despite the early wake-up, the rain outside made it feel like the perfect day to take it slow. We decided to scrap plans for the gorge and instead opted for a laid-back morning. We had breakfast in the hotel room, enjoying a slower start before heading out around 9:30 AM.

It was still raining, but we braved the wet weather and walked to the parking garage, where we hopped into our car for the drive to Neuschwanstein Castle, the fairy-tale castle that inspired Disney’s Sleeping Beauty Castle. The drive took about two hours, but as we neared the castle, the scenery became absolutely breathtaking. The misty weather only added to the magic, and we managed to catch a stunning shot of the castle peeking through the fog—my favorite photo of the day.

Once we reached the parking lot, we made our way to the information desk. We decided to skip the horse-drawn carriage, as the wait was long, and instead opted to walk up to the castle. The walk took only about 20 minutes, and while we didn’t have tickets to tour the inside of the castle, we spent time walking around the exterior, soaking in the incredible views, and snapping plenty of photos. On the way up, we treated ourselves to some warm, sugar-coated donuts—pure comfort on a chilly, rainy day.

Across from Neuschwanstein, we could see another stunning castle, which added to the fairy-tale feel of the area. After taking it all in, we made our way back down and drove for about an hour to reach the medieval Christmas market my colleague had recommended.

The market was absolutely magical. It had an entry fee, but it was well worth it. By now, the snow had started to fall, making the air even chillier, but the festive atmosphere was so cozy and inviting. We tried a delicious salmon sandwich that was so good we ended up buying two more! As we walked around the market, we picked up a few warm drinks to help with the cold and sampled a fried pancake dish served with applesauce. The food was hearty and perfect for the weather.

After wandering around the market for a bit, we decided it was time to head back to the car. We drove back to the hotel, feeling satisfied but ready for some rest. Once back, we took a short break before heading next door to an Asian shop to grab some takeout for the kids. After a busy, chilly day, it felt nice to unwind with some comfort food.

And with that, we called it a day—another memorable one in the books.

Breakfast in the hotel room, rainy day

The best view of the castle

Castle opposite to Neuschwanstein

With a pink Santa :)

In front of the castle 

Fried donuts

Day 4: Trip to Rothenburg

Today was an early start, as we had planned to visit both Rothenburg and Nuremberg. After a good night’s rest, we were ready for the day. We grabbed breakfast at a nearby café called Coffee Fellows, which turned out to be a great choice. The food was delicious, and Pranav’s sandwich was a clear standout.

Once we finished breakfast, we hit the road. Our first task was to stop at a couple of gas stations to pick up a Vignette (a toll sticker required for driving in Austria). Unfortunately, neither station had them, so we quickly figured out how to order it online, and then we were back on track.

The drive to Rothenburg took us through some scenic landscapes, and as we approached the town, the narrow streets reminded me a bit of Bruges in Belgium—so picturesque! Finding a parking spot was a bit tricky due to the narrow streets, but once we parked, it was all worth it. Rothenburg was every bit as charming as we’d imagined.

We wandered through the town, starting at the market square, where we stumbled upon a lovely Christmas market. The atmosphere was festive, and we spent some time strolling through the market, snapping photos along the way. We visited the most photographed spot in Rothenburg, capturing a family picture there, then grabbed a snack from the Christmas market before continuing our walk along the city walls. The views from the walls were stunning, offering a unique perspective of this medieval town.

After all the walking, we decided to take a break at a cozy café. We ordered hot chocolate, coffee, and enjoyed a moment of relaxation. Afterward, we made the decision to skip Nuremberg for the day. It was another hour away, and given that it was already getting late, we knew we wouldn’t have much time to explore before it got dark. Instead, we opted to head back to Munich, which was a much shorter drive.

We arrived in Munich around 6:30 PM, just as the snow started falling. It was the perfect winter scene, and Pappu was excited to try ice skating. We took him to an outdoor rink, where he got fitted for skates and skated for about 30 minutes. Meanwhile, Sree and Tara took care of dinner plans, so we had everything ready when Pappu was done.

By the time we got back to the hotel, everyone was exhausted from the day’s adventures, and with an early start ahead of us tomorrow, we decided to call it a night.

Ice skating in Munich

Day 5: Partnach Gorge and Salzburg

Today was a bittersweet day as we checked out of our Munich hotel and made our way to Salzburg. But before heading to the city, we decided to visit Partnach Gorge, an hour's drive away. The drive took us through snow-covered alpine towns, each more picturesque than the last, with the entire landscape blanketed in a fresh layer of snow. It felt like we were driving through a snow globe.

When we arrived, the snow was still falling gently, and the world around us seemed to be painted in shades of white and grey. We parked the car and began our walk through an Olympic stadium, which was entirely covered in snow—a surreal and magical sight. This was my first time experiencing a true winter wonderland during Christmas, and the atmosphere was beyond enchanting. The kids had a blast playing in the snow, making snowballs and laughing as they ran around.

We continued our walk toward Partnach Gorge, and the experience was nothing short of breathtaking. The snow-dusted cliffs, the frozen river below, and the shimmering icicles hanging from the rocks made the gorge feel like something out of a fairytale. Every step we took seemed more dreamlike than the last, and it was a moment I will always remember.

After soaking in the beauty of the gorge, we walked back to the car and drove to the Salzburg Salt Mines. It was more of a family-friendly experience, with plenty of fun for the kids, including slides and a train ride through the mines. The kids had a great time, and it was an interesting experience for all of us.

We then drove into Salzburg, where we had rented an Airbnb just 10 minutes away from the town center. After a quick rest, we ventured into the city to explore, but to our surprise, the town center was nearly empty. It was an eerie contrast to the usual hustle and bustle of Salzburg. So, we returned to our Airbnb and decided to make the most of the evening in a different way.

I decided to attend the Midnight Mass at the Dom, the main cathedral in Salzburg. I took an Uber around 10:30 PM and arrived at Domplatz by 10:40. The area was already buzzing with people, all eagerly waiting for the doors to open. At 11:00, the doors finally opened, and by 11:30, the mass began.

The Dom itself was grand and awe-inspiring, with its massive architecture and towering ceilings. The service was conducted entirely in Latin, so I didn’t understand much, but the solemn atmosphere, the orchestra’s music, and the beautiful rendition of Silent Night made the experience deeply moving. It was a moment of reflection and peace, and I felt connected to something much larger than myself.

After the mass, I returned to the Airbnb and collapsed into bed, reflecting on a day filled with wonder, snow, and a sense of quiet awe.

snowing 

Winter wonderland. We were walking like this

The cute christmas tree in our airbnb

midnight mass at Salzburg Cathedral

Day 6: Salzburg and the Sound of Music

Today started with a leisurely breakfast and then we headed to Mirabellplatz, where we caught the bus for the famous Sound of Music tour. The tour was a lot of fun, with a lively and humorous guide who made the entire experience enjoyable. It was a great way to see Salzburg, and we visited several iconic spots from the film.

One of the highlights was seeing the Gazebo, where the song "Sixteen Going on Seventeen" was filmed, along with the Von Trapp family home. The picturesque church in Mondsee, where the wedding scene was shot, was another highlight. The tour was well-paced, and we even had an hour’s break in Mondsee around 11:30 AM, giving us time to explore the church and its charming neighborhood.

We stopped at Café Braun in Mondsee, where we treated ourselves to some delicious local treats: apple strudel, hot chocolate, coffee, and a cheese strudel. The service was quick and friendly, and the warm food and drink were perfect for the chilly weather.

The tour wrapped up with a visit to the Mirabell Gardens, where we strolled around a bit. I can only imagine how beautiful the gardens must be in summer, with flowers in full bloom. The views of the city from the gardens were stunning, making it the perfect conclusion to the tour.

Afterward, we walked to the Lock Bridge, a famous spot where couples leave locks as symbols of love. We took some fun photos there and then wandered over to Domplatz, where the Christmas market was in full swing. It was much larger and busier than the one in Munich’s Marienplatz, and the festive atmosphere was contagious. We spent the next couple of hours exploring the market, soaking in the sights and smells of roasted chestnuts, mulled wine, and other holiday treats.

We returned to our room afterward to rest for about three hours. Around late afternoon, we decided to take the funicular up to the HohenSalzburg Fortress, a stunning hilltop fortress with breathtaking views of the city. We arrived just in time for the Mozart classical music concert, although it was fully booked for seats. Fortunately, we managed to get some good spots to enjoy the performance. The concert was intimate, and the musicians were incredible—an experience that really captured the spirit of Salzburg.

The kids were pretty exhausted by this point, so they slept through much of the 1.5-hour concert. It was a lovely and relaxing way to end the day. The concert ended at 9:30 PM, and we made our way back to the room, where we collapsed into bed by 10 PM, completely worn out but happy after a day of music, history, and Christmas magic.

Merry Christmas

Hohen Salzburg

Frozen lake - Maria and Kids falling into the lake scene was shot here

I am 16, going on 17

Apple Strudel

Church in the movie 

The Mirabel gardens behind 

Most of Do a dear, was shot in Mirabel gardens 

Salzburg Gluhwein

Classical Music Concert 

Day 7: Hallstatt and 5 Fingers

We woke up feeling refreshed and ready for the day ahead, and by 8:30 AM, we were on the road to 5 Fingers, an iconic viewpoint that requires a scenic gondola ride and a bit of hiking. After reaching the parking lot, we got our tickets, only to be told that we needed snowshoes for the hike. So, we rented them—large clip-on snowshoes that you attach to your boots.

The journey to the starting point involved two steep gondola rides, and when we arrived, we struggled a bit with the snowshoes, trying to get them on outside in the cold. In hindsight, it would have been much easier to sit inside the station to put them on, but eventually, we were all set and ready to go.

The hike itself was relatively straightforward, but with the snowshoes, the cold, and the gusting wind, it felt more challenging than expected. Tara started feeling a bit of a headache, Pranav complained of cold hands, and the wind didn’t help. After weighing the situation, we decided it was best to stay behind with the kids. I stayed with them in the restaurant while Sree went ahead to do the hike first, taking in the views. When he returned, it was my turn.

The hike, though easy, was made more difficult by the snowshoes and the biting wind. But once we reached the viewpoint, the scenery was absolutely stunning—snow-capped mountains, misty valleys, and endless vistas of winter beauty. It was worth every bit of effort.

Afterward, we took the gondola back down and started our journey to Hallstatt, a picturesque village I had been looking forward to seeing.

Hallstatt was as beautiful as the pictures, though it was fully enveloped in shades of grey and white, with the sky and snow blending together. The cold was biting, and we had to park about a mile and a half away from the town. We bundled up and walked toward the village, racing against the setting sun to capture the iconic view of Hallstatt that you see in almost every picture online. We made it just in time for the perfect shot, with the lake, the village, and the snow-capped mountains as a backdrop. It was just as magical as I’d imagined.

We spent the next little while wandering through the town, snapping a few more photos, but the cold quickly started to wear on us. We decided to head back to the car and drive to a warm meal. After a chilly day, we were all craving something hearty, so we made our way to Zanzar Indian Restaurant, where we indulged in a delicious and filling Indian feast. It was the perfect way to end the day—comforting food, cozy warmth, and the satisfaction of having experienced two beautiful places.

Looking back on the day, I’m already thinking about how much I’d love to return to Hallstatt and Salzburg to see them in all their glory—perhaps in a different season, when the weather is a bit milder. But for now, we headed back to our accommodation, full and happy.

Trying to hike with snow shoes 

Five fingers 

Hallstat

Day 8: Salzburg Stroll and Drive to Prague

After a restful night’s sleep, we woke up feeling refreshed and ready for the day. We packed up and checked out of our Airbnb in Salzburg, bidding farewell to this charming city for now.

Our first stop was Café Mozart, a spot I’d heard about through YouTube videos and was excited to try. It definitely didn’t disappoint. We ordered a lovely breakfast, and the muesli was warm and comforting, while the hot chocolate was rich and perfect for the chilly morning. The real star, though, was the Salzburg Nockerl, a local dessert, which was as delicious as it was iconic.

After breakfast, we decided to take a leisurely stroll through Salzburg, following the walking tour recommendations from Rick Steves' guide. We wandered through the city’s quaint streets, discovering charming nooks and crannies along the way. We even found a great little spot to pick up some cute beanies for Pranav, Tara, and myself—something to keep us cozy in the cold.

Our next stop was Hotel Stein, where we originally planned just to take in the views. However, they surprised us with an amazing outdoor seat that offered a stunning panoramic view of the city and the Salzach River. The setting was perfect, so we decided to make the most of it. I ordered a comforting pumpkin soup, Sree had a fresh salad, and the kids went for tacos. The food was simple but delicious, and the experience was memorable.

After soaking in the views and the lovely atmosphere, it was time to hit the road for our next adventure. We began our 4-hour drive to Prague. The journey wasn’t without its challenges, though. At one point, we realized the windshield fluid had run out, which left us scrambling to clean the windshield multiple times to ensure visibility. Despite the hiccups, we made it to Prague safely and checked into our hotel.

By this point, we were all pretty tired, so we ordered dosa from a local Indian restaurant, craving something familiar and comforting. The meal was satisfying, and we ended the day with full bellies and happy hearts. It had been a lovely day, and after dinner, we called it a night, ready for the next chapter of our trip.

Salzburg Nockerel

Variety of Pretzels

Yummy pumpkin soup from Hotel Stein

Day 9: Exploring Prague on Foot

Our day began with a delicious breakfast at a restaurant in a striking Cubist-style building. With full bellies, we set off on a walking tour of Prague, eager to discover its rich history and iconic landmarks. The tour took us to the Astronomical Clock, the Jewish Quarter, Charles Bridge, and the John Lennon Wall. Spanning three hours, it was an enriching experience, but the kids were understandably exhausted by the end. The crisp winter air added a challenging yet invigorating backdrop to our adventure.

One of the day's highlights was Pappu making a wish at Charles Bridge by touching the statue of a saint—he wished for an endless supply of Rubik’s cubes! Along the way, we warmed ourselves with some delightful Glühwein, which was fruity and full of flavor. At a small Christmas market under Charles Bridge, we enjoyed food reminiscent of Indian flavors and treated ourselves to a classic chimney cake.

After the tour, we took an Uber back to the hotel for some much-needed rest for the kids. Meanwhile, Sree and I headed to a laundromat just 10 minutes away to take care of laundry. While waiting, we explored a nearby Lokal, where Sree savored a local beer, and I enjoyed a soothing ginger tea—simple pleasures that felt extra rewarding.

Once the laundry was done, we returned to the hotel for a short rest. Later in the evening, Sree and I ventured out again, braving the cold to explore the buzzing Christmas market at the main square. The vibrant atmosphere, with live music and crowds of people, was nothing short of magical. We tried a pancake-like dish from one of the stalls, though it didn’t quite win us over.

Our quest for gloves proved unsuccessful, so we headed back to the hotel before taking an Uber to a cozy restaurant Sree had booked for authentic Czech cuisine. The appetizers were enjoyable, but the main course was a bit outside my comfort zone flavor-wise, though I could appreciate its uniqueness. Exhausted but happy, we returned to the hotel and crashed for the night, sleeping a glorious 11 hours straight!

Prague Astronomical clock

John Lenon wall

Making a wish

Chimney cake

Laundry date

Prague Christmas market

Day 10: Prague, Prague Castle, and the Ice Bar

We started our day early with a quiet morning walk through Prague, enjoying the city before the crowds took over. Despite failing to locate the narrow alley we were looking for, we took an Uber to Letka Café, a cozy spot we had seen in a YouTube video. The café lived up to its charm, with delicious coffee, hot chocolate, Turkish eggs, and oatmeal. We even struck up a pleasant conversation with two locals, making it a wonderful start to the day. Before heading back to the hotel, we picked up some pastries for the kids.

Once the kids were ready, we all set out for Prague Castle. We arrived just in time to witness the changing of the guards at noon—a fascinating experience. Afterward, we explored the castle grounds and took a break at a café so the kids could warm up with tea and hot chocolate.

Next, we tried to locate a "secret spot" for panoramic views recommended in a YouTube video, but the gate appeared to be closed, leaving us unable to find it. As we descended, the kids began to whine, but we managed to convince them to continue to Letná Park. The walk was refreshing, and we strolled through the park before deciding to grab lunch.

The kids were craving pasta, so we headed to Pasta Fresco, a highly recommended spot. Unfortunately, after a 45-minute wait, the staff informed us they couldn’t accommodate us. Feeling disappointed, we found another nearby restaurant that served pasta and pizza, which turned out to be an excellent choice. The food was delicious, and everyone left happy.

We ended our family outing with a stop at a Christmas market, where the kids tried the famous Prague waffle—it was a hit with all of us! Back at the hotel, we picked up a to-go pizza for the kids and took a short rest.

Later in the evening, Sree and I ventured out again, beginning with a visit to Charles Bridge. We climbed the tower to admire the stunning night views of the bridge and its surroundings. From there, we walked to the Ice Bar, purchasing combined tickets that included the Robotic Bar.

The Robotic Bar was fascinating, with drinks crafted entirely by robots—a unique experience! The Ice Bar, on the other hand, was like stepping into a frosty wonderland. Surrounded by ice sculptures and sipping drinks from ice glasses in a freezer-like atmosphere was both surreal and fun. With a 20-minute time limit, the experience was short but memorable.

Afterward, we strolled back to the hotel, where the kids were doing just fine. We wrapped up the day with some packing and a bit of downtime before heading to bed, feeling content after another exciting day in Prague.

Charles bridge in the morning

Yummy food in Letka cafe

Prague Castle

Frozen lake - Letna Park

Ice bar

Day 11: Exploring Nový Svět and Driving to Munich

Our day began with another peaceful morning walk for Sree and me. We revisited Café Letka, where the menu had some new options. Sree enjoyed an open sandwich while I had a bowl of oats. The coffee and hot chocolate were just as delightful as the day before. Being Sree’s birthday made the morning even more special, and I felt grateful to share this time with him.

After breakfast, we strolled through Letná Park toward the palace area, searching for the quaint neighborhood of Nový Svět. With some help from Google Maps and a few videos, we found it! Wandering through its charming streets was a serene experience. Around 10:30, we took an Uber back to the Hilton to prepare for the rest of the day.

Once the kids were ready and everything packed, we loaded our luggage into the car and walked to Café 420, located right opposite the Astronomical Clock. Surprisingly, we got a seat quickly. The kids ordered burgers while Sree and I enjoyed tapas and coffee. I had secretly spoken to the waiter earlier, and he brought out a small fruit tart with a candle to celebrate Sree’s birthday. It was a lovely moment, made even better when a kind local at a nearby table offered to take some pictures for us. I also took a moment to admire the café's unique interior.

Next, we headed to the Prague Municipal Library to see the famous Infinite Book Wall. Unfortunately, the queue was long and slow-moving. After waiting for 40 minutes, we managed to glimpse it from the side and decided to move on.

We stopped to get the kids some boba tea, and I treated myself to one last chimney cake before leaving Prague—this one was even better than the previous ones! I also couldn’t resist visiting an antique shop, where I picked up two charming coffee mugs as souvenirs.

Back at the hotel, we got into the car and began our drive to Munich. The journey was a straight 4.5-hour drive without breaks. As we neared Munich, I made a reservation at a Thai restaurant along the way. The food was excellent, with a warm ambiance and courteous staff—a perfect way to end the drive.

We arrived at our hotel and checked in. Though it was an older building, the room was unique, featuring five beds, including one tucked into a cozy corner that immediately sparked a playful debate among the kids over who would claim it.

After a bit of unpacking and organizing, we called it a night, ready for the next leg of our journey.

Letka Cafe

Birthday boy

View from Novi Swet

Happy Birthday

Book tower

Thai Food in Munich

Day 12: New Year’s Eve and Flight Back to SFO

Our final day began with an early start, waking up around 8 am to get ready and check out of the hotel by 9:30. We took a leisurely walk to Marienplatz, which felt strikingly different without the bustling Christmas markets. For breakfast, we stopped at the Glockenspiel Café. The muesli, vegan bowl, coffee, and hot chocolate were all fantastic—a perfect last meal in Munich.

After breakfast, we strolled to the square to watch the Glockenspiel chime at 11 am. The kids enjoyed the performance, and we took a few quick photos to capture the moment. Then, it was time to head back to the hotel, gather our luggage, and make our way to the airport around 11:45.

Cafe Glockenspein

At the airport, we returned the car and went through the usual check-in and boarding process. As we waited at the gate, our thoughts drifted to the comforting flavors of home. We were already planning a feast from Komala Vilas or Anjappar, knowing that our palates were more than ready for some delicious Indian food after days of Central European cuisine.

At the airport

With full hearts and wonderful memories from this journey, we boarded our flight back to San Francisco, looking forward to the comforts of home and the new adventures awaiting us in the year ahead.