36 Hours in Prague

Prague, a city of rich culture, beautiful architecture, and fabulous nightlife, has become one of the most visited cities in Europe (especially popular among us students who fancy a pint for £2). It also happens to be my hometown. Need a weekend away? Experience Prague like a local by following my top recommendations.

DAY ONE

13:00 Lunch at Lokál

Hungry off your Ryanair flight from Edinburgh? Head to one of Lokál’s many locations, preferably Lokál U Bílé kuželky. Near Charles Bridge, it offers unpretentious, authentic dishes at wallet-friendly prices. Try the Smažák (fried cheese with tartar sauce) or classic Tatarák (beef tartare) for a delicious experience.

14:00 Explore Malá Strana

Saunter about the narrow streets and head to Kampa Park for a view of the river before going to Museum Kampa to see an exhibition or the permanent Kupka collection. Indulge in a hot chocolate from Savoy or some artisan gelato from Angelato. 

16:00 Prague Castle

Take the tram to Malostranské námestí and walk up to Prague Castle. Along the way you’ll notice ‘Kafe & Hrnky’. Inside, a ceramic studio where you can make your own souvenir or grab a coffee in their garden. Continue up Nerudova street to the famous Prague Castle to see St Vitus Cathedral, the castle grounds, and my favourite, Zlatá ulička.

20:00 Dinner and Drinks

Check out Champagneria for reasonably priced bubbly, cocktails, and tasty tapas. Then visit one of the coolest bars in the city, Groove, dim-lit in red with house playing all night. Enjoy the atmosphere sipping on a Lychee-martini. Walk around the National Theatre and Scéna and, secret tip, walk on Charles Bridge after 1 am to avoid the masses and view Prague in its golden brilliance.

DAY TWO

9:00 Breakfast at Šodó or Café Hrnek

Both bistros put a modern twist on traditional Czech cuisine, creating delicious, light breakfasts. Located in the more residential areas, Prague 6 and 7, they give you a taste of the real-life Prague experience.

11:00 Narodni Gallerie

Perhaps less popular than the National Museum, it has an impressive collection (hosting the work of Klimt and Mucha among many others), beautiful architecture, and one of the coolest cafés in the area.

14:00 Old Town

Hop on the tram to the centre to see the world-famous Old Town Square (for all you Goat Story fans). Weather permitting, try the Skautský Institute located a stone's throw from the square; it hosts a five story terrace in the courtyard with cheap beer and coffee in a friendly atmosphere.

18:00 Dinner at Café de Paris

A small restaurant just across from the French embassy with the best Entrecôte outside of Paris alongside great vibes and candlelight.

21:00 Night out

If you’re not tired yet, go to my favourite bar in town, Zázemí II. Hidden away, experience a great atmosphere and probably the cheapest drinks in the centre — think if the Friends café served alcohol and blasted music till 4 am. Prague hosts a slew of nightclubs, listed here from most mainstream to more alternative: Duplex, Karlovy Lázně, Roxy, M1, Vzorkovna, Ankali, Cross Club, and Fuchs2.

DAY THREE

10:00 Brunch at Café Místo

Grab a full brunch at the local hotspot before heading home. Next to it, grab a to-go beer at Automat Matuška, one of Prague’s best microbreweries.

Photo from Wikimedia Commons