Don’t miss it

Set your alarm, grab a coffee and watch the sunrise from the Charles Bridge, the historic, gothic-style bridge with statues running along both sides. You’ll beat the tourists, who begin flooding in a few hours later. Be sure to rub the St. John of Nepomuk statue before leaving the bridge. Legend has it, you will return to Prague one day.

And of course, visit the 600+-year-old astronomical clock in the Old Town Square, which has an animated show every hour on the hour. It’s been voted the second most disappointing European tourist attraction, and who would want to miss that?!

Pretty cool

Hum along to “Imagine” at the John Lennon Wall. This vibrant-colored graffiti-filled wall is full of inspirational messages, quotes and art. Next, walk along the Vltava River to the Letná Beer Garden. It’s a 20-25 minute walk filled with fantastic views of the city from across the river.

Must try food/drink

Pilsner beer, bread dumplings, pork, duck and sauerkraut. For a traditional [and extremely affordable] Czech dinner, hang with some locals at Lokál. Definitely make a reservation.

Located in the historic Imperial Hotel, Café Imperial receives excellent reviews for breakfast, lunch and dinner. The extensive breakfast buffet, coupled with mosaic and tiled architecture, makes for a classy [and boozy] brunch.

Den Noc is a different kind of breakfast joint. Most famous for their delicious, one-of-a-kind pancakes, the brunch spot turns to a wine bar in the evening.

For an afternoon pick-me-up coffee, pop into the picture-perfect coffee and brunch spot, Pauseteria, located just outside the Old Town Square.

Awarded one of the best restaurants in Prague, experience the Czechs take on fancy, Italian dining at Divinis. From the wine to the pasta to the staff to the funky furniture and decor, Divinis did not disappoint.

Here’s a hint

Most guidebooks recommend a visit to the Prague Castle, a stunning UNESCO World Heritage Site overlooking the city from the hillside. It’s a massive complex, filled with palaces, gardens, cathedrals and even a moat, but St. Vitus Cathedral steals the show.

The cathedral view from the Charles Bridge is equally enchanting. I must share my personal experience — I was a bit disappointed while walking around the actual castle complex. Perhaps it’s because I have toured many other castles throughout Europe, or the fact that it looks so beautiful below from the Charles Bridge.

Instead, I enjoyed spending time in the many beer gardens, on the Charles Bridge, in the Old Town Square, etc. I will give it another chance next time I’m in Prague.  If you have visited the Prague Castle, I’d love to hear about your experience in the comments below.

Wish I had more time for

I wish I had visited the Old Jewish Cemetery, which inspired the design of the Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe in Berlin. And since the weather was perfect, I wish I had spent an afternoon paddle boarding on the Vltava River.

Accommodation

A two-bedroom, one-bathroom Airbnb apartment located just outside of the Old Town Square. The area is very compact and easy to get around on foot!

Next stop

Boarded on an overnight train to Kraków, Poland. After a 14-hour overnight train from Interlaken to Berlin [and attempting to sleep sitting straight up in a rowdy train car], it was absolutely worth the additional price for a sleeper car.

Additional resources for planning your adventure

• A Packing List for Backpacking Europe
• Five Easy Ways to Save Money, Spend Less and Travel More
• A Three Month Itinerary to Europe
• How to Choose the Perfect Hostel for You

Do you have other suggestions for Prague? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

Looking to explore other Central and Eastern European destinations? Check out the travel guides to Budapest and Vienna.

Next Up: Follow the adventure to Kraków, Poland.

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