The description sounds lovely--stroll the lanes and alleys of Prague (and whatever other city you want to insert here) and it sounds, romantic, like strolling back in time.
Actually, the large cobblestones for the street are spaced so awkwardly it is very difficult to walk on them. The smaller cobblestones for other streets and maybe some sidewalks are so small you can get even the widest and thickest footwear caught in them.
I found walking very challenging.
We stayed there the month of May 2024. It took us about 3 days for our ankles not to hurt but we eventually got used to walking on cobblestones.
All of Old Town is covered in cobblestones - whether they are tiny little bricks, big bricks or actual stones that stick up from the ground. You have to be very careful as often times there are loose stones. No regular sidewalks in this part of Prague.
Or lots of other old town centers in other cities. I see some people using their hiking poles (to help with balance, I presume).
I recently spent a week in Prague and didn't notice any difference with the cobblestones there and the cobblestones in other places.
But then, I wear walking shoes with thick soles so as not to be bothered too much.
My vote as the worst cobblestones of anyplace I've visited is Riga. But I must be a glutton for punishment as I'm going back there on Monday.
Oh no, planning on Riga July 2026!
Yes! I was in Prague in Oct ‘23 and actually took a picture of one street to mention on my photo share that these were the most hardcore cobblestones I’d ever encountered. I’ve walked on many, in many places across Europe but also thought these were noteworthy. I didn’t have any ankle or knee pain due to them however. Loved the city.
Somewhat disturbing: https://www.czechcenter.org/blog/2020/5/29/cobblestones-of-prague
The one nice thing about old town Riga is that have installed sidewalks that are flat. They aren't very wide but they are there.
