Prague, locally known as Praha, boasts some of the most picturesque architectural landmarks in Europe. The Czech capital is also famous for its abundance of tasty beers, pubs, cosy cafés, great restaurants, and shady parks.I visited Prague a few weeks ago and was pleasantly surprised with this charming city full of picturesque scenery and friendly people.

My journey to Prague was very pleasant as I pre-booked my shuttle bus via HolidayTaxis. My driver was very polite and he helped me with the luggage to my hotel.  If you only have two days to explore this beautiful city as I had, you’ll need a plan. I’ve therefore created a two-day itinerary for Prague, packed with the best things to do and see in the capital.

Day 1 in Prague

1. Head to Prague Castle

Start your discovery of the Czech capital with a visit to Prague Castle. This castle complex holds the record for the largest ancient castle in the world – it is 570m long, 128m wide and covers a total area bigger than seven football fields. It comprises the Baroque Old Royal Palace, the Romanesque St. George’s Basilica, the Gothic St. Vitus’ Cathedral, galleries and museums.

While this incredible complex requires several hours to explore thoroughly, the effort is well worth it. It’s important to note that admission to the castle grounds is free but some individual sites charge for entry.

2. Stroll Along Charles Bridge

The Charles Bridge is a fixture of Prague life and the connection between the Old Town and Lesser Town. The bridge is a popular tourist attraction and is packed with holidaymakers, locals, artists, musicians and souvenir vendors from sunup to sundown.

Be sure to stop to soak up the atmosphere, watch Vltava River flow, buy souvenirs and admire the 30 saint statues that line the bridge.

3. Have lunch at Café Slavia

Café Slavia is located at the intersection of the Smetanovo street and Národní street. It was once a meeting place for dissidents as well as poets, writers, and other intellectuals. This traditional café serves a nice selection of local and international dishes, plus a variety of drinks. It also serves coffee, tea and cakes, making it a wonderful place to have a bite to eat and drink.

4. Visit the Municipal House

Municipal House, located on the Republic Square next to the Powder Gate, is a popular attraction for tourists and locals alike. The building is a great example of Art Nouveau architecture in Prague. It features gorgeous ceramics, stained glass windows, intricate gilded decorations and colourful murals depicting the history of the Czech Republic.

This famous building houses three restaurants, a concert hall, exhibition halls and a basement bar. If you are a lover of Art Nouveau, you may consider taking a guided tour of the whole building.

Day 2 in Prague

1. Watch the Astronomical Clock Strike the Hour

The Astronomical Clock in the Old Town Square is another popular sight in the Czech capital. Its original parts date back to the 15th century, but the clock itself has been updated several times over the years.

The clock features rotating statues of the 12 apostles and four moving automatons. It displays Sidereal time, Old Bohemian time and Babylonian time. It also shows the phases of the sun and moon and the sun’s journey across the sky. The calendar dial below the clock displays the day of the week, allegorical pictures of the current month and feast days.

2. Take a Walk Through the Jewish Quarter

The Jewish Quarter, also known as Josefov, is home to several sites including the Old New Synagogue and the Spanish Synagogue. It also contains the Old Jewish Cemetery, which is the oldest surviving Jewish cemetery in the city. This cemetery has 12,000 visible graves and it is believed that about 100,000 individuals are buried beneath them, stacked 12 layers deep.

3. Marvel at the Dancing Building

The Dancing Building, originally called “Fred and Ginger”, features a style known as deconstructive architecture. It is supported by 99 concrete panels, each with a different shape and dimension. This innovative design and amazing use of curvature have made the building a popular attraction.

The building is not open to the public but you can reserve a table at the top-floor restaurant – La Perle de Prague – and enjoy nice views of  Prague Castle and the Vltava River.

These are just some of the top things to see in Prague. However, they are sure to provide a memorable and authentic experience.

By Natasha von Geldern on October 9, 2018.