How to Spend One Day In Prague

Walking around the Prague is comparable to being in a fairytale: except for one minor detail: it’s real. Truth be told, I wouldn’t mind spending a couple months in Prague, but if you only have one day in Prague, here’s how you want to spend it.

Start your morning by grabbing something to eat in Old Town Square which is filled with tons of untouched architecture, like Church of Our Lady Before Tyn and the Church of St. Nicholas. While you’re there, check out the oldest astronomical clock that is still working.

Walk over Charles Bridge (about 10 minutes) where you will often find live music and small shops. Find the statue of St. John of Nepomuk (look for the shiny-like-gold spot on the bottom of one of these statues). Touching the falling priest on the plaque is supposed to bring good luck and ensure your return to Prague (which came true for me!)

Once over the bridge, make a sharp left to wander down the alleyway and view the famous Lennon Wall. The wall has been filled with John Lennon-inspired graffiti and pieces of lyrics from Beatles’ songs. It is continuously painted over and now represents a symbol of global ideals such as love and peace.

Head up the hill to make your way to the Prague Castle, St. Vitus Cathedral, the Golden Lane and the Royal Garden. If you don’t want to walk, you can also take a tram up the hill and walk to the castle from the other side, but I believe walking gives you an incredible view.

You will probably be tired from all that walking, so head to the river bar for a bite to eat and some live music. I’m pretty sure this bar is nameless, but you will find it along the river if you turn right off of Charles Bridge and walk along the Vltava. My favorite view of the Prague Castle is from here.

If you’re feeling energetic, pick up a few beers and rent a paddle boat to explore the Vltava River with the swans. There are two paddleboats rental places, one is on the island Zofin near National Theatre and the other is just to the right of Charles Bridge. They are open till 10 p.m., so you can also enjoy night views of Prague.

Walk down the way and visit Karlovne Lazne, a 5 story club (and the biggest in central Europe) for some dancing. Karlovne Lazne is unique in the fact that it has a different theme for every floor which is convenient for everyone.

The first floor is the “music cafe”. There is a dance floor and internet lovers can surf the net here for free. The second floor is the Discotheque that is dedicated to dance music with light and sound effects (think interactive walls, lasers, etc). The third floor is called the “Kaleidoscope” and is dedicated to oldies. There is a light up dance floor like Saturday night Fever and a DJ playing in a Cadillac. On the fourth floor, you can dance to R&B and Hip Hop. The fifth floor is the “chill out” zone where you can hang out on couches and listen to laid back music while you relax. Karlovne is the only club I’ve ever been to that is set up in this way, and I think other clubs should take note.

After you’re tired of the touristy scene at Karlovne Lazne, take a cab to U Sudu, a bar known for it’s labryrinth like stone caves. U Sudu is generally hidden from tourists and frequented by locals.