{"id":10201,"date":"2021-01-14T10:25:57","date_gmt":"2021-01-14T10:25:57","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/tiqets-blog-staging.local\/prague-48-hours\/"},"modified":"2025-08-16T10:46:12","modified_gmt":"2025-08-16T10:46:12","slug":"prague-48-hours","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.tiqets.com\/blog\/prague-48-hours\/","title":{"rendered":"All That Glitters Is Prague: 48 Hours in the Czech Capital","gt_translate_keys":[{"key":"rendered","format":"text"}]},"content":{"rendered":"\n

If your first time visiting a city involved freezing weather, a hostel located under a bridge with a certain reputation, zero decent photographs, and was around 100 euro over budget, would you plan to go back?

Some people would go back not once, not twice, but ten more times \u2013 because that city is Prague. 

Simply put, the Czech capital is one of the most interesting, beautiful and walkable cities in Europe. The people you\u2019ll meet are clever, interesting and often funny \u2013 in a very Czech way. Crucially, Prague is also excellent value for money; I still find myself checking the bill to make sure the waiter didn\u2019t forget to add half of the food and drinks consumed.

Whether you\u2019re also a longtime fan of the City of the Thousand Spires, or are yet to find out why some call it Golden Prague, this walking route is bound to move the Czech capital to the top of your post-pandemic travel list.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Day One<\/strong> [powered by Anton\u00edn Dvo\u0159\u00e1k<\/a>]<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Bridges, breakfast, buildings and beers (07:00 – 12:00)<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Why would one get up before dawn during a holiday, you ask? To see one of the busiest and most photographed places in Europe pretty much by yourself, of course. No folks hawking souvenirs, no selfie maniacs, no crazy person feeding the birds. Just you, Charles Bridge (Karl\u016fv most<\/em>), its many different statues, the sweeping views of both sides of the city, and the sunrise.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"
Master builder Peter Parler carved the palindromic number 135797531 into the bridge\u2019s tower, recording the exact date and time when the foundation stone was laid: 9 July 1357 at 5:31.<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

(10-minute walk)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you came from Prague\u2019s Old Town (Star\u00e9 M\u011bsto<\/em>), cross the bridge, turn left and walk through Kampa Park, where the modern sculptures at Museum Kampa rival the view across the Vltava river. Since you probably skipped breakfast to make an early start, you can have a feast at the 19th-century Caf\u00e9 Savoy. Yes, it does look fancy and expensive, but a simple meal can be had for five euro.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

(15-minute walk)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Fed and caffeinated? Great, continue heading south until you reach Jir\u00e1sek Bridge. There\u2019s nothing remarkable about the bridge itself, but once you cross it you\u2019ll see concrete proof that Prague flirts with all sorts of architectural styles: Vlado Miluni\u0107\u2019s and Frank Gehry\u2019s Dancing House.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Evening
Built on a site bombed by the U.S. in 1945, this deconstructivist beauty seems to both blend in and stand out among the surrounding 19th-century buildings.<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

(7-minute walk)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Head east on Resslova until you spot Charles Square (Karlovo n\u00e1m\u011bst\u00ed<\/em>). Founded in 1348, it was the largest town square in medieval Europe. As well as a popular park, nowadays it features two baroque churches, a palace known as Faust\u2019s house (which has enough history for a blog post of its own), the town hall of the New Town (which gave us the word \u2018defenestration\u2019) and more.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

(12-minute walk)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Going back to the river bank, walk north and you\u2019ll see Prague\u2019s National Theatre (N\u00e1rodn\u00ed divadlo<\/em>), whose history is as dramatic as the operas and ballets it hosts. Just over a year after its premature opening, in 1881, a fire destroyed large parts of the venue \u2013 including the stage and auditorium. The theatre reopened in November 1883, only to close again in 1977 and reopen conclusively six years later for its 100th anniversary.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Nighttime
Like everything else in this city, the National Theatre looks even more glorious at night. It\u2019s also the home of Magician\u2019s Lantern (Laterna magika<\/em>), which mixes film projections and live dramatic action.<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

(4-minute walk)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Is it almost noon? How convenient! You\u2019re only metres away from Pivovar N\u00e1rodn\u00ed, where the food is hearty and the beer selection is excellent. Need I mention that they brew their own stuff and<\/em> that this happens to be the largest beer garden in Prague? Na zdrav\u00ed<\/em>!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

More than you can chew (13:00 – 18:00)<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Walk back to the National Theatre and take the tram to Prague Castle (Pra\u017esk\u00fd hrad<\/em>). Prague\u2019s public transport is enviable. Not only is it affordable and extensive, it\u2019s also fairly reliable \u2013 and going down the escalators at some of the metro stations is bound to give you goosebumps. This particular tram route is quite scenic too, so sit back and enjoy the ride.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The castle is a behemoth. In fact, it\u2019s the largest ancient castle in the world. It\u2019s brimming with history as well, so visiting it with a good, local tour guide will provide you with a much richer experience<\/a>. Trust me on this one.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Got plenty of time in the city? Then you can buy a ticket valid for two days<\/a> and explore this leviathan to your heart’s content.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"
Highlights? Sure, pretty much every single building and tiny little detail deserve your attention here. You can also catch a concert at the Lobkowicz Palace<\/a>, a privately owned art museum within the complex.<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

If you took the tram, as advised, you probably entered the castle through the gate near the Mihulka Powder Tower. When it\u2019s time to leave, do so via the Matthias Gate (Maty\u00e1\u0161ova br\u00e1na<\/em>). As well as the 17th-century gate itself, a statue of Czechslovakian legend Tom\u00e1\u0161 Garrigue Masaryk, and the Schwarzenberg Palace (a fine example of sgraffito), you can admire the city of Prague from one of the best vantage points there are.

It\u2019s way past beer o\u2019clock, isn\u2019t it? How convenient! Walk up Loret\u00e1nsk\u00e1 until you hit U \u010cern\u00e9ho vola, one of Prague\u2019s classic beer halls. It opened its doors in 1965, and not much has changed since then. You may need to translate the snacks menu or even order your pilsner in Czech (Jedno pivo pros\u00edm!<\/em>), however, if you prefer to mix with the locals rather than visit the nearest Irish pub, this is the<\/em> place to be.

As tasty as they are, marinated cheese and pickled sausages are no substitute for a proper meal. Continue walking up Loret\u00e1nsk\u00e1 and you\u2019ll find the Strahov Monastery Brewery, a great spot for full-bodied beers and Czech specialities like sv\u00ed\u010dkov\u00e1 (sirloin steak with vegetables, black pepper, allspice, bay leaf, thyme and double cream, served with dumplings). Have I mentioned that Czech cuisine isn\u2019t famous for being light?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"
Spend enough time in this country and you\u2019ll find yourself addicted to dumplings (knedl\u00edky<\/em>). Flour-based or potato-based, they taste like comfort when paired with copious amounts of whatever sauce is on the plate.<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Are we there yet? (19:00 – 00:00)<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Back in the Before Times, there was so much to do in Prague at night one wouldn\u2019t know where to start. Depending on how things are by the time you get to visit, you may be able hit the nightclubs, enjoy a romantic dinner cruise<\/a>, check out a black light theatre<\/a> (\u010dern\u00e9 divadlo<\/em>), have your fair share of pilsner in a pub crawl, watch a concert at stunning venues such as the Rudolfinum and the Municipal House (Obecn\u00ed d\u016fm<\/em>), or simply wander aimlessly while appreciating the golden light that bathes the city.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

No matter the nocturnal activity you choose, make sure to keep an eye out for pickpockets, never lose sight of your belongings, and take note of the operation hours of whatever tram\/metro\/bus you need to go back to your accommodation. Prague is quite walkable, but you may not feel like making an hour-long trek at four in the morning.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Day Two<\/strong> [powered by Bed\u0159ich Smetana<\/a>]<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Religiously irreligious (08:00 – 12:00)<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

See what I did there? Yes, you got an extra hour in bed today. You\u2019re welcome!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

And since time is on your side, let\u2019s kickstart it with a ritual as necessary and clich\u00e9 as making a wish at the Fontana di Trevi in Rome or kissing the Blarney Stone<\/a> in Co. Cork: a visit to the world\u2019s oldest astronomical clock still functioning.

The Prague Astronomical Clock<\/a> (Starom\u011bstsk\u00fd orloj<\/em> or Pra\u017esk\u00fd orloj<\/em>) is over 600 years old, though it\u2019s in such great shape one would think it\u2019s 450. At most. Like every tower open to visitation in this city, the views alone make up for the climb. However, I suggest you get to Old Town Square (Starom\u011bstsk\u00e9 n\u00e1m\u011bst\u00ed<\/em>) just before eight, watch the \u2018little show\u2019 put up by the figures inside the clock, and then climb its tower.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"
Step aside, microwave clock! This bad boy shows various times and astronomical cycles, the position of the Sun and which constellations of the zodiac it is passing through, makes popcorn\u2026 wait\u2026 it doesn\u2019t? Okay, no popcorn.<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Chances are you\u2019ll pass by this square quite a few times during your stay, which is a good thing as the many buildings on it look beautiful in different ways as the day progresses. The Church of Mother of God before T\u00fdn (Chr\u00e1m Matky Bo\u017e\u00ed p\u0159ed T\u00fdnem<\/em>), for instance, looks even more gothic at night.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Before we move on, there\u2019s something you should know about churches and other worship sites in the Czech Republic. Religiousness has been in decline in the country for decades, with 2010 data from the Pew Research Center showing 76.4% of the population considering themselves \u201cunaffiliated\u201d. But what does this mean to you, as a visitor of this intriguing country?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Crucially, it means that the majority of holy places you\u2019ll come across are rarely, if ever, used for religious ceremonies. Many host affordable cultural events such as classical music concerts, and when nothing is on you can usually walk in, free of charge, to enjoy the architectural and historical elements within.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

So do pop into the Church of Mother of God before T\u00fdn and the nearby St. Nicholas’ Church (Kostel sv. Mikul\u00e1\u0161e<\/em>), have a look inside, and then head towards the baroque Basilica of St. James (Kostel svat\u00e9ho Jakuba V\u011bt\u0161\u00edho<\/em>). There\u2019s a surprise at hand.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"
Legend has it that a thief tried to steal the statue of the Virgin Mary, but it came to life and grabbed his arm. The following day a shocked priest found the criminal still anchored, and had to cut his hand off. The mummified hand hangs from the ceiling of the basilica to this day.<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

It may be too early for a beer, but not for a nice cup of tea or coffee. Whatever you feel like drinking, T\u00fdnsk\u00e1 9 has you covered \u2013 and it\u2019s only a two-minute walk from the Basilica of St. James. How handy!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When you\u2019re ready, get back to Old Town Square and walk down fancy Pa\u0159\u00ed\u017esk\u00e1. Our first stop is the Maisel Synagogue (Maiselova synagoga<\/em>), originally built in 1592. Here you can learn more about the turbulent history of Czech Jews and see pieces like the oldest tombstone from the local Jewish cemetery.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In case you didn\u2019t notice, you\u2019re now in Prague\u2019s Jewish neighbourhood, Josefov, and there\u2019s a lot more history here than I could share in a single post. If yours is a curious mind or if you\u2019re particularly interested in Jewish history, you can buy a ticket that gives you access to the five synagogues and includes a 20-minute introduction to the Jewish Quarter<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Return to Pa\u0159\u00ed\u017esk\u00e1 and take a left on \u0160irok\u00e1, where you\u2019ll find the gorgeous Pinkas Synagogue (Pinkasova synagoga<\/em>). As well as a thought-provoking exhibition on the Holocaust, you can visit the 15th-century Old Jewish Cemetery (Star\u00fd \u017eidovsk\u00fd h\u0159bitov<\/em>).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"
How\u2019s this cemetery so tall compared to the neighbouring buildings? Due to lack of space for expansion, the Jewish community was forced to add layers of soil to it to continue burying their dead.<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Our tour of one of Europe\u2019s best preserved Jewish quarters continues. Take a left at Maiselova, walk past the High Synagogue (Vysok\u00e1 synagoga<\/em>), turn right on \u010cerven\u00e1 and behold the oldest active synagogue in the continent: the confusingly named Old-New Synagogue (Staronov\u00e1 synagoga<\/em>).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The fact that this gothic beauty, completed in 1270, is still standing after everything the local Jewish community went through is a miracle. Or is it? Enter 16th-century rabbi Judah Loew ben Bezalel, who\u2019s said to have created a golem to protect the Jews of Prague. No such clay creature was ever found, but the Nazis did leave this synagogue intact during the occupation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Our next stop is only four minutes away: the Spanish Synagogue (\u0160pan\u011blsk\u00e1 synagoga<\/em>). One of the most beautiful buildings in the city, it replaced a 12th-century worship site demolished in 1867 by the splitters<\/s> modernist faction of the community. No Spaniards were involved in its construction, the name comes from its Moorish architectural style. Yes, there are many confusing names in this country \u2013 just wait until you find out what Moravian sparrows are.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/a>
Like the city it serves, the Spanish Synagogue has a number of alluring details. Inside you can see an exhibition on the history of Jews in Bohemia and Moravia in the 19th and 20th centuries.<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

A time to chill (12:00 – 18:00)<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Speaking of Moravian sparrows, you must be hungry. Leave the Spanish Synagogue, walk past the chucklesome Kafka Monument and you should see the almost posh La Veranda. Chances are you\u2019re under budget, thanks to yours truly\u2019s tips, Tiqets\u2019 tickets and the undervalued Czech koruna, so it\u2019s only fair that you treat yourself!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If money is tight because you had a bit too much fun the previous night (and who am I to blame you?), walk down Du\u0161n\u00ed until you hit the river, turn right on Dvo\u0159\u00e1kovo n\u00e1b\u0159. and you\u2019ll soon see Lo\u010f Pivovar. With excellent views, delicious microbrews and finger-licking spare ribs, there\u2019s not much else one can ask for.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Okay, let\u2019s get moving. Cross \u0160tefanik Bridge (\u0160tef\u00e1nik\u016fv most<\/em>), walk past the inconspicuous concrete slab, and continue following the path until you reach Muzejn\u00ed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It\u2019s up to you now, choose-your-own-adventure style: to your left you have the National Museum of Agriculture (N\u00e1rodn\u00ed zem\u011bd\u011blsk\u00e9 muzeum<\/em>) and to your right the National Technical Museum (N\u00e1rodn\u00ed technick\u00e9 muzeum<\/em>). The former is probably more suitable for families with kids, though the view from the rooftop alone is worth the admission fee. The latter packs enough exhibits to keep one busy for many, many hours and will solve the mystery of the aforementioned concrete slab.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Weather permitting (or if it\u2019s not raining wheelbarrows, as the Czech say), your next stop and final stop for the day is only 200 metres away: Zahradn\u00ed restaurace Letensk\u00fd z\u00e1me\u010dek. Mind you, this is not the classiest joint in town. The beer is served in plastic cups, there are only picnic tables and last I checked they don\u2019t even accept debit cards. Nevertheless, there are two great reasons why the locals keep coming: the atmosphere is very relaxed and the views are truly spectacular.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Art and draught (19:00 – 00:00)<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Here\u2019s a final suggestion: an interesting way to either start or end your evening, depending on how much of a night owl you are.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Take the metro to Republic Square (N\u00e1m\u011bst\u00ed Republiky<\/em>) and make your way to the 15th-century Powder Tower (Pra\u0161n\u00e1 br\u00e1na<\/em>). Among other things, it served as a gunpowder depot before being greatly damaged during the Battle of Prague in 1757.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"
Between 1438 and 1836, the Powder Tower was the starting point of the Royal Route (Kr\u00e1lovsk\u00e1 cesta<\/em>). Monarchs travelled from here to the castle, along with important messengers and guests from other countries.<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Climb the 186 steps to the tower\u2019s observation deck and you\u2019ll find a very different, perhaps more complete view of the city. Many of the venues covered in this guide should be visible, bathed in Prague\u2019s glorious golden hue. You also get to have a good look at the Art Nouveau beauty neighbouring the tower: the Municipal House. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Whether you attend a concert there or not, the American bar within is a stunner \u2013 and well worth a visit. After all that walking, climbing, sightseeing and dumpling eating, you deserve to spend the next hour or so sipping a nice drink. Here\u2019s to you, to health and to never again taking travelling for granted. Na zdrav\u00ed<\/em>!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n\n\n\n

Still thirsty? <\/strong>Can\u2019t have enough of the sweet, sweet nectar known as Czech pilsner? My colleague Liam has a few beer experiences<\/a> to share with you.<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n","protected":false,"gt_translate_keys":[{"key":"rendered","format":"html"}]},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

This Prague walking route is bound to move the Czech capital to the top of your post-pandemic travel list.<\/p>\n","protected":false,"gt_translate_keys":[{"key":"rendered","format":"html"}]},"author":4,"featured_media":10202,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"inline_featured_image":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[32,25],"tags":[26,28,27],"class_list":["post-10201","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-city-guides","category-europe","tag-amsterdam","tag-europe","tag-the-netherlands"],"acf":[],"gt_translate_keys":[{"key":"link","format":"url"}],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.tiqets.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/10201","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.tiqets.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.tiqets.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.tiqets.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/4"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.tiqets.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=10201"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/www.tiqets.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/10201\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":20076,"href":"https:\/\/www.tiqets.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/10201\/revisions\/20076"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.tiqets.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/10202"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.tiqets.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=10201"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.tiqets.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=10201"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.tiqets.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=10201"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}