Of all of Europe’s capital cities, the one that has that something mystical that you can’t quite pinpoint about it is arguably Prague. Overlooked by an ancient castle and boasting buildings that wouldn’t look out of place in a fairy tale, the city has an old world feel that always leaves you wanting to come back.
One of Prague’s many great traits is its size – you can cover the city’s main sights over a day. You just need to know what you need to see. That’s where we come in. Read on for our ultimate day in one of the world’s most enchanting cities.
Image courtesy of Emily Allen.
Depending on the destination, I regularly kick the day off with a cappucino and a pastry. Café Ebel (Retezova 255/9, Stare Mesto) is the perfect place to grab both in Prague.
Image courtesy of Jan Zubíček.
Wander over Charles Bridge (more about this later) and make your way up the hill towards the magical castle. Marvel at St Vitus Cathedral, explore the palaces before wandering down the beautiful Golden Lane with its 11 coloured houses.
Upon exiting the castle and facing the steps back towards the river, grab your camera and take advantage of the photo opportunity as the view from here is breathtaking.
Popular with expats, locals and tourists alike, Bohemia Bagel (Lázeňská 19, Malá Strana) in Prague’s Lesser Town is the perfect place to grab lunch. Choose from a wide range of fresh juices, coffees and, of course, bagels to refuel.
Littered with buskers, artists, human statues and more, Prague’s Charles Bridge is by far the most famous bridge to cross the River Vlatva. Take your time crossing the river to the Old Town, enjoying the (albeit extremely touristy) atmosphere in the process.
Every hour the Procession of the Twelve Apostles takes place at the Astronomical Clock in the centre of the Old Town Square. It’s not a particularly entertaining spectacle, but when in Rome…
Image courtesy of Charles16e.
Thanks to the Town Hall and St Nicholas’ Church, Prague’s Old Town Square is one of the most beautiful places in the world. Take in the surroundings and enjoy the spectacle.
Prague’s Jewish quarter is full of bars and restaurants, but also full of synagogues. Along with the Jewish Cemetary they make up the Jewish Museum. Explore them to see a different side of the city.
Located in Josefov, No Stress Café (Dusni 10, Josefov) is the perfect place to rest your feet for an hour. Watch the world go by from a seat by the window as you sip on a coffee or a cold Czech beer.
Pass through the Old Town Square again en route to the Nové Mesto (new town). Its focal point is Wenceslas Square, a wide square that is overlooked by the National Museum.
Prague’s New Town is full of decent restaurants. If you like Thai food (which I do), try Lemon Leaf (Myslilkova 14, Nove Mesto) one of the best Thai restaurans in town. Grab a pad thai, some Tom yun gae soup and relax for an hour.
Part wine bar, part student hangout, U Sudu (Vodickova 677/10, Nove Mesto) suits many tastes, making it a good place to finish the day off. If you’re just after a nightcap, the wine bar at the entrance is where to go. But if you fancy making the night a later one, make your way to the bars out the back.
Want to spend a day or more in Prague? Take a look at our hosts in the city here.
Cover image courtesy of Moyan Brenn.
Comments