Prague may be full of incredible sights; however, they are conveniently located close enough for you to take in many of them over the course of a weekend. Discover how to make the most of the city with this perfect weekend itinerary.
Saturday Morning
Prague Castle & Hradčany
Meander through the courtyards of the expansive Prague Castle, the seat of Czech monarchs for centuries. Located high up on the left bank of the Vltava, this site contains an incredible variety of galleries, museums, and historic buildings. Spend your morning exploring key sites such as the St Vitus Cathedral – constructed over a span of 600 years, it is a fascinating piece of history to experience. Don’t miss the Old Royal Palace, one of the complex’s oldest structures from 1135. Once inside, be sure to admire the Gothic vaulted ceiling within the Vladislav Hall, whose lines evoke an almost art nouveau feel. Before witnessing the changing of the guard at noon, try to visit the 16th-century Lobkowicz Palace. Inside are the Princely Collections, which include furniture, priceless paintings by Canaletto, Piranesi, Breughel the Elder, Cranach, and musical memorabilia.
Before leaving the castle, grab some goulash or a sandwich for lunch on one of the balconies at Lobkowicz Palace Café. The food is as delightful as the view.
Saturday Afternoon
Malá Strana
Make your way down from Prague Castle to Malá Strana via Nerudova Street. This route allows you to admire the baroque beauty and striking copper cupola of St Nicholas Church. Inside, you will find Europe’s largest fresco – Johann Kracker’s 1770 Apotheosis of St Nicholas. Kracker’s use of trompe l’œil techniques enables his painting to blend almost imperceptibly with the architecture. Next, move on to the Wallenstein Garden for some relaxation in its peaceful surroundings. When you get ready to leave, take the far side exit and follow the backstreets to Kampa, one of the city’s best green spaces. If it’s sunny, enjoy a beverage at Mlýnská Kavárna. If it isn’t, perhaps pay homage to cubist sculptor Otto Gutfreund and painter František Kupka by visiting the Kampa Museum.
Saturday Evening
Malá Strana
As the sun begins its descent, find yourself on Charles Bridge. To fuel your evening, dine at Augustine, a hotel eatery that is both relaxed and sophisticated. The menu features creative dishes made with locally-sourced Czech ingredients, including delectable choices such as pork cheeks braised in the hotel’s very own beer. Stick around Malá Strana for a post-dinner drink; the area is filled with trendy bars. A great option is the petite U Malého Glena, an American-owned bar featuring local jazz and blues bands nightly.
Sunday Morning
Staré Město
Start your Sunday in the Old Town Square, one of the continent’s largest and most majestic urban spaces. Since the 10th century, Staroměstské náměstí has served as the city’s principal public square and was Prague’s main marketplace until a little over a century ago. Among the highlights is the square’s Astronomical Clock, which comes to life for 45 seconds every hour. For a breathtaking view, ascend to the summit of the Old Town Hall Tower. From there, stroll along Celetná to the magnificent art nouveau Municipal House, where even the restaurant and café reflect the design era. The building’s Smetana Hall hosts concerts, so now might be a great time to consider attending an evening performance. Tours of Municipal House are also available.
Sunday Afternoon
Staré Město
If you didn’t dine at Municipal House, try Lokál for lunch. This classic Czech beer hall has a menu that changes daily, ensuring a range of delicious Bohemian treats to accompany the tankové pivo (tanked Pilsner Urquell). To make the most of your afternoon, consider visiting the six monuments that comprise the Prague Jewish Museum. If you’re short on time and energy, focus on three key sites. First, visit the Old-New Synagogue, Europe’s oldest working synagogue, built around 1270. Then head to the Spanish Synagogue, which boasts an impressive Moorish-Andalucian interior completed in 1868. Finally, take time to visit Europe’s oldest surviving Jewish cemetery. Established in the early 15th century and officially closed in 1787, approximately 100,000 Jews were buried here, with around 12,000 crumbling headstones still visible today.
Sunday Evening
Staré Město
Begin your Sunday evening with a memorable meal of locally-sourced Czech produce presented with French flair at Kalina. After dining, you’re ready for the plethora of after-dark options: enjoy a concert in Municipal House’s Smetana Hall or the Klementinum’s Chapel of Mirrors; or attend an opera at the Estates Theatre. Afterwards, explore cocktail options in Old Town, with popular spots like Hemingway Bar and Čili Bar.
