View of the Vltava and Prague's bridges under clear skies

A Perfect Day: One Day in Prague

Prague is full of history – there's a castle that has watched over the city for centuries, a café where Franz Kafka and Albert Einstein once enjoyed cake, and architecture that celebrates the end of communism. Flight attendant Dominik Link takes us on a journey through the Golden City

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5 min read
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8 AM: Coffee at the Historic Main Station

I start my perfect day in Prague at the beautiful main train station. To fully appreciate its splendor, you have to walk past the bland entrance hall and head toward the rear of the building. There, you’ll find the Fantova Hall, which features a high art nouveau dome, ornate stucco details, colorful stained-glass windows, and sculptures representing Bohemian towns and regions. In Café Fanta – designed by architect Josef Fanta and originally used as a ticket hall – I enjoy a cup of coffee and take a moment to soak in the elegance of a bygone era.

9 AM: Strolling to Wenceslas Square

From the train station, I take a walk to Wenceslas Square in the heart of Prague's New Town. At about 750 meters long and 60 meters wide, it feels more like a boulevard than a square. With a shopping center, plenty of stores, restaurants, cafés, and hotels, it's a popular destination for both locals and visitors.

A busy Wenceslas Square in Prague with the National Museum in the background
Wenceslas Square is an important site in Czech history and is now a popular place for a stroll (© Alamy; header image © Getty Images)

10 AM: Breakfast at Café Louvre

It's time for a proper breakfast. Café Louvre – built in the belle epoque style – has long been a meeting spot for intellectuals, artists, and scientists, including Franz Kafka, Max Brod, and Albert Einstein. I usually order the Czech breakfast: ham, local cheese, boiled egg, bread, and fresh cheese.

11:30 AM: A Detour to the Dancing House

This short detour is definitely worth it: the Dancing House consists of two asymmetrical towers that resemble a dancing couple. The building symbolizes a new era after the fall of communism, representing freedom, change, and the social transformation of 1990s Czechia.

12 PM: Visiting the German Embassy

Next stop: the German Embassy, which is located in the baroque-style Lobkowicz Palace – a world-famous site of historical importance. On September 30, 1989, then Foreign Minister Hans-Dietrich Genscher stood on the palace balcony and announced that East German refugees would be allowed to travel to West Germany – a key moment on the road to German reunification.

1 PM: Panorama From the Castle

What is a must-see on any trip to Prague? Prague Castle. Not only is it part of the city's historic center and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, but according to the "Guinness Book of Records," it's also the largest ancient castle in the world. I wander through the vast complex and take in the stunning views of the city.

View of Prague Castle from Charles Bridge at sunrise
A stroll through Prague Castle is like a journey through time, past royal halls, Gothic towers, and baroque gardens (© Shutterstock)

2:30 PM: A Selfie on Charles Bridge

Almost as iconic as the castle – and just as striking – is Charles Bridge. This Gothic masterpiece is also one of the city's most Instagrammed spots. I snap a selfie while crossing the Vltava toward the Old Town, of course.

3:30 PM: Cake in the Old Town

After all that history and architecture, it's time to treat the taste buds again. The Old Town is full of charming cafés and restaurants – perfect for a coffee and a slice of cake.

Baroque towers of St. Nicholas Church above Prague's Old Town rooftops
The monumental St. Nicholas Church watches over Prague's Old Town (© Getty Images)
Colorful baroque facades at the Old Town Square in Prague
Colorful and popular: the baroque facades at the Old Town Square are world famous (© Getty Images)
 Close-up of Prague's astronomical clock with golden numerals
The Prague astronomical clock is a medieval masterpiece that shows the time, sun, and constellations simultaneously (© Getty Images)

5 PM: Timeless Beauty at the Astronomical Clock

After my afternoon break, I continue my stroll through the Old Town and visit the Town Hall. The famous astronomical clock – the Orloj – is located on its southern wall, and it is one of Prague's most beloved landmarks, right up there with the castle and the bridge. The clock shows not just the time, but also the position of the sun and moon, zodiac signs, moon phases, the date, and various time systems. It's hard to believe it was built in 1410.

6:30 PM: Goulash at U Fleků Brewery

For dinner, I head to the legendary U Fleků brewery – with seating for 1,200 guests. Yet, it still feels cozy to me. The atmosphere is warm and rustic, with lovingly restored interiors, dark wood, stained glass, and historic decorations. The evening is made perfect when a steaming hot goulash and a cold beer arrive at my table – the perfect way to end a perfect day in the Golden City.

About

Dominik Link studied transportation engineering and has worked for Lufthansa since 2017. While he flies as a cabin crew member, he's also active on the ground, where he works as deputy operations manager of the underground people mover at Munich Airport's Terminal 2.

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