Prague in 48 Hours: A Visitor's Guide to One of Eastern Europe's Greatest Cities

When people think of Europe, they don't often think of the Czech Republic as a place to spend a few days or a week (but they should!). Prague is one of Europe's most beautiful and romantic cities because it is full of castles, old cobblestone roads, churches and even an astronomical clock in the middle of the Old Town area. This guide is geared more toward someone who only has a couple of days to spend in this gorgeous eastern European city, but know that if you choose to spend more than 2 days, or 48 hours, in Prague, you will be glad.

Prague seems to act as a gateway of sorts between old and new and eastern and western Europe. Uniquely cosmopolitan in an up-and-coming sort of way, Prague boasts everything from history to an outstanding club scene and art and music that rival one of the Czech Republic's nearby neighbors, Austria.

The best place to stay in the city, especially with a short period of time to stay, is the Old Town area. It's a little more expensive, but being in the middle of the action will pay off. Even in the Old Town Square alone, there is a multitude of action at pretty much any hour of the day.

Day 1: Old Town, Lesser Town, Prague Castle Complex (St. Vitus Cathedral, St. George's Basilica, "Golden Lane")

* As a disclaimer, the first day's itinerary as presented here involves lots of walking. If you or anyone you'll be with has trouble with walking long distances, reverse the itinerary and take a taxi to the Castle complex to avoid lots of stairs and hills.

Put on some comfortable walking shoes and begin your adventure in Prague in the Old Town. Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at one of the cafes, and don't miss the astronomical clock.

Perched at the top of the hill is the beautiful Prague Castle. Containing the beautiful Gothic St. Vitus Cathedral and St. George's Basilica, this complex could take all day to explore. In the interest of time, walk from Old Town across the Charles Bridge, where you'll likely see street performers and locals selling their wares.

On the other side of the bridge is what's known as Prague's "Lesser Town". It isn't meant as a derogatory name; rather it was the smaller half of the city. Wind your way through the cobblestone streets and work your way uphill toward the castle. Though it looks like a short distance, the amount of effort required to get up to the castle is actually sizeable, so it might take awhile. Enjoy the shops and pubs on your way up, and don't forget to take some photos on your way up! You might pass the St. Nicholas Church, and it is definitely worth a stop. One of the most beautiful Baroque churches in Europe, it survived the wars and has a very interesting history.

After a good number of stairs, you'll find yourself at the Prague Castle. Almost a self-contained village, beyond the outside walls, you'll find a Cathedral, a Basilica, as well as a small town. Begin with the St. Vitus Cathedral. Venture inside and find tombs and some of the most impressive stained glass in Europe. Climb the bell tower to see one of the most impressive views of Prague.

Next, visit the "Golden Lane", an almost fairytale-like small group of shops and at least one café. Don't miss St. George's Basilica or the Toy Museum. If you happen to be in the castle area on the hour, don't miss the changing of the guard.

Day 2: Old Town, Petrin Hill/Petrin Observation Tower

Day 2 is a much more leisurely itinerary. Begin again in the Old Town and take some time to look around and enjoy the slow pace of the café while watching the world go by. Walk around the area and venture in to a puppet shop or two.

In the afternoon, make your way to Petrin Hill. Take the funicular railway to the top of the hill, and make sure to visit the Petrin Observation Tower. One of the tallest points in Prague, the Hill and Observation Tower provide stunning views of the city. If you have flexibility with timing, try to be prepared to take some photos right at sunset (the reddish buildings look beautiful washed in the light of dusk). Spend some time in the garden before heading back to the city center. Have a pint in either Old Town or Lesser Town to close your trip to Prague.

Day 3 and Beyond:

Karlstejn Castle

Kutna Hora

Strahov Monastery

Stromovka Park

Venice Boat Cruise

Related Suggested Reading:

Berlin in 48 Hours

Cairo in 48 Hours

Geneva in 48 Hours

Munich in 48 Hours

Paris in 48 Hours

Resources:

http://www.praguetouristguide.com/

http://www.prague-guide.co.uk/articles/lesser-town.html

http://www.prague-guide.co.uk/articles/st-nicholas-church.html