Ah, lovely Prague! The compact and utterly charming Czech Republic capital, which is sometimes known as the “City of a Hundred Spires,” has won over many visitors with its immaculately preserved architectural treasures, its fondness for serving up cheap beer and its quirky outlook on life, which means life is never boring here!
I explored it over a long weekend and discovered a compact, fascinating, and highly photogenic city with incredibly unique modern art, an obsession with all medieval things, and many hints of its former communist past. Here are the places I recommend squeezing in if you only have two days in this gorgeous gem…
1. Wenceslas Square and the National Museum
I started with the elegant and bustling Wenceslas Square, located in the heart of Prague’s New Town. It’s a very easy-on-the-eye spot with historic buildings majestically looming over it and an intricate central foundation; it’s long been a focal point of Prague’s cultural, political, and social life.
It’s a busy hub lined with shops, cafes, and restaurants, and my favourite highlights here included the Statue of Saint Wenceslas and the grandeur of the National Museum, which sits proudly at one end. I thought it looked even better at night when it was beautifully illuminated.
2. Old Town Square
One of my favourite areas, Prague’s Old Town, left me in awe. I was completely charmed by its colourful facades, cobblestone streets, pleasantly buzzy historic squares, Baroque churches and ornate medieval architecture.
It was the city’s beating heart, home to some iconic landmarks, and in my opinion, you must include it in your visit even if you’re staying just for a short time.
I would highly recommend taking your camera and exploring the Old Town Square, the incredible Gothic spires of the Church of Our Lady before Týn has been a symbol of Prague for centuries, The Old Town Hall with its mesmerising medieval Astronomical Clock and its historic Jewish Quarter.
Then, meet some locals in the many quaint cafes, artisan shops, and traditional Czech taverns also located here.
3. Charles Bridge and the Vltava River
One of my favourite parts of the weekend was taking a stroll by the Vltava River and the historic stone-built Charles Bridge.
Constructed in the 14th century by King Charles IV, the famous bridge connects Prague’s Old Town with the Lesser Quarter, so it’s a very busy place!
Although Charles Bridge was brimming with tourists, the riverside offered a more tranquil respite, and the views here were just breathtaking both in the day and during the evening (so don’t forget to bring your camera)!
4. Kampa Museum
Kampa Museum was just so unique! Housed in a historic mill building on Kampa Island (along the picturesque banks of the Vltava River), this contemporary art museum is home to an impressive collection of modern Czech art.
The museum provided a fascinating glimpse into the country’s vibrant artistic heritage. From abstract sculptures to avant-garde paintings, each exhibit offered a unique perspective on Czech culture and creativity, and I just loved the giant babies with the strange heads and the bronze men with the very long arms!
5. Museum of Communism
Another interesting and unique attraction was the electrically decorated Museum of Communism. Through immersive exhibits and thought-provoking displays, the museum offered a poignant and often moving reflection on the city’s experiences under communist rule, providing insights into a long and mysterious period of Czech history.
6. The Castle District
The Castle District (which is a UNESCO World Heritage site) is one of the most popular areas, and its steep labyrinth of cobbled streets is filled with tourists and lined with quirky souvenir shops, ye olde style taverns, incredible historic buildings and once you reach the very top, some truly spectacular views!
The area is packed with incredible sights, and my must-see highlights here include the imposing Prague Castle, the soaring spires and intricate Gothic façade of St. Vitus Cathedral, the elegant Renaissance-style Schwarzenberg Palace and its serene gardens and Golden Lane, which offers a charming glimpse into the daily lives of medieval craftsmen and artisans!
I particularly loved the Strahov Monastery, a haven of peace with a library, ancient manuscripts and ornate frescoes. We ate lunch here in medieval style, which consisted of sitting on wooden benches and eating a hearty soup out of a carved-out hard bread roll, which was all very authentic!
7. The Dancing House
I visited the iconic and wonderfully whimsical Dancing House as the sunset. Designed by renowned architects Frank Gehry and Vlado Milunić, it’s a playful modern architectural marvel located along the banks of the Vltava River that starkly contrasts the capital’s historic skyline.
With its unconventional design and playful curves, I loved that the highly Instagrammable building embodied the city’s spirit of wonderful creativity and innovation!
8. Žižkov Television Tower
I finished my weekend adventure, ascending to the imposing Žižkov Television Tower. This striking architectural landmark pierces the Prague skyline and stands tall and proud in the vibrant Žižkov district!
Crawling with those strange faceless babies I kept seeing everywhere (by Czech artist David Černý), it represents the city’s dynamic and modern side.
Once at the top (thankfully via a high-speed elevator), it offered incredible sweeping views of Prague’s cityscape from the observation deck, located at 93 meters. I saw the historical landmarks, scenic parks, and bustling neighbourhoods sprawled out before me.
Finally, it was time to leave, and from the timeless beauty of Prague Castle to the avant-garde charm of the Dancing House, my weekend getaway in Prague was a journey filled with wonder, discovery, and creativity! As I bid farewell to this beautiful city, I carried some cherished souvenirs (luckily, no faceless babies!) and a deeper understanding of what makes this intriguing capital tick!
