As a compulsive traveller, my dream is obviously to have endless amounts of time to explore a destination. In reality though, very few of us have that luxury. So here is my guide on what to do in Prague in one day.
I myself had 2 full days in Prague but spent most of the first day winding down and soaking up the vibes of the city, leaving myself just one day to pack in the sights. These sights and attractions can easily be seen in one day. I recommend walking as much as possible, and plan your route before leaving your hotel or hostel.
Dancing House
Built on the site of a house that was destroyed during the US bombing of Prague in 1945, the “Dancing House” was designed in 1992 and construction was completed in 1996. Designed by the Croatian-Czech architect Vlado Milunic, in cooperation with Canadian-American architect Frank Gehry, the deconstructive design represents the famous dancers, Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers.
Fred is represented by a tower made of brick, topped with a twisted structure of metal which is said to represent Fred’s hair. Ginger is represented by a tower made of glass.
The Dancing House Hotel is located within the building, and offers superior and deluxe rooms, suites, and the Ginger and Fred restaurant.
For me, the dancing house is the number one photo stop for any visit to Prague. The architecture is just so unusual that I could look at it all day. Make sure to visit at different times of the day, so that you can see it in daylight and also lit up at night.
The structure is so distinctive that it can easily be picked out from a distance. There is a lookout point on the walk up Petrin Hill with a view straight across the river to Fred and Ginger.
Charles Bridge
The oldest bridge still standing over the Vltava River in Prague, and also the second oldest bridge in the Czech republic, Charles Bridge was built to replace Judith Bridge, which was damaged by floods in 1342.
The construction of Charles Bridge, originally known simply as Prague Bridge or Stone Bridge, began in 1347 and was completed in 1402. The bridge is built of sandstone blocks, with Gothic bridge towers on each end, and is lined with statues on either side, each with their own interesting story to tell.
Click here to read more about the history and architecture of Charles Bridge.
Charles Bridge is another place that I think needs to be visited a couple of times to truly appreciate it at different times of the day. A walk across the bridge by day will give you a lively experience with lots of tourists, street performers, buskers and little stalls selling souvenirs.
Return in the evening to head up the Old Town Bridge Tower and watch the sun set over the river. Get there 20 minutes before sunset and find yourself a spot, but don’t expect to have the place to yourself. The tower at sunset seems to be a very popular photo spot for many tourists visiting the city.
John Lennon Wall
Located at Grand Priory Square across from the French embassy, this tribute to John Lennon has been present in Prague since his assassination in 1980. What began as a single image of Lennon grew into a collection of lyrics and Lennon-inspired graffiti. It continues to grow and evolve to this day, and hordes of tourists flock to the wall to see the collection of art and pose for photos.
Even before Lennon’s assassination, the wall at Grand Priory Square had been decorated with love poems and short messages against the regime since the 1960’s. At that time it was known as the “Crying Wall,” and was the place where people came to pour their frustrations with government and authority.
The wall is owned by the Sovereign Military Order of Malta, who allow the graffiti, and who even filed a criminal complaint for vandalism against a group of art students who painted over the wall in pure white in 2014.
The Lennon Wall Story Museum, opened in 2021, is located just a few hundred metres from the wall itself. The museum contains hundreds of photos and a half hour documentary about the history of the wall, as well as historic objects and Beatles memorabilia.
Astronomical Clock
The Astronomical Clock, or Prague Orloj, is a medieval clock attached to the Old Town Hall in Town Hall Square. It dates back to 1410, making it the third oldest astronomical clock in existence today, and the only one which is still in operation. Local legend says that the city of Prague will suffer if the clock is neglected and its good operation is placed in jeopardy.
Between the hours of 9:00 AM and 11:00 PM, when the clock strikes the hour, the Walk of the Apostles is set in motion. The hourly procession is made up of moving Apostle figures, as well as the figure of a skeleton that represents death, and a calendar dial with medallions representing the months.
Thanks to its location in the Old Town Square, a visit to see the astronomical clock can easily be fit in while walking between the other sights. I unfortunately haven’t actually seen the clock properly myself as it was under repair when I was there. The town square itself is also well worth a visit, with street performers and outdoor restaurants, plus some very pretty buildings and impressive architecture.
Prague as a whole is a very beautiful and very clean city. For some reason, the Old Town Square feels like the prime example of this. The buildings are so well maintained and presented that it almost feels like one of the model towns found in theme parks. Graffiti in the city seems to be confined to the John Lennon wall and there is no litter to be found on the streets.
Petrin Hill/Petrin Tower
I love walking when I visit a city and Prague really was perfect for me because I was able to walk everywhere I wanted to go. The walk up Petrin Hill was definitely my walking highlight. Strolling through parks and trees in the summer sun was such an enjoyable and relaxing way for me to get to the top to see Petrin Tower. If walking isn’t your thing, or if you are trying to save time, there is a funicular railway that will bring you up the hill, with an optional stop or two on the way up to check out the views.
The tower itself is like a mini Eiffel Tower and offers spectacular views over the city and the river that winds its way through it. The climb to the top involves quite a few steps (299 in total), although there is lift access for the elderly/disabled, and wheelchair access to the lower viewing gallery at 20 metres.
Petrin Hill and Petrin Tower are located in Petrin Park, the largest green area in the centre of Prague, and the park itself is well worthy of a longer visit if you find yourself with extra time to spend there. The park is home to the Memorial to the Victims of Communism, a vivid representation of the oppressive Communist regime that ruled in Czechoslovakia from 1948 until 1989.
Within Petrin Park you can also visit the Hunger Wall, the Mirror Maze, and the Stefanik Observatory. Click here for a more detailed guide to visiting Petrin Park.
Museum of Torture
The Museum of Torture was recommended to me and I called in to check it out when I was passing (it is conveniently located by the Charles Bridge). I found it a bit gruesome for my personal tastes, but I would definitely recommend it for anyone whose interests lean towards all things gory and macabre.
The basement premises in Celetna Street houses around 100 exhibits and dozens of period engravings, with wax figures and audiovisual effects adding to the experience.
Prague Castle
I myself didn’t make it to see Prague Castle, although with a little planning and an earlier start it could have been fit into my day.
Situated in Prague 1 Municipality, Prague Castle is the official office of the President of the Czech Republic, and also the largest ancient castle in the world, occupying an area of almost 700,000 square metres.
Dating back to Bohemian times, the castle was founded by Prince Borivoj, who was the first Christian prince of Bohemia, around the year 880 A.D. Despite being abandoned for several decades in the 1300s, as well as a fire in the mid-1500s, Prague Castle has continued to expand over the centuries, and reconstructions and alterations carry on even today.
Click here for more information about Prague Castle.
Chimney Cake
No visit to Prague would be complete without trying this local specialty. You will have no trouble finding it, as there are several stalls on almost every street selling many different variations. A type of spit cake, it is made from rolled dough that is wrapped around a stick and topped with sugar and walnut mix (so sadly not an option for anyone with a nut allergy).
Once removed from the spit, a variety of fillings are on offer, or you can just enjoy the cake in its pure form. I myself had mine drizzled with chocolate sauce on the inside, filled with whipped ice cream and topped with chopped fresh strawberries and more chocolate sauce. Heaven!
Time to spare? Why not visit Prague Lego Museum?
If you find yourself with some time to spare, the Lego Museum in Prague’s city centre is well worth a quick visit. It’s the largest Lego museum in the world, and is a great way to spend an hour or two. It is home to 3,000 models which are made from over 1 million Lego bricks.
You can see models of Prague attractions like the Charles Bridge and the Astronomical Clock, as well as international landmarks like the Trevi Fountain and the Tower Bridge. There is a “kid’s corner” where kids of all ages can spend some time building models, and a well stocked shop selling collectable mini figures and historical Lego sets.
Thanks for reading my guide to what to do in Prague in one day.
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