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Planning one or two day trip to Prague? This 2-day itinerary covers the must-see highlights so you can experience the best of the Czech capital in just one weekend. Day 1 focuses on Prague Castle, Lesser Town, and Charles Bridge, offering a perfect blend of history and scenery. On Day 2, dive into the city’s heart by exploring Old Town, the Jewish Quarter, and Downtown Prague. Follow this guide for an easy-to-navigate route filled with top sights, local tips, and unforgettable moments.
Day 1: Prague Castle, Lesser Town, and Charles Bridge
| Time | Activity | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Morning | Strahov Monastery and Vineyard Lookout | Begin your day at the Strahov Monastery, an active medieval monastery featuring a famous library. The complex offers stunning panoramic views of Prague, particularly from the vineyard lookout on its grounds. |
| Late Morning | Prague Castle Complex | Walk from Strahov Monastery down towards the Prague Castle grounds, exploring the area and then focusing on the major interior sights with your tickets. • St. Vitus Cathedral: The main church in the castle complex, renowned for its Gothic architecture, vaulted ceilings, and art. • Středová kašna (Central Fountain): A Renaissance fountain located in the second courtyard of the castle, which you will pass as you explore the complex. • Golden Lane: A picturesque alley of small, colorful houses, which once housed castle guards and artisans. |
| Afternoon | Nerudova Street and Zámecké schody | After exiting the castle, descend into the Lesser Town via Nerudova Street, a scenic cobblestone street known for its historic house signs. A more direct route down is the Zámecké schody (Castle Stairs), which offers stunning views. |
| Late Afternoon | Marian Plague Column and Lennon Wall | Near the bottom of Nerudova Street, you can see the Marian Plague Column in Lesser Town Square. From there, walk towards Kampa Island to visit the famous John Lennon Wall, a vibrant and ever-changing monument of graffiti and song lyrics. |
| Evening | Charles Bridge | Conclude your day with a sunset walk across the Charles Bridge, enjoying the views of the city as it lights up. The bridge connects the Lesser Town with the Old Town and features numerous Baroque statues. |
Day 2: Old Town, Jewish Quarter, and Downtown
| Time | Activity | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Morning | The Powder Tower | Start your day at the Powder Tower, a striking Gothic gate that once served as a city entrance and gunpowder store. It marks the beginning of the Royal Route. |
| Late Morning | Old Town Square and Astronomical Clock | Walk from the Powder Tower into the Old Town Square. Take time to see the famous Prague Astronomical Clock, watching the hourly show of the Twelve Apostles. You can also climb the Old Town Hall Tower for a good view of the square. |
| Lunchtime | Havelské tržiště (Havel’s Market) | Grab a bite to eat or browse for souvenirs at the nearby Havelské tržiště, an open-air market with stalls selling local goods, crafts, and food. |
| Afternoon | Statue of Franz Kafka and Downtown | Wander through the Jewish Quarter towards the Statue of Franz Kafka. The surreal sculpture, created by artist Jaroslav Róna in 2003, depicts Kafka on the shoulders of a headless figure. The monument is located near the Spanish Synagogue. |
| Late Afternoon | National Museum | Walk toward Wenceslas Square and visit the National Museum, with its neo-Renaissance building and extensive collections related to Czech history and natural sciences. |
| Evening | Dinner in Downtown | For dinner, explore the restaurants in the New Town (Nové Město). The area around Wenceslas Square offers a variety of dining options. |
Hotel Recommendation
- Location: Staying in the Downtown area is highly recommended. The Michelangelo Grand Hotel is a suggested option due to its excellent location within walking distance of many downtown attractions.
- Price: A potential cost for a stay at the Michelangelo Grand Hotel in October 2025 could be less than $200 per night.
- Amenities: The hotel offers a good breakfast.
- Pros/Cons: No significant drawbacks were noted for this hotel; the experience was positive.
Transportation
- Prague’s public transportation infrastructure is excellent, with trams arriving frequently (typically in less than 5 minutes).
- Purchasing a 1-day or 3-day pass is highly recommended for convenience.
- Passes can be purchased and activated easily using an app.
Dining
- Prague offers numerous cafes and restaurants on nearly every block, so specific recommendations are unnecessary
- Visitors should try local beer and Koleno (pork knuckle)
Other Tips
- Payment: Credit cards are widely accepted. Cash is primarily needed for:
- Coins for restroom access
- Havel’s Market purchases
- Prague Castle accepts credit cards but only cash for the audio guide deposit portion
- Shopping: For bottled water and similar items, it’s advisable to shop at larger chain stores rather than small convenience stores.
