48 Hours in Prague: Our Romantic City Break

I’m not sure what I expected from Prague. I knew it had a castle, a river, some kind of medieval clock… but beyond that? It was a bit of a mystery. So when I planned a short 2-night escape last year as a birthday surprise for my partner, we didn’t have a big itinerary. Just wanted something romantic, with good food and places to wander.

Turns out, Prague was perfect for it.

Touchdown and Wandering

We landed mid-afternoon. Flight was smooth, weather chilly but bright — perfect walking weather really. We stayed at INNSiDE by Meliá Prague Old Town, which was a brilliant choice. It’s modern, clean, and tucked away just enough to feel calm but still super close to everything. You can walk to most major sights from there in about 10–15 minutes.

The room had a comfy bed, a little quirky design, and the kind of shower you don’t want to get out of. Staff were friendly, breakfast was solid — nothing fancy but enough to fuel a full day of exploring. Would definitely stay there again.

After dropping off our bags, we just started walking. No real route, just following the cobbled streets and soaking it all in. The buildings are a dream — pastel colours, old stone, every street like a postcard.

We ended up at the Charles Bridge just before sunset. It was packed, obviously. Street performers, artists doing caricatures, tourists everywhere — but the buzz adds something. The views from there are unreal. Especially with the sky turning orange behind Prague Castle in the distance.

Traditional Food Done Right

That evening we found a little place called Na Čepu. I actually forgot the name and had to dig through old photos and Google Maps to find it again — that’s how good it was.

I went for the pork knuckle. Huge. Crispy skin, tender inside. My partner had the braised beef in dill sauce with dumplings — which I ended up dipping into more than I should’ve. That sauce… creamy, herby, warm. Proper comfort food. Prices were really decent too. No fuss, just good honest food done right.

Day Two: Castles, BBQ and Wanders

We kicked off day two with Prague Castle. It’s up on the hill and the walk there is half the fun — lots of narrow streets and great little views along the way. The castle grounds are massive. Churches, courtyards, quiet spots you’d miss if you rush. And if you’re lucky, you might spot one of the resident peacocks wandering about. We actually saw one just strutting around like royalty. Bit of a show-off.

Later we walked down toward Vyšehrad, a lesser-known spot that’s totally worth it. Peaceful, with old walls, views over the river, and a lovely little park. It felt way more relaxed than the central tourist zones — like stepping into a secret part of the city.

On the way, we also passed The Dancing House — or the “wonky building” as we kept calling it. Very cool to see up close, a bit of a strange contrast with the old buildings, but that’s what makes it stand out. Worth stopping by for a few photos.

Lunchtime rolled around and we tried BIG SMOKERS, a BBQ spot we found online. It was… okay. Not the best BBQ we’ve ever had, but the homemade sauces totally made up for it. Smoky, spicy, sweet — we ended up dipping fries into every single one.

Night on the River

That night we booked a river cruise, and honestly, it was one of the highlights. Calm, peaceful, and the whole city lit up in gold and reflection. You pass under bridges, see the castle all glowing on the hill, and there’s this lovely hush — the kind that makes you take a deep breath and smile.

We sat on the top deck, wrapped up in blankets, sipping hot drinks. It was freezing but worth every second. One of those moments that just sticks with you.

Final Strolls and Goodbyes

Our last morning was short, but we still managed a little stroll through New Town. Picked up some Czech snacks, had one last pastry and coffee, and just soaked up the last bit of that fairytale vibe.

We nearly got a caricature done on the bridge — the artists there are seriously talented — but time ran out. Next time, definitely.

Top 5 Must-See Prague Attractions

If you’re short on time, here’s what I’d say not to miss:

1. Charles Bridge – Go early for quiet, go late for the lights.
2. Prague Castle – Huge and beautiful. And yes, watch for peacocks.
3. Astronomical Clock & Old Town – Lively, a little chaotic, but fun.
4. Vyšehrad – Underrated. Peaceful, green, and full of history.
5. River Cruise at Night – Magical, calm, and just plain romantic.
   + Bonus: The Dancing House – A quick stop but worth it for the pics.

💡 Extra tip: Uber works in Prague, and it’s much cheaper than in the UK. Handy when your feet have had enough.

🎒 Travel Tips for Prague

• Don’t bother changing loads of cash — card was accepted almost everywhere we went, including small cafés and public transport.
• Public transport is cheap and easy — but we walked almost everywhere. You’ll see way more that way.
• Prague is a cobbled city — comfy shoes are a must. Trust me, your ankles will thank you.
• Book river cruises in advance — they fill up quickly, especially the evening ones.
• Trdelník is everywhere — those chimney cake things. Smells amazing, tastes alright, but one is enough.
• Tipping is expected — not loads, but rounding up or 10% is normal.

Would I Go Back?

100% yes.

For a birthday trip, it was honestly spot on. Beautiful, walkable, full of charm and good food. There’s still loads we didn’t see — and things I’d love to do again. Next time I’ll stay a bit longer, eat even more, and actually get that caricature drawn.

Photos From Our Trip