Prague 2 Day Itinerary and Best Tours

Prague is one of Europe's most beautiful cities and one of its best value destinations. The Czech capital survived both World Wars largely intact, leaving a stunning collection of Gothic, Baroque, Renaissance, and Art Nouveau architecture that makes every street feel like a film set. Combined with some of the cheapest beer in Europe and a lively food scene, Prague delivers an exceptional city break.

Day 1: Old Town and Jewish Quarter

Morning: Old Town Square

Start at Old Town Square (Staromestske namesti), the heart of Prague. Arrive before 10am to see the famous Astronomical Clock (Orloj) without a massive crowd. The clock dates from 1410 and puts on a mechanical show every hour. The surrounding square is framed by Gothic Tyn Church, Baroque St Nicholas Church, and pastel-coloured merchant houses.

A walking tour from the square is the best way to understand Prague's layered history. Guides cover everything from medieval trade routes to the Velvet Revolution of 1989.

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Late Morning: Jewish Quarter (Josefov)

Walk to the Jewish Quarter, one of the oldest Jewish settlements in Europe. The Old Jewish Cemetery is hauntingly beautiful, with 12,000 gravestones layered on top of each other over centuries. The synagogues tell the story of Prague's Jewish community from the 13th century through the Holocaust. A combined ticket covers all the sites.

Afternoon: Charles Bridge and Lesser Town

Charles Bridge (Karluv most) is Prague's most iconic landmark. The 14th-century stone bridge is lined with 30 Baroque statues and offers views of Prague Castle above and the Vltava River below. Cross it in the early morning or late afternoon to avoid peak crowds.

On the other side, the Lesser Town (Mala Strana) has quieter streets, Baroque palaces, and the beautiful Wallenstein Garden (free entry, complete with peacocks).

Evening: Beer and Dinner

Prague is the beer capital of the world. Czechs drink more beer per capita than any other nation, and a half-litre of excellent local beer costs 40 to 60 CZK (about 1.50 to 2.50 pounds) in a local pub. Head to a traditional pivnice (beer hall) for pilsner paired with svickova (marinated beef with cream sauce and dumplings) or kulajda (creamy mushroom and dill soup).

Day 2: Prague Castle and Beyond

Morning: Prague Castle Complex

The Prague Castle complex is the largest ancient castle in the world, covering 70,000 square metres. The key sights are St Vitus Cathedral (stunning Gothic interior with stained glass by Alphonse Mucha), the Old Royal Palace, Golden Lane (tiny colourful houses where Franz Kafka once lived), and the Basilica of St George.

A guided tour is recommended to navigate the vast complex efficiently and understand the significance of what you are seeing. Allow 2 to 3 hours.

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Afternoon: Petrin Hill or Vysehrad

After the Castle, you have two excellent options. Petrin Hill has a miniature Eiffel Tower (Petrin Lookout Tower) with panoramic views, plus gardens and a mirror maze. Vysehrad, a fortress on the opposite bank, offers equally impressive views, a Romanesque rotunda, and a cemetery where Czech luminaries (including composers Dvorak and Smetana) are buried.

Evening: River Cruise

A Vltava River cruise at sunset is a perfect way to end your Prague trip. Most dinner cruises last 2 to 3 hours and serve Czech cuisine while you sail past illuminated landmarks including Prague Castle, Charles Bridge, and the National Theatre.

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Practical Tips

• Currency is Czech koruna (CZK), not euros. 1 GBP is roughly 30 CZK. ATMs offer better rates than exchange bureaux.
• Avoid exchange offices on tourist streets (especially Wenceslas Square). They charge terrible rates despite advertising "0% commission."
• Tram 22 is a scenic and cheap way to travel from Old Town to Prague Castle.
• Prague is very safe for tourists. Pickpocketing on the Charles Bridge and in Old Town Square is the main concern.
• Restaurant bills often include a bread/cover charge. Check before eating the bread basket if you want to avoid it.