I loved Prague, a beautiful Czech city with plenty to see and do no matter how long you stay there. I asked Pierre from Anything Under Our Stars to share his suggestions for what to do in Prague in 2 days – here is his Prague itinerary. Even though I’d recommend spending longer here, with just 2 days in Prague you can get a real taster for the city, and discover some of the best things to do in Prague.
If you think that no other city can top Paris, think again! Say hello to Prague, the City of a Hundred Spires. The city that was barely damaged during the World Wars, and whose 17th century gothic and baroque architectures are still intact. Prague is the only place in the world where you can find such a range of beautiful buildings. Here is a comprehensive Prague itinerary that will help you get the most out of spending a weekend in Prague and is guaranteed to make you want to come back and visit Prague again!
Know Before You Go to Prague
Before travelling to Prague, make sure you book accommodation and popular attractions ASAP as hotels and tickets can sell out.
🛌 MY FAVOURITE ACCOMMODATION IN PRAGUE:
$$ Miss Sophie’s Downtown: Comfy, modern hotel next to the main train station
$$ Hotel Residence Green Lobster: Historic building close to Prague Castle
$ Onefam Home: highly rated and sociable hostel in the Old Town
⭐ TOP 3 PRAGUE ACTIVITIES TO BOOK IN ADVANCE:
1. Prague Castle Tour with Local Guide and Entry Ticket
2. Prague Old Town Hall & Astronomical Clock Entrance Ticket
Find Deals to Book Your Trip
What to do in Prague in 2 Days: Day 1
Old Town and Charles Bridge
Today is spent mostly exploring the Old Town area and the Charles Bridge. For the best things to see in the Old Town you can arrange walking tours with Prague City Tourism for 350 CZK or you could try a Prague free walking tour or even an evening Ghost Tour! Alternatively, just grab your camera and get lost in the maze of beautiful streets.
For some more ideas of tours around Prague Old Town, check out these options with GetYourGuide:
For those who prefer exploring independently, these are the best things to do in Prague Old Town which you absolutely should not miss.
Charles Bridge
Charles Bridge is the most iconic bridge in Prague and the most popular for visitors. King Charles IV commissioned the bridge to be built, work began in 1357 and was completed at the beginning of the 15th century. The bridge has stood its ground since then, surviving the weather, World Wars, and the constant throng of tourists who cross the bridge.
Along the bridge, there are 30 different Baroque statues of saints, pay special attention to the statue of St. John Nepomuk (the 8th statue on the right if you cross from the Old Town. Right below the statue of the saint is a plaque, and if you touch the falling man on the plaque it will bring you good luck and ensure your return visit to Prague!
The best time to visit Charles Bridge is first thing in the morning, as early as possible, so you have a chance to take some photographs and enjoy the views without hundreds of tourists!
The Astronomical Clock
Hordes of tourists come flocking to the Old Town Square for the Astronomical Clock built in the town hall, which offers a musical show every hour between 8 AM and 8 PM.
The Astronomical Clock, which has become the symbol of Prague, was built back in 1410. This makes it the oldest astronomical clock still working to this day, although it has undergone significant restoration over the past few years. The different symbols on the clock represent the phases of the moon, the seasons, and some Christian holidays.
The Old Town Hall
Many people see the Old Town Hall from the outside, just stopping to look at the astronomical clock on the tower. However, it is well worth a visit inside, especially to climb up the tower for magnificent views of the Old Town, and the rest of the city. Buy entry tickets here.
You can also arrange tours of the rest of the building, including visiting the underground cellars, which was used as a dungeon when the cellars were converted into the town jail. You will also visit the beautifully tiled main vestibule, which has stunning mosaics all across the walls and ceiling.
Want to Read More About the Czech Republic?
Check out these other Prague blog posts for more information:The Church of Our Lady Before Týn
This Gothic church looks like a castle from a distance and is one of the most recognisable landmarks in the Old Town. It has been the main church of Prague since the 14th century, and its trademark 80 m towers rise over most of the buildings in the old town.
Inside, you can find some interesting paintings on the altar from the Renaissance. Although taking pictures inside the church is not allowed, it is just as beautiful from the outside, and you can great views from the square or from the Old Town Hall Clock Tower.
Other Things to do in Prague Old Town
In the afternoon you can explore the rest of Prague’s Old Town. Some lesser-visited sites in the Old Town are The Clementinum (another baroque-inspired church from the 11th century) and The Jewish Quarter which is home to various historical Jewish buildings including the oldest active synagogue in Europe.
READ MORE: Jewish History in Prague
Museums in Prague’s Old Town
There are also plenty of museums to visit in the Old Town. The Czech Cubism Museum is a stark contrast to the Gothic and Baroque architecture in the rest of the Old Town, and the City of Prague Museum traces the history of Prague since the Middle Ages.
The Apple Museum which has more than 450 Apple products from 1976 to the present time, the Lego Museum and Choco Museum are good for families, and while The Beer Museum and Sex Machines Museum obviously aren’t for kids, they are popular with Stag and Hen parties!
Money Saving Tip
If you’re planning to visit several museums, you may save money with a Prague City Card which includes free entrance to more than 60 attractions including Prague Castle, as well as 50% discounts on tours and shows. Check out what is included and compare it to where you want to go to see if is worth it for you.Where to Eat in Prague Old Town
After spending countless hours walking and taking your Instagram-worthy pictures around the cobblestone streets in the Old Town, it’s time for enjoying some delicious food in Prague. However, a lot of restaurants in the Old Town are overpriced and disappointing.
There are a few cheaper, local restaurants though – try Havelska Koruna for a cafeteria-style meal, where you queue up at the counter and the ladies serve you a plate of what you fancy from the dishes on offer. Super cheap, but there isn’t always spare tables, so be prepared to share, or stand! A bit further out of the Old Town, Lokál Dlouhááá gets great reviews.
READ MORE: What to Eat in Prague & Where to Eat It
If you fancy a snack, the trdelnik chimney cake of the Old Town is a sweet treat coated in cinnamon and sugar; the best way to get an energy boost for more exploring although it isn’t a traditional food from Prague it is everywhere! You can even splurge on one filled with ice-cream and Nutella, although it will set you back about 5€.
Prague Itinerary: Day 2
What to do in Prague: Prague Castle – Malá Strana – Petrin Tower
The second day of this Prague itinerary involves more walking, so get your comfy shoes on and let’s head across the river to Prague Castle.
Prague Castle
This huge castle is the biggest castle complex in the world, a UNESCO heritage site and is considered by many people to be the main attraction of Prague. Take a trip around the grounds and be sure to witness the changing of the guards at 12.00.
Tickets are valid for two days (the day of the purchase and the following day), so if you have some spare time on Day 1 you could also come here then return on Day 2. However, each castle building can only be entered once. The views from the castle walls are definitely worth the walk up the hill! Buy Skip the Line Tickets here.
Prague Castle is made up of several historical buildings, and you can walk around part of the complex for free, but to see inside you’ll need a Prague Castle Circuit ticket, which includes entrance to the Old Royal Palace, St. George‘s Basilica, Golden Lane and St. Vitus Cathedral for 250 CZK.
You can also get a separate ticket for the Great South Tower of the St Vitus Cathedral with a viewing gallery for 150 CZK.
Malá Strana
After visiting the castle area, it’s about time to head down to the Malá Strana for the much the deserved break. In Malá Strana the ‘Lesser Town’, you can find Prague’s modern side, including the John Lennon Wall, some of David Cerny’s weird baby statues, and the Memorial to the Victims of Communism. There are plenty of restaurants and cafes here too.
The Petrin Tower
In the outskirts of Malá Strana, another must-see attraction in Prague is the Petrin Tower. This is Prague’s mini Eiffel Tower which has wonderful views of the city – if you can climb up the steps to enjoy them! The tower is 60m tall, which may not seem that high until you realise that that tower sits at the summit of Petrin Hill, which is 318m (1043 feet) high.
While there is a lift up the tower, it seems to be permanently out of order, so to save your weary legs you can get the funicular cable car to the top of Petrin Hill and just enjoy the views from there if you prefer!
Letná Park
If you have time for another viewpoint, head over to Letná Park on the other side of the castle, which also has splendid views of Prague, and the bridges over the river. It’s a pleasant place to walk around and have a breather.
Where to Eat in Malá Strana
On this side of the river, you have much more choice for cheaper restaurants. If you want to go local on your meal without breaking the bank, try dining at Lokál U Bílé kuželky for one of the best goulash (meaty soup with vegetables) and pork dumplings. Ferdinanda is also a good option for Czech food, and if you want to treat yourself to a cake, pop into Cukrkávalimonáda for some delicious and beautiful cakes.
Other Awesome Things to do in Prague
When deciding what to do in Prague in 2 days, these are just a few of the top sites in Prague to enjoy. If you’d like to learn about (and taste!) more Czech food & drink, a Prague food tour is a great way to sample lots of different food, Czech beer, cider, and wine.
Here are some more ideas for what to do in Prague from GetYourGuide:
What to do in Prague at Night
Prague is choc-a-bloc full of bars, restaurants, and romantic places to explore. If you fancy something a little bit different for your evenings, how about one of these:
More Time in Prague?
If you are able to spend some more time in Prague then you can enjoy more of the wonderful things to do in Prague. You may also want to consider taking a day trip from Prague, for example to the beautiful Cesky Krumlov which is a fairytale town in Southern Bohemia, or to the famous Kutná Hora bone chapel.
No matter how long you spend in Prague, from 2 days to 2 weeks, there is more than enough to keep you occupied!
Practical Information for Prague
Getting from Prague Airport to Prague City centre
Unfortunately, there aren’t any direct connections to the city. Considering you only have 2 days in Prague, the quickest way to get into town is by taxi, or with a cheaper prepaid transfer to your hotel.
The slower budget option is to take the bus 119 (towards Nádraží Veleslavín) and then get off at the metro stop Depo Hostivar to take a metro connection into the city centre. The public transport tickets in Prague work on length of time, as well as zones, so from the airport you would need a 90-minute ticket over 4 zones, which is currently 32 CZK.
When you have bought your ticket, make sure you validate it as you get onto the bus. When you transfer to the metro, as long as you are still within the 90 minutes, you don’t need to buy another ticket, just keep hold of the one you have.
Depending on where you’re staying, you get can off at one of three different metro stops:
1) Mustek A – Wenceslas Square area
2) Staromestska – Old Town
3) Malostranska – Malá Strana or “Lesser Town”
When arriving late at night, the trip to the city takes 2 hours since public transport is less frequent, so in that case, I’d definitely suggest a taxi or transfer.
Where to Stay in Prague
If you have only 2 days in Prague, it’s not a good idea to stay on the outskirts of the city as commuting to and from the city centre is too time-consuming – your time is better spent on sightseeing right away.
Old Town Prague is certainly the most popular place to stay in Prague, where you can step out of the front door and immediately be immersed in the beautiful architecture and the buzz of Prague. However, staying slightly out of the centre can get you more bang for your buck, if you don’t mind walking a bit further to see the sights.
Where to Stay in Prague
Whether you’re looking for a quick getaway or planning an extended vacation, you can find some excellent accommodation in Prague even if you’re visiting on a budget. Check out our pick of hostels and hotels in Prague:
Great Value Hotels in Prague
Miss Sophie’s Downtown: This modern hotel located is next to the main train station in Prague, and about 20 minutes walk from Charles Bridge. The rooms are clean and comfortable, but don’t bother paying extra for breakfast and get out into the city to enjoy some local food instead >>>CHECK PRICES
Prague Golden Age: Right in the centre of the Old Town, the Prague Golden Age Hotel is an excellent location for exploring Prague. It can be noisy at night due to the location but bring some earplugs and enjoy having the best of Prague on your doorstep! >>>CHECK PRICES
Hotel Residence Green Lobster: On the other side of the river, in the heart of Mala Strana and only a few minutes away from Prague Castle is the beautiful Hotel Residence Green Lobster. The hotel is located in a majestic Baroque building, complete with plush interiors and period furnishing. Breakfast is included in the rate. >>>CHECK PRICES
CHECK OUT ALL PRAGUE HOTELS
Hostels in Prague
Hostel One Home: This highly rated sociable hostel is in the Old Town and just a short walk from the major Prague landmarks like Charles Bridge. There is an age limit from 18-45, and you can choose dorms from 4 beds up to 10. >>>CHECK PRICES
Ahoy! Hostel: Another popular hostel in the Old Town with rave reviews. Ahoy! Hostel has the choice of dorms or private rooms with a shared bathroom. They host family-style dinners and a range of other events to meet fellow travellers and make the most of the city >>>CHECK PRICES
Apartments & Airbnbs in Prague
This apartment in the Old Town gets great reviews and looks like a perfect place for those who want to be right in the middle of the action. This modern and cozy studio also looks like a good option for city center stays on a budget.
If you don’t mind being a little further out of the centre, this beautiful apartment is in the Vinohrady neighbourhood near Wenceslas Square, about 25 minutes’ walk or a short tram ride from the Main Square. Otherwise, check the options on Airbnb.
What do you think, do you have any other recommendations for what to do in Prague in 2 days? I’d love to hear your suggestions for a Prague 2 day itinerary, please leave your comments below!
Have you got Travel Insurance?
- Unfortunately, things can and do go wrong when you travel. I never leave home without travel insurance, so consider getting insurance for your trip to cover things like adventure sports and activities as well as emergency medical, lost luggage, stolen items, trip cancellation and more.
- Get a quote for your trip from True Traveller if you're based in the UK, or World Nomads or SafetyWing which both offer travel insurance for backpackers and long-term travellers. Alternatively, use a comparison site like Travel Insurance Master to find the best cover for you.
More Travel Tips for Prague
Getting There
- Use Skyscanner to find cheap flights to Prague from your nearest airport.
- You can take the public bus and metro into the city from the airport, but a private transfer or shared shuttle transfer is quicker and easier.
- Try Omio for booking trains or Flixbus for buses to Prague
Where to Stay in Prague
- Use Hostelworld to find the best prices for hostels in Prague.
- For hotels, check out Booking.com or Hotels.com for the best deals
Get Travel Insurance
- Unfortunately, things can and do go wrong when you travel. I never leave home without travel insurance, so consider getting insurance for your trip to cover things like adventure sports and activities as well as emergency medical, lost luggage, stolen items, trip cancellation and more.
- Get a quote for your trip from True Traveller if you're based in the UK, or World Nomads or SafetyWing which both offer travel insurance for backpackers and long-term travellers. Alternatively, use a comparison site like Travel Insurance Master to find the best cover for you.
Check Your Travel Documents
- Don't forget to check the validity of your passport and any other documents for your trip. Use iVisa to check if you need a visa to visit the Czech Republic and get up-to-date official travel advice from your government, such as the Department of State website in the US or the UK government website.
Get Cheap Currency
- Using a travel bank account like Wise means you get great deals on foreign currency - including a fee-free transfer of up to £500 when you use this link to sign up.
Book Tours and Activities in Prague
- If you're staying in a hostel, check out their tours and activities which are usually free or very cheap - and a great way to meet people!
- Otherwise, I use GetYourGuide to book everything from entry tickets to food tours.
- If you plan to visit a lot of museums and attractions, check out the Prague City Card which can work out as great value depending on what you want to do.
About the Author
Pierre moved to Norway in 2014, and travelled around the country before finding work and settling there. Now a healthcare worker by trade, adventurer by passion, and blogger wherever he goes, Pierre writes about his travels and his life at Anything Under Our Stars. He is passionate about inspiring others to travel and discover the world to see new places and experience different cultures. Flying here, driving there, he is someone who never tires of the wonders of adventure, pushing his boundaries time and again to broaden his horizons and share what he finds with the world. You can also find him on Facebook and Instagram.
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A great itinerary for 2 days in Prague. I visited the city last year.
I’d love to go back to Prague! I’ve been there when I was 12 but that was a little too young 😉 Your itinerary looks great!
Thanks
Hi Devyani! Personally I stayed at the Post Hostel Prague which is a bit further away from the Old Town. In the Old Town, you could try Hostel Homer, Prague Square Hostel or Hostel Prague Tyn which all get pretty good ratings on Hostelworld. I hope you enjoy your stay in Prague!
Hi could you please tell me in which hostel did you stay? I mean near Old town. I am also planning a solo trip , and it is my first one 🙂
This, according to me, is the perfect itinerary for 2 days because this is the exact plan I followed as well, when I visited! We had 3 days so we decided to take a day trip outside the city on the last day however, we had the most fun in Old Town and that is definitely the best place to begin! The astronomical clock, Charles Bridge and The Church of our Lady Before Týn are really spectacular in their architecture. Apart from that, the pubs in Old Town are outstanding and the vibe is unparalleled, isn’t it?
First off, YES I so agree that Prague is better than Paris :). Second, I really wish I’d made it to the Charles Bridge in the morning — your photos with no other people around are amazing!
I love your list of a wide range of things to do in Prague. I definitely have to visit the bridge since it’s survived so many historical events. I’ve never heard about the Astronomical Clock and that sounds so interesting. I’ll have to wait until the restoration is complete 🙂
Prague continues to be on my must visit cities and this article just makes me want to go even more. Stunning photography. Love the vibrant colors of the Church of the Old Lady. The castle complex would be so much fun to explore. This is a fun and jam-packed itinerary. Can’t wait to follow it soon!
Ours was a similar itinerary but minus the food tours. Local food at Prague was too good which we went hunting on our own. This food tour surely would have been helpful then.
It’s hard to squeeze in everything that can be seen and visited in Prague into two days. The Jewish quarter alone is worth spending at least half day. It’s good that many things can be seen just strolling around. However, there are many museums and galleries that are worth a visit, too, and at night there are great theaters like e.g. a puppet show performing Mozart – really great fun!
I went to Prague in like 2004. So long ago. I only have print photos of it. I really want to go back. It is such a beautiful city and so much to see. Thank you so much for sharing