With a rich history written all over the city, interesting architecture and beautiful art, tasty food and an explosive nightlife, Prague is one of the European cities that should be on every traveller’s must-see list.
One day might not be enough to explore all the hidden gems of the Czech Republic’s charming capital. However, you don’t need more time to take in the pulse of the city, catch a glimpse of its beauty, understand a bit of its past, and taste your way around. And if you have no idea where to start or what to do during your short escape to Prague, continue reading. You’ll find out what to see to make the most out of your short visit.
Wander Around the Old Town
The best way to begin your Prague experience is with a walking tour. You don’t need a guide to explore the city’s Old Town and admire its architectural wonders and most iconic sites. You need your comfy shoes and a camera. Besides amazing history and architecture, the Old Town Square is surrounded by cosy cafes and welcoming restaurants, and filled with talented street artists and performers.
One of the most interesting stops you’ll make during this walk is in front of the impressive astronomical clock, located on the south side of the Old Town Hall. This is the oldest functional astronomical clock in the world and one of Prague’s most visited sites. Afterwards, climb the Old Town Hall Tower to enjoy a panoramic view of the city.
Cross the Famous Charles Bridge
The charming Charles Bridge is another symbol of Prague you cannot miss even if you visit the city for one day. The 14th-century stone bridge connects Prague’s Old and New Towns, separated by the Vltava River.
Not only is this a romantic spot, but with its three Gothic towers and beautiful Baroque-style statues, Charles Bridge is also a delight for art and architecture lovers. And the bridge is always bustling with street artists and entertainers, so you might have more fun than you imagine.
Explore the Jewish Quarter
After seeing Prague’s lovely bridge, you should explore its Jewish Quarter. Wander around the beautifully arranged streets, and if you want to learn more about the interesting history of the Jews in Prague, check out the Old Jewish Museum. Here, praise the Pinkas Synagogue, an impressive building that houses the names of all the Bohemian and Moravian Jews who died during the Holocaust in the Czech Republic. Afterwards, visit the Old Cemetery, a massive, chaotic graveyard with a very interesting story.
Visit Prague’s Famous Castle
If you want to visit the largest ancient castle in the world, the official office of the Czech Republic’s president, you must add Prague’s Castle to your must-see list. Walk around the castle or go straight to St Vitus Cathedral, a beautiful gothic building which is also the largest cathedral in the country and the seat of the archbishop of Prague.
And if you want to be amazed by the views of the city, climb the Great South Tower of St Vitus Cathedral before you continue your one-day adventure in Prague.
Catch a Glimpse of the Lennon Wall
If you are an artist or you love street art, you will enjoy wandering around the city and discovering its beautifully decorated walls. But there is something you cannot miss – the Lennon Wall.
As you can imagine, this wall was made to honour John Lennon from the Beatles. Established after his murder in 1980, the wall is now an attraction for the Beatles’ fans and for art enthusiasts from all over the world. Though the police tried to erase the graffiti many times, people always repainted it. If you want to show your talent, you can freely add your piece of art to the Lennon Wall.
Relax, Eat and Enjoy a Beer… or Two
Though not as famous as the Mediterranean, the Czech cuisine is going to make your taste buds go wild. Prague is a great destination for foodies who want to indulge in the local delicacies and the perfect place for beer lovers. After all, the Czech Republic is the capital of beer and, of course, the country with the highest beer consumption per capita. Pilsner might be your first order when you arrive in Prague, but don’t miss tasting the craft beers served in many bars and pubs around the city.
Now, back to food! There are many dishes you should try in Prague. But since there is only one day, you might have to choose one. You can start with the tasty fried cheese or with Kulajda, a creamy potato soup. Then, order duck or sausages… or both, if you can’t decide. Just keep in mind that there are also great desserts everywhere in the city. So leave some space for a Trdelnik, a spit cake wrapped around a stick with walnuts and sugar. Yummy!
And to end a perfect day in Prague, you must explore the city under the moonlight. It is famous for its bustling nightlife, with fantastic live music events and some of the best clubs in Europe. In case you are not sure about what you should visit and how you want to spend your day, you can always hire a planning company that can put together the perfect Prague itinerary for you.
About the author:
Becca is a translator and interpreter, living the digital nomad life and enjoying it to the fullest. She has recently ventured into the world of writing, and is trying to convey some of her experiences through her posts. Currently living in Prague, she is planning on moving somewhere more north soon. You can read her blog at roughdraft.eu.