I and my husband will be in Prague for one day on our own after a cruise. The only excursion the cruise company will offer is the Hradcany Castle. Can someone give us some suggestions as to places of interest besides the Astronomical Clock? We will be staying at the Hilton Atrium Hotel. We love to walk, therefore, Any suggestions will be greatly appreciated.

Sincere Thanks,

No need to pay for a tour. Spend a few bucks on a guide book instead that will serve as a souvenir.

Certainly go up to the castle, check out the Karl's Bridge (supposedly undergoing renovations soon, not sure about the schedule), the Jewish Quarters, and the area around the Powder Tower. Walk everywhere and browse while you're at ground level, that will fill a day! Wenzel's Square, more like a broad boulevard than a square, is not worth a detour if the other items don't already lead you there.

Be extra equipped against pickpockets - the good ones that you don't notice until it is way too late.

I felt the Castle in Prague was a bit of a disappointment.

The Prague Old Town, however, is just beautiful.

Just to get you bearings from the town square (astronomical clock) through the Jewish Quarter (5 minutes) to the Charles Bridge (another 5 minutes) is a very short walk.

I got up very early on our second day to be at the Bridge before the crowds. Then in the evening waited for dinner until after it got dark and the lights came on. Unfortunately at the beginning of June it didn't get dark until after 10:30 and we didn't have dinner until after 11PM.

You can check ouy my photos at:

www.travelwalks.com

Select the 2006 trip.

Photos from Budapest, Brugge and Amsterdam are part of the same trip.

Oh, one last thing. If your day is on a weekend, definitely go to the Wallenstein Palace. I've read in many places about the Wallenstein Gardens (in front of the Palace) but nobody mentions the Palace. I believe it's the government Senate building and is closed to the public during the week and open (free of charge) on the weekends. It's just beautiful.

I enjoyed the Prague Castle complex and didn't find it disappointing at all. Aside from that, there are several excellent museums (eg, the Mucha Museum), Loretto Palace, several beautiful Baroque churches (espec. St Nicholas in Mala Strana), and just walking around and enjoying the central city. You shouldn't need any guided excursion if you have a decent guidebook and a map. If you are only there one day and don't want to buy a guidebook, there is all the information you probably need free online on various guidebook websites. (this one, Frommers, Timeout.com and espec. www.inyourpocket.com)

The Municipal House is a must!!! Arrive in time for the 10:00 a.m. guided tour, which lasts about an hour or so. The architecture and decoration are stellar in every way. You'll have plenty of time after the tour to do anything else you want.

I was there in July, on my second trip to Prague, and would visit this important and beautiful site again and again...

As mentioned by Myer, do the Jewish quarter, but I would suggest booking a tour for the Jewish quarter for the afternoon. As

The Municipal House is a must!!! Arrive in time for the 10:00 a.m. guided tour, which lasts about an hour or so. The architecture and decoration are stellar in every way. You'll have plenty of time after the tour to do anything else you want.

I was there in July, on my second trip to Prague, and would visit this important and beautiful site again and again...

As mentioned by Myer, do the Jewish quarter, but I definitely suggest booking a tour; I just don't think one could get all the information without a guide.

Prague is such a beautiful and richly important city. I know you will have a wonderful time there.

Oh, and the Astronomical Clock is good for one short photo op; don't plan your day around it.

Thank you everyone who responded to our request, We are going to enjoy our trip to Prague. A special thank you to Myer, your photographs are beautiful. We are going to Spain and these photographs will help us when we do go.

Thanks, sincerely
donata50