You Have 24 Hours: What to See In Prague
So you’re already in Prague & haven’t done any research.
you and i are like peas + carrots.
After our late-twenty something gondolier in Venice told us the only other place he could imagine living is Prague, our trip’s next destination quickly shifted from Cinque Terre to the Czech Republic (thanks technology)!
We booked our flight, picked up $40 worth of charcuterie from CIB @ Venezia, then took the ferry to the bus station, the bus to the airport. Airports in Europe are different. You don’t have your terminal & gate 24 hours in advance. Even as a Plan B personality, this put me on edge. Upon arriving to the airport, screens line the back of multiple stations, with airlines jumping from station to station 2 hours prior to a flight. With my poor sense of direction, we gave ourselves plenty of buffer time in case of the unknown.
Once we czeched in (you can’t expect me to not), we made our way to security. Let me tell you, these Italians do it right: forcing you to walk through a mall of good stuff and having a fresh deli right inside.
After a short Czech Airlines flight, we hopped into an Uber towards our last minute AirBNB booking (save on your first stay by clicking here). Can we talk exchange rates? Our 30 minute ride only cost $17 USD and 2 nights at our penthouse AirBNB, featuring a spectacular terrace, was only $175 out the door.
#1 POWDER TOWER
This Gothic tower was named after the gunpowder it stored in the 17th century was our first stop on the walking tour. Separating the Old Town from the New Town, crossing over to the Old Town side meant wider, more pedestrian friendly, cobblestone roads.
#2 ASTRONOMICAL CLOCK
Housed a short walk away in Prague Old Town Square you’ll find the Astronomical clock. Beautifully displaying astronomical information, such as relative positions to the sun, moon & zodiacal constellations. Here you’ll see oddly dressed mascots (we saw an oversized bull), bubble makers, maybe even a boys choir singing ‘La Bamba’.
#3 JEWISH QUARTER
One of the stops that deserved a full day to explore and learn from what was the Jewish Quarter and a must see for anyone visiting the city. When you arrive, you have the option of audio – absolutely pay a little extra to get the commentary and hear the stories of a place with so many to tell.
#4 CHARLES BRIDGE
You’re not not going to cross the Charles Bridge on your visit! A truly beautiful way to cross the Vltava River, connecting the Prague Castle with the city’s Old Town. Back in the day, this bridge played a critical role as a trade route between Eastern & Western Europe
#5 LENNON WALL
Bring some art supplies – or at least something to write with – to enjoy the Lennon Wall. After crossing Charles Bridge, this is a few curves of the road away. Centrally featured is non-other than John Lennon, with messages of hope colorfully displayed in all the languages in the world. Lovely quick stop.
#6 VRTBA GARDEN
Tucked away near the city center, you won’t believe the gates open up to this manicured wonderland, fit for Alice. This may have been the most picturesque stop we made. Seriously. There were 3 brides and 3 grooms taking their wedding photos throughout the grounds.
Comprised of 4 levels, each reveals a view that’s more and more breathtaking. The summit is reached by a small winding staircase, taking you to an intimate balcony-like patio & my favorite panoramic view of Prague.
#7 PRAGUE CASTLE
Did you know? According to the Guinness Book of World Records, Prague Castle is the largest ancient castle in the world! Built in the 9th century, it is approximately 750,000 square feet.
The breathtakingly beautiful Prague Castle includes St Vitus Cathedral, Romanesque Basilica of St. George, several palaces, a monastery, gardens and defense towers. This now acts as the official office of the President of the Czech Republic.