Tips for how to make the most of 2 days in Prague, whether it’s your first time or not. What to do, where to eat, and how to get around for the perfect time in this magical city.
Planning your 2 day itinerary for Prague?
You’re in for a delightful treat! Fortunately, you’ve come to the right place, as I’ve been lucky to visit Prague numerous times now. Drawing from my personal experiences, I can help you plan your trip to one of Europe’s most enchanting cities.
Knowing where to start can feel a bit daunting, but it doesn’t have to be.
To ensure the ultimate Prague experience, it’s crucial to plan ahead so you know what the must-see attractions in Prague are; choose the best neighborhood to stay in Prague; and, have a strategic approach by exploring only 1-2 neighborhoods per day.
By following these three recommendations, you’ll make the most of your 2 days in Prague. Keep reading for a neighborhood by neighborhood Prague guide, including where to stay and eat.
Table of Contents
Where to stay in Prague
The best neighborhoods to stay in Prague are the Old Town (Staré Město) and the Lesser Town (Malá Strana).
The Old Town
The most picturesque area in Prague is undoubtedly the Old Town.
Anchored by the Old Town Square, which originated as a bustling marketplace in the 10th century and has witnessed numerous significant political and cultural events that have helped shape the city’s history, this area exudes an abundance of historical and architectural charm.
With its labyrinthine cobblestone alleys, soaring Gothic spires, and vibrant Renaissance facades, Prague’s Old Town is a treasure trove of history and charm.
While the Old Town is indisputably the most heavily frequented neighborhood in Prague, it’s also the ideal location for accommodation, particularly for first-time visitors to the city, given its proximity to the city’s attractions.
> Book one of the best hotels in the Old Town
I stayed at The Mozart Prague, a charming family-owned boutique hotel located right next to the iconic Charles Bridge. Originally built in 1770 as a palace for Count Patcha, The Mozart Prague has retained its authentic majestic glamor with crystal chandeliers and ceiling frescoes.
The hotel is known for being a haven for artists, and it was the home of important historical figures in Prague, such as Mozart himself, and Casanova.
This gorgeous hotel is part of a hand-picked collection by Preferred Hotels. My room had a gorgeous balcony with stunning views over the Vltava River, Charles Bridge and Prague Castle.
And it was only one minute walk from Charles Bridge, so it was very easy to get to the bridge early in the morning and have it all to yourself without the crowds.
> Book The Mozart Hotel here
The Lesser Town
Situated on the opposite side of Charles Bridge, across the Vltava River, Prague’s Lesser Town is a neighborhood steeped in history.
Established in the 13th century, this area boasts magnificent Baroque architecture, hilly streets and staircases, stunning palaces, charming gardens, and some of Prague’s most opulent hotels.
As it’s located at the foot of the Castle District, the Lesser Town serves as an ideal hub for discovering Prague’s attractions.
> Book one of the best hotels in Prague’s Lesser Town
2 DAYS IN PRAGUE ITINERARY
Day 1: Castle District (Hradčany), Lesser Town (Mala Strana)
Stop 1. Charles Bridge
By staying at The Mozart Prague, you’ll be strategically positioned to experience one of Prague’s most iconic sights, Charles Bridge, without the crowds. As Prague’s most popular tourist attraction, the bridge can become incredibly congested.
However, if you opt to stay nearby, you can still explore the Bridge at sunrise, free from the crowds that will undoubtedly arrive later. This early-morning jaunt is the perfect chance to capture some breathtaking photographs.
As the oldest bridge in the Czech Republic and one of Prague’s most recognizable landmarks, Charles Bridge is a must-see attraction.
Even during peak tourist season, the bridge retains its charm, with street vendors and performers providing an added layer of enjoyment to your stroll.
Stop 2. Castle District (Hradčany)
Once you’ve crossed Charles Bridge, you’ll find yourself in the bustling Lesser Town. However, to avoid the crowds that arrive later in the day, it’s a good idea to head straight to Prague Castle.
To reach the Castle, you can take public transportation. From the Lesser Town, it’s a short 10-minute walk to the Malostranská tram stop, where you can catch Tram 12.
Alternatively, if you’re departing from the Old Town side of the bridge, you can take Tram 18 or 2 from Karlovy Lázně tram stop, and then transfer to Tram 12 at Malostranská. Both routes take roughly 20-25 minutes.
Built in the 9th century as the seat of power for the Kings of Bohemia and Holy Roman Emperors, Prague Castle is a castle complex unlike any other. It’s the largest ancient castle in the world and one of Prague’s most popular attractions.
With a multitude of buildings and attractions within the complex, you could spend a full day at Prague Castle.
However, if you want to avoid long queues, consider purchasing a skip-the-line ticket in advance.
> Book your Skip-The-Line Ticket for Prague Castle here
Alternatively, you may want to take a guided tour of the Castle, which already includes the admission ticket.
> Book your guided tour of Prague Castle incl. admission ticket here
Within the Castle Complex you will find the following sites:
St. Vitus Cathedral is the most significant church in the Czech Republic and a great example of Gothic architecture. It has served as the venue for coronations and burials of royalty, nobility, and patron saints throughout history.
The cathedral’s exterior and interior are both awe-inspiring. For a stunning view of the city, visitors can ascend to the Viewing Gallery of the Cathedral Tower, but a separate ticket at an extra cost is required.
The Old Royal Palace is the original residential building within the complex. It was originally constructed of wood and replaced with a stone building in the 12th century. The building we see today was built in the 16th century, preserving some underground remains.
St. George’s Basilica is a Romanesque church dating back to the 10th century. It was enlarged when a Benedictine convent was established on the site. While its interior may seem austere in comparison to the grandeur of St. Vitus Cathedral, it has its own charm and it’s worth a visit.
Golden Lane is a picturesque, cobbled street in the Prague Castle complex that I absolutely loved. It is home to the only remaining examples of modest 16th-century architecture in the Castle’s vicinity. Franz Kafka resided in number 22 from 1916 to 1917.
It’s a great place for photos too.
Top Tip: Buy a 2-day Prague CoolPass to gain entry to more than 70 attractions, including Prague Castle.
Prague Castle Guided Tours
Other places to visit around Prague Castle
1. The Strahov Library: With a collection of about 200,000 volumes, the Strahov Library is among the best-preserved historical libraries.
The Theological Hall, dating back to the 17th century, and the Philosophical Hall, dating back to the 18th century, have impressive frescoes and elaborate stucco on the ceiling.
2. Nerudova Street: This steep street, named after Czech poet Jan Neruda, leads up to Prague Castle and is one of the most picturesque streets in Prague. Look out for the beautiful buildings with their elaborate house signs, such as the Three Fiddles and the Two Suns.
3. Petrin Tower: The Petrin Lookout Tower, located in Petrin Hill, offers breathtaking views of the city and is one of the best places to enjoy the scenery.
Inspired by the Eiffel Tower in Paris, it was originally built for the Jubilee Exhibition in 1891. Climbing the 299 steps to the top is definitely worth the effort!
While you’re there, don’t forget to stop by the Mirror Maze for a bit of fun.
Top Tip: Buy a 2-day Prague CoolPass to gain entry to more than 70 attractions, including Prague Castle, Petrin Tower and the Mirror Maze.
Where to eat near Prague Castle
U Cerneho Vola
This traditional Czech pub is a popular spot for mostly locals, with the odd visitor thrown in, which for me is always a good sign. It is one of the last traditional Czech pubs near Prague Castle serving authentic Czech food.
Stop 3. Lesser Town (Mala Strana)
Once you’ve finished exploring Prague Castle, take a stroll through the Lesser Town. This charming neighborhood, with its striking Baroque facades, winding streets and staircases, and lovely hidden gardens, feels like a scene straight out of a fairy tale.
As you make your way down from the Castle, take a break at the Wallenstein Palace and Garden, a peaceful oasis from the city’s hustle and bustle.
The early Baroque palace now houses the Senate, and the garden is a true marvel, offering a haven of tranquility for both locals and visitors alike.
Continue your walk down to the bank of the Vltava River in Park Cihelná, where you can enjoy one of the best views of Charles Bridge and the Old Town skyline. This is also a great spot for photos.
If you’re a fan of Franz Kafka and his literary works, be sure to visit the Franz Kafka Museum to learn more about his life and how the city influenced his writing. The museum features exhibits showcasing his manuscripts, photographs, and other works.
If you book your ticket for the Franz Kafka Museum in advance, you can get a 20 minute introduction outside the museum.
> Book your ticket for the Franz Kafka Museum here
For a view of Charles Bridge from above, climb to the top of Lesser Town Bridge Tower. It’s a different perspective of the bridge and you’ll see how the crowds look like little ants in the distance.
Head to the now famous and super-instagrammable John Lennon Wall. It started off as a place to express political and Beatles-inspired messages in the 1980s.
Other things to do in Prague’s Lesser Town
1. Devil’s Stream: Hidden in the heart of Prague, Devil’s Stream is a captivating man-made channel that runs between Kampa Island and the Lesser Town. Keep your eyes peeled for the whimsical goblin who calls the water mill wheel his home!
2. Vrtba Garden: Nestled behind a cluster of buildings, Vrtba Garden is a true hidden treasure waiting to be discovered. Built in the 18th century, this charming Baroque garden is a personal favorite of mine and is often regarded as the most beautiful in all of Prague.
Where to eat in Lesser Town
Pork’s
I had my favorite meal in Prague at Pork’s. As the name suggests, Pork’s specializes in pork meat, but in particular in Vepřové koleno (pork knuckle).
The portions are enormous, and the meat is so moist and succulent that it just falls off the bone. The best part was the crackling. Super crispy but easy to bite into, so there’s no risk of losing a tooth here!
This is going to be my very first meal on my next visit to Prague.
Day 2: Old Town (Staré Město), Jewish Quarter (Josefov) & New Town (Nové Město)
Stop 1. Prague Old Town (Staré Město)
Dubbed as the “heart of Europe,” Prague’s Old Town is considered the city’s beating heart. Spend your second day exploring this area, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Joining a walking tour of Prague is the best way to discover the Old Town, but if you prefer to explore on your own, getting lost in its narrow streets is an exciting way to find hidden gems.
You will end up in the Old Town Square, which is often voted as one of Europe’s most beautiful squares. It can get crowded, but it’s a great spot to people-watch and soak up the atmosphere.
The Church of Our Lady Before Tyn is an important landmark here, and the Old Town Hall Tower, with its world-famous Astronomical Clock, is the main attraction.
The 15th-century clock is the 3rd oldest astronomical clock in the world and still in operation. Don’t miss the procession of the 12 Apostles and the sounds of the bells every hour.
To get the best panoramic views of the square, you can buy a ticket to the top of the Old Town Hall Tower or grab a cup of coffee at Terasa U Prince, a cafe with an excellent view of the square.
Afterward, head to the Powder Tower, one of Prague’s finest examples of late-Gothic architecture, and climb to the top for fantastic panoramic views of the city.
> Buy your ticket to the Powder Tower here
Other places to visit in Prague Old Town
1. The Cubist Museum at House at the Black Madonna: Built in the early 1910s, the House at the Black Madonna is a stunning example of cubist architecture in Prague. Originally a department store, it now houses the Cubist Museum and boasts a magnificent spiral staircase that is a must-see for visitors.
2. Bernard Beer Spa: When it comes to beer, the Czech Republic is world-renowned. One way to experience the benefits of beer is through the Czech specialty of beer spa treatments.
Bernard Beer is a family-owned brewery that uses only the best ingredients in both their drinking lager and their spa beer, including fresh Saaz hops, clean malt, and yeast.
Located in the basement of Hotel Metamorphis, the Bernard Beer Spa offers private beer spa experiences for individuals or groups. Be sure to book in advance as it is a popular attraction.
> Book your Bernard Beer Spa experience here
3. Vltava River cruise: There’s no better way to end your 2 days in Prague than with a romantic cruise along the Vltava River, even if you are traveling by yourself.
Whether it’s a night cruise or a sunset cruise, apart from being one of the best things to do in Prague, it’s a great way to get a totally different perspective of the city.
> Book your Vltava River cruise here
Prague Old Town Tours
Where to eat in Prague Old Town
Cafe Louvre
Located on the edge of the Old and New Town, Cafe Louvre opened its doors in 1902. This traditional cafe with high ceilings and billiard hall is famous for being one of Franz Kafka’s favorites. Another famous visitor to the cafe was Albert Einstein.
Despite being a bit touristy, the splendor and the buzz of this classic cafe still attracts local residents. Try the famous Czech specialty svičková na smetaně (braised beef with creamy sauce, cranberries and bread dumplings).
Even if you’d just like a coffee or tea, this cafe is worth a visit.
Stop 2. Jewish Quarter (Josefov)
The Jewish Quarter (Josefov) is conveniently located just a short walk away from the Old Town, making it a perfect addition to your itinerary for the day.
To truly understand the rich and complicated history of the Jewish Quarter, it is highly recommended to take a guided walking tour of the area.
As the largest Jewish ghetto in Europe, the Jewish Quarter has undergone numerous devastations throughout history, from pogroms to expulsions. Today, it remains an important UNESCO World Heritage Site, with a population of around 2,000.
One of the most unique and striking attractions in the Jewish Quarter is the Old Jewish Cemetery, which dates back to the 15th century and is home to around 12,000 tightly packed gravestones. Visiting the cemetery is an absolute must for anyone exploring the area.
In addition, there are six synagogues in the Jewish Quarter, each with its own unique history and significance. Here are a few that are particularly noteworthy:
The Pinkas Synagogue, established in the 15th century, is the second oldest Synagogue in Prague. It serves as a memorial to the 80,000 Czech Jews who lost their lives in the Holocaust.
As the oldest Synagogue in Europe, the Old-New Synagogue is the most important Synagogue in Prague. It dates back to 1270 and is renowned for its stone decorations, wrought iron grills, and Gothic lamps.
The legendary Golem of Prague is also housed here, making it a significant place of worship in the city.
The Spanish Synagogue is widely considered the most beautiful Synagogue in Prague. Its elegant Moorish decorations are reminiscent of the Alhambra in Granada, Spain. During the Nazi era, the Synagogue was used to store property confiscated from the Jews.
Nearby, you can find the World of Franz Kafka statue by artist Jaroslav Róna. The surrealist bronze sculpture is based on Kafka’s short story, Description of a Struggle.
Kafka, one of Prague’s most prominent literary figures, is commemorated throughout the city center. If you are a fan, consider joining a Kafka tour.
> Book your Prague Through the Eyes of Franz Kafka tour here
Top Tip: Buy a 2-day Prague CoolPass to gain entry to more than 70 attractions, including the Jewish Museum, Old-New Synagogue and Old Jewish Cemetery.
Other places to visit in Prague’s Jewish Quarter
1. The Jewish Museum: Make sure not to miss the Jewish Museum exhibitions, which are scattered throughout the Jewish Quarter. Your Jewish Museum ticket also provides access to four Synagogues as well as the Old Jewish Cemetery.
2. Klausen Synagogue: The Klausen Synagogue dates back to 1694 and is the largest example of early Baroque architecture in the Jewish Quarter.
3. Maisel Synagogue: Located just around the corner from the Klausen Synagogue, it was built in the 16th century but has undergone several reconstructions due to fires. It houses a permanent exhibition on Jews in the Bohemian Lands.
4. Paris Street (Pařížská Street): Prague’s most prestigious and elegant boulevard.
5. Museum of Alchemy (Speculum Alchemiae): A small museum located at the site where alchemists throughout history have attempted to produce the elixir of eternal youth, discover the Philosopher’s Stone, and transmute non-precious metals into gold.
It’s a delightful stop during your exploration of the Jewish Quarter.
Jewish Quarter Tours
Where to eat in Prague’s Jewish Quarter
Lokal Dlouhááá
Lokal Dlouhááá is a bit of an institution in Prague. Part of a small chain of traditional Czech pubs, the food here is excellent. They prepare classic Czech dishes using only fresh ingredients and spices sourced from renowned regional suppliers.
I’d highly recommend Smažený sýr (Fried cheese), a dish very traditional to the Czech Republic.
Stop 3. New Town (Nové Město)
Visit the Franz Kafka Rotating Head, a metallic sculpture of the writer’s head designed by David Černý that spins in layers and distorts the face. It’s a reflection of Kafka’s intricate and fragmented perspective on the world.
Next, head over to Wenceslas Square, one of the primary squares located in the heart of the city. As the hub of administration and commerce in Prague, it has been the site of numerous historical events, demonstrations, and celebrations.
At the center of the square stands the National Museum, the largest museum in the Czech Republic, housing an extensive collection ranging from social to natural sciences. A visit to this museum is highly recommended, even if your time is limited.
Top Tip: Buy a 2-day Prague CoolPass to gain entry to more than 70 attractions, including the National Museum.
Other things to do in Prague’s New Town
1. Jerusalem Synagogue: Jerusalem Synagogue is the newest synagogue in Prague. It was built in the Art Nouveau blended with Moorish style. The interior is just as colorful as its exterior, so try and visit if you can.
4. Dancing House: Designed by famous architects Vlado Milunić and Frank O. Gehry, this modern building was inspired by Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers. Fred Astairs is symbolized by the stone tower, and Ginger Rogers by the glass tower. It’s a very instagrammable building.
Where to eat in Prague’s New Town
U Fleků
Prague has plenty of beer gardens, but U Fleků is one of the few breweries in Central Europe that has been constantly brewing beer for 500 years.
It’s a destination restaurant in its own right, and possibly one of the most visited in Prague. But there’s a good reason for it. Both the atmosphere, the setting and the food are fantastic!
If you have more than 2 days in Prague
If you have more than 2 days in Prague, the city still has a lot to be discovered, and I would consider doing a food tour of Prague.
From dumplings and pancakes, to goulash and sausages, there is so much to discover in the culinary scene of this magical city.
> Book your food tour of Prague here
Another option to add to your itinerary would be to do a day trip to somewhere like Karlovy Vary, which is famous for its hot springs and its colorful and whimsical architecture.
> Book your day trip to Karlovy Vary here
Another popular day trip from Prague is to Cesky Krumlov, a quaint little town with one of the most beautiful fairy tale castles in South Bohemia.
> Book your day trip to Cesky Krumlov here
For more ideas on what to do if you have more than 2 days in Prague, here is my 3 day itinerary of Prague.
Other day trips from Prague
Prague Travel FAQs
Yes, Prague is very safe. However, there are a number of scams that target tourists that you should be aware of. Check out this article to read about them. Personally, I’ve never had any issues, but it’s good to be aware.
My advice from personal experience is to never travel without travel insurance, no matter how safe the destination is. Anything could happen and you want to be prepared. I recommend HeyMondo, which includes Covid-19 coverage.
How to get to Prague?
To visit Prague, fly into Vaclav Havel Airport (Code: PRG). Depending on traffic, plan for 35-40 minutes to get to your accommodation from the airport.
You can travel from Prague airport to the city by public transport, Uber, private transfer or airport shuttle transfer.
Airport transfers in Prague
Yes, there is Uber in Prague. Prague has quite a few transport options – bus, tram, taxi, and Uber. Although Uber costs more than public transport, sometimes it is the easier option.
The best time to visit Prague is either spring or autumn, as the temperatures are mild and it’s not too crowded. Prague gets very cold in winter but it becomes a true winter wonderland. The summer is the busiest season, so I’d suggest avoiding it if possible.
Do you have any questions about this itinerary of 2 days in Prague?
Let me know in the comments!
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Disclosure: This post has been created as a partnership with Preferred Hotels. As always, all views are my own.