The Sunday Escape Guide to Prague
Part I: Where We Ate, Wandered, and Ended Up Instead
Prague wasn’t always high on my list. And yet, a week there changed everything. What I expected to be a charming, slightly overhyped stopover became one of the most visually hypnotic cities I’ve visited in years. This is not a “how to see Prague in 48 hours” kind of guide. It’s a slow, savory take—filled with places I loved, corners to linger in, and a few things I’d skip next time. This is the first of a two part guide, a week in this city will do that …
We built a beautifully curated Apple Maps list before arriving… and then promptly ignored it. In true Sunday Escape fashion, the true adventure unfolded through detours: a wine bar stumbled into by accident, a Saturday market that became a core memory and possibly one of the best day dates we have enjoyed ever and a rotisserie chicken that stopped us in our tracks - the chickens are golden metal art rolling in the window of an Argentinian spot that must not be missed.
Paid subscribers will access part two with things to do, markets to stroll, art galleries to visit and vintage shops not to miss.
This guide blends both—the planned and the spontaneous.
Some Reservations, Some Wandering, All Worth It
This was more than dinner—it was a moment. Go just before sunset. Have your Uber drop you at Nový Svět, a tucked-away fairytale street behind Prague Castle, and take a golden hour stroll through its quiet charm. From there, head into Kuchyň: a rustic-meets-regal spot perched just above Old Town. The views alone are worth it but then …
The food? Delicious. Sit outside if the weather allows, or cozy up inside where the atmosphere is candlelit and elegant without trying too hard or feeling stuffy and formal.
And then—here’s the move: don’t rush. After dinner, step outside into the evening glow. From the terrace, the city sparkles below. But the best part? You can walk through Prague Castle at night. No tickets, no tourists, just silence, spires, and a moonlit path that feels straight out of a novel. It’s one of the most underrated luxuries in the city in my opinion.
The smell of golden rotisserie chicken hits you before the door even opens. Cruz Letná is part neighborhood café, part South American bistro, and 100% worth going out of your way for. We had one of our favorite meals here—chicken, empanadas, and a dessert we didn’t plan to order but devoured in record time. The design is warm and thoughtful, with nods to Argentina throughout. A forever recommendation.
One of the first cafés we popped into—and one we couldn’t stop thinking about. Located in an old industrial building with tall windows and layered charm, Letka nails that worn-in but intentional vibe. The coffee is excellent, the people-watching even better, and it was the kind of place that made us want to linger and order just one more pastry. A perfect spot to start your morning slow. Take your coffee, cross the street, plant yourself at the picnic tables in the park next to the beer garden and soak up the beauty of the city from above.
Adored this little spot. Located in the creative, design-forward neighborhood of Karlín. Part bakery, part open kitchen, and part concept store, it’s a space that feels more Copenhagen than Central Europe—and that’s entirely the point. Go for a long lunch or book in for dinner, and be sure to explore the market corner up front, so many goodies to be brought back home.
Tucked away in Old Town, V Zátiší was on our list thanks to many recommendations. It’s not flashy, and it’s anything but stuffy. The space is intimate, the service seamless, and the food hits a high note. It’s the kind of place where you forget to take photos (clearly!) as you’re too focused on what’s in front of you - as it should be. Ideal for a quieter evening that still feels special—especially if you want a break from the trendier, open-kitchen buzz.
Consider this one the ones where you’d expect to splurge and somehow find yourself only spending $75. It’s a steal.
Located in a quieter part of town, Café Fin is where we leaned fully into dessert-for-breakfast energy. Go in ready to satisfy your sweet tooth: beautiful pastries, exceptional coffee, and that comforting hum of a place that clearly has its regulars. It felt newer, but with charm—like a bakery-meets-neighborhood café hybrid.
Tucked inside the boutique hotel of the same name, this café nails the balance: intimate but not cramped, stylish without trying too hard. It’s a go-to for a quiet breakfast (everything we had was delicious), or a late afternoon cocktail at the small but standout bar. The kind of place where you settle in, look around, and immediately start planning your return.
Seasonal Stalls on Kampa Island in Na Kampě Square
Yes, do the Charles Bridge—but get off it as soon as you can. We stumbled on this little pocket of calm while trying to escape the crowds. As you walk from Old Town toward the castle, head down the stairs on the left side just before the bridge ends. What you’ll find feels like a secret: a handful of food vendors serving up surprisingly excellent sausages, potatoes, mulled wine, and cold beers. There are a few casual restaurants with outdoor seating, too. On a sunny early spring day, it was downright delightful—and a reminder that even in the most tourist-trodden spots, a good detour goes a long way.
Chilled, Unfussy, and Best Enjoyed Without an Agenda, a few places I visited regularly during our week:
A happy accident of a find and one of our favorite spontaneous stops. Tucked into a quiet street, this tiny wine bar serves natural wines by the glass with zero pretense. We walked in to escape the wind, ended up staying for a slow pour and the kind of soft afternoon light that makes you want to cancel all your plans. Cozy, stylish, and completely unassuming. We went here 3 times during the one week we were in town
Nostress
This cafe quickly became part of my routine. Indoor and outdoor seating, a well-edited selection of pastries, sandwiches, coffee, and wine—and that rare thing: space to just sit and stay awhile. There’s a wine section to buy a bottle in case you’re in a pinch on your way home.
Go once, go daily. We nearly did.
Technically, it translates to “Vinny Wine Bar”—which I find endlessly charming. A perfect stop post-stroll and post-shopping (and yes, the exchange rate was working in our favor for once). It’s cozy, casual, and exactly the kind of place you hope to stumble upon but rarely do and deeply wish there was one in your home town.
Thank you for a beautiful piece on Prague, I have yet to go but have seen a rise in client inquiries for the destination and this is proving to be incredibly helpful for planning their trip!