2 Days in Prague: a quick itinerary and guide
My parents went to Prague 30 years ago. They stayed with some friends, no one spoke English, and they found themselves lost in a not-so-safe part of the city on night one. But they loved it. So after hearing their stories, I couldn't wait to see for myself. I also feel like it’s a hot spot for students who are studying abroad. I can see why, the city is beautiful, fun, and, honestly, cheap.
We landed in Prague late and immediately went straight to the hotel. We stayed at the The Mozart Prague. This intimate boutique hotel was an old palace that was restored. The rooms are old world and beautiful. The staff is helpful and welcoming. When my mom and I travel together we love a charming boutique hotel with character. There are several of those in Prague and I’ve listed some of our other options below.
in the courtyard of the Mozart hotel
Day 1
The Mozart is a 2-minute walk from the famous Charles Bridge, so after waking up, we walked across the bridge to find a café. Prague is quiet in the mornings. We didn't realize this. At first, we just assumed there was no one visiting – found out later this was untrue. The morning was the perfect time to see the bridge and take some photos without many tourists. There are several cafes and restaurants, so we chose a random one, enjoyed an espresso, cappuccino, and soaked up some sun.
After breakfast, we headed to Prague Castle, about a 15-minute walk away. The entrance to the castle from the Royal Gardens is currently closed so we went just a bit down the street and entered through different gardens, quite a way up some stairs but worth it. We paid a minimal fee to go inside all the different buildings and cathedrals, but it's not absolutely necessary. However, you get to see some beautiful art, architecture, and the Golden Lane if you do this. There's also a terrace café at the top with a lovely view of the city.
From the castle, we walked back towards Charles Bridge and happened to stumble across an old car tour of the city. A little bit cheesy and touristy, but we had some time to kill, so we hopped in. We did the 30-minute tour, and honestly, it was a perfect way to get a feel for the city's geography, which isn't that big. We walked everywhere while we were there.
I was told I had to try Trdelnik, a traditional Czech pastry. There were places all over the city selling it. We stopped at a spot on our walk across the bridge, and WOW. A delicious, sweet sugar bomb went off in my mouth. Definitely give it a try.
Afterward, we headed into the Old Town Square for a cup of tea at one of the many cafes and restaurants to combat our sugar high and people watch. The square was bustling and filled with beautiful old buildings and unique architecture. You’ll also see the Astronomical Clock and Jan Hus monument while you’re here.
Dinner was at the famous Café Savoy. This spot is excellent for breakfast, lunch, or dinner and has an authentic European café feel. The ricotta stuffed fig pasta was out of this world. We enjoyed it with some orange wine and salmon carpaccio. This is a must-go when visiting.
Day 2
We started day 2 by heading back into the Old Town square. Go see the random statue of Sigmund Freud hanging off a building on your way there. Be sure to look up, or you won't even notice him. We had a long leisurely breakfast (primarily thanks to a new friend we made traveling by himself). We roamed around some of the old streets and buildings, visiting jewelry stores and art galleries in between. Prague is known for its garnets and they are for sale all over the city. By the way, cash is encouraged in Prague and you might get a better deal for using it.
Initially, we had wanted to do a boat tour on this day but didn't realize you have to book in advance for an actual boat. Apparently, you get the whole shebang when you pre-book- lunch or dinner, drinks, etc. So instead, we rented pedal boats down by the river for an hour and had the best time. There are several rental options down by the river, a short walk from the Mozart hotel. If you're with friends, your significant other, or just better drinkers than my mom and I, get a bottle of wine (you might have to sneak it) and go at sunset.
The John Lennon wall was next on the list and a quick walk from the pedal boat rental. This wall was created after John Lennon died and is a symbol of freedom of speech and the youth of Prague. There were a good amount of people taking pictures, but it wasn't insanely crowded. Scared to ask someone to take your photo? Ask to take theirs first. Works every time.
After the wall, we headed to a local spot for crepes and a rest before a massage back at the hotel. Usually, I wouldn't indulge in a massage when I only have a short amount of time in a new place, but WOW, am I glad I did. We only got 30 minutes each, but it was magic. I wish I had hours. If you stay at the Mozart, definitely treat yourself to this.
Dinner on our last night was at CODA, but we realized we couldn't leave Prague without first having a Czech beer. Since we aren't big beer drinkers, we decided on a tasting size beer at the Prague Beer Museum next to the hotel. Actually, we ended up each having one and splitting another because we wanted to try more. Beers are cheaper than water in Prague, so if that's your cup of tea, then you'll be in the perfect place. There are locations all over the city with excellent tasting menus and big pints.
CODA is a short walk across the Charles Bridge located inside the Aria Hotel. This rooftop has impressive views of the city and a nice mix of traditional and modern Czech food. I was nervous about navigating a meat-loving city as someone who rarely even eats fish. However, I found vegetarian options at nearly every spot, or at least something I could make vegetarian. But honestly don't bother asking for substitutions for a meat dish; they'll bring it out anyways. CODA was the perfect place to say goodbye to lovely Prague.
To Do
Prague Castle
St. Vitus Cathedral
Old Royal Palace
St George's Basilica
Golden Lane with Daliborka Tower, Rosenberry Palace
John Lennon Wall
Old Town Square
Charles Bridge
Sigmund Freud statue in Stare Mesto
Manifesto Market Florenc
Pedal boats on the Vltava river
Visit the Glass House rooftop bar
To Eat
Krcma (lots of traditional meat and beer)
U Parlamentu (also traditional)
Bistro Sisters (oblozene chlebicky, lunch or breakfast)
Café Savoy (vetrnik)
EMA Espresso Bar
Le Degustation (Kulajda soup)
CODA (vegetarian and vegan options, beautiful rooftop)
Kofein (lunch, vegan options)
to try:
Oblozene chlebicky
Beer
Pickled cheese
Vestnik
Kolache – Morvske kolacky Deolezal
Trdelnik
To Stay
Oh and last thing, apparently mulled wine is big in Prague. Apparently it’s also seasonal, even if its on all the menus in September. No one even seemed to know what we were talking about. BUT if you go in the winter, try some mulled wine… and let me know how it is.
