In Prague for a few days and want to see as much as you can? Here’s your 2-day city plan, written by the best Prague free walking tour guides!
Don’t miss out on photos of the Charles Bridge, seeing the Astronomical Clock strike the hour, and visiting the largest castle complex in the world. Of course, we’ll also give you some of the best places to take a sip or two of famous Czech beer.
We’ve written out this rough itinerary to hit ALL the must-sees and give you a taste of Prague’s history in just 48 hours. But you could also follow our lead (literally!) and join one of our free walking tours of Prague to see it through expert eyes and meet some fellow travelers.
Day 1
(includes Astronomical Clock, Old Town Square, Jewish Quarter, Charles Bridge, St Vitus Cathedral)
- Old Town (Staré Město)
- Jewish Quarter
- Prague Castle
- Malá Strana
Day 2
(includes Dancing House, National Theater, and a beer with a view)
- New Town (Nové Město)
- Wenceslas Square
- City parks
A Quick History of Prague
Prague holds a historical prominence and cultural heritage that makes it one of the most important tourist destinations in the world. It’s not just the beer!
You hopefully already know that Prague is the capital of the Czech Republic. What you might not know is that this city was also the capital of the Holy Roman Empire – a central artery of European politics.
The city streets thrum with history, from the 14th to the 20th centuries. Words on a page cannot bring tales of the past to life, which is why Prague is known for its popular free walking tours and enthusiastic guides.
????Best Prague Free Walking Tours ????
Prague Free Walking Tour – Old Town and Jewish Quarter
Prague Free Castle Tour & Charles Bridge
20th Century Prague – Free Walking Tour
Day 1
Prague Old Town Square & Astronomical Clock
Grab your coffee and fuel up on a tasty breakfast – you have a day of exploring ahead of you!
Old Town Square is Prague’s epicenter. There’s no better place to start than in the most famous, and most photographed, spot. Stand in the middle and see if you can identify the Old Town Hall, St Nicholas Church, Tyn Church, Marian Column, Jan Hus Monument, and Kinsky Palace.
Whatever you do, don’t leave without going to see the famous Astronomical Clock. Built in 1410, the clock still sits in perfect working order even after centuries of warfare and strife. Legend has it that Jan Hanuš, the clockmaker, was purposefully blinded so he might never make a clock like this again (don’t worry, it’s likely a macabre urban myth).
TIP: The free tour of Prague Old Town includes an awesome description of how to read the clock – not as easy as it sounds!
Estates Theater & Powder Tower
Once you’ve taken some pictures and basked in the atmosphere of the square for a while, try to find Železná Street.
Along here, you will reach one of the world’s oldest theaters: the Estates Theater. If you’re feeling theatrical, close your eyes and will yourself back a few centuries. It’s 1787, this building is newly built, and Mozart is about to premiere his opera Don Giovanni right here to worldwide acclaim.
To the left of the building, follow a smaller road through Ovocny Trh (passing by part of the famous Charles University!) to Celetna street.
Can you find the blackened tower?
The Powder Tower is one of the original gates of the city. Its significance (and name) come from its other purpose, though: to store gunpowder in the event of battle. This is also the start of the Royal Way – the coronation walk kings would undergo to the castle.
Prague’s Jewish Quarter
Now meander through the Old Town to the Jewish Quarter (we recommend using a map to avoid getting forever lost in Prague’s winding streets!).
The Jewish Quarter is a small area in the center of Prague, between the Old Town and the river. For centuries it was the only place Jewish people were permitted to live in Prague.
Make sure, as well, to walk by the Jewish Cemetery. One of the largest in Europe, it is raised because it contains layers upon layers of graves.
There are six synagogues within this area. The most famous architecturally is The Spanish Synagogue. The oldest is the confusingly named The Old-New Synagogue (also the spot of the famous legend of The Golem).
If you’re feeling peckish for a coffee and/or sweet snack – it might be time for a Trdelnik. This cinnamon pastry delight is not actually a Prague-original, but has become a must-eat for travellers! We recommend the tiny cafe opposite the Jewish Cemetery if you would prefer to avoid being ripped off 😉
All of the above (and much, much more) is covered on our Prague Free Walking Tour: Old Town + Jewish Quarter:
- Every day: 10am, 11am and 2:30pm
- Discover: History of Old Town & Jewish Quarter
- Price: Free
- Value: the history of one of the oldest cities in Europe, condensed by an expert, entertaining guide into 2.5 hours? Well, it’s worth more than a history textbook 😉
Once you’ve had a break – maybe a hit of caffeine or a sip of beer and some food to sustain you – head out for more!
Charles Bridge
Now to cross one of the most famous bridges in the world.
Facts about Charles Bridge:
- Built in 1357 by Charles IV (not single-handedly!)
- More than 500m long
- Connects Old Town with Malá Strana (Lesser Town)
- 30 statues of religious figures
Once you cross the bridge, keep following the road along. This walk is continuing the Royal Way – all the way to the castle, so get ready for a climb!
You will cross Malostranské náměstí to find Nerudova street. The uphill walk is well worth it, as this is one of the most special streets in Prague. It is famous for the symbols, statues, and paintings on each building.
Tip: If you cannot walk this far, take tram 22 from Malostranské náměstí to Prazsky Urad to get to the castle.
Prague Castle
At the top of Nerudova street, the road turns to the right and outside the castle you are treated to one of the best views of the city!
Make sure to take some pictures. Can you spot Old Town Square?
Now to the main event! Prague Castle is a little different to other castles – it is actually a fortified city, so we call it the ‘castle complex’. Its construction began in the 9th century and has undergone countless renovations and extensions since then. The complex is made up of six courtyards.
Did you know that Prague Castle is the largest ancient castle in the world?
St. Vitus Cathedral
One of the must-sees inside the castle is St. Vitus Cathedral, an icon of Prague and the most important building in the complex. Its construction began in 1344 under the reign of Charles IV, but dragged on for almost 600 years due to warfare and economic problems. The facade was completed in 1929.
A part of the Prague Cathedral is open to visitors (free entry) until 4pm in winter and 5pm in summer.
The cathedral had a very important weight in the development of Bohemia, where kings and emperors were crowned. Inside you can find the tombs of kings and ancient crown jewels.
We recommend exiting the castle from the other side of the complex, down past the museum, for another spectacular view of Prague.
Your first day of sightseeing is over!
If history were a currency, the castle district would be paved with gold.
Join our free walking tour of Prague Castle & Charles Bridge to listen to stories about the cathedral and castle that you won’t hear elsewhere.
* Our castle tour runs daily at 2pm, starting at The Rudolfinum.
Day 2
New Town (Nove Mesto)
Although called the New Town, this area is actually from the 14th Century. Head to the Vltava River and walk south along the riverbank to view the Art Nouveau buildings of the New Town.
Significant buildings along Prague’s riverbank:
- National Theater
Easy to spot from its golden roof. - Dancing House
Inspired by one of the 20th Century’s most famous couples: Fred & Ginger.
Once you have reached the Dancing House, turn left to walk up the busy avenue. Not far along, you will see on the left the Church of St Cyril and St Methodius. This is the spot of one of the most notorious events of World War II – the murder of the members of Operation Anthropoid.
- What is Operation Anthropoid?
- Why was it called the ‘Velvet’ Revolution?
Find out on our Prague free walking tour 20th Century Prague.
Continue up the same avenue to find yourself in Karlovo Namesti (Charles Sq). This green space used to be a cattle market – way back in the 1300s – although is now where you can find the monastery of St. John of Nepomuk, the church of St. Ignatius of Loyola, the Old Town Hall and some university buildings.
Wenceslas Square or Vaclavske Namesti
Continue your walk North-East through the New Town to eventually come to the beautiful Wenceslas Square. This is the epicenter of Prague, with the National Museum presiding over the street of architectural magnitude.
Wenceslas Sq is the site of:
- The Velvet Revolution
- The Prague Spring invasion
- Many modern-day protests
- A lot of shops!
Head to a viewpoint
You now have 3 choices from which to grab a beer and enjoy a stellar view. Prague is a very green city, but many tourists miss out on the many parks this city has to offer. Heading to a high point for some fresh air after all the sightseeing.
To really experience Prague as more of a local, make your way to one of these spots:
- Riegrovy Sady
The viewpoint from this park gets crowded fast on sunny evenings. It’s the perfect spot to grab a drink and watch the sunset over the castle. - Letna Park
One of the largest parks in Prague and home to a huge beer garden, with the best view of Old Town and the river. - Petrin Hill
Best if you still have energy for a climb – although you can always take the funicular to the top! This spot is across the river, near the castle.
Prague FREE Walking Tour (because you can’t learn it all online!)
Of course, the best way to see all of the above and more is on one of our tours. Our guides are licensed, historical experts. We think they’re pretty awesome – and so do other travelers (check our Google Reviews!)
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