Travel Tips
What to do in Prague for 2 days
The essential of historical Prague in just 48 hours
The historical centre of Prague is a compact area which – provided you have a good itinerary – can be reasonably visited in just two days without missing out any of the essential sights or the general image of the city in the past and nowadays. The early medieval town started to develop along both sides of the Moldau (Vltava) river, upon and underneath several hills that provided the necessary visual safety point. The settlement has naturally copied this geographical situation. Even if you have only one day in Prague, you can be lead by our two day itinerary and just make everything a bit faster…
Vltava river banks
The left bank created by two hills mirroring the river was the best ground in terms of protection. This is why the Czech princess chose to build their seat here, on the premises where the Prague castle as well as the archbishopric and other important residencies stand till presence. The opposite right bank lacked any natural protective area, just in the contrary: it was endangered not only by people, but mainly by the river. Being flat, this area was flooded each time a bigger water appeared, and therefore considered as unfavourable.
This medieval division of the city is apparent till our days, long after the settlers managed to regulate (till a certain mesure) the water flow. And it gives us also a clear way how to divide our itinerary- spending each of the days on the different Vltava banks.
Day one in Prague
Above the castle
Day one should be dedicated to the visit of the Castle and neighbouring historical parts. The best place to start the visit is the Strahov monastery – a premonstratensian foundation above the hills built at the gates of the castle to protect it. It is recommended to use the iconic tram number 22 (which is one of the most frequent links Prague public transport offers, so no worries about losing your time) to get to the station Pohořelec. Strahov monastery sets up before your eyes at the moment you leave the tram and is worth a detailed visit: it offers one of the best decorated baroque libraries, an important art gallery as well as an exposition of bizarre objects gathered by one of the renaissance abbots. Before leaving the monastery premises, do not miss a beautiful view terrace to get a basic notion about the city – the historic parts and the modern areas along the horizon.
Hradčany
Your steps can be then easily led by your eyes, as the Prague Castle is in sight. Prague Castle is said to be the largest castle complex in the world, but in the true sense of the word, the complex covered much larger function then the seat of the prince or king: it contains several religious foundations, several noble palaces and so on. Being the most important sight of the country, the visit should include some inner spaces as well as galleries and might take half a day.
Lesser Town
Once you leave the Castle, you will find yourself in the quartier called Lesser town, populated since the Middle ages by noble families that wanted to be close to the Castle. That is why you will find here mostly large palaces in baroque style. The largest premises belonged to the 30 years war warrior Albrecht z Valdštejna and present a fine example of the 17th century baroque in Bohemia. Somewhere around the streets of Lesser Town, you first day should end.
Day two in Prague
The second day shall be dedicated to the right bank of Vltava river – The Old town and the Jewish town of Prague.
The Old Town Of Prague
As already mentioned, this area was considered as less favourable due to many facts, and therefore the professions and vocations considered as inferior were allowed to settle here: first of all, it was a large market dedicated for merchants: those coming from the distant countries had to stay for a few day in the fenced court called Týn (-which means fenced off) – to protect the city from the possible infections. Some of the merchants settled here – there is a clear evidence of early medieval French or German settlements adjoining to the Týn court and the Old Town square. That is why you will not find any great palaces, jsut smaller and modest city houses when strolling through the streets of the Old Town. Just as the famous building decorated in neo-renaissance style V.J. Rott – converted into a stylish Old Town hotel Rott. And for the midday – and midway – is great to make a lunch break in the great restaurant situated just in this centre al spot between the Old Town and the Jewish town – Nuance restaurant.
The Jewish Town
The area that was mostly endangered by the river and therefore of no use was left for Jews: the first mention of Prague itself and its market dates back to the years 965 or 966 and was written by a Jewish merchant from Andalusia, a certain Inrahim Ibn Jacob. The Jews started settling in the bend of Vltava river before the beginning of the second millenium and their settlement lasted – with small exemptions as such within the reign of Maria Theresia – till WWII.
That is why Prague has one of the oldest, most complex and preserved Jewish towns in the world, together with the oldest functioning synagogue, the Old New synagogue. Spare at least two hours for a visit of this unique place creating the history of the Jewish nation in the last millenium.
The New Town
Your visit should finish somewhere around Wenceslas Square – where the New Town of Prague begins. New in opposite to the Old town, altough the new town was founded by Charles IV with a plan to provide appropriate housing and workspace for the growing city of Prague. Wenceslas square is the modern centre of the city and therefore a place that should not be missed as it depicts the architecctural history of the city since the 19th century.
Germany—the Land of Poets and Thinkers—is not only home to world-renowned composers like Beethoven, Bach, Brahms, Schumann, and Wagner. It is also well-loved by tourists for its stunning sceneries and landscapes, serene rolling hills, picturesque meadows dotted with grazing cattle, quaint medieval villages, rich culture, and hearty, scrumptious German cuisine, among others. If you want a cornucopia of unique experiences rolled into one great adventure, you definitely have to put Germany at the top of your travel bucket list.
Traveling to Germany for the first time could be a daunting and thrilling experience. At the same time, it can also be overwhelming and intimidating if you absolutely know nothing about the country you’re visiting. For such reasons, it will be helpful to book a Germany guided tour to make sure everything is already taken care of for you so that the trip will go effortlessly smooth sailing. If you are unsure where to begin for your preparations, this ultimate travel guide to successfully exploring Germany is an excellent starting point!
The Basics You Should Know
First things first, here are the basic things you should know about Germany before hopping on that plane:
Requirements for Entry for US Citizens
Germany is a Schengen country, which means that tourists from the allied 27 European countries don’t need to present a passport to gain entry to Germany. With little to no border control at their mutual borders, tourists from the other Schengen countries can seamlessly cross borders into their neighboring countries, including Germany.
Now, if you’re from the US, you would need to present a passport to be allowed entry in Germany. This U.S. passport must be valid for at least 90 days beyond the intended departure date from the Schengen area.
Budget Allocation
The prices of lodging and commodities in Germany are definitely cheaper than in the US, so you would find that most things are affordable here. If you are an average spender, expect to shell out $55 to $90 per day on accommodation, food, and transportation. Meanwhile, mid-range travelers may have to spend around $110 to $160 per day, and luxury spenders may have to shell out $200 or more daily.
The Best Time to Visit Germany
Like most European countries, Germany has four seasons, each having its unique charm and appeal. This means that the best time to visit Germany would ultimately depend on your preferences.
Summer
If you like to participate in outdoor activities and festivities, it is best to visit Germany during its summer months—from June to August. However, take note that this is also the peak season, so there will inevitably be larger crowds, and the commodities tend to be more expensive.
Winter
Meanwhile, if you fancy engaging in winter sports, it is best to visit during the winter months—from December to February. Expect that the quaint German villages will have a snow-capped snow globe-like charm to them. Additionally, prices of accommodations and commodities tend to be lower since the crowds are sparse during the cold winter months. However, take note that many stores are closed down for the winter, except during the days leading up to Christmas. The German Christmas Markets are definitely not to be missed!
Spring and Fall
The shoulder season in Germany falls under both Spring—from April to May—and fall—from September to October. During these months, the weather tends to be milder, the prices of hotels and commodities tend to be lower than in the summer season, and there are also fewer tourists around.
Festivals and Events
Germany is known for having two essential festivals: the Oktoberfest and Christmas Markets.
Oktoberfest is a festival held yearly in Munich that celebrates beer, food, and Bavarian culture, along with some live music and carnival rides for 16 days straight. This world-renowned festival runs from late September to early October, attracting countless visitors from all around the world.
On the other hand, come late November til the end of December, Germany transforms its tranquil towns into a magical winter wonderland, complete with snow-dusted Christmas trees and cobbled lanes. During winter, everywhere you look, you will see festive wooden huts draped in lush Christmas garlands, sparkling string lights, and handcrafted Christmas ornaments and gifts. The delightful smell of roasted nuts, gingerbread, mulled wine, and German sausage hangs around the air as you make your way through the German Christmas markets. Christmas in Germany is truly the jolliest time of the year!
Transportation
Germany boasts an extensive public transportation network comprising of buses, trams, U-Bahn (or subways), and trains. You don’t really need to rely solely on driving cars to get around the area, as Germany’s public transportation system is reliable, efficient, clean, and comfortable to use.
If you want to get to your destination quicker, you should ride ICE Trains, which are speedy but tend to be expensive. On the other hand, regional trains tend to be slower in terms of speed but are much more affordable. But if you are on a tight budget, riding the bus will do as it is the least expensive option. You can even plan your travel using public transportation via apps like Deutsche Bahn or Rome2Rio.
To ensure a hitch-free ride, make sure you always validate your ticket at the machine in the stations before you board the train or bus. And do take note of the schedule of the vehicles as the trains in Germany are very punctual. They arrive on the dot, so it is important for you to arrive at the station early so you won’t miss your train. Lastly, you may need to push a button to open the doors so you can get off at your stop, or may need to alert the driver that your stop is approaching.
Best Places to Visit
Germany has a pocketful of mesmerizing sights, medieval architecture, and landscapes to marvel at. At a glance, here are the best places to add to your itinerary:
City Escapades
- Berlin
Germany’s capital city is one of the top tourist destinations, thanks to its marvelous museums, opulent art, and vibrant culture. This is the best place to appreciate Germany’s striking contrasts, where the past and present intermingle as historical buildings stand alongside modern architecture.
- Munich
It is Bavaria’s capital, which is known as the home of the world-famous Oktoberfest celebration. If you love beer, you will love Munich’s beer halls, most especially the famed Hofbräuhaus.
- Köln (Cologne)
This two-millennia-old city is famed for its twin-spired Cologne Cathedral and its gilded medieval reliquary alongside sweeping river views.
Quaint Medieval Towns
- Rothenburg ob der Tauber
This German town nestled in northern Bavaria is known for its charming medieval architecture. As you walk its cobblestone streets, you’ll be amazed at the panoramic sight of its well-maintained half-timbered houses. Arguably, this is the best medieval town in Germany.
- Nuremberg
Back in the Middle Ages, the Imperial Castle in Nuremberg was once considered the most important imperial palace in the Holy Roman Empire. For centuries, the Imperial Castle of Nuremberg stood as a secure base and prestigious residence for the head of the Empire.
Charming Fairytale-Like Castles
- Neuschwanstein Castle
This fairytale-like castle nestled deep within the Bavarian Alps is one of Germany’s best tourist attractions. It is famously known as the inspiration for the castle design of Disney’s Cinderella. This castle was built by the orders of King Ludwig II of Bavaria, who was infamously known as the “mad King Ludwig.” The ever-so-beautiful castle of Neuschwanstein was supposedly a hideaway for this reclusive mad king.
- Burg Eltz
This 1,000-year-old fairy tale castle is nestled at the heart of the hills above the Moselle between Koblenz and Trier. It is among the oldest castles in Germany, and to this day, it is still owned by the House of Eltz, a clan who have lived there since the beginning of the 12th century.
We have been wearing out our jandals (Kiwi for flip-flops) on our travel adventures around the world since 2009. We think our blog is thought provoking and a little witty. But we have been proven wrong before. Find out more about us here...
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