Prague, the capital of the Czech Republic and the 14th largest city in Europe, is known for its stunning medieval beauty and charm. Cobblestone lanes run through the Old Town with gothic architecture lining the streets. Nicknamed “the City of a Hundred Spires,” you’ll find plenty of ancient churches as well as art galleries, cute cafes and gothic underground pubs serving some of the best beer in Europe.
If you are planning just a quick trip to Prague, read below for the ultimate weekend itinerary!
Situated along the Vltava River, Prague offers a view into the gothic soul of Bohemia and the gateway to Eastern Europe. Being a relatively small city with efficient public transportation, 48 hours in beautiful and historic Prague is more than enough to get a taste.
– DAY 1 –
Stroll the Charles Bridge
On your first morning in Prague, wake up extra early and head to the Charles Bridge. Perhaps Prague’s most iconic place, the Charles Bridge connects the East to West, and makes for a beautifully framed vista.
We arrived at the bridge at 6:30am and found that it was best explored at this time of day as most of the city was still asleep and we got to see the sun rise over the Vltava River. Note that later in the day, you’ll see tons of people walking the bridge as well as vendors selling souvenirs, but early in the morning you’ll see just a few people strolling – either early risers or night clubbers just getting home from a night out!
Explore Old Town
After this early adventure, you may just crave a piping hot Trdelník for breakfast – you’re in luck since the bakeries will be opening around this time of the morning!
Spend the rest of the morning strolling around the Old Town. At this hour, you’ll still see a quiet city and have the time to look up in wonder at the endless rows of gothic buildings.
Make sure to stop in the Old Town square to see the gothic church and medieval Astronomical Clock in the Old Town hall tower. The clock performance happens every hour and lasts about 45 seconds. Note that there is some scheduled renovation of the clock from spring 2017 through summer 2018.
Lunch at Naše Maso or Bistro Sisters
Take a quick lunch break at Naše Maso, part of the Ambiente Restaurant Group which owns many (delicious!) restaurants throughout Prague. Naše Maso is a butcher serving up quick eats like burgers, sausage and beef tartare. Note that there is limited seating and can often times be a wait – but the food is worth it!
Right next door is Bistro Sisters, serving up lighter fare including open face sandwiches and soups.
Rent a Paddle Boat on the Vltava River
After you’ve filled up from lunch, head back to the river and explore Prague by boat. The charming paddle boats are a great way to see Prague on a sunny day!
Note that the boat rental will only be available in warmer months. If you plan to visit in winter, I would recommend instead spending the afternoon at The Gallery of Art Prague where you can see works by Salvador Dali, Andy Warhol and Alfons Mucha.
Rooftop Drinks at T-Anker
After you’ve paddled through Prague, you’ll be ready for a cocktail! Head to T-Anker to see amazing views of Prague while sipping on a cocktail at sunset.
Dinner at Eska
Eska is located in the Karlin neighborhood of Prague and was awarded the Michelin Bib Gourmand, an honor that highlights restaurants that serve high quality food at a reasonable price. Perfect for those looking to eat delicious food without breaking the bank! Read more about my experience dining at delicious Eska here.
– DAY 2 –
Visit the Prague Castle
One of the biggest landmarks in Prague, the castle is a sight to be seen! You can organize a group tour or go explore on your own (purchase tickets online or onsite). Make sure to allow plenty of time to explore the St. Vitus Cathedral. After, soak in stunning views around the castle and make your way through the ancient shops in Golden Lane.
Lunch at St. Wencesles’ Vineyard
After exploring the Prague Castle, slow things down with a beautiful view of the city at the nearby hillside vineyard and bistro, St. Wenceslas’ Vineyard.
Explore Mala Strana
This area could be most easily be described as the “other side of the bridge” but should not be ignored. Mala Strana plays host to several lovely parks, bars and restaurants and a few important landmarks such as the John Lennon Wall, or ‘Lennonva zed’ and the Saint Nicolas Church (Santa!).
I definitely recommend checked out the John Lennon Wall for a photo op with the graffiti decorated wall inspired by his lyrics.
Have a Beer at U Flecku
Spend the rest of the afternoon at U Fleku, a brewery and restaurant. While sometimes quiet in the off hours, this place can seat hundreds of hungry, thirsty patrons. Saddle up next to the polka band and enjoy a few of U Flecku’s very own beer!
See the Dancing House
Dancing House is just a few blocks from U Flecku and well worth a stop. This beautiful building is known for its unique design by Frank Gehry and has a rooftop bar where you can enjoy stunning views of Prague while sipping on a sunset cocktail.
Dinner at Buddha Bar
End your weekend in Prague with dinner at the lively and hip Buddha Bar restaurant. Located in the heart of Prague, this restaurant serves up Asian fusion and has a stunning interior with a larger than life buddha statue.
Looking for something a little more lux? Check out Ambiente Restaurant Group’s La Degustation, one of the only two Michelin star awarded restaurants in Prague.
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