Prague, Czechia is without doubt one of the most-visited cities in all of Europe – and it isn’t onerous to grasp why. This Central European capital metropolis is understood for its lovely historic middle with gorgeous structure, its excellent (and really inexpensive) beer, and its location on the Vltava River.
Add to this the truth that Prague is a reasonably compact metropolis that you would be able to simply discover in just some days, and it is no surprise why it is such a well-liked place to go to.
I first visited Prague in 2013, throughout a backpacking trip around Europe (learn: I used to be very broke and did zero planning). I discovered Prague very fairly on that journey, however did not fairly fall in love with it. A second, longer go to to Prague in 2023 did the trick, although; on this journey I did a greater job planning forward and actually diving into Prague’s historical past, meals, and structure. And now Prague is a metropolis I contemplate to be a must-visit in Europe!
In the event you’re interested by visiting Prague for your self, this is a 3-day Prague itinerary that may assist make sure that you, too, fall in love with Prague quite than simply liking it.
When to go to Prague
Prague is a good metropolis to go to year-round, however there are undoubtedly some occasions which can be higher than others to go. Summer season, for instance, is excessive season in Prague – nevertheless it’s additionally when the climate is the most well liked and the costs are the very best. Winter is off-season in Prague, however so long as you bundle up you possibly can get pleasure from dustings of snow and a beautiful Christmas market in December.
Spring (April-Could) and early fall (September-October) are most likely the *greatest* occasions to go to Prague by way of the nicest climate and fewer crowds.
My journey to Prague that I did not essentially love was in August (excessive, scorching season), whereas the journey I loved rather more was in Could.
What number of days do you want in Prague?
Prague is fashionable inside Europe for metropolis breaks as a result of it is a very manageable metropolis for an extended weekend journey. You’ll be able to simply see the highlights of Prague in 3 days with out dashing, which is why I will share a 3-day Prague itinerary with you!
Are you able to see Prague in 2 days, or fill every week in Prague? Sure, for positive! However I believe 3 days is the candy spot for a visit to Prague, particularly if you happen to’re combining it with another plans in Czechia or elsewhere in Europe.
3 days in Prague itinerary
Be aware: This itinerary relies by myself (a number of) journeys to Prague, and is written with the first-time customer in thoughts!
The simplest technique to construction a go to to Prague is to focus someday on every of the three important components of Prague: the Outdated City (Stare Město), the Lesser City (Malá Strana, the place you may discover Prague Citadel), and the New City (Nové Město). This fashion you may actually get a style of all of it!
Day 1: Prague’s Outdated City
We’ll begin by devoting immediately to the Outdated City, or Stare Město, essentially the most well-known, fairy-tale a part of Prague full of Gothic church spires, terracotta rooftops, and colourful buildings. That is additionally essentially the most touristy and crowded a part of Prague, so the sooner you may get began immediately, the higher!
Morning: Charles Bridge + Outdated City Bridge Tower
Begin your morning on the well-known Charles Bridge, which spans the Vltava River connecting the Outdated City to the Lesser City (Malá Strana). Building on the present Charles Bridge was begun in 1357 below King Charles IV (whom it was later named for). It changed a fair older bridge on the identical spot, the Judith Bridge, constructed within the 1100s that was broken by a 1342 flood.
The Charles Bridge immediately is without doubt one of the high vacationer spots in Prague. The bridge is lined with statues, and infrequently full of distributors and road musicians. In the event you go to early within the morning, you might be able to beat the worst of the crowds. (Although the bridge is 1,693 toes lengthy and 33 toes extensive, so you possibly can undoubtedly discover area even when it is busy.)
You will get very good views in direction of Prague Citadel from the Charles Bridge, however for even BETTER views, climb the 138 steps up the Outdated City Bridge Tower, which sits on the Outdated City finish of the Charles Bridge.
There is a charge to climb to the highest (190 CZK, or about $8 USD, which you’ll be able to pay on the tower earlier than you climb), nevertheless it’s price it for the 360 diploma views! You may see the Charles Bridge and Vltava River from above, and likewise get glorious views into the Outdated City and over in direction of the Lesser City and Prague Citadel.
Professional tip: Climb the Outdated City Bridge Tower throughout the first hour it is open (it opens at both 9 a.m. or 10 a.m., relying on the time of 12 months), and save 50% off the ticket worth!
Proper subsequent to the tower, you can too pop into the St. Francis Of Assisi Church rapidly.
Late morning/early afternoon: Outdated City exploration
After the Charles Bridge and tower climb, head into the Outdated City itself. The cobbled, winding, pedestrian-only Karlova Avenue is the best technique to go, although notice that it may be very crowded! This road is lined with sweet retailers (they’re obsessive about pirate-themed and mining-themed sweet retailers right here), chimney cake stalls, jewellery retailers, gelato cafes, and extra.
In the event you comply with this lengthy sufficient by way of some twists and turns, you may attain Outdated City Sq.. That is essentially the most well-known sq. in Prague, surrounded by Gothic buildings and towers.
That is additionally the place you may discover the well-known Astronomical Clock, the medieval clock that chimes and has transferring figures each hour. To be trustworthy, I do not get the hype round this one (past the truth that it is actually cool that it nonetheless features). So do not feel too dangerous if you happen to do not see it proper on the hour. (And if you happen to do, be ready to face in an enormous crowd of individuals.)
From right here, I like to recommend exploring the Outdated City. It is compact and simple to navigate on foot, and there is a lot to see.
Just a few options of issues you are able to do embrace:
- Go to the Basilica of St. James – This Baroque church has a reasonably inside with one creepy ornament: a mummified arm and hand dangling from a series – purportedly from a thief.
- Discover the Jewish Quarter – Josefov, Prague’s authentic Jewish ghetto, is nicely price an in-depth go to. You’ll be able to go to synagogues just like the Spanish Synagogue and the Outdated-New Synagogue (the oldest in Europe), in addition to the unimaginable Outdated Jewish Cemetery. Tickets are required for entry, and one ticket covers all the principle websites. Buy at Klaus Synagogue, Pinkas Synagogue, or Spanish Synagogue.
- Try the Beer Museum – Be taught concerning the historical past of Czech beer on a self-guided tour, after which do a fast beer tasting.
If you wish to discover a few of this with a information, take a look at this Old Town and Jewish Quarter Guided Walking Tour.
For lunch, there are many choices across the Outdated City. For one thing pretty fast however nonetheless good, FAT CAT Beerhouse & Restaurant does excellent burgers and ginormous gourmand scorching canine. And you may by no means go flawed by visiting a department of Lokál (Lokál Dlouhááá is the Outdated City location), which serves up actually good conventional Czech meals and beer.
I additionally personally cannot go a day in Prague with out consuming a chimney cake, that are known as Trdelník right here. Trdelník means “hollowed out log,” and these pastries are cooked on a spit and typically full of whipped cream and fruit, and even ice cream. They’re really a Hungarian dessert, however have turn out to be very talked-about in Prague.
Late afternoon: Get one other view
In case your legs aren’t too drained but, I like to recommend getting one other view of the Outdated City from above this afternoon. It is actually solely from up excessive that you would be able to perceive why Prague was as soon as romantically nicknamed the “Metropolis of 100 Spires.”
There are two completely different choices that I would suggest:
1. Climb the Outdated City Corridor Tower
To not be confused with the Outdated City Bridge Tower that you simply climbed this morning, the Outdated City Corridor Tower is the tower that the Astronomical Clock is connected to. The tower gives up glorious views of Outdated City Sq., and admission right here consists of not simply the remark deck, but additionally different components of the Tower like a chapel and underground space.
Tickets to go to this tower price 300 CZK ($13 USD), plus an extra 100 CZK if you wish to take an elevator to the highest of the tower. (Due to the elevator, this tower is wheelchair-accessible!) You should purchase tickets on the tower, or choose to purchase ahead.
2. Tour Klementinum
One other tower you possibly can go to is the tower at Klementinum / Clementinum. This huge advanced in Prague’s Outdated City was initially a Dominican monastery throughout the medieval interval, after which served as a Jesuit school. Right this moment, it is principally utilized by the Nationwide Library of the Czech Republic.
The most effective stops on this tour is at a Baroque library corridor. You’ll be able to’t go into the library any longer, nevertheless it’s nonetheless so lovely to see.
A go to to Klementinum principally focuses on climbing the outdated Astronomical Tower of the school, which has been recording every day climate situations in Prague since 1775 – and nonetheless does immediately! You may climb stairs to the highest of the tower, making a number of stops alongside the way in which to study concerning the tower’s historical past and primary astronomy.
And naturally the views on the high of the tower are nice!
This tower can also be 300 CZK ($13 USD) to go to, and you need to guide a timed tour for this one.
Professional tip: Be aware that excursions are provided in both English or Czech, so take note of which one you are reserving. You additionally have to guide on-line prematurely both here (GetYourGuide) or here (official site).
Might you technically go up the Outdated City Corridor Tower AND go to Klementinum this afternoon? Sure, for positive. However I do not actually suppose you might want to do each! (Elliot and I opted for Klementinum.)
Night: Dinner
If you wish to keep in Outdated City for dinner, listed here are a couple of choices to think about:
- V Zátiší – This fantastic eating restaurant blends fashionable Czech and Indian dishes, and is a Michelin Information-listed restaurant. (Reservations beneficial.)
- Restaurace Červený Jelen (Purple Stag) – This steakhouse is one other good choice if you happen to’re in search of one thing somewhat upscale for dinner. (Reservations beneficial.)
- U modré kachničky II – Conventional Czech meals at a barely extra inexpensive pricepoint.
- Lokál Dlouhááá – This native chain for Czech meals and beer makes dinner spot, too. If it is busy, it’s possible you’ll share a desk with others.
Later tonight, you would possibly need to take a look at a pub for some Czech beer, or maybe an absinthe bar, that are very talked-about right here.
Day 2: Prague’s Lesser City
Right this moment we’ll be heading throughout the Vltava River to the Lesser City, or Malá Strana, which is full of Baroque buildings and quiet alleyways main as much as Prague Citadel and the imposing St. Vitus Cathedral. It is a lovely a part of Prague, although be ready for extra hills and steps right here!
Relying on the place you are staying, you would possibly need to begin out by strolling all the way in which throughout the Charles Bridge this morning into the Lesser City. In your method in direction of the fort, you possibly can cease to see the Čertovka canal (additionally known as the “Satan’s Channel”), in addition to the graffiti-covered Lennon Wall, which started within the Nineteen Eighties with John Lennon–impressed road artwork.
The streets of the Malá Strana get steep main as much as the fort, so if you happen to do not need to stroll, know that you would be able to get on Tram 22 and trip it to the Pražský hrad (Prague Citadel) cease.
Late morning: Prague Citadel + St. Vitus Cathedral
Prague Citadel is definitely a complete fort advanced – the most important of its variety on the earth, in reality! The oldest components of the fort date again to the ninth century, and have seen plenty of historical past: the fort has been the seat of energy for the kings of Bohemia, Holy Roman emperors, and now the present President of the Czech Republic.
A ticket to Prague Citadel consists of entry to a number of inside components of the fort advanced, in addition to entry into St. Vitus Cathedral. For the reason that fort is so large, although, I do suggest taking a guided tour! Tours like this one embrace skip-the-line entry and guided visits to the Outdated Royal Palace, St. Vitus Cathedral, St. George’s Basilica, and extra – you may even go to a room the place the Defenestration of Prague befell!
In the event you time your go to proper, you may additionally be capable to see the Altering of the Guard ceremony, which takes place within the fort’s first courtyard day by day at midday.
Alongside along with your go to to Prague Citadel (or as a part of your tour), you also needs to go to Golden Lane (a slender lane with fairly cottages that when housed goldsmiths’ workshops), and a few of the fort gardens that encompass your entire construction. There’s even a winery up right here!
Afternoon: Malá Strana
It is time for lunch subsequent! If you can also make it in earlier than 2 p.m., go for lunch at Kantýna in Malá Strana, which serves up nice Czech meat dishes. In any other case, there is a Lokál right here (Lokál U Bílé kuželky), too, which is nice for Czech meals and beer.
After lunch, it is time to see a bit extra of Malá Strana. In the event you missed the canal or Lennon Wall this morning, verify these out this afternoon.
It’s also possible to go to the Kafka Museum, a small museum on the banks of the Vltava River devoted to Prague-born writer Franz Kafka. The museum explores the lifetime of Kafka, and shows first editions of lots of his works.
Close to the museum, you may also need to cease to see the Čůrající postavy (peeing males) sculptures by native artist David Černý. That is the primary of a number of Černý works I will suggest you take a look at in Prague!
Night: Select your personal journey!
This night, there are a number of issues you could possibly do, relying in your pursuits. Just a few issues I like to recommend contemplating embrace:
- Head somewhat additional south on this aspect of the Vltava to the Smíchov/Anděl neighborhood (reachable by tram from Malá Strana). Right here, you possibly can have dinner on the vigorous Manifesto Market Anděl, which is mainly a meals market with all types of attention-grabbing eateries to select from.
- Guide your self a sightseeing dinner cruise like this one on a glass-topped boat, and benefit from the sights of Prague after darkish.
- Take a nighttime walking tour of the Old Town for some ghost tales and legends! (This particular tour is de facto good.)
Day 3: Prague’s New City
Right this moment we’ll dedicate to exploring the New City, or Nové Město – which, regardless of its identify, continues to be fairly outdated and historic, courting again to the 1300s. This a part of Prague is understood for its lovely Baroque structure, and there are many issues price seeing right here!
Morning: New City exploration
Begin with a stroll by way of the New City to see a few of its most well-known websites. Just a few stuff you will not need to miss embrace:
- Charles Sq. (Karlovo náměstí) – A big medieval sq. and park the place you may discover the 14th century New City Corridor.
- Dancing Home (Tančící dům) – A cool workplace block designed by architect Frank Gehry that is stated to be impressed by Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers. There is a restaurant on the highest degree.
- Head of Franz Kafka – One other David Černý creation, this massive metallic sculpture of Kafka’s head rotates periodically.
- Statue of King Wenceslas Using an Upside-Down Lifeless Horse – Yup, that is this sculpture’s full identify. The statue (additionally by David Černý) is inside Palace Lucerna, which immediately is residence to a movie show.
- Wenceslas Sq. (Václavské náměstí) – This half-mile-long “sq.” leads as much as the Národní Muzeum, and accommodates the right-side-up statue of King Wenceslas on a horse.
Late morning / early afternoon: Meals tour or museum go to
You’ve got obtained choices once more immediately relying on what sounds greatest to you. You’ll be able to both take a food-focused tour, or take a look at a terrific museum.
There are two meals/drink excursions price doing in Prague:
- Prague Foodie Tour – This food tour really begins within the Outdated City, visits Prague’s hip Karlin neighborhood, after which ends within the New City. It is 4 hours lengthy, and is obtainable a pair occasions per day (go for the midday tour for this itinerary!). It is tremendous extremely rated and definitely worth the cash. (Book this food tour here.)
- Pubs of Prague Historic Tour – Not right into a full-on meals tour? Then how about one which focuses on historic pubs and Czech beer? This afternoon pub tour begins within the New City, traverses by way of most of Prague, and ends within the Lesser City. (Book this pub tour here.)
OR, you could possibly spend this afternoon on the Národní Muzeum (Nationwide Museum) within the New City. This museum was based in 1818 and its important constructing is big and palace-like (however was purpose-built for this museum). The museum has displays overlaying pure sciences, historical past, arts, and extra.
Late afternoon: Beer spa
One other must-do in Prague is going to a beer spa, the place you soak in a scorching tub partially full of beer and beer elements whereas consuming as a lot Czech beer as you need. Soaking in beer elements – like hops and barley and brewers yeast – is meant to be nice on your pores and skin (and even perhaps your general well being).
And, regardless that I do not drink beer (and do not typically even just like the scent of it), I LOVED my very own beer spa expertise in Prague! It is enjoyable and stress-free – even if you happen to do not drink the beer.
RELATED: Going to a Beer Spa in Prague: What It’s Really Like
There are 4 completely different beer spa chains to select from in Prague, all of which supply a really comparable beer spa expertise. Most of them have choices within the New City, too (Elliot and I booked with the Unique Beer Spa within the New City).
Your choices are:
- Beer Spa Beerland – With areas all around the Czech Republic, this was the primary beer spa to open in Prague. They now have two areas in Prague with completely different remedy room choices, and serve each a darkish and light-weight Czech Krušovice beer on-tap in every room. (Book here or here)
- Unique Beer Spa – This beer spa chain has three completely different areas round Prague (two within the New City, and one within the Outdated City). They’ve a pair completely different spa room choices, and likewise serve each a darkish and light-weight Czech Krušovice beer on-tap to visitors. (Book here)
- Bernard Beer Spa – They’ve a number of areas round central Prague, and serve Bernard Beer, a standard unpasteurized Czech beer. Together with beer spa choices, you can too guide massages right here. (Book here)
- Lázně Pramen – They’ve two completely different spas, with Lázně Pramen Letná being the latest and largest. They not solely provide beer spas serving Kynšperský Zajíc beer, but additionally wine spa experiences (full with wine to drink as a substitute of beer), and the prospect to loosen up in a salt cave after your soak. (Book here)
Most beer spa experiences final about an hour, so it is a terrific exercise to guide this afternoon/night. And you may read more about the beer spa experience here.
Night: Dinner at U Fleků
In the event you did not replenish an excessive amount of in your meals tour and at your beer spa, then I extremely suggest going to U Fleků within the New City for dinner. U Fleků is a really historic restaurant and brewery courting all the way in which again to 1499 (it calls itself the oldest brewery in Prague!).
The place is big, with 8 separate eating halls and a inside courtyard beer backyard. It serves up conventional dishes and house-brewed beer as you sit at lengthy communal tables, and it is undoubtedly price it!
Afterwards, you could possibly go for a stroll alongside the river to spherical out your 3 days in Prague.
The place to remain in Prague
The beauty of Prague is that each one the principle websites and issues to do are comparatively shut collectively. Which means that wherever you keep goes to be handy!
Having stated that, the most well-liked locations to remain are within the Outdated City (Stare Město) and the Lesser City (Malá Strana) – however do not low cost staying within the New City (Nové Město), as yow will discover nice offers right here, too!
Listed below are some lodge choices to think about in several components of Prague:
Prague Outdated City lodges
- Hotel Residence Agnes – High-rated Prague lodge on TripAdvisor, situated on the northern finish of the Outdated City.
- BoHo Prague Hotel – This contemporary Outdated City lodge gives spacious rooms and an on-site restaurant.
- Four Seasons Hotel Prague – For these in search of luxurious in Prague, you possibly can’t go flawed with a keep at a 4 Seasons. This one has rooms with views of the Vltava River and Charles Bridge.
Prague Lesser City (Mala Strana) lodges
- Hotel Pod Veží – A boutique lodge with generously-sized rooms proper subsequent to the Charles Bridge within the Lesser City.
- Alchymist Prague Castle Suites – In the event you’re in search of a singular luxurious keep in Prague, that is it! Guide one in every of 8 luxurious suites inside this Fifteenth-century mansion.
Prague New City lodges
The way to get to Prague
Prague has a world airport, Václav Havel Airport (PRG), that is situated roughly 25 minutes by automotive or 40 minutes by public transport from the town middle. Many worldwide and European finances airways serve Prague, so you may get right here simply from any massive metropolis in Europe. From the US, there’s additionally one every day nonstop flight to Prague from JFK (New York).
Czechia can also be situated pretty centrally in Europe, and is well-connected by prepare. You’ll be able to attain Prague in 6 hours from Frankfurt or Munich, 4 hours from Berlin, and seven hours from Budapest by prepare. There are additionally bus connections (through Flixbus) from different main cities like Vienna. Seek for the very best Prague transport options at Omio.
The way to get round in Prague
Like I discussed earlier than, central Prague is a reasonably manageable dimension, and is simple to get round! The primary methods to navigate embrace:
- On foot – You’ll be able to undoubtedly stroll out of your lodge to most locations on this itinerary. From the Dancing Home (New City) to Outdated City Sq., for instance, it is a 25 minute stroll; from Outdated City Sq. to Prague Citadel (if you happen to walked the entire method), it will take you about 20 minutes.
- Through public transport – Prague has a wonderful tram system, together with 3 underground metro strains that join all the assorted neighborhoods. It’s extremely straightforward to buy a 72-hour ticket (which prices 330 CZK, or about $15 USD), which is then good on all Prague trams, metro strains, and buses. In any other case, short-term transit tickets begin at 30 CZK every. More info here (and sure, there’s an app you possibly can obtain; get the PID Lítačka app to purchase tickets in your telephone).
- Utilizing trip shares – In the event you’re going an extended distance (or maybe want to maneuver baggage), then you definitely would possibly simply need to name a cab or rideshare. Uber works in Prague, although Bolt (a really comparable rideshare service) is much more fashionable. Each are very inexpensive. Be cautious of taxis on the airport or important prepare station, as they usually attempt to overcharge vacationers.
Professional tip: If you are going to buy a paper ticket for public transport, make sure to validate your ticket earlier than you utilize it for the primary time! There are little validation machines to make use of earlier than or proper whenever you board.
Issues to know earlier than visiting Prague
Right here are some things to learn about touring to Prague:
- Prague might be very inexpensive – Sure, it is true that Prague could be a very inexpensive journey vacation spot whenever you examine it to different European capitals like Paris or London. However issues like meals and lodging have undoubtedly gotten somewhat costlier in recent times. (You’ll be able to nonetheless buy beers which can be cheaper than bottled water, although.)
- Beware the stag do – Due to its fame as a budget-friendly metropolis with low-cost beer, Prague is a very talked-about vacation spot for bachelor events (AKA stag dos). In the event you go to Prague on a weekend, you completely will encounter inebriated teams of males – typically in costumes – stumbling across the Outdated City particularly.
- You do not want a lot (if any) money – Earlier than my latest journey to Prague, I had learn some ideas that urged I would want money within the metropolis. So I hung out after I obtained there trying to find an area ATM so I might take out Czech koruna (Czech crowns). After which I by no means used any of it! Many companies have gone contactless/credit-card-only, and I purchased all my public transport tickets through the PID app.
- Watch your stuff – As in any massive metropolis, you need to be vigilant about pickpockets in essentially the most touristy areas of Prague. It is actually the one crime you might want to fear about right here. I like to recommend utilizing a theft-proof bag (I like this purse and this backpack), not carrying more money/playing cards than you want, and simply being conscious of your environment, particularly in crowds and on public transit.
- No, you need not converse Czech – Concern not, my fellow English-only-speaking vacationers. You will get by simply fantastic in Prague with English. (Although it is all the time good to study a couple of phrases within the native language; begin with Hiya, which is Ahoj in Czech, pronounced “Ahoy!”)
Extra time in Prague?
If in case you have greater than 3 days in Prague, there are some glorious day journeys from Prague you possibly can take. Czechia is residence to so many historic and exquisite cities and cities, and most are reachable inside a pair hours at most from Prague.
My high 3 day journeys from Prague are:
- Day journey to Kutná Hora – Just a bit over an hour from Prague by prepare, Kutná Hora is a fantastic city recognized for its church buildings. You’ll be able to go to the Gothic Cathedral of St. Barbara, in addition to the Sedlec Ossuary, which is embellished with human bones. (Or book a guided day tour here.)
- Day journey to Karlovy Fluctuate – You’ll be able to attain Karlovy Fluctuate in about 2 hours by bus (going by bus is way quicker than by prepare!) from Prague. Karlovy Fluctuate is a well-liked spa city (and has been for a whole bunch of years), with thermal springs and really fairly structure. (Or book a day tour here.)
- Day journey to Český Krumlov – This historic city on the Vltava River is extremely charming and fewer than 3 hours from Prague by prepare. In Český Krumlov, you possibly can go to the Thirteenth-century fort, absorb the views of orange rooftops, and revel in a drink at one of many many riverside terraces. (Or book a day tour here.)
Who’s able to guide a visit to Prague now? What would you most wish to see/do there?
Amanda Williams is the award-winning blogger behind A Harmful Enterprise Journey Weblog. She has traveled to greater than 60 nations on 6 continents from her residence base in Ohio, specializing in experiential and considerate journey by way of the US, Europe, and remainder of the world. Amanda solely shares ideas primarily based on her private experiences and locations she’s really traveled!
