Gabriel Travel
Gabriel Travel
9:00 a.m. – Explore Prague’s Historic Jewish Quarter
Get an early start to make the most of your final day, and head straight to Josefov, Prague’s deeply moving and beautifully preserved Jewish Quarter. Try to arrive as the synagogues open—this compact district holds centuries of history and one of the oldest Jewish communities in Central Europe (and yes, best to say Central rather than Eastern Europe—locals are a bit particular about that!).
Walking through the quarter is like stepping into another world. One of the most unforgettable stops is the hauntingly atmospheric Old Jewish Cemetery, with over 12,000 tilted tombstones crammed together in a maze of memory. No two synagogues here are alike—each tells its own story through small but powerful exhibitions.
Maisel Synagogue gives insight into daily Jewish life in Bohemia.
Pinkas Synagogue serves as a poignant memorial to the 80,000 Czech Jewish victims of the Holocaust, with their names hand-inscribed on the walls.
The quarter is tiny—you can easily walk the whole area in about an hour—but don’t rush. The Art Nouveau facades are among the city’s most elegant, and the quiet backstreets tucked into the bend of the Vltava River are perfect for slow wandering.
1:00 p.m. – Lunch at Jelen: Where History Meets Design
If you’re in the area and feeling hungry, make your way to Červený Jelen, a stylish restaurant I already recommended for your first night — but it’s just as perfect for lunch. Set across from the Hotel Central, this striking space was once the Legio Bank, a cubist-modernist gem by architect Josef Gočár, now thoughtfully redesigned by Stanislav Fiala.
This isn’t just a restaurant—it’s a living slice of Prague’s architectural and cultural history. The building once belonged to Count Špork, founder of the Czech hunt and the Order of St. Michael. His passion for the hunt still lingers in the name (Jelen = “stag”) and the statue of flying deer by Michal Gabriel in Saint-Hubert’s Alley, just outside.
It spans four levels, features a restored vault room in the basement, and boasts massive beer tanks stacked to the ceiling. The whole place feels deeply Prague—bold, layered, a little theatrical.
2:30 p.m. – Powder Tower, Church of St. James & a Coffee Break at the Municipal House
The early afternoon is perfect for exploring a cluster of diverse monuments—all located within a few minutes’ walk of each other.
This dark Gothic gateway once marked the entrance to the Old Town and the start of the Royal Route—the ceremonial path Bohemian kings followed to their coronation at the castle. Built in 1475, it was used to store gunpowder in the 17th century (hence the name), partially destroyed during the Prussian siege in 1757, and later restored by Josef Mocker in the 19th century. You can climb the 186-step spiral staircase to take in sweeping city views—though I still prefer the view from St. Nicholas Tower in Malá Strana.
Just a few steps away, this dramatic Gothic church with Baroque flourishes is home to something truly bizarre: the mummified hand of a would-be thief, hanging inside as a cautionary tale. As of July 2025, there’s now an entry fee to visit the church and its renowned organ.
This former 19th-century bank has recently reopened as a unique exhibition space. Its grand interiors—originally built for insurance and finance elites—capture the wealth and ambition of Prague’s golden age.
Wrap up your mini tour with coffee and cake at the Municipal House, a glorious Art Nouveau landmark. You can also check out the basement beer hall, which is open to the public and features those famously cavernous Prague cellars.
4:00 p.m. – Choose Your Hill: Vítkov or Vyšehrad
You likely won’t have time to see both, so pick the one that suits your mood.
This hill offers one of the best views in Prague and is home to the massive equestrian statue of Jan Žižka—one of the largest in the world. You’ll also find the National Memorial, dedicated to Czech legionnaires of WWI, and the excellent Army Museum, one of my top three in the city. Best part? It’s all free (just note that the museum is closed on Mondays).
This historic fortress overlooking the Vltava is peaceful, romantic, and packed with charm. Visit the Basilica of St. Peter and Paul, admire the St. Valentine’s relic, and stroll through the Vyšehrad Cemetery, resting place of Czech cultural icons. There are even old bunkers and pillboxes to discover.
Wrap up your Prague adventure with a laid-back dinner in Vinohrady, a leafy, stylish district known for its café culture and relaxed elegance. You’ve got options here:
Craving something fresh and flavorful? Head to Mrs. Lyn for excellent Vietnamese.
In the mood for fine Italian? Aromi serves refined dishes in a warm, intimate setting.
After dinner, take a short stroll to fine Italian? Riegrovy Sady Park — from the top, you’ll enjoy one final, fairy-tale view of Prague Castle glowing against the night sky. The perfect goodbye.
