Prague Itinerary 2 days: What to do in 2 days in Prague

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Prague is one of the underrated capital cities in Europe. It is a classic romantic city, in my opinion, and it definitely deserves a spot on your travel bucket list. Traveling and exploring Prague over the weekend or a few days will give you a sense of what this beautiful country has to offer. This is your ideal Prague itinerary 2 days that covers the best experiences, sight-seeing spots and gives a sense of their past and many unique traditions. Explore the best of Prague in 2 days.

As a student of history, I remember reading about Prague Spring – a period of political liberalization in Czechoslovakia after World War II and I wondered what the socio-political environment would have looked like in those days. Prague is interesting as it still continues to combine and co-exist with the new and old norms of life, having withered away from the erstwhile Soviet Union and now exists as the independent state of Czech Republic. 

Best Prague Itinerary 2 days: What to do in 2 days in Prague

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Day 1 of Prague Itinerary 2 days – Visit gems at the Old Town Square like Astronomical Clock, Kinsky Palace, Charles Bridge & Vltava river. Explore outside old town square –  Letna Park, John Lennon Park

Your first day in Prague should start with the best. Visiting the old town-square of Prague will invite you to a world of wonders, filled with beautiful spires and red roof top buildings. Once you arrive at the old town, you are welcomed by bridges that are built over the Vltava River, some dating back to 12th century AD. You should assign one full day to explore the old town and I am sure you will be mesmerized by the romantic evening spirit in the golden city of 100 spires.

You can wander through the historic town center at your own leisure or take a guided walking tour.

Explore things to see in Old Town Prague Itinerary – Staré Mesto

The Old Town is the oldest and the most beautiful part of Prague. The core of the historical center is Old Town Square, which started as a marketplace and since then it has been the site of many political and cultural events that have eventually shaped the history of Prague. Visiting Old Town Square is FREE. 

Old Town Square

Staré Mesto or the Old Town Square is the most popular part of Prague as it draws a lot of tourists to the area. This square has preserved buildings and monuments from the 14th century, which includes: the Church of Our Lady in front of Tyn, the Old Town City Hall and the Baroque church St. Nicolas.

Prague Astronomical Clock

The Prague Astronomical Clock located in the old town square is a worldwide attraction. This clock was added in the early 15th century. The clock is mounted on the southern wall of the Old Town Hall. The clock is popular due to the hourly show, called “The Walk of the Apostles”.

At every hour, the astronomical clock shows figurines of the apostles and other moving sculptures striking time, shaking and dancing. According to local legend, the city will suffer if the clock is neglected and its good operation should be in place. (In 2015 – the astronomical clock celebrated its 605th anniversary)

The clock is beautiful to look at –  with its dial, representing the position of the Sun and Moon and displaying various astronomical details along with statues of various Catholic saints. This area is usually super crowded at any time of the day. This is also a popular wedding photo-shoot location.

To access the top of the astronomical clock tower, there is a small entry fee and it is completely worth it, as you can see all the hustle-bustle of the old town square and beyond. Grab your entry tickets here 

Church of Our Lady in front of Tyn

In the same square, you will find the second popular landmark of Old Town Square which is the Church of Our Lady in front of Tyn. The main church was built in the mid 14th century and its interiors boast of one of the most elaborate altars in the whole of the Czech Republic.

Kinsky Palace

Kinsky Palace, also located in the Old Town Square is a beautiful rococo style palace with delicate pink and white stucco facade. It was built in the mid 18th century on the grounds of two old hotels.

This palace is a very significant landmark and has witnessed many important pages of history. Countess Kinsky, also known as Baroness Bertha von Suttner, was born at the palace in the mid 19th century – she was the first Nobel Peace Prize recipient in 1905. The palace also saw the birth and demise of communism.

In the mid 20th century, the beginning of Communism was announced from one of the balconies of the palace and about 4 decades later, the then president Vaclav Havel proclaimed that Communism would never return again to the Czech Republic.

Charles Bridge & Vltava river

Charles Bridge is one of the iconic structures of Prague. It was built by King Charles IV over the Vltava river. This new bridge was originally called Stone Bridge or Prague Bridge but since the 19th century, it has been popularly called the”Charles Bridge”.

The Charles Bridge was the most important connection between Prague Castle and the city’s Old Town and adjacent areas. The bridge is decorated by a continuous alley of 30 statues and figurines, originally erected in baroque-style but are now replaced by replicas.

The main bridge is protected by three bridge towers, 2 of them are located on the Lesser Quarter side and one on the Old Town side, which is the Old Town Bridge Tower.

The Old Town Bridge Tower is one of the most beautiful Gothic buildings in Europe. The tower was built in the second half of the 14th century together with the Charles Bridge on its right bank side not only as a fortification but also as a certain type of triumphal arch.

Jewish Quarters – Old New Synagogue

One of the oldest living Jewish synagogues is located in Prague. Called the Old New Synagogue, this was built in the late 13th century. The Old New Synagogue has gone through so much history, fires and destruction, but it still stands strong. The synagogue is a testimony to Jewish contributions to Prague.

In the Jewish Quarters, you will find six synagogues including the Old New Synagogue and an old Jewish cemetery. It is worth taking the time to visit them. Here is an entry ticket as well as a guided tour of the Jewish Quarters in Old Town. 

State Opera House

Just outside of Old Town Square you will see a beautiful building in Prague – 1 street. That is Prague’s State Opera House. Built in the 19th century, this opera house was called the German Theatre in those days. Currently, home to 300 performances a year, this theatre was a hot seat of democratic rallies in the 1950’s. You will see this theatre on your way to the Old Town Square.

Try Trdelnik and Czech delicacies 

Of course with all the sightseeing, you will be hungry. Grab a bite to eat, something Czech – something traditional. If you walk around Old Town, you will find chimney cakes or “Trdelnik”.

Trdelnik is a cake made out of dough via a roller or a stick, and laced with sugar coating. You can also get it with a cream filling of your choice. I had 2 – one with chocolate and one plain! 1 chimney cake with cream filling was less then 2 Euros.

You won’t be starving at the Old Town Square. There are lots of food and restaurant options to try. Definitely try Czech Goulash – goulash is a soup made of meat and is seasoned with paprika. Goulash originated in Hungary. Between the Hungarian and Czech versions of Goulash – I LOVED the Czech one, it was thicker then a regular soup or stew! I still cant get over it. It was so good and spicy.

Places to visit outside of Old Town Prague Itinerary – Malá Strana or Lesser Town and New Town

John Lennon Wall

The John Lennon Wall is increasingly becoming a popular tourist spot in Prague. Prior to the death of John Lennon, it was a normal wall. When John Lennon passed away in 1980, the youth of Prague grieved his passing by pouring their heart out on this wall. It had graffiti painting all over it, with messages for Lennon – a man who fought for freedom against the Communist Regime.

Right now, most of the original messages are gone, but it still pulls tourists here. You can walk from Old Town (take Charles Bridge and stairs down or arrive via Lesser Quarters) to reach the Wall in the Malá Strana or the Lesser Town area in Prague. 

Letna Park

One of the must-visit places in Prague is Letna Park. Letna Park is a beautiful park located on a hill called Letna and it offers amazing views over Prague Old Town, along with the Vltava river. It is a steep hike to access the park, but it is all worth it. From old town, you can see a unique shaped building, it is called the “Hanavský Pavilion”. It was built as an exhibition hall, but is now a resting stop for Letna Park visitors.

Wenceslas Square 

Wenceslas Square is part of the New Town Prague area created by Charles IV in the 14th century. It served as an administrative and commercial seat in those times. This square was the originating point of the Velvet Revolution and currently, it is home to the National Museum.

Havel Market

At the old town, you will also find the oldest living markets in Europe. Called the Havel Market dates back to the 13th century. Other then fruits and food items, you will also find souvenir stalls here. They offer souvenirs like Czech crystal and glass jewelry, decorative birch boxes and wooden toys, common tourists souvenirs like postcards, fridge magnets, etc

Havel market also hosts a small Christmas and Easter market, alongside old town Prague. 

Spend the evening with dinner on Vltava river 

In the evening opt for an enjoyable a boat ride or cruise on the Vltava river, and you can do that from the Old Town area. River cruises in the evening are very popular as you can see the city of Prague shine in all of its glory in the evening. Book your Vltava Dinner Cruise or  an hour river cruise

In Prague, there is an unique concept, called “botels”, where boats with standard hotel facilities like wifi, toilet, bed, etc are available to rent.

Special Prague Tours for the evening on day 1 of Prague Itinerary (Food & Ghost tour or Cruise)

There are additional tours that you can take at the Old Town in the evening. Prague Food tours are very popular – where you can taste Czech cuisines and beer. Book a 3 hour Beer tasting tour here

Ghost Tours are another “in” thing to do in Prague. Ghost tours in Old Town are very spooky and interesting at the same time. It is a walking tour, where you will hear legends and stories of some notorious and unheard side of Prague’s by-gone past. Don’t forget to add Ghost tours to your Prague Itinerary, book your Ghost Tour here

Don’t leave the Old Town without experiencing the beauty of Prague’s glory at night. This will be your treasured moment, forever.

Day 2 of Prague Itinerary 2 days – Visit Prague Castle, St Vitus Cathedral, St George Basilica, Golden Lane, Old Royal Palace and Royal Gardens, Dancing House

Visiting Prague Castle

The next morning, we woke up at Hotel International. Hotel International is the largest Socialist realism living building in Prague. This historic building has witnessed many Communists meetings and leaders in action.

We enjoyed our stay at the hotel, the rooms were spacious, it provided us with free breakfast (Czech delicacies) and the location was great. Supermarkets, restaurants and bus stations were located very close to the Hotel International. Consider your hotel booking for Prague at Hotel International 

Your day 2 of Prague itinerary will transport to a fairy-tale land. Let’s head to the Prague Castle. Can you believe that Prague Castle is the world’s oldest castle which is also a living castle? The Czech President actually resides here. Explore the marvels of Prague Castle district in a 3 hour guided tour – book it here. 

On the day of our visit, the President was at his residence. And no, I didn’t get to meet him. But I did have a fabulous time at the Prague Castle District. The Prague Castle has a very intriguing past. Stories of traitors being thrown out of the castle windows (the word “defenestration” originated after this incident), jewel crowns stolen, church named after dancing saints and the list goes on.

Have you seen the movie Anthropoid? It is based on the true story of Operation Anthropoid, the World War II mission to assassinate SS General Reinhard Heydrich. Heydrich was the main architect behind the Final Solution and he was assigned by Hitler to rule over Czech’s in Bohemia-Moravia areas. His assassination occurred at the Prague Castle District. You can also take an Anthropoid tour, how cool is that?

Did you know, the Prague Castle holds a Guinness book of world records for being the largest ancient castle in the world?

Mihulka Powder Tower (Prašná věž Mihulka)

The Power Tower located in Prague Castle was formerly used as a gunpowder storage room. Build in the 15th century, it is still a royal entry gate to the Castle, serving as the Coronation or Royal Route. The viewing gallery of the powder tower offers mesmerizing views over the city of Prague.

St Vitus Cathedral

At the Prague Castle, you will find a beautiful church – St Vitus Cathedral. It is a Roman Catholic church, built in Gothic style. The architecture of St. Vitus Cathedral had great influence on the development of Late Gothic style characteristic for Central Europe.

The interiors of the church are very beautiful. It is a living church – depending on the day and time of your visit – the church could be very crowded.

St George Basilica

Located within the Prague Castle complex, is St George Basilica. Don’t be fooled by the bright red color of the church walls – this is the oldest surviving structure in the Castle district and dates back to 920. It is now a concert hall and an art gallery.

Golden Lane

Franz Kafka lived for many years, by Prague Castle. A small lane called the Golden lane – has tiny houses. House 22 belonged to Kafka and he lived there with his sister. It is cute lane with memorabilia and exhibition areas.

Old Royal Palace and Royal Gardens

The Old Royal Palace is part of the Prague Castle. It was built in the 12th century and served as the seat of Bohemian rulers until the 16th century. This is also the oldest standing structure of the Prague Castle. There is a permanent exhibition display, called the Story of Prague Castle on the Gothic floor. Entry is included in the castle fee.  The castle grounds also has a beautiful garden, called the Royal Gardens.

There are beautiful vineyards located just outside of the Castle district. You can access beautiful views of Prague Old Town from here, so don’t miss it

There are souvenirs stores and open cafes inside the castle complex.

Prague Castle is the most visited tourist location in the entire Czech Republic. At Prague Castle, you can view the old town in all its glory, hear interesting stories from different pages of Czech history, find school kids admiring/laughing at (naked) figurines and absorb beautiful views from the castle grounds – it is one of the unique places to visit!

The entrance to the Prague Castle District is not free. Check out ticket prices here for Prague Castle with a guide 

Dancing House

Another interesting thing to see is the Dancing House, which is located less than 15 minutes away from Prague Castle. 

Instagram is full of pictures of the Dancing House. Also called the Fred & Ginger House – this building is an art and cultural center built in the 20th century. It is believed to be a neo-baroque style of architecture. There is nothing much to see, other the building itself from the outside. It did have a significant past – the building is located on the site of a house destroyed by the U.S. bombing of Prague in 1945.

Visit the Museum of Communism or take a guided tour – Nuclear Bunker Museum 

If you want to learn about Communism and how it impacted the Czech Republic and Eastern Europe, then visiting the Museum of Communism is a must. Located 8-10 minutes away from the Dancing house in New Town Prague is the Museum of Communism which highlights stories and photos of Communist life and living in the Cold War period upto the Velvet Revolution of 1989. Grab your entry tickets to the Museum of Communism here. 

Another option for understanding and learning about Communism in Prague is to take a 2 hour guided tour. This tour commences from Old Town Square (Dancing  House to this tour is 3 minute drive or 15 minute walk).In this tour, you will learn about the history of communism in Czechoslovakia, and also visit a real nuclear bunker hidden under the city with the Nuclear Bunker Museum. Book this guided tour here

Experience Prague Local

After enjoying the majority of the day in sightseeing pursuits, consider wandering in and around a local neighborhood. We decided to head back to our hotel, Hotel International. As we wandered through the neighborhood, we could still see the impact of the communist rule. State owned buildings that were in very dilapidated condition – but still occupied by tenants. Well, now you can own property and fix these apartments at your own costs. But some were in need of dire repairs.

Slowly privatization is making way into society, but there is a whole generation that is surviving on 1960’s Communist pension. A local told us there are as many cars as there are people in Prague. But not that many own these cars, the disparity between the rich and poor is wide.

There was a supermarket – Kafland –  by our hotel and things are really cheap as compared to Munich or Toronto. They sell Czech beer and mostly sparkling water. I say this because, we had a hard time reading Czech and finding regular distilled water. Actually, we don’t know Czech at all. And if I visit again, I can never tell whether its sparkling water or not, from their labels.

Few blocks away from the hotel, was a Chinese restaurant – they served the delicious schezwan & rice in Prague. 4 dishes with 2 drinks for 10 Euros.

Evenings in Prague Itinerary 2 days 

For the evening in Prague, you can choose one of these activities. We hope you did take the Vltava Dinner cruise the night before. If not, try it today. Or choose from the following 🙂

• Beer Tour and Dinner – Capture images of the Charles Bridge (like the one above) while you wait for your guide to take you on a legendary beer tour with dinner in Old Town. Check out the dinner tour here 
• Jazz Concert – Join the footsteps of Presidents and attend a Jazz concert in Prague. Book your tickets here

Memories of 2 days in Prague Itinerary

Prague is beautiful and I have 2 images of Prague. One image is above – where the picture speaks for itself. The second one is embedded in memory. On our final day, in the evening, we walked by many houses – houses that were abandoned, with graffiti on them, some dilapidated- yet half full, half empty.

The feeling was very melancholy and dark – I can see that the city had gone through such phases of turmoil and now just looking to heal. The city has some areas that are much loved then the others.

Are 2 days sufficient to explore Prague? How many days in Prague?

In 2 days in Prague itinerary, I was able to see a lot, but I am hoping to get back to explore and understand Prague. As a tourist, a weekend trip or 2 days travel itinerary is all you need to explore the city’s finest areas.

Each day you can pick one area and stick there for the day, not only will it be convenient, but you will also be able to live the morning to evening experience there. Once you arrive at the Castle District or Old Town, the rest of the tourists areas can be explored on foot.

To explore more of the city’s hidden gems and understand their history, we recommend staying longer – like 4 days in Prague or more.

Map of Tourist Attractions – 2 days in Prague Itinerary

Here is a map of tourist attractions covered in this 2 day Prague Itinerary. 

 

Travel Tips Prague Czech Republic

Here are some of my quick tips for your Prague Tour and Itinerary. Before planning your trip to any European Country, read this Europe Planning Guide

If you are planning a visit to Prague in spring time – then read this useful guide 

Travel Documents for Prague Itinerary 2 days 

Czech Republic is part of Schengen agreement of countries. So if your passport requires you to get a Schengen visa to visit Europe, then you will need a schegen visa to visit Prague. Czech Republic shares its border with Germany and Austria. Crossing between these countries was easy – there was no border control. Read more on Schengen Visa if it applies to you

Currency & Budget for 2 days in Prague

Czech currency is called koruna or KNR. It is also called Czech crown. Typically 1 Euro = 25 KNR (for easy math)

Euros are widely accepted. But any change back is provided in Czech crown most of the times. We had a lot of loose change – which we later used to buy some souvenirs, as other European countries don’t use Koruna.

Commute in Prague Prague Travel Guide

Public transportation is efficient and economical in Prague. There are buses and trams to commute to and from the city center. There was a bus stop right outside out hotel. Tickets can be purchased in stores, transit vending machines and even from your cell-phones. For 2 days or more in Prague, we recommend purchasing a Prague City Card. This card also provided discounted prices for tours and concerts and free Prague Castle entry. Get your Prague City Card here. 

Taxis are readily available and they are not very expensive (for 6 Euros we could travel from Old Town Square to our hotel, 10 minute drive).

Health & Safety for 2 days in Prague 

Prague is a safe city to visit – at any time of the day and any dark alley or even a ghost town. Thefts, murder, accidents are rare in Prague. But make sure you take travel insurance for travel requirements and for minor bruises or if you have too much fun. Hospitals and doctors are available when you need them.

There could be occasional pick-pocketing incidences, by the Charles Bridge or Old Town Square – as it is super crowded with tourists. But it is not as alarming as Rome or Paris.

When is the best time to visit Prague?

Here are some of the tips to consider, as to when you should visit Prague

• Shoulder seasons – Mid April to May and September to mid October are great times to visit Prague. It is off season so you can expect less crowds on the road. April is a good month to visit as you can explore Easter markets.
• Christmas and Prague in Winter – Prague does get snow in the winters, starting late November to February (and sometimes early March). December and January are great times to visit as the Old Town and the Prague Castle is decorated in festive cheer and traditional Christmas markets open up. Read about Prague in winter here 

Packing Tips for Prague 

There are some items you should always carry to Prague

• Light jacket or trench coat – A nice jacket or trench coat will be super handy in Prague to just throw on and go about your day. Click here to buy my favorite lightweight waterproof coat
• Light cardigan – Especially for people who are always cold like me, carry a warm cardigan or a pull-over. I wore mine all day in Prague and layered on with a faux leather jacket in the evenings. You will NEED this when you are enjoying the dinner cruise on the Vltava. I am in LOVE with this merino wool cardigan – check it out here
• Comfortable walking shoes – Comfortable walking shoes are a MUST in Prague. Prague is one of those cities where you will enjoy walking (a ton). So pack a comfortable pair. I prefer shoes to booties at this time of the year. Here are two of my all time favorites  –
  • Walking shoes from Sketchers – Click here to buy my favorite pair from Sketchers  
  • Comfy ankle length booties – Click here to buy (they are waterproof as well) 
• Day pack or a purse – Don’t forget to add a day pack or a purse to keep your belongings while you explore Prague. 

For more packing tips, read our in-depth guide to packing for Europe for all seasons. 

Food for Prague Itinerary 2 days 

Now I have to show you a picture of Goulash, before we share something else

The round -white shaped thing (dumpling) is mashed potato and spicy goulash. So of course, you have to try this. We had goulash at Hotel Baterka restaurant in Old Town Square for 149 KNR

Don’t forget chimney cake, Becherovka or herb drink – try this with tonic water, rum and Czech beer. You can also take a food tour in Prague 

Hotels and Accommodation for your 2 days in Prague Itinerary

Prague, being a tourist destination in one of the cheapest European countries, offers a variety of accommodation options. Hostels, airbnb, hotels and high-end luxury resort stays are all available in Prague.

Prices range from 25 euros to 260 euros, depending on the property and the area you are staying in. Luxury and historic hotels are located near Old Town Square of Prague as well. Check out some awesome hotel deals in Prague

As mentioned, we stayed at Hotel International for 2 nights. This hotel is located away from Old Town, but commute is easy. Bus stop was located right outside the hotel property. Free breakfast was included. Staff were good. The property had witnessed so many communists meetings here and their interiors speak to those by-gone days. The hotel was clean and very classy from inside and out.

Read our detailed guide to where to stay in Prague

Luxury

• Hotel Aria Prague
  • Boutique and luxurious hotel, with stunning city views. This is your perfect Instagram hotel.  More on Hotel Aria Prague
• Mandarin Oriental Hotel
  • Location and style is similar to the Hotel Aria (above), this is a historic hotel, built on the site of a 13th century monastery. More on Mandarin Oriental Hotel and room rates here.

Mid Range

• Four Seasons Hotel Prague 
  • 8 minutes or less walk to the Old Town Prague attractions
  • Spacious and beautiful Baroque and Renaissance style hotel
  • Has a spa and gym on site
  • Book your stay at Four Seasons Hotel Prague
• Hilton Prague 
  • Upscale hotel with a good value, location New Town
  • 20 minutes or less walk to the Old Town attractions
  • Location is great as it is close to Wenceslas Square and stores,  waterside bars, National Theater opera.
  • Book your stay at Hilton Prague here

Budget Hotels

• Hotel Čertovka, Hotel Orion

Hostels

If you are looking for hostel recommendation in Prague, here are some options

• Czech Inn Prague, Hostel Rosemary

Day Trips from Prague

If you are staying in Prague for three days or more, then consider venturing out on a day trip. In this section, you will find day trip options from Prague and beyond. My husband and I enjoyed Bohemia and Moravia regions and we also explored other Central European countries from here, including Vienna Austria

• Kutna Hora – Kutna Hora is only 1 hour train ride away from Prague. The city of Kutná Hora is popular for the two UNESCO heritage sites – St Barbara’s Church and the Cathedral of our Lady at Sedlec. But the Kutna Hora Bone Church is what pulls tourists here. This church is actually made up of 40,000 bones. There are bone chandeliers inside too. You can explore the city on foot (cobblestone streets). Other attractions in Kutna Hora include – Italian Court, Silver Museum. You can book a perfect half day tour from Prague to Kutna Hora here.
• Cesky Krumlov – Český Krumlov is the second most popular destination in Czech Republic after Prague. This place is ideal for a full day tour and is popular for the Český Krumlov Castle. This little town is a UNESCO heritage listed site as well. You can reach Český Krumlov from Prague in 3 hours by train or book a guided tour here
• Český Raj or Bohemian Paradise – Český Raj or Bohemian Paradise is a little natural oasis away from the medieval towns of Czech Republic. Český Raj rock formations are amazing and worth a visit. You can take the train from Prague to Český Raj, which takes 2 hours ride one-way.
• Brno – Brno is the administrative (municipal house) and judicial seat of Czech Republic. It is located about 3.35 hours from Prague. Brno is characterized by colorful houses and buildings, which were once controlled by the Communist state. There are also other exciting things like the 13th century castle (Spilberk Castle) and Moravian Karst (natural reserve) among other Brno attractions.

You might also like some of our other Travel Itineraries and Guides in Europe

• Vienna – 4.25 hours (train) from Prague
• Salzburg – 5.50 hours train ride away from Prague
• Munich – 6 hours train ride away from Prague
• Budapest –  6.50 hours train ride away from Prague

Prague, was an absolute delight. If you have been following our journey on Instagram, you would know that Prague is one of my favorite cities. It was like an instant connection. I fell in love with Prague, even before I visited Prague. So you can only imagine the madness when I experienced all this.

Last Update: December 30 2019

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. If you click one of them, we may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. 

Pin! 2 Day Prague Itinerary: Places to visit in Prague in 2 Days

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