Weekend in Prague - What to Do with Two Days in Prague

By Kerry Kubilius, About.com Guide

If you’re traveling through Europe or studying there, you may only have one weekend to spend in Prague. What should you see and do if you only have a couple of days in the Czech capital city?

(Times given are only approximations. You may take more or less time depending upon your level of interest in each site, how many photos you take, the speed of your pace, and other factors. The point is to enjoy yourself while hitting Prague’s high points).

Day 1

Though you may be tempted to start your exploration of Prague at Old Town Square, consider visiting Prague Castle first. The Prague Castle grounds, including its gardens, are free to enter. A small section towards the front of St. Vitus Cathedral is also free. To gain entry into the buildings, including St. Vitus Cathedral, an entry fee or audio tour must be bought.

Time Required

• Viewing the Prague Castle grounds: 1-1.5 hours
• Castle Grounds with Audio Tour: 3-4 hours

Exit Prague Castle via the main gate at the top of Castle Hill an onto Castle Square. Here, you’ll find museums, palaces, and the perfect location for viewing Prague from above, just like Czech kings may have done in days of old.

The walk from the Castle District into Mala Strana, or the Lesser Quarter, will take only a few minutes. Mala Strana is picturesque and is the location of hotels, restaurants, and embassies, but you won’t find many major sights here.

Time Required

• Walk to Charles Bridge: 15 minutes

Charles Bridge is more than a bridge. It’s a symbol of Prague and a major attraction. From dawn till dusk it teems with tourists, artists, musicians, and souvenir vendors. Stop to admire the statues lining the bridge, look out over the Vltava River, or take some photos. On the other side of the bridge stands a tower, which can be ascended for views of the surrounding area. If you choose to climb the tower, enter by the door, climb the narrow steps, and stop at the landing to pay the fee. Continue to the top of the tower and admire the views of Prague.

Time Required

• Charles Bridge without tower visit: 20-30 minutes
• Charles Bridge with tower visit: 30 minutes to an hour

It’s likely you will be hungry by this time. Follow Smetanovo Street to the south until you hit Narodni. Kavarna Slavia stands at the intersection of these two streets. An important Prague café—it was once the meeting place for revolutionaries—it is also a good place to stop and have a bite to eat or drink. When you have completed your visit to Kavarna Slavia, continue following Narodni Street east until you hit Wenceslas Square.

Time Required

• From Charles Bridge to Wenceslas Square with a stop at Kavarna Slavia: 1.5-2 hours

Wenceslas Square is one of New Town’s most famous sights and one of the most recognizable Prague squares. It is lined with hotels, shops, and restaurants. At the very end of the square looms the National Museum. Enter the square, and take Jindrisska Street to your left. At this point, you can take another left on Panska Street to pop into the small but remarkable Mucha Museum (then follow Panska further, turning right on Na Prikope and following this street until you reach the Municipal House). Or you can follow Jindrisska until it curves into Senovazna (Jindrisska Tower, the tallest belfry in Prague, is right where Jindrisska meets Senovazna Square) and follow Senovazna to Na Prikope to the Municipal House. The Powder Tower is on Celetna Street just south of the Municipal House.

The Municipal House is a treasure trove of Art Nouveau work by Alfonse Mucha and other famous Czech artists. Unfortunately, if you’re only in Prague for the weekend, you likely won’t have time to take a tour of this famous landmark, but you can enter its lobby and its café, which gives visitors a tease for what they can expect from the rest of the interior.

Time Required

• Viewing Wenceslas Square: 15 minutes
• Jindrisska Street to the Municipal Building, including a stop at the Mucha Museum: 1.5-2.5 hours
• Jindrisska Street to the Municipal Building, via Senovazna, with a stop at the Powder Tower: 1-1.5 hours

Now you are in Old Town Prague, which can easily take up an entire day. At this point, you have done a lot of walking. Old Town offers plenty of places to eat and drink, so you may opt for dinner in one of the many restaurants here. For a preview for your next day in Prague, you can head to Old Town Square, where outdoor dining options are plentiful and the beauty of the historic core is concentrated.

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• Day 1
• Day 2

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