Prague is a beautiful city with historic sights, a lot of culture, friendly people and much more. However, it is possible to get a feel for Prague in 2 days. Keep reading to see how you can make the most of your time in Prague.
Where to stay
We stayed at the Grandium Prague, and we enjoyed every moment. The beds were comfortable, the staff were friendly, the concierge was helpful and the food was delicious. Seriously, we had no complaints at all! They were even able to accommodate us in the spa for a last minute massage, which was reasonably priced.
Getting around
Prague is an extremely walkable city, so take advantage! For getting between different areas of the city, I recommend taking trams or an Uber.
Day 1
Prague castle & St. Vitus Cathedral
One of the most historic sites in the city is the castle that has stood there for over a thousand years. Having been the seat of power for Holy Romans emperors and the kings of Bohemia, today it is the office of the President of the Czech Republic. The grounds themselves are free to enter if you want to have a quick look around. A small entrance fee gives you access to the interiors of the castle.
Also as part of the castle grounds is the beautiful St. Vitus cathedral. The cathedral is also free to enter, but ticket holders get access to more of the cathedral including the area close to the altar.
Charles bridge
The famous Charles bridge has such importance in the history of the city, that you cannot go to Prague without visiting it. However, if you are visiting during peak tourist season, be prepared for some serious crowds. But I will say, the beautiful views of the river and the castle, along with the various artists and vendors lining the walk make it a worthwhile experience. In addition to just strolling down the bridge, use a tour guide or a book to learn about the various statues along Charles bridge.
Make sure you also check out my tips for your first visit to Prague here.
John Lennon Wall
Despite never having been to Prague, John Lennon has a big presence in the city. Following the death of John Lennon in the 80s, the wall has been a place for artistic expression. The wall is ever changing, and has messages of peace and protests about current social issues on it.
Float down the Vltava
If you are tired after all the walking around, a river cruise is a good way to rest your feet. Gently float down the river and admire the beautiful buildings from a different vantage point (with a beer in your hand, if you fancy it!).
Day 2
Get a birds eye view
If you have looked at photos of Prague, you will know that the older parts of the city have beautiful red tiled roofs. To really appreciate them, head up high and take a look. I would recommend going up the old town bridge tower for some breathtaking views. This tower not only gives you some great views of old town, but also of Charles bridge and the castle!
Try the local food and beer
Czech beer is famous both for its taste and the low price. But while you are here, make sure to also try all the local food offerings. Some highlights to look out for include goat cheese, trdelnik and goulash. Freshly baked gingerbread is also widely available here, and really is delicious.
If you’re looking for recommendations of restaurants to go to, try:
Old town and astronomical clock
Prague is full of iconic places, but probably the most famous of them all is the astronomical clock in the old town square. This is with good reason, as it the third oldest astronomical clock in the world (and the oldest one that still works). Every hour there is a little clock show that draws massive crowds. So make sure you go at other times to avoid being constantly jostled around.
In old town, there are also other famous (and instagrammable!) buildings such as the Church of Our Lady Before Tyn, and St. Nicholas Church.
Jewish Quarter
Josefov or the Jewish Quarter (formerly the Jewish Ghetto) is a section of Prague that was traditionally inhabited by the Jews since the 10th century. This area is a UNESCO heritage sight, and certainly worth a visit.
The Jewish cemetery in Prague is one of the most well preserved in the region for a very sombre reason. During WWII, Hitler wanted to preserve the Jewish quarter as a “Museum of an Extinct Race”. Jewish artefacts from around Europe were brought to Prague for this purpose. After the end of the war, an great effort was made to return the artefacts to the original owners. The remaining artefacts, and the buildings and synagogues now preserve the history of Jews in Prague.
Tip to beat the crowds: Go late in the evening to buy your ticket for the next day.
Go shopping
Wenceslas square has loads of shops if your are looking to indulge in some retail therapy. Bohemian crystal, gingerbread and puppets are all popular things to pick up when in Prague. Also, as you walk around you will almost certainly see Manufaktura. This is a local chain that sells natural cosmetics, and is a great place to pick up gifts for yourself or others. These stores also sell various small handcrafted items, made locally.
Wander around
Prague is a beautiful city, and pretty much every street we walked down was photo worthy. The boy and I had an amazing time just wandering around with a delicious trdelnik in hand, looking at all the picturesque buildings. I highly encourage you to do the same, you’ll never know what you will find!
Have a little longer?
If you have more than 2 days in Prague, make sure to check out these other places too.
- Dancing House
- National Museum
- The Kelmentium
- Kutna Hora
- Take a day trip to Cesky Krumlov
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