Once in a while, there comes a time when the buzz of the city gets too loud, too chaotic; suddenly the streets feel overcrowded and the soul craves some stillness and calm. I keep a list of places and “quiet corners” of the city to escape to when I need to be alone. This one is great for when Náplavka and Výtoň get too much  (especially on the sunny days of the Indian summer).

You have probably already seen Emauzy monastery. It’s one of my favorite pieces of architecture in the city. It’s not entirely open to the public, however you can get to the terrace in front, which not many people know about. To get there, take a tram to Botanická zahrada and walk uphill (or downhill, if you’re going from Karlovo náměstí) and enter at the gates of CAMP. CAMP is going to be in front and there is a pathway to the left. Take the route in between the two buildings, walk through the little park and you will get to the terrace from the backside of the monastery.

I like to eat my lunch there, watch the sunset or to read on the stairs. Tip: go at the golden hour, take a bottle of wine and enjoy the view of the river.