Prague Weekend Getaway: How to Spend Two Unforgettable Days
Prague is among the most special cities in Europe, and it is perfect not only for a short two-day weekend getaway but also for a longer trip.
The capital of the Czech Republic combines medieval history with Art Nouveau architecture, and its timeless cobblestoned alleys contrast with bustling shopping streets. When walking around the atmospheric and romantic streets of Prague, you get the feeling that time moves differently here.
Although you can easily spend a week in Prague, most tourists stay for only two days or a long weekend trip. Therefore, this two-day Prague itinerary will help most travellers prepare for their Czech trip. In this guide, we highlight the most important sights in Prague. Besides, we will offer a couple insider tips on some lesser-known corners of the city.
Prague itinerary considerations
Ideally, you should arrive early on day 1 in Prague. This way, you can make the most of your two-day or weekend getaway to Prague. However, a common problem is that you may arrive on an early flight or night train. In that case, you might have nowhere to store your luggage before you can check into your hotel.
Therefore, the best option is to leave your belongings somewhere secure. This allows you to explore and move around without any complications. Safe luggage storage Prague will facilitate this and you can leave your luggage behind and concentrate on exploring the city. Their storage units are available at numerous convenient locations throughout Prague and can be booked via the Radical Storage platform.
Prague is best explored on foot. As you walk, you will encounter cobblestone streets and steep hills, so carrying heavy luggage or bags is not ideal. For this reason, it is also wise to consider your clothing. Sturdy shoes will be far kinder to your feet than flip-flops or heels when exploring the city.
Morning in the Old Town
The main square in the Old Town (Staroměstské náměstí) is the most convenient starting point for your two-day sightseeing itinerary in Prague. This square is dominated by the Gothic Church of Our Lady before Týn with its iconic twin towers. The Old Town Hall and the famous Astronomical Clock, which always draws a crowd, are also important sights on this square. Every hour, the moving figures of this medieval clock perform a small show.
The streets of the Old Town are highly charming and well worth exploring. However, this is also the most visited part of Prague, and it can get very crowded. To explore the city centre peacefully, it is best to go early, before the largest tourist crowds arrive.
Be sure to also visit sights on the edge of the Old Town, such as the Powder Tower and the Art Nouveau Municipal House.
If you want a coffee and a pastry or some cake to start the day, there are plenty of options in the Old Town. However, be aware that most of the cafés, bars and restaurants in Prague’s Old Town cater almost exclusively to tourists, with few locals visiting them. Kafe Damu is one of the few exceptions in the Old Town. The café serves high-quality coffee and snacks and is one of the rare Old Town places where locals outnumber tourists. Another great option is the wonderful café at the Municipal house.
Josefov: The Jewish Quarter
Next to the Old Town lies the Jewish quarter, Josefov. Here, you will find historic synagogues, the Jewish Cemetery, and museums dedicated to the history of the community. Josefov is also known for its striking mix of Gothic and Art Nouveau architecture, which adds to its unique character.
If you are interested in Jewish Prague, be sure to visit the Jerusalem Synagogue. Although technically located in the New Town, near the main railway station, its neo-Moorish architecture is stunning.
A walk across Charles Bridge
Another hugely popular sight in Prague is the Charles Bridge, which, with all its fine sculptures, almost resembles an outdoor art gallery.
During the day, the Charles Bridge is a lively place full of people admiring its architecture. From here, you can also enjoy the fantastic views over the Vltava River, with Prague Castle as a formidable backdrop. The many performers and artists on the bridge add to its lively atmosphere.
That said, the best time to admire the Charles Bridge is at dawn on a cold day. You will have the bridge almost to yourself and can fully appreciate its setting without thousands of other people in your way. Besides, the fog that often settles over the Vltava can create a magical scene straight out of a film.
On the other side of the Charles Bridge begins the neighbourhood of Malá Strana, which literally means the Little Side (of the river). This is another historic district of Prague, full of century-old buildings. Malá Strana is fantastic to stroll around without a predetermined route. You will encounter old palaces, stately embassy buildings, and even a few vineyards.
Ascent to Prague Castle
From Malá Strana, head up a pedestrian street known as Zámecké Schody (Castle Stairs) towards Prague Castle. It is a steep climb up this long series of steps, so you might need a short break at the halfway point. Such moments are a perfect excuse to look back over your shoulder. The views down these stairs over Malá Strana are truly terrific.
Once you have made your way up, the magnificent Prague Castle complex will reveal itself. In this part of Prague, you can admire sights such as St Vitus Cathedral, the Old Royal Palace, Golden Lane, and, of course, the views.
Although most tourists focus on the main sights, the Prague Castle area also offers some picturesque corners away from the crowds. Nový Svět is a wonderfully charming cobblestoned street, while the Loreta is a beautiful Baroque sanctuary. Nearby, U Černého Vola is an excellent traditional Czech pub where you can stop for a beer if the climb has made you thirsty.
Evening in a traditional Czech restaurant
Prague has many great restaurants to choose from, suiting all budgets and tastes. While you should always follow your own food preferences, it would be a mistake not to include at least one dinner at a traditional Czech restaurant. Even better, opt for a casual hospoda, a Czech tavern where the beer flows freely.
Czech food is wholesome, and pairs perfectly with the country’s excellent beer. You cannot miss trying the following:
– Svíčková, served with bread dumplings
– Czech-style goulash
– Pork knuckle
The more local and traditional restaurants are usually found outside the Old Town. U Šumavy combines an elegant, historic pub interior with excellent food, while U Fleků offers a traditional medieval setting and a boisterous character, often with live music.
The first day of your weekend trip to Prague can then be continued at one of the many bars scattered throughout the city.
Day two of your Prague itinerary
The second day of your two-day Prague itinerary can be devoted to sightseeing in other neighbourhoods of the city or to cultural activities.
Even though most visitors to Prague focus on the Old Town and the Castle, there is plenty more to see beyond these two areas!
Morning in Vyšehrad
One of the most appealing neighbourhoods in Prague is Vyšehrad. This is a peaceful part of Prague, known for its many parks, stately buildings, and fine river views.
Start at the Basilica of St Peter and St Paul and explore the beautiful alleys around Vyšehrad. There are plenty of excellent cafés where you can stop for a coffee in this part of town. On a sunny day, head down to the riverbank, where you can sit at one of the cafés on the quays or on the pontoons and boats moored there for a drink.
Stroll through New Town
The New Town, a relatively modern part of Prague, is easily reachable on foot from Vyšehrad. Centred around Wenceslas Square (Václavské náměstí), it forms the commercial heart of the city, with plenty of shops, bars, and restaurants.
Interesting places in the area are:
– The National Museum
– Prague City Museum
– Lucerna Palace, an Art Nouveau shopping and entertainment gallery
Again, you will want to head to the riverside in this part of Prague. While the so-called Dancing House is one of the city’s most overrated sights, the nearby Orthodox Cathedral of Saints Cyril and Methodius is a must-see.
During World War II, Czech paratroopers took refuge in this church after assassinating the infamous Nazi leader Reinhard Heydrich. There, these brave resistance members were eventually surrounded by the Nazis and killed following a standoff. Bullet holes from the confrontation can still be seen in some of the church walls.
Spa time
Spending two days or a long weekend walking around Prague, trying to see all its sights, can make for a quite exhausting trip. It is therefore a good idea to include some me-time in your two-day Prague itinerary.
One enjoyable way to do this is by visiting a beer spa. Yes, it is rather touristy, but it is also a great activity to do on your Prague weekend trip. You can take a well-deserved rest while the hop extracts work wonders on your skin. Just be careful not to overdo it with the unlimited beer that is usually included in a visit to a Prague beer spa!
Petřín Hill and Prague at Night
A trip to Prague is not complete with a visit to one of its hilltop parks for some fine city views. Petřín Hill is home to the Petřín Lookout Tower, which almost looks like a miniature version of the Eiffel Tower. From here, you can enjoy some sweeping views all across Prague.
There are several other viewpoints that, while not as high as the Petřín Tower, still offer excellent vistas. Letná Park is one of them, and it also features some attractive beer gardens if you want a drink with a view.
Needless to say, both places are especially great at sunset. Watching the sunset from one of these spots really makes for a fantastic way to end your two-day visit to Prague.
Conclusion
You can get a good grasp of Prague on a two-day or weekend trip, which is enough to see the main sights.
On this two-day Prague itinerary, you will encounter stunning architecture, fascinating history, beautiful views, and excellent local food.
Moreover, while wandering the streets of Prague away from the main sights, you truly experience the city’s Mitteleuropean atmosphere.
