On the first day, start your tour with the most impressive complex in Prague - Hradcany Castle. Listed in the Guinness Book of World Records as the largest ancient castle in the world, this monumental structure covers an area more than seven times the size of a football field. The history of the site dates back to the 9th century, when Prince Bořivoj commissioned the construction of the first fortification. Over the centuries, the castle was expanded by successive rulers, resulting in a fascinating mix of architectural styles - from Romanesque, Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque.

Inside the castle complex is the pearl of Czech religious architecture - St. Vitus Cathedral. This Gothic temple was built over a period of nearly 600 years, with construction beginning in 1344 during the reign of Charles IV. The cathedral impresses not only with its size, but especially with its beautiful stained glass windows, among which the work of Alphonse Mucha stands out. The cathedral also houses the crypts of Czech kings and the crown of St. Wenceslas - one of the most valuable national treasures of the Czech Republic.

While visiting Hradcany, look out for the Golden Street, a picturesque string of colorful houses that once housed the castle's craftsmen. According to local legend, the street is named after alchemists who tried to turn metals into gold here. Franz Kafka lived in one of these small houses for a time, which adds an extra literary charm to the place.

After visiting the castle, take a stroll through the Malá Strana district, which extends at the foot of the castle hill. This charming part of Prague delights with Baroque palaces, churches and secluded squares. One of the most beautiful places is the Wallenstein Garden (Valdštejnská zahrada), a Baroque park with fountains, sculptures and an artificial cave. The garden was founded in the 17th century by Czech general Albrecht von Wallenstein and is a great place to relax for a while.

Also nearby is the John Lennon Wall, a colorful wall covered with graffiti, quotes and drawings inspired by the Beatles' work. During the communist era, the wall became a symbol of freedom and resistance against the regime. To this day, it remains a dynamic attraction, constantly changing with new layers of art and messages added by visitors.

End day one with a visit to the Charles Bridge, especially at sunset, when the light gives the place a unique character. This stone bridge, whose construction began in 1357, is one of the oldest and most beautiful bridges in the Czech Republic. It is decorated with 30 Baroque statues of saints, each with its own fascinating story. The most famous statue is that of St. John of Nepomuk - touching its bas-relief is said to bring good luck and guarantee a return to Prague.

Start your second day in Prague with a visit to the Old Town Square, which is the heart of the historic center of the city. This medieval square, surrounded by colorful townhouses representing different architectural styles - from Gothic, to Renaissance, to Baroque - impresses with its atmosphere and richness of details. Particularly noteworthy are the House Under the Stone Bell, dating back to the 14th century, and the imposing Church of the Virgin Mary in front of the Tyn with its distinctive black towers that tower over the square.

The most famous landmark in Old Town Square is undoubtedly the Prague Astronomical Clock, also known as the Orloj. This technological marvel of the Middle Ages, which has been in continuous operation for more than 600 years (except during periods of renovation), delights tourists from all over the world. The clock consists of three main components: an astronomical dial showing the positions of the heavenly bodies, a calendar and a mechanism with figures of apostles. Every hour, between 9 a.m. and 11 p.m., the famous 'spectacle' takes place - the windows above the dial open and the 12 apostles pass before the eyes of the spectators, and the whole thing ends with the crowing of a rooster and the sound of a bell striking the hour.

There is a fascinating legend associated with the clock. It is said that its creator, Master Hanuš, was blinded by order of the city councilors so that he could not create a similar work for another city. In an act of revenge, the now-blind Hanuš allegedly asked his apprentice to lead him to the clock's mechanism, where he put his hand between the gears, stopping the clock for a hundred years. Although this story is just a legend, it adds to the mystery of this unique monument.

After admiring the Orloj, it is worth delving into the maze of narrow streets of the Old Town. One of the most characteristic places is the former Jewish quarter - Josefov. It is here that you will find several synagogues, including the Spanish Synagogue, which hosts classical music concerts. Also worth a visit is the old Jewish cemetery, where there are about 12,000 tombstones in a small space, and possibly as many as 100,000 people buried there.

In the afternoon, you can head toward the New Town, where you'll find Wenceslas Square - not so much a traditional square as a wide shopping avenue with a monument to the patron saint of the Czech Republic at its head. It was here that some of the most important events in modern Czech history took place, including the protests during the Prague Spring in 1968 and the Velvet Revolution in 1989.

On your second day, also make time to visit Petřín Hill, where you'll find the Petřín Tower - a miniature version of Paris' Eiffel Tower, erected in 1891 to mark the Jubilee Exhibition. Although it measures 'only' 63.5 meters, thanks to its location on a hill its top is at a similar height to the tower of St. Vitus Cathedral. The summit can be reached on foot via scenic paths or by cable car. The viewing platform offers a breathtaking view of all of Prague - you can see a sea of red roofs, numerous church spires and the Vltava River winding through the city.

Petřín Hill is not only a lookout tower, but also a vast park with rose gardens, a maze of mirrors and an astronomical observatory. It's the perfect place to take a break from the hustle and bustle of the city and enjoy the tranquility among the greenery, while admiring the city's skyline from a different perspective.

When planning a weekend in Prague, it's worth keeping in mind a few practical tips that will help you make the most of your time in this fascinating city. First and foremost, it's a good idea to start visiting the main attractions early in the morning, especially Hradčany Castle and Charles Bridge, which are besieged by tourists during the day. A morning visit will not only avoid the crowds, but also give you the opportunity to admire these places in the unique light of the rising sun.

Prague is a city that is best explored on foot. The historic center is relatively compact, and most of the main attractions are within walking distance. Comfortable footwear is therefore an absolute necessity, especially since many of the streets are paved with cubes and neighborhoods such as Hradčany are located on hills.

It is also worth knowing that Prague is famous for its numerous cultural events and festivals held throughout the year. In the spring, Prague Spring - a prestigious classical music festival - takes place, in the summer you can hit a variety of jazz and theater festivals, a film festival in the fall, and magical Christmas markets in the winter. Checking the calendar of events before you arrive can enrich your stay with unique cultural experiences.

One of the most fascinating aspects of Prague is its rich history, full of dramatic events and curiosities. For example, the famous Prague Defenestration of 1618, when Protestant nobles threw the Catholic regents out of the castle windows, became the ignition spark of the Thirty Years' War. Interestingly, the regents survived the fall from a height of 21 meters - according to the Catholics, they were rescued by angels, while the Protestants claimed they simply fell into a pile of dung.

Prague also has a rich alchemical history. In the 16th century, during the reign of Emperor Rudolf II, the city became a European center of alchemy and the occult. The emperor, fascinated by the secret sciences, brought alchemists and astrologers from all over Europe to his court. Traces of this fascinating history can be found in the Alchemy Museum in the Old Town and in the mysterious symbols adorning some of Prague's townhouses.

Literature lovers will appreciate the fact that Prague was home to many prominent writers, including Franz Kafka. Walking around the city, you'll come across numerous references to his work, including an unusual monument to Kafka by David Černý - an 11-meter-tall moving sculpture consisting of 42 rotating layers that form and disintegrate the writer's face.

When comparing Prague's main attractions, it is worth noting their diversity and unique character. Hradčany Castle offers a wealth of history and architecture over the centuries, but requires a longer tour and involves climbing a steep hill. Charles Bridge impresses with its atmosphere and views, but can be so crowded during the peak season that it is difficult to fully appreciate its beauty. The Old Town Square and the Orloj Clock are lively places where you can feel the true atmosphere of the city, but they also face the problem of over-tourism.

Petrin Tower offers the best views of the city, but reaching the top of the hill can be a challenge for those with less physical fitness. St. Vitus Cathedral, on the other hand, impresses with its Gothic architecture and stained glass windows, but visiting the interior may require standing in line.

Regardless of the attractions you choose, a weekend in Prague guarantees an unforgettable experience and an encounter with a city that combines medieval charm like no other with the vibrant life of a modern European metropolis. Every corner of Prague's streets hides fascinating stories and secrets waiting to be discovered, and 48 hours is enough time to fall in love with this magical city and plan another, longer visit.