You may think 48 hours in Prague might not be enough, certainly there are plenty of things to do in Prague to fill many weeks! But if a weekend if all you have, from sightseeing and art galleries to bars, restaurants and cafés, here’s my guide on how to best spend 48 hours in Prague.
Table of Contents
Day 1:
Visit the Old Town Square and Astronomical Clock
In the heart of the Old Town you’ll find Prague’s most beautiful square. Made up of centuries old pastel coloured buildings, churches and Prague’s impressive town hall, the Old Town Square is a place full of both history and beauty. Here, you’ll also find another of Prague’s top attractions. The famous Astronomical Clock. It’s over 600 years old and counting, and was once considered one of the wonders of the world apparently! Go there on the hour where you can watch it’s ancient mechanical performance.
Top tip: If you want to photograph the square, it’s best to go in between the clock’s performances when it’s way less crowded. Or better yet really early in the morning.
Walk across the Charles Bridge
The Charles Bridge is another of Prague’s most beautiful landmarks and one of the top things to do if you only have 48 hours in Prague. Completed in 1402, it’s architectural highlights include the towers on each opposing entrance and the baroque style statues of saints flanked along each side. For a more magical experience head there at dawn and watch the sunrise or at night time when the bridge is illuminated by its decorative lamps.
Try a Czech beer or two
You can’t spend 48 hours in Prague and not try some of the Czech Republic’s world class beer. And thanks to the city’s big beer drinking culture, there are certainly plenty of places to do just that. I would recommend U Zlateho Tygra for traditional Pilsner in a traditional beer hall, Beer Geek for craft beer or Strahov Monastic Brewery for home brewed beer with an outdoor terrace.
Wander around Kampa Island
Kampa Island lies on the river banks on the Lesser Town side. Home to a lovely park and gardens, old mills and the Devil’s stream that used to power them, it’s pretty place to take a walk around. Yet the island has a more creative side too, with outdoor art installations – including the John Lennon Wall – and the Kampa Museum, a whole gallery devoted to modern European art.
Try traditional Czech cuisine at Café Louvre
Café Louvre is somewhat of an institution in Prague. For over a century it acted as a meeting place and clubhouse for the city’s creative and academic circles. And today it still upholds its reputation as a social space. Stop by for breakfast, lunch or dinner, where you can try traditional Czech cuisine, or enjoy desserts from its patisserie alongside traditional Czech Turkish style coffee.
Day 2:
Discover Prague’s street art scene
It might not be the first city that springs to mind when you think of street art, but Prague’s street art scene is thriving. The most famous piece is the John Lennon Wall on Kampa Island – a symbol of freedom and peace that’s still very much alive today. Yet if you head further into the outer districts you’ll find plenty more large scale murals painted on the sides of buildings and walls that show this creative side to the city.
Read my guide to Prague’s street art and where to find it
Get cultural at DOX Centre for Contemporary Art
Set in Prague’s trendy Holešovice district, DOX Centre for Contemporary Art is the perfect excuse to not just see some modern art, but explore an area of Prague outside of the Old Town. Old factory, turned cultural space, here, their program of art projects and exhibitions focus on social, political and psychological topics. Work features both Czech and international arts and changes regularly throughout the year, so check what’s on before you go.
Explore Prague Castle
Perched on top of the hill, Prague Castle is the oldest and largest castles in Europe. Inside it’s vast complex you’ll find a collection of churches, palaces, forts, galleries and gardens to explore, each as magnificent as the next. My favourites included the grand architecture of the Old Royal Palace and St. Vitus Cathedral and the modest charming houses of Gold Lane.
Spend a cosy evening in The Tavern
If you’re looking for somewhere that a. Is a little more off the beaten path, and b. Has the best burgers in Prague, The Tavern is the ideal place to spend a cosy evening. They offer a menu of American style food including some seriously good burgers and fries. Pair them off with beer from their selection of Czech microbreweries. Or splash out on the signature cocktails from their extensive list.
Sip cocktails in Bugsy’s
Contrary to belief, it’s not all about beer in Prague. And when it comes to cocktails, Bugsy’s is where it’s at. It’s been around since 1996 – that’s old for a cocktail bar in Prague – making it somewhat of a legend in the city’s bar scene. Think a mix of speakeasie glamour, modern style and a nicely refined cocktail menu. Pull up a seat at the bar and let the bartenders work their magic.
Have you spent 48 hours in Prague before? If so where would you recommend as places not to miss? Let me know in the comments below!
Interested in a weekend away in other European cities?
Read my guide to 48 hours in Lisbon
Read my guide to 48 hours in Budapest
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