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- May 18, 2024
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2 Days in Prague: The Perfect Weekend Itinerary
Prague, the lively capital of the Czech Republic, is bursting with excitement, just waiting for you to explore! With its stunning architecture and friendly locals, there’s no shortage of things to see and do for a perfect long weekend. Join us as we share our tips on how to make the most of 2 days in Prague!
Prague is hands down one of our top picks in Europe! We hope to educate and inspire you to explore this stunning city at least once in your lifetime!
Table of Contents
Getting to Prague
A journey to Prague is really easy and accessible from many nearby cities in Europe. We’re from Buffalo, and it was a short 1-hour flight to Newark and then a 7-hour flight to Prague.
For nearby travelers, you can reach Prague by plane at the Václav Havel Airport or by train at Prague Main Train Station. For reference, Dresden, Germany, is 2 hours away, Munich, Germany, is 5 ½ hours away, and Vienna, Austria, is 4 hours away by train.
If you prefer a flight, the countries of Austria, Germany, Hungary, Italy, Poland, Slovakia, and Switzerland are all within 2 hours and very cheap!
How to Get Around Prague
Once you arrive in Prague, the best way to get to your hotel is by using public transportation. Like most European cities, Prague has a huge network of buses, trams, and a metro system that can take you anywhere you need to go.
During our stay, we preferred to explore on foot. Prague’s Old Town area is easily walkable and filled with charming cobblestone streets and historic buildings. You can also rent a bike or join a guided walking tour to see all the top sights.
For those who want another unique experience, try taking a boat tour along the Vltava River. This will give you a different perspective of the city and the famous Charles Bridge.
Navigating through Prague may seem daunting at first, but don’t worry because most signage is in both Czech and English, making it easy for tourists to get around. Also, don’t forget that Apple and Google Maps are always available to help you plan your route!
Prague 2-Day Itinerary
Day 1: Explore Prague’s Old Town
On our first day in Prague, we walked around the Old Town area, where you’ll find many of Prague’s iconic landmarks. In Old Town, you will find that the architecture everywhere you look is this beautiful blend of Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque styles.
To start the day, we visited Old Town Square. It has been a central point in Prague since the 10th century and is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The square is home to many historical buildings, including the famous Astronomical Clock, in the heart of the Square and built into the front side of the Old Town Hall Tower.
The Astronomical Clock was installed in 1410 and is the oldest astronomical clock still in operation. Be sure to catch the clock when it strikes on the hour.
At each hour, the clock’s “Walk of the Apostles” unfolds, showcasing animated figurines. Although the “Walk of the Apostles” is a little underwhelming on the surface, it’s still a must-see, and the clock is beautiful!
After the Astronomical Clock, you’ll have no choice but to see the Church of Our Lady before Týn. The church is a stunning example of Gothic style, with towering spires that can be seen everywhere in the Square. When we think of Prague, we often think of the architecture of this Church!
Near the Church, in the heart of Old Town Square, we tried Trdelník, a traditional Czech dessert (otherwise known as “chimney cake”). Our absolute favorite was the regular flavor with vanilla ice cream and chocolate syrup, but don’t be afraid to venture out and try some unique flavors! This was easily our favorite thing we ate during our stay in Prague and can admit we had it a few times…
From here, take a short walk through the Old Town Bridge Tower gateway to Charles Bridge, one of the most famous spots in Prague. Charles Bridge is a major landmark renowned for its history and importance to the Czech people. This bridge was the only means for people to cross the Vltava River between Old Town and Lesser Town for a long time!
Emperor Charles IV commissioned the Charles Bridge, which construction began in 1357. The bridge took 45 years to build and is currently undergoing constant maintenance and restoration.
Along the entire bridge are statues featuring different religious icons and symbols. Charles Bridge also houses several vendors and incredible photo opportunities overlooking the river and Prague Castle. You absolutely cannot miss Charles Bridge during your stay as it is one of Prague’s Best Experiences!
After Charles Bridge, we were ready for lunch! We headed to a traditional Czech restaurant named Kolkvona V Kolkovně. This was our first real food experience in Prague, and the restaurant is known for its classic Czech cuisine.
Well…. We definitely tried some interesting food here! The atmosphere and staff were very welcoming, and we really enjoyed the opportunity to try some food very different from what we would typically choose in the United States.
We tried goulash, potato pancakes, duck, and sparrow. Czech food is very heavy and wasn’t our absolute favorite, but we are glad to have tried it! Try a food tour for a full Czech foodie experience because food tours are the best way to explore a new city!
After lunch, visit the Wallenstein Palace and Gardens. Built in the 17th century, the palace is home to the Czech Senate, but visitors can explore the gardens and some parts of the palace.
The Wallenstein Palace and Gardens is a hidden gem in Prague. The grounds feature incredible gardens full of vibrant flowers, ponds full of koi fish, and blue and white peacocks. Although there were several groups of people there, it was a very peaceful and calming stop.
Not far from Wallenstein Palace is Prague Castle! Prague Castle, located in Malá Strana, also known as the Lesser Town, might be the most notable landmark you will encounter in the city. Prague Castle is the residence of the President of the Czech Republic, Petr Pavel, and is the largest castle complex in the world! It has been used to house kings of Bohemia and Holy Roman Emperors before it housed the Presidents of the Czech Republic.
It is built with traditional baroque architecture, and its creation began in the year 870… so… a REALLY long time ago! When you are standing in front of the castle, you feel like you’ve been transported back to another century, and it blew us away!
Below are a few things you can see while you’re at Prague Castle:
1. St. Vitus Cathedral
After visiting Prague Castle, we took a short 15-minute walk to the John Lennon Wall! This wall is covered in colorful graffiti and messages dedicated to the legendary musician John Lennon. During the communist regime in the late 1980s, people would write political messages and lyrics from Lennon’s songs on the wall, making it a symbol of freedom and rebellion.
Today, it continues to attract visitors who leave their messages and artwork on the wall as a tribute to Lennon’s message of peace and love. Many people also leave flowers or candles at the base of the wall as a sign of respect for John Lennon’s legacy.
If you’re doing well on time and want to add another activity, head to the Petrin Tower. It’s a miniature version of the Eiffel Tower and offers one of the best views of Prague from its observation deck. You can walk up Petrin Hill or take a funicular ride to the tower. Unfortunately, we did not have time for this, but we heard great things about this experience.
After the John Lennon Wall or Petrin Tower, it was time for dinner. A great place for dinner you can try near Old Town is Pivovar U Medvídků. This brew pub and restaurant have been open since 1466, making it one of the oldest restaurants in Prague.
The mini-brewery at U Medvídků is the biggest attraction here. With cutting-edge technology, it makes the strongest beer in the world, XBEER-33, which contributes to the strong Prague Beer Culture. The restaurant also serves delicious Czech cuisine, including goulash and fried pork schnitzel.
After dinner, you can take one last stroll through Old Town and return to your hotel to end day one in Prague.
Day 2: Prague New Town & Jewish Quarter
Start your second day of your Prague itinerary by exploring the New Town. Charles IV founded New Town in 1348, following his coronation as the King of Bohemia. So, you can say the name “New Town” can be a bit misleading! The goal of New Town was to connect Old Town with other neighborhoods.
Once in New Town, you can start by visiting Wenceslas Square, one of the main squares in Prague.
Within Wenceslas Square, visit the Prague National Museum (Národní Muzeum) to learn about Czech history and culture. The museum looks really cool on the outside, and you can’t miss it!
The Prague National Museum is the largest in the Czech Republic and houses over 14 million artifacts. Some highlights of the Prague National Museum are its collection of artifacts from ancient Egypt, an exhibit of Czech history, and an art gallery.
If you’re an art lover, you will love the collection of paintings, sculptures, and other artworks displayed in the museum’s art gallery, including works by famous Czech artists such as Alphonse Mucha, František Kupka, and Josef Šíma!
Overall, visiting the Prague National Museum can take a whole day to see everything, but we’d recommend prioritizing the main spots. You can realistically see the main spots in a few hours.
From the Prague National Museum, take a trip to the Jerusalem Synagogue! This beautiful synagogue is one of the largest in Europe and the main center for Prague’s Orthodox Jewish community. The synagogue features stunning Moorish architecture, so you must at least walk by and take some pictures!
Afterwards, we went to see the Dancing House! The Dancing House, or Ginger and Fred, is a 20-minute walk away and right on the Vltava River. Frank Gehry and Vlado Milunić designed it very unconventionally, resembling a dancing couple. It’s really fun because it’s so unique and you won’t find anything else like it in Prague!
Once you leave the Dancing House, it’s time for lunch! After a long morning of walking and exploring, you can stop at a local café, Café Louvre. Café Louvre has a long history, as Franz Kafka and Albert Einstein visited it! It’s probably the most boujee cafe you can ever find, but the food is well worth it. Their specialties are braised beef with creamy sauce, beef goulash, and club sandwiches.
After lunch, head back towards Old Town to the Prague Jewish Quarter! The Jewish Quarter is full of history and culture, with many synagogues and museums. One of the main attractions is the Old Jewish Cemetery, which dates back to the 15th century. Cemeteries aren’t really our thing and creep us out, but it is known as a hauntingly beautiful site, with over 12,000 visible tombstones stacked on top of each other.
Below are a few other places you can see while you’re in the Jewish Quarter:
1. Spanish Synagogue
The Spanish Synagogue, also known as the Temple of the Spanish Jews, was built in 1868 on the site of a 12th-century synagogue and is known as one of the most beautiful synagogues in Europe.
Some of the synagogue’s highlights are the Aron HaKodesh (Holy Ark), which houses Torah scrolls, the organ, which helps serve as a concert hall, and the stained glass windows.
2. Pinkas Synagogue
The Pinkas Synagogue was built in 1535 and is now a memorial to the victims of the Holocaust (Shoah). The walls are covered with the names of over 76,000 Czech Jews who were killed during this tragic time. It also includes a small exhibit about the Terezin concentration camp and its role in World War II.
3. Old-New Synagogue
Dating back to 1270, the Old New Synagogue is the oldest active synagogue in Europe. The synagogue still holds regular prayer services and is open to visitors.
4. Klausen Synagogue
The Klausen Synagogue is unique in that it serves as both a synagogue and a museum. It is also the largest synagogue in the Jewish Quarter. The Klausen Synagogue has a beautiful interior, and the museum portion includes artifacts and exhibits about the history of Jews in Prague.
After visiting the Jewish Quarter, we returned to the Old Town Square for our final hours in Prague. We just spent time admiring the stunning architecture and the environment around us. For dinner, we recommend The Street, a popular burger restaurant, which is delicious and affordable.
As our trip ended, we reflected on the beautiful and historical city of Prague. There is so much to do and see here, and we highly recommend adding it to your travel bucket list!
Best Time to Visit Prague:
In our opinion, the best time to visit Prague is in May or Early June because the weather is beautiful and there are fewer crowds.
Another great time to visit is September or October, when the summer heat has passed but the fall colors are vibrant. The Christmas season also brings a wonderful atmosphere to Prague because of its markets and decorations throughout the city!
Where to Stay in Prague:
During your stay in Prague, you need to stay in Old Town! This area is central and easily accessible to ALL the major attractions. Plus, it was such a cool feeling to be right next to the action and see attractions like the Astronomical Clock, Charles Bridge, and Church of Our Lady before Týn every time we needed to return to our accommodation.
A few good hotels near Old Town Square in Prague are:
1. Hotel Paris Prague – This luxurious hotel offers elegant rooms and suites with stunning city views. It also has an on-site restaurant, spa, and fitness center.
2. Old Town Square Hotel by Emblem – Located right in the heart of Old Town Square, this boutique hotel has beautifully decorated rooms, some of which have balconies looking out over Old Town Square. So Cool!
3. Grand Hotel Bohemia – Situated just steps from Old Town Square, this hotel features great rooms and an award-winning restaurant serving traditional Czech cuisine.
If you’re looking for a more budget-friendly option, we highly recommend Airbnb in the area! There are so many options with Airbnb here, and it’s so affordable!
No matter where you choose to stay, book in advance, as accommodations in Old Town tend to fill up quickly, especially during peak tourist season. We typically recommend booking 3-6 months in advance.
If You Have More Than 2 Days in Prague:
If you have time for 3 days in Prague, we highly recommend adding the following activities to your trip:
1. Questerland – Harry Potter Escape Room
Questerland in Prague offers a variety of escape rooms, each with its own storyline, puzzles, and unique atmosphere. These rooms can range from historical mysteries to fantasy adventures. Participants find themselves in a scenario and must use critical thinking, teamwork, and creativity to solve the puzzles and “escape” within an hour. For us, we HAD to do the Harry Potter themed room. As you may already know, we’re huge Harry Potter fans, so we had to jump on the opportunity! Their website can be found here!
2. Royal Czech Orchestra
Another fun activity we were able to go to was a showing of the Royal Czech Orchestra at St. Salvator Church in Clementium. It is at the entrance of the Old Town and was built by the Jesuits in 1578. The Royal Orchestra was absolutely incredible and a very unique experience. We both enjoyed the classical music of famous composers like Handel, Schubert, Pachelbel, Vivaldi, Bach, Beethoven, and Mozart. Even people who aren’t necessarily into classical music would enjoy this experience for merely taking in the inside of the church and the history within.
3. Miniature Train Tour through the City
When you’re in the Old Town, we highly recommend taking one of the train tours through Prague. It’s a fantastic way to see everything the city has to offer quickly, and it was quite relaxing! Also, it’s a perfect activity to escape the summer sun and catch a refreshing breeze while taking in the sights.
FAQs about Prague
1. What’s the best way to get around Prague?
Prague has an excellent public transportation system, including trams, buses, and the metro. Consider purchasing a 24-hour or 48-hour pass for unlimited travel for a short visit. We believe walking is the best way to explore the city’s compact and scenic city.
2. What are the must-see attractions in Prague for a 2-day visit?
Don’t miss Prague Castle, Charles Bridge, Old Town Square, and the Astronomical Clock. Also, visit the Jewish Quarter, including the Spanish Synagogue and the Dancing House along the Vltava River.
3. Can I visit Prague Castle in half a day?
Yes, you can explore Prague Castle’s main highlights, such as St. Vitus Cathedral, the Old Royal Palace, and Golden Lane, in less than half a day. Arrive early to avoid the crowds and have a plan of action for when you arrive.
4. Do I need to book tickets in advance for major attractions?
It’s a good idea to book tickets in advance for popular attractions like Prague Castle and certain museums, especially during peak tourist season. This can help you avoid long lines and ensure you see everything on your list.
5. Are there any day trips worth taking from Prague?
Absolutely! If you have more than 2 days in Prague, consider a day trip to Český Krumlov. It’s a picturesque town with a historic castle. You could also check out Kutná Hora, home to the famous Sedlec Ossuary (Bone Church). Both are easily accessible by train or bus.
Two Days in Prague: Final Thoughts
Prague is a beautiful city with endless things to see and do. With just two days, you can experience the highlights and get a taste of this wonderful place. Remember that this itinerary is just a suggestion, and you may want to adjust it based on your interests and preferences.
With proper planning and these tips, you will surely have an unforgettable trip to Prague. Prague is one of our favorite places in Central Europe, and you must go at least once in a lifetime! Safe Travels!
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