Short breaks in Prague – architectural splendour, classical concerts and excellent beer

A short break in Prague is enough to soak up the essence of this wonderfully compact city. Emerge from your Prague hotel and make the most of your time with this inspiring itinerary

Prague short break day one, morning

Start your short break in Prague by catching Tram 22 from Malostranská metro station to Prague Castle, the seat of government for centuries. Crack shots can shoot a crossbow above the miniature cottages of Golden Lane while art lovers should see the exhibition in St George’s Basilica. The guard changes on the hour and at noon there’s extra flag-waving and fanfare. Buy tickets from the ticket office in the first courtyard. Marvel at views of the Old Town from the ramparts, then walk down to the Mala Straná district. Have lunch at a traditional pub on U lužického Semináře street or have a picnic in Kampa Park.

Start: Malostranská metro station.
Nearest Tram 22 to Pražský Hrad

Afternoon

Amble across Karlův Most (Charles Bridge), watch the buskers and bargain with the jewellery sellers. Don’t forget to touch the statue of St John of Nepomuk, look to St Vitus and make a wish. Follow the snaking Royal Way to Old Town Square (Staroměstské Náměstí) and watch the Astronomical Clock strike the hour. The view from the top of the Town Hall is spectacular and there is a scale model of Prague on the third floor. Walk up retail heaven in Pařížská street before wandering the narrow streets of Josefov, Prague’s Jewish quarter. Built in 1270, the Old New Synagogue is the oldest active synagogue in Europe.

Start: Charles Bridge.
Nearest metro Malostranská

Evening

A short walk takes you to U Rudolfina, a pub serving fresh, unfiltered Pilsner Urquell. Move down into the cellar for meaty, dumpling-heavy food. For a more expensive, contemporary twist, try the tasting menus at La Degustation Bohême Bourgeoise.

Start: U Rudolfina
Nearest metro Staroměstská 

Prague short break day two, morning

Follow the signs from Vyšehrad metro to the ramparts of Vyšehrad castle where the catacombs hold some of the original statues from Charles Bridge. The cemetery at the Gothic-towered church holds many of the great and good of Czech history, including the composer Smetana. Find the beer garden in the castle gardens before walking down to Výtoň tram stop on the river Vltava, passing the cubist villas. 

Start: Vyšehrad 

Afternoon

A short walk from the tram stop leads to the Mediterranean delights of Oliva restaurant. After lunch, head north along the Vltava promenade, remembering to bring bread to feed the swans. Rent a pedalo in summer or warm yourself with a glass of svařák (mulled wine) in winter. 

Start: Výtoň. 
Nearest Tram 3, 7, 16, 17 & 21 

Evening

Turn right at the Dancing Building, cross Charles Square and follow Vodičková street to Wenceslas Square, home to the equestrian statue of St Wenceslas in front of the National Museum. Grab a klobasa (sausage) and head back towards Staré Město to catch a performance of Mozart’s Don Giovanni at the Estates Theatre. 

Start: Karlovo Náměstí