Prague is the “city of a hundred spires,” whose impressive gothic structures survived bombings to stand today. As a visitor to the Czech capital, you’ll be treated to the sights and tastes of one of the most beautiful cities in the world—you and seven million other travelers. Beat the rush and avoid summer travel for your best experience.
I had the opportunity to visit in early October, just as a crisp fall chill bit the air. It was part of my larger journey combining Vienna, Prague and Budapest, so I had just two days to see as much as I could. If you’re on a similar schedule, here’s the best of Prague in a 2 day itinerary.
Day 1
1. Powder Tower
If you’re coming from the train station, work your route beneath the 15th-century city gate. Otherwise, you can check it out if you visit the cafe at the Art Nouveau-styled Municipal House.
2. Old Town Square
The heart of the inner-city hub, Old town Square is packed with tourists and surrounded with architectural beauties. The focal point is the iconic Old Town Hall and Prague Astronomical Clock.
3. Jewish Quarter
A combo ticket for the area’s most important houses of worship admits you to the Moorish-style Spanish Synagogue, the old 1270 Old-New Synagogue, left standing during the Nazi occupation with the intent to serve as a Jewish extinction museum, and the Pinkas Synagogue, with walls covered entirely with names of Holocaust victims. The stunning Jewish Cemetery is recognizable for its layers of moss-covered headstones.
4. Eat trdelnik
Sorry, I didn’t just insult you. That’s the name of the popular sweet at street food stands, made with a cone of sugary rolled dough filled with ice cream.
5. Charles Bridge
This lively pedestrian bridge will draw you back more than once during your stay. Our first time over, we joined a river of selfie sticks, people peddling jewelry and paintings, stone statues heralding Catholic saints and beautiful views of spires in all directions. We came back again in the moonlight for a more serene experience.
6. Old Town Bridge Tower
If you want “the” picture, don’t miss going up inside this gothic tower for a scenic view of the bridge and a backdrop with Prague Castle.
7. Narrowest Street
It’s not worth a detour, but if you are already exploring the west bank of the river north of Charles Bridge, you’ll stumble on the narrowest street in Prague, a teeny pathway between buildings that requires a push-button walk sign to alert anyone coming up the stairs of your intent to descend. There are also great shots of the Charles Bridge to be had from the banks near here.
8. Prague Beer Museum
Not actually a museum, but a great place to grab a flight of local craft beer.
9. Mucha Museum
Immerse yourself in the Art Nouveau masterpieces of Alfons Mucha and learn the tale of the Slav Epic, his dramatic series of massive paintings celebrating nationalism.
Day 2
1. Prague Castle
Go early. Go early. Go early. Prague Castle will be the most crowded experience on this trip, and an early start at least helps with the ticket line.
The first stop inside the castle complex is St Vitus Cathedral, a gorgeous gothic church circa 900s. Circle the exterior tombs and graves of important saints, beautiful stained glass windows (don’t miss Mucha’s!) and a lavish tribute dedicated by Hapsburg Maria Theresa.
While the courtyard outside fills up with boyfriends laying on the ground with selfie sticks to get the right shot of their girl in front of St. Vitus (this was a thing), you can duck inside the Story of Prague Castle exhibit and be virtually alone with an encompassing and interesting history of the complex and its succession of rulers.
Go to the outside garden walls for incredible views.
You can also walk through the Old Royal Palace, a series of Renaissance rooms used historically for politics, noble functions and throwing Hapsburg-loving Catholics out windows; St. George’s Basilica, an old Romanesque church; and Golden Lane, small colorful houses belonging to castle staff.
Descend from the crush of crowds into the Stag Moat, a lush walk through greenery and a sleek-looking pedestrian tunnel. A switchback leads out of the stag moat toward an area called “Fikovna.” Look back at the castle from this pathway near Queen Anne’s Summer Palace for a beautiful view. Exit back around the west side through ornate Matthias Gate.
2. Views from Strahov Monestary
Head straight uphill past pastel-colored houses toward the Strahov Monastery, and reward yourself with a meal or wine at Restaurant Bellavista to soak in the views.
Mala Strana
Cobbled stairs and paths lead down Petrin Park into Mala Strana, “The Little Quarter.” Enjoy guessing all the foreign embassies, tucked into colored baroque facades, by their flags and signs on the door (Wales: “Learn about our country with this cute infographic!” USA: “DON’T TAKE PICTURES”). If you’re not churched out, check out the styled statues and baroque ornamentation inside St. Nicholas’ Church.
Lennon Wall
This colorful graffiti wall is a continuously-changing symbol of expression and sticking it to Communism, named for its original inclusion of John Lennon-inspired art and lyrics.
Frank Gehry’s Dancing House
Stroll down the east bank of the Vltava for beautiful rows of residences and the eccentric “Dancing House,” inspired by dancing couple Fred and Ginger Astaire.
Traveling to Prague and need a recommendation, or want to share something I missed? Post a comment!
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