Czechia’s capital city is a popular destination with plenty to see. If you are planning to spend 2 days in Prague, you can still see and experience a lot of this historic city. Here is a two-day itinerary for a first-time visit to ensure you do not miss out on this amazing destination.
With a history stretching over a millennium, Prague is one of Europe’s top destinations. Visitors from around the world come to see the famous Charles Bridge across the Vltava.
Exploring on foot is the best way to see Prague’s stunning collection of architecture, from gothic and baroque to art nouveau and cubist.
Prague is also known for its art. Classic and Bohemian art adorn the walls of world class art galleries and magnificent architectural wonders. Public spaces also feature contemporary works, including sculptures by David Černý.
Here is a selection of the best attractions and places to visit for a 2-day Prague itinerary. You can pick and choose which attractions to visit, ensuring you make the most of your visit while seeing what interests you.
Insider Tip: Buy your Prague Card and save time and money. Get free entrance to more than 70 attractions, a cruise along the Vltava River, and enjoy panoramic views on a bus tour.
Prague in 2 days: Day 1
When seeing Prague in 2 days, you must spend time in the Old Town. Exploring the Old Town on foot is easy with many sights and attractions close to each other. Dedicate your first day with seeing the historic churches, squares and buildings of the Old Town.
Powder Gate
One of the original city gates, Powder Gate is a Gothic tower separating the Old Town and the New Town. Created as a coronation gift for Vladislav II, it was intended to be a grand entrance into the city rather than a defensive tower. Powder Gate’s design is inspired by the Charles Bridge.
Construction started in 1475, although construction was halted when Vladislav fled the city and lived in Prague Castle from 1485. In the 17th century, Powder Gate was used to store gunpowder – this is when the gate became known as Powder Tower or Powder Gate.
Previously, it was called New Tower. Kings used the gate for coronation ceremonies from 1836, and the gate was renovated in 1876.
Old Town Square
West of Powder Gate is Old Town Square, which sits between Wenceslas Square and Charles Bridge. The historic square is one of Prague’s most famous and recognised destinations. Here you will find the Gothic Church of Our Lady before Týn and the Baroque St. Nicholas Church.
Also at the square is a statue of Jan Hus, a religious reformer who was burned at the stake. In front of the Old Town Hall is a memorial with 27 crosses honouring individuals executed after the Battle of White Mountain. A Marian Column was erected in 2020.
Prague’s medieval-inspired Christmas Market is held at Old Town Square. Highlights include a decorated tree and musical performances. Hundreds of thousands of visitors come to Prague to see the Christmas Market, which is one of the world’s most popular.
Old Town Hall
At the Old Town Hall, you can go up the tower for panoramic views of the Old Town. The Old Town Hall is made up of several houses, which are connected one-by-one.
This amalgamation of ancient buildings started in 1338, when councillors bought a patrician house and adapted it for administration of the Old Town.
Over the years, the Old Town Hall expanded to include additional buildings. The original Town Hall has largely disappeared except for a Gothic stone portal on the west side. The stone tower was completed in 1364 and remains largely unchanged.
Book your Old Town Hall & Astronomical Clock Entrance Ticket . The tour will take around 90 minutes.
Astronomical Clock
Old Town Square is also where you will find Prague Orloj or horologe, a medieval astronomic clock on the façade of the Old Town Hall. First installed in 1410, it is one of the oldest astronomical clocks in the world and the oldest still operating.
The clock was repaired in the 16th century and some changes have been made to the clock, although it remains largely the same as when it was first added to the Old Town Hall.
It includes moving figures, a calendar dial and an astronomical dial. The figures come to life every hour and attracts large crowds.
Church of Our Lady before Týn
The two towers of the Church of Our Lady before Týn dominate the cityscape of the Old Town. Rising 80 metres high, the towers’ spires are topped by eight smaller ones to create a distinct and instantly recognisable landmark.
Back in the 11th century, a Romanesque church was found at the Old Town Square. This was replaced by a Gothic church in 1256, although construction of the present church started in the 14th century and continued into the 16th century.
Inside, the furnishings are largely Baroque dating from the end of the 17th century. Highlights include the tomb of astronomer Tycho Brahe and the church’s organ, which dates from 1673.
There are also stunning Gothic, Renaissance and Early Baroque art works, including altar paintings by Karel Škréta.
Church of St. Nicholas (Old Town)
St. Nicholas Church was built between 1732 and 1737. It features late Gothic and Baroque styles. Inside, you will find a crystal and bronze crown chandelier from the Harrachov glassworks and donated by Russian Tsar Nicholas.
Originally a Catholic church, it was used by the Orthodox Church until 1920. During the Prague uprising in 1945, the church was used for Radio Prague. Today, it is used as a concert hall by the Hussite Church.
Klementinum
The Klementinum is a series of historic buildings once hosting the National, University and Technical libraries before moving to the Prague National Technical Library in 2009. The National Library of the Czech Republic continues to use the complex, which dates from the 11th century.
Once one of the world’s oldest Jesuit colleges, the Klementinum became solely used as a library from 1782 after the founding of the National Library a year earlier. The collection includes historic works by Czech writers.
The Baroque complex covers some 20,000 square metres – making it the second largest building complex in the city after Prague Castle.
Parizska Street
Lined by luxury boutiques and stately townhouses, the leafy Parizska Street connects Old Town Square and Čechův Bridge. It is one of Prague’s most prestigious streets and traverses the Jewish Quarter.
Some of the city’s top hotels are within steps of Parizska Steet, including five-star hotels. You will also find the world’s most luxurious brands with shops selling everything from jewellery and cosmetics to designer clothes and sportswear.
Jewish Quarter
Prague’s Jewish Quarter or Josefov sits within the Old Town. Jews settled in the city as early as the 10th century, although they lived mainly in a walled Ghetto after 1096. It was only in 1781 when the Toleration Edict from Joseph II emancipated Jews and allowed them to live outside the ghetto.
Most buildings in the Jewish Quarter date from the 20th century. From 1893 to 1913, much of the ghetto’s narrow streets and buildings were demolished. Six synagogues, the Old Jewish Town Hall and the Old Jewish Cemetery remained. These sites now make up the Jewish Museum in Prague.
Check out this Prague Jewish Quarter Tour with admission tickets, or just buy the Jewish Quarter Admission Ticket .
Old Jewish Cemetery
A haunting and somber sight, the Old Jewish Cemetery is one of the largest and oldest in Europe. The cemetery was used from the early 15th century until 1786, and today it is part of the Jewish Museum in Prague.
Older gravestones are plain, but over time the use of ornaments became more common. Most of the decorated gravestones you will find are from the 17th century. Some symbols provide a clue at the life of the people buried in the cemetery.
For example, a crown indicated the person had a good reputation. Wine grapes often meant the person had a good and prosperous life.
Six Synagogues
The Jewish Quarter’s Six Synagogues include the Pinkas Synagogue dating from the 16th century and serves as a memorial to Holocaust victims since the end of the Second World War. It is the second oldest Jewish temple in Prague and sits at the entrance of the Old Jewish Cemetery.
Destroyed by fire in 1689, the Maisel Synagogue was rebuilt in a Baroque style and is now used as a museum. You will find a collection of Jewish books, silver and decorative objects in the museum’s collection.
Other synagogues dating from the 16th century in the Jewish Quarter include the Klaus Synagogue and High Synagogue.
The Spanish Synagogue dates from the 19th century and boasts a Moorish interior. Built in 1868, the building is inspired by the Alhambra in Spain. Inside, there is an exhibition on Jews from Bohemia.
Finally, the 13th-century Old New Synagogue features a Gothic design. Completed in 1270, it is the oldest Jewish temple in Europe.
Vltava River Cruise
After a day of exploring Prague’s Old Town, the best way to unwind is a river cruise on the Vltava. A boat trip is a great way to see Prague from a different perspective. Several tour operators offer cruises, from short one-hour trips to lunch and dinner cruises.
Recommended cruises:
- Prague: Panoramic Vltava River Cruise
- Prague: 50-Minute Sightseeing Evening Cruise
- Prague: Vltava River Lunch Cruise in an Open-Top Glass Boat
- Prague: 45-Minute Historical River Cruise and Refreshments
- Prague by Night: 3-Hour Dinner Cruise
Prague in 2 Days: Day 2
Start the second day of your 2-day Prague itinerary at Prague Castle. From there, you can walk along the winding streets of the Lesser Town before crossing Charles Bridge to see some top sights in Prague’s New Town.
Prague Castle
Prague Castle was home to kings of Bohemia, Holy Roman emperors and presidents of Czechoslovakia. Dating from the 9th century, it is now the official office of the President of Czechia and the home of the Bohemian Crown Jewels.
Covering almost 70,000 square metres, Prague Castle is one of the world’s largest castles. It is also one of Prague’s most visited attractions.
You will find many architectural styles at the castle, including the Gothic St. Vitus Cathedral and Romanesque Basilica of St. George. There are also palaces, towers and gardens.
You can enter Prague Castle grounds for free and enjoy its buildings from outside. The Prague Castle Entry Ticket costs (250 CZK, approx. 10 EUR). The entrance ticket is included with the Prague Card. Guided tours are available in several languages.
St. Vitus Cathedral
Czechia’s largest and most important church, St. Vitus Cathedral is a fine example of Gothic architecture. Coronations took place at the cathedral, which is where patron saints and archbishops are buried. The tombs of many Bohemian kings and Holy Roman emperors are also found here.
Construction of St. Vitus Cathedral started in 1344, although it was only completed six hundred years later in 1929. Despite this, the cathedral has a surprisingly harmonious look.
Inside, St. Wenceslas Chapel is at the heart of the cathedral with stunning decorative elements and the tomb of the country’s most important patron saint.
Old Royal Palace
The Old Royal Palace at the Prague Castle dates to the 12th century. Built in Gothic and Renaissance architectural styles, the building includes Vladislav Hall that is used for inaugurations. You will also find a copy of the Czech crown in the palace.
Basilica of St. George
With a striking façade, St. George’s Basilica is the oldest church building at Prague Castle. Founded in 920, it is dedicated to Saint George and features a Romanesque style.
Inside, you will find a simple limestone interior unlike the opulence found in Baroque and Rococo churches found elsewhere in Prague.
The basilica is home to the 19th century Bohemian Art Collection of the National Gallery. It is also used as a concert hall. Still, the building’s previous use is clear with the tombs of monarchs and relics of saints still found within its walls.
Golden Lane
The northern wall of the Prague Castle was used for building modest homes occupied by defenders of the castle as well as servants and workers. The collection of colourful buildings line Golden Lane, a name derived from the goldsmiths that once lived there.
Number 22 was the home of writer Franz Kafka. At Number 12, a staircase provides access to a terrace facing the Daliborka tower. Part of the castle’s fortifications, the round cannon tower was the site of a prison.
Rosenberg Palace
Part of the Prague Castle, Rosenberg Palace date was built in the 16th century. Empress Maria Theresa created an institute to educate single adult daughters of noble families. Today, the Renaissance building provides an insight into its former life.
You can explore rooms on the first and second floors, or see the Baroque chapel of the Holy Trinity and the Immaculate Conception of the Virgin Mary.
Lobkowicz Palace
For panoramic views of Prague, visit Lobkowicz Palace. The 16th century offers breathtaking views and is home to the impressive Lobkowicz Collections and Museum.
The collection includes some 1,500 paintings from mainly European artists as well as music and decorative items. Built in the 16th century, it is the only privately owned building at Prague Castle.
Stenberg Palace
Since 1947, Sternberg Palace in the city’s Castle District has been the home of the National Gallery Prague.
Built between 1699 and 1708, the palace was previously used by the Society of Patriotic Friends of the Arts, as a psychiatric hospital and by the army starting from the First World War.
The National Gallery Prague’s collection at Sternberg Palace focuses on Old Masters. Works include pieces of European art from antiquity up until the end of the Baroque period.
Sternberg Palace also features a peaceful garden with large modern sculptures by Czech artists contrasting with the palace’s Baroque style. The garden is open from May to September.
The Loreta
Loreta is a pilgrimage site in the Castle District. Dating from 1626, it includes a church and cloister as well as a clock tower. The chapel is best known for its chime, which has been heard since 1695. Inside, you will find a collection of liturgical tools including monstrances.
Novy Svet
An intimate escape in Prague, Novy Svet is a short walk from Prague Castle. A former suburb of the Castle District, it first emerged during the mid-14th century and was home to many servants who worked in the Castle.
Popular with artists, the area is a lovely place to wander cobblestone streets.
Nerudova Street
The picturesque Nerudova Street is named after Czech writer and journalist Jan Neruda. It connects Malostranska Square and Prague Castle. Lined with Baroque houses, you can admire ornate shields and portals along the way to or from the castle.
When walking along Nerudova Street, you will notice the numbers on buildings are replaced with signs. The most famous is Two Suns (number 233), which is where Jan Neruda lived from 1845 to 1857.
At number 210, you will find three violins representing three generations of artisans who created the musical instrument that lived at the property.
Mala Strana
Mala Strana – or Prague’s ‘Lesser Town’ – sits across the Vltava from the Old Town. Prague Castle sits atop a hill overlooking Mala Strana, which is home to beautiful Baroque and Renaissance architecture.
While you explore Mala Strana, you will find charming gardens and ornate palaces. Winding cobblestone streets are lined by pastel buildings and dotted with traditional restaurants and bars. The district is also home to many upscale hotels.
St. Nicholas Church (Mala Strana)
St. Nicholas Church in Mala Strana is the most famous of Prague’s Baroque churches. Built between 1704 and 1755, the church is the finest example of Baroque in Prague. Its towering dome has a diameter of 20 metres, while the impressive interior rises to over 70 metres.
Throughout the year, the church hosts concerts with its historic 18th-century organ.
Lennon Wall
Since the 1980s, Lennon Wall has been filled with graffiti inspired by John Lennon. You will find lyrics from songs by The Beatles alongside designs related to global and national causes.
Just a short walk away on Prokopska Street, you can visit the Lennon Wall Story. Opened in 2021, the museum shares the story and art of Lennon Wall and includes Beatles memorabilia and a documentary of the significance of the wall.
Kampa Island
Kampa Island in Mala Strana sits in the Vltava river. Charles Bridge crosses its northern side, while a small street from the bridge connects it with the island.
It is home to Museum Kampa, a modern art gallery feature work from Czech and other central European artists. A highlight is Magdalena Jetelova’s chair sculpture just outside the museum.
Charles Bridge
One of Prague’s most iconic attractions is Charles Bridge. The medieval stone bridge connects the Old Town with the Lesser Town. Construction started in 1357, although it was only finished in the early 15th century. Up until 1841, Charles Bridge was the only bridge across the Vltava.
The bridge includes three towers – two on the Mala Strana side and one on the Old Town side. Lining the bridge are 30 statues and statuaries, mainly Baroque in style.
These figures – which include saints venerated by residents at the time – were added between 1683 and 1714, although most that you will see now are replicas.
Whether visiting early in the morning to avoid the crowds or as the sunsets for a romantic walk, Charles Bridge is a must-see for any first-time visitor to Prague.
National Theatre
Back in the Old Town after crossing Charles Bridge is the National Theatre. Opened in 1881, this historic monument is home to opera, ballet and drama. These ensembles share the National Theatre as well as the Theatre of the Estates and the Kolowrat Theatre.
Head of Franz Kafka
One of the most popular contemporary public art pieces in Prague is the Head of Franz Kafka. The sculpture by David Černý depicts Bohemian writer Franz Kafka, a German-speaking novelist and short story writer.
The Head of Franz Kafka is installed outside the Quadrio Shopping Centre. A kinetic sculpture, it is 11 metres tall and features 42 rotating panels. Each layer of the outdoor sculpture is mechanized and rotates individually to create a stunning display.
Dancing House
The Dancing House is officially known as the Nationale-Nederlanden Building on Rašínovo nábřeží in Prague’s New Town. Completed in 1996, the building was designed by Croatian-Czech architect Vlado Milunić with Canadian-American architect Frank Gehry.
The site of the Dancing House was destroyed by the bombing of Prague during the Second World War. It remained vacant until 1960 until Dutch insurance company Nationale-Nederlanden agreed to sponsor the construction of a new building.
The dancing shape evokes deconstructivism with twisted lines and shapes.
Wenceslas Square
Wenceslas Square is the cultural and business heart of Prague’s New Town. The square has been the setting for diverse public gatherings, from demonstrations to festivals – although in the Middle Ages it hosted a horse market. It is named for Saint Wenceslas, the patron saint of Bohemia.
Sitting at the edge of the Old Town, Wenceslas Square is home to the National Museum. It is accessible by two of the city’s busiest metro stations – Muzeum (lines A and C) and Mustek (lines A and B).
National Museum
Founded in 1818, the National Museum houses almost 14 million items. The collection covers natural history, history, arts, music and much more. The main building is located at the upper end of Wenceslas Square. The beautiful neo-classical building was built from 1885 to 1891.
Next to the original building is the National Museum’s New Building. Once used by the Prague Stock Exchange, the building was built in 1937. Since 2009, it has been used for the National Museum’s permanent and temporary exhibitions.
From exploring highlights in the Old Town to walking from the Prague Castle to the edge of Prague’s New Town, Prague is a great city to explore on foot.
Along the way you will learn more about the city’s rich history and culture without missing out on must-see sights and attractions during your 2 days in Prague.
Photos: Shutterstock