In my mind, Prague is like a vintage violin – ornate, evocative and romantic, perhaps a tad rough around the edges, but at every corner or viewpoint, it undoubtedly pulls on your heartstrings.
Prague was one of the first cities I traveled solo after graduating college. It is, in fact, a trendy destination for Georgians, especially honeymooners. I spent a lovely 7 days here and had plenty of time to discover the nooks and crannies of its quaint cobblestoned streets and historic sights.
For those who do not know much about the city, Prague was the only Central European capital to escape the large-scale bombing of the last century’s wars and is one of Europe’s best-preserved cities. It packs history, charm, culture, and loads of fun, offering something to every visiting demographic. Dare I say, Prague is also a relatively cheap destination. Be warned though, just like any major European city, it is filled with droves of tourists.
Things to DO & see in Prague
I recommend splitting up your itinerary into three parts to explore three key areas of the city each day.
Day 1: The Old Town
- Old Town Square: the heart of Prague featuring colorful facades, the dramatic Jan Hus Memorial, the looming Týn Church, and of course the world-famous Astronomical Clock.
- Charles Bridge: this statue-lined bridge connecting the Old Town to the Little Quarter and Prague Castle is an icon of Prague. Make sure to stroll across the bridge as well as admire it from both banks of the river – the views are quite spectacular.
- Jewish Quarter: it is said to feature the finest collection of Jewish sights in Europe. Visit the Jewish Museum, the cemetery, the Jubilee, and the stunning synagogue featuring Moorish architecture. Also, don’t miss the Municipal Library of Prague to admire the unique art created by Matej Kren – a never-ending tunnel of books.
- Havelská Market: this is your go-to place to buy local crafts and produce.
- Klementinum National Library’s Baroque Hall and Observatory Tower (with spectacular views).
DAY 2: Malá Strana
Start your morning by crossing Charles Bridge into Malá Strana district on the west bank. Meander through the charming cobble-stoned streets and admire the ornate candy-colored facades as you make your way uphill toward the Castle Quarter.
Parents with small tots, beware: This part of the city has many steep cobblestoned streets, so be prepared to put in some serious exercise if you are walking there with a stroller.
Bloggers seeking “Instagrammable” picture-perfect streets in Prague will appreciate the following streets here: Míšeňská, Na Kampě, Mostecká, Nerudova, and Thunovská.
For an off-the-beaten-track spot, visit Waldstein Garden, 17th-century gardens at the Senate palace, with ornamental pools, baroque statues, and insanely cool-looking dripstone walls.
The Lennon Wall is also a popular sight featuring graffiti art and slogans that aim to spread love and peace in honor of the singer.
Don’t quote me on this one, but I think most streets in Malá Strana lead to the Prague Castle grounds. A former seat of Czech rulers now features a few must-see sights, including dramatic St. Vitus Cathedral, Old Royal Palace, Basilica of St. George, Lobkowicz Palace, and a touristy shop-lined Golden Lane. You have to pay a small fee to enter the latter now, and I’m not entirely convinced it is worth it. On the other side, it is a smart way to keep some tourists at bay and make money for the upkeep of the street.
Once you are done touring the castle grounds, enjoy a glass of wine and extraordinary views of the city at the St. Wencesla’s Vineyard located next to it.
Afterwards, you can grab lunch somewhere in Malá Strana and make your way down to the river for a long scenic stroll. For a chance to snap an iconic photo of white swans drifting on Vltava River, stop by a tiny Park Cihelná.
For art and literature enthusiasts, I highly recommend Kafka Museum and Museum Kampa.
If you walk to Most Legii, you’ll be able to get to a couple of small islands in the middle of Vltava River. They have playgrounds, cheap lunch spots and paddle boat rentals available there.
If you have more time to explore this side of the river, I also recommend visiting the following:
- The Vrtba Garden: another off-the-radar spot – an 18th-century Italian-style terraced baroque garden featuring sculptures and fountains.
- Strahov Monastery with its stunning library and historic science exhibits.
- Petřín Hill Park with public art, a funicular, and a replica of the Eiffel Tower. I have not been, but the photos of the city views from there are beautiful. This could be a perfect spot for a picnic dinner at sunset as a couple or family, letting kids run around free while you enjoy a nice conversation and the vistas with a glass of wine.
DAY 3: The New Town
Admittedly, I have not spent a lot of time here during this trip, but here are a few places of interest to check out:
- Wenceslas Square is a lively boulevard with an impressive building of the National
- Museum of Natural Science and History standing at the southern end of it. The area around the square is also home to a lot of shops and restaurants, but do watch your belongings like a hawk.
- Dancing House is a popular building often featured on social media due to its peculiar shape that resembles a dancing couple. It was designed by architect Frank Gehry and houses a restaurant on the top floor.
Exciting Entertainment Offerings in Prague
Below are a few ideas for having quintessential experiences when visiting Prague:
- Attend a classic music concert that is hosted all over the city. Your hotel concierge will be able to recommend which one to go to and coordinate tickets for you. I attended a live orchestra concert at Obecni Dum and it was amazing. I also thoroughly enjoyed one of the productions at the Prague Opera House. The tickets are cheap and the building is also very beautiful inside.
- Take a river cruise along Vltava River, some even host dinner and jazz concerts. I truly cannot recommend this experience enough!
- Go on a day trip to tour some of the many castles outside the city. Here is a fantastic blog post by Salt in Your Hair listing 9 Best Castles in the Czech Republic you should consider visiting.
One final tip: I always make sure to visit the official website of the tourism board representing my destination. Visit Prague’s website has great information about fun and unique activities that might be on the calendar during your trip, so definitely check it out.
I hope this little city guide to Prague will be useful in planning your trip there. We spent a delightful three days in the city and I hope we can go back again someday, when Alexander is older.
Stay inspired, my beautiful friends!
xoxo, nano