Prague, capital of the Czech Republic, in the heart of Central Europe, is a city whose history and architecture of the last two millennia are real pleasures to discover. Called the “city of a hundred steeples”, you can stroll for hours in its old-fashioned alleys and on the banks of the Moldau (Vltava).
Unsplash / Denis Poltoradnev
FRIDAY
4 p.m. – Put down your luggage
Leave your luggage at the Hotel Maximilian in the Josefov district, very close to the old town. This contemporary property is sheltered from the busier streets with only the soundscape of the chimes of the church.
4:30 p.m. – Enjoy a trdelnik
Its name is impossible to pronounce, but its taste pleases everyone. THE trdelnik is an elongated sweet pastry available in different flavors. The dough is first rolled up around a stick and then grilled over embers, leaving a sweet scent floating in the air… Your nostrils will guide you to the nearest street kiosk.
5 p.m. – Explore the old town
For a first taste of what Prague has to offer, let your feet lead you through the streets and alleys of the old town. Pass under the 9th-century Powder Tower, once one of 13 entrances to the city.
7 p.m. – Sail on the Moldau
What could be better for a first evening than a 2-hour dinner cruise on the Moldau River? Admire the city lighting up at sunset, sail under the city’s many bridges, let yourself be lulled by live music and taste the different culinary specialties of the theques in a buffet formula.
Information: www.civitatis.com
SATURDAY
9am – Visit the old town
Your visit begins in the Old Town Square where Baroque and Gothic architecture rub shoulders. Meet in front of the Astronomical Clock (Orloj), an invention from the medieval period that is over 600 years old. Every hour, the figurines are activated on the chimes. Climb the Town Hall tower for a splendid view of the square and the historic buildings that border it. In the center of the square, admire the Church of Our Lady before Týn with its Gothic architecture, whose two towers dominate this district.
Courtesy / Prague City Tourism
10:30 a.m. – Cross the Charles Bridge
Walk towards the Moldau River, named Vltava in Czech, crossed by 13 bridges in Prague. Walk the famous Charles Bridge, the oldest in Prague, built in 1357. For a long time it was the only link that connected the castle to the old town and each step on the stones reminds us of this historic past. Weather permitting, the atmosphere is festive, as artists of all kinds meet there to entertain travellers. For a perfect shot without visitors, you have to go there at dawn.
Courtesy / Prague City Tourism
11 a.m. – Admire street art
As you exit the bridge, head virtually under Charles Bridge where an entire alleyway is dedicated to street art. We find there the “John Lennon Wall” on which several messages of peace, love and hope have been painted since the 80s. Cross a small bridge and here you are on the island of Kampa, a true island of freshness where pretty terraces, museum and houses along the river.
Velkopřevorské nám., 118 00 Malá Strana
12:30 p.m. – Snack
Jump aboard tram 22, or climb the Zámecké schody stairs, to Prague Castle (Pražský). Have a bite to eat at the Kuchyň (“kitchen” in Czech) restaurant, located on the castle square. The view is sublime, the beer is excellent and you can enjoy good local dishes at a reasonable price. Did you know that lager beer was invented in the Czech Republic?
Information: kuchyn.ambi.cz
2 p.m. – Visit a castle
Emerging from the city, Prague Castle is a collection of buildings and gardens that can be visited in a few hours. You will have the option to choose which preferred locations; St. Vitus (Saint-Vital) Cathedral is a must-see, however.
Hradcany, 119 08 Prague
Courtesy / Prague City Tourism
5:30 a.m. – Walk a famous alley
Still within the walls of the castle, do not miss the Golden Lane, which, although busy, is worth the detour and is one of the most beautiful streets in Prague where the famous writer Franz Kafka resided in 1916. today, there are more souvenir shops, booksellers and small houses.
4:30 p.m. – Discover the world of Kafka
Go to the Franz Kafka museum where the letters, photographs and diaries of this literary legend born in Prague in 1883 are exhibited.
7:30 p.m. – Dinner with a view
To end a successful day, go to the terrace of the U Prince hotel, Terasa U Prince, with a magical view of the old town. The cocktails are tasty, the dishes simple and varied and the prices reasonable for the place!
Staroměstské nam. 29, 110 00 Staré Město
SUNDAY
10 a.m. – 100% local brunch
From the market to your plate, this is what the VENUE restaurant promises, where you can quietly enjoy a delicious brunch to get your last day in Prague off to a good start. Croque-monsieur, Turkish eggs, avocado toast and several more gourmet dishes will fill your stomach.
Havelská 525/4 110 00 Staré Město
12 noon – Observe an original house
The Dancing House is probably the building with the most original architecture there is! Imagined by Vlado Milunic and Frank Gehry, it represents the ying-yang, or the feminine-masculine and there is a very beautiful restaurant with a view of the water.
Jiráskovo nam. 1981/6, 120 00 Nové Město
1:30 p.m. – Visit the “other” castle
Vysehrad is a district and an ancient fortified city located on a hill overlooking the river. We set off to discover its 10th century castle, a church, a cemetery where several Czech historical figures are buried and above all, from the ramparts from which there is a splendid view of Prague.
2:30 p.m. – See green
Last stop of this stay in Prague, the Absintherie bar and museum, the perfect place to demystify and buy this strong green alcohol.
Jilska 7, 110 00, Prague 1 Old Town
