Ultimate 3 Days in Prague Itinerary

Prague is unlike any other city in Europe and you will never forget the moment you see it for the first time. It is hauntingly beautiful with its gothic architecture and old-world charm. We’ve built the perfect 3 days in Prague itinerary to experience the best the city has to offer.

It was not rebuilt in the 18^th or 19^th century like most other European cities and therefore its colorful rooftops and ornate spires are still intact. It is said, that Prague is so beautiful, Hitler decided to spare her during WWII.

So that’s got to count for something, right? It also means that there are many things to do in Prague for all interests.

In the past year, I have visited Prague at least half a dozen times, each time exploring a different nook of this charming and charismatic city.

Although you could spend twice as long here, most people tend to spend a long weekend in Prague. Don’t worry, this is plenty of time to hit the highlights of the city. 

Don’t leave home without: Lonely Planet Prague & the Czech Republic (Travel Guide)

3 Days in Prague – Day 1

Prague has a well-connected metro so getting around the city is cheap and easy with a metro pass which you can purchase at any station before you ride.

Tickets are sold in time allocations from 30 minutes to 72 hours so it makes sense to get a 72-hour ticket if you’re visiting for a weekend. Of course, you can opt to travel via cab, on foot or by bus as well.

It is possible to take a Hop On Hop Off bus tour, arguably one of the best things to do in Prague, that offers you not only transport but direct access to all the best sights in Prague.

Each bus stop is near an iconic site or district and while riding the bus you’re provided with commentary about what you are seeing. It is a fantastic way to the city and passes are typically sold as 24 or 48-hour tickets.

Take a Walking Tour

Regardless of where you decide to stay in Prague, a great way to start off your trip is by doing the Prague City Walking Tour by Sandemans NewEurope. This tour is free, you only need to tip your guide at the end if you are happy with the tour you received.

This is a great way to get familiar with the city and learn some history at the beginning of your stay. The tour takes around 3 hours and leaves at various times throughout the day from the main square.

You will walk around the city; learn about Prague during the communist era, its architectural significance and the city’s role during world war two.

Our guide was born whilst the country was still Czechoslovakia and she shared fascinating stories of growing up during communism.

Learning about this period of history from someone with a personal connection was fascinating and it provided a real insight into the reality of life for the people of Prague living under communist rule.

Maybe you are not into walking? Book a fun Prague E-Scooter Tour: Grand City Tour. Explore all the important monuments of Prague, its history, and secret stories in a fun and unique way via e-scooter! 

Old Town Square

Restaurace U Pinkasu is one of my favorites, with outside seating if it’s a nice day. Whether you stop here for lunch or not, Stare Mesto is a sight within itself as it is home to the stunning Church of Our Lady Before Tyn.

This church is synonymous with Prague with its iconic twin spires which towering over the square. The church is not the only iconic building at Stare Mesto, here you can also see the exquisite Astronomical Clock.

First built in 1410, it is the 3^rd oldest astronomical clock in the world and the oldest one which still works. The clock’s golden face and intricate detail make telling the time almost impossible but its beauty is easily seen.

According to local legend, the clock creator, Master Hanus, was blinded after its creation to ensure he could never make another.

If you time it right and visit the clock on the hour, then you will see a captivating mechanical performance which has been watched by millions of people for over 600 years.

Klemenitinum Praha

A short walk from the Old Town Square will take you to Klemenitinum Praha, a lesser-known attraction of Prague. The Klemenitinum Praha is home to the stunning Baroque Library which has remained untouched since 1722.

The library has a hand-painted ceiling, gold-encrusted pillars and an undeniable air of grandeur, with ornate globes dominating the room itself.

The library also has an Astronomical Tower, which you can climb to the top of for panoramic views of Prague. You can take a tour here daily between 10 am and 4.30 pm for 220 CZK per person ($10usd).

Prague Itinerary – Day 2

What better way to start the day than with a delicious breakfast. My favorite breakfast place in Prague is Cafe Savoy. Situated next to River Vltava, this cafe not only offers delicious, hearty breakfasts but it is also situated in a listed building with a neo-renaissance painted ceiling.

Charles Bridge

After breakfast then you can head over to the iconic Charles Bridge. The bridge is always buzzing with life, from tourists clicking their cameras to artists selling their latest work and buskers looking to make some money from kind passer-by’s.

Walking the Charles Bridge is the best thing to do in Prague. It also offers stunning views down the river where you can see endless bridges braiding the old and new town together.

You can easily spend half an hour meandering from one side of the bridge to the other. It’s also a fantastic place to people watch if you’re into that.

If you are into night photography or just like city views at night, I highly recommend you return to this area after the sunsets. It’s a different world at night and the photography opportunities are endless. 

Castle District

Once you reach the other side of the Charles Bridge, you will find yourself in the Castle District which is another must-see area of Prague.

Here you can wander the winding streets, passing charming pubs and cafes, visit St Vitus Cathedral, The Old Royal Palace, Basilica of St George, Lobkowicz Palace and of course, the castle itself.

For access to all these sites, you can buy a Prague Castle admission ticket (circuit A) which costs 350 CZK ($16usd) and this ticket grants access to all the sites on the Prague Castle premises.

For more information on the different circuits and opening times of each attraction visit: Prague Castle for Visitors. 

Nuclear Bunker Tour

If you fancy doing something a little different and have seen enough buildings for one day then I would recommend the Nuclear Bunker Tour. The tour takes you to an ex-soviet bunker which was built during the cold war and is situated 5 stories underground.

It is jam-packed full of cold war relics, including gas masks and army uniforms. The 2-hour tours cost 600 CZK per person ($28usd) and run from 10.30 am to 2.30 pm daily. 

For a dinner to remember, wander down to the river for a Prague sunset and ask for a table at Marina Ristorante. This restaurant is situated right on the river with stunning views overlooking Prague Castle and the food is delicious.

Weekend in Prague – Day 3

By today you’ve seen some of the best things to do in Prague’s, however it doesn’t stop there. This city has so much to see in it’s nooks and crannies so push on and prepare to discover more of what makes this city such an iconic place to visit in Europe.

Fred & Ginger House

No visit to Prague would be complete without a visit to the Fred & Ginger House or ‘Dancing House’. Another architectural masterpiece in Prague located along the Vltava River.

Like Prague itself, this building intertwines the old with the new – a modern design contrasted against the historic buildings which surround it. According to Frank Gehry, the architect behind the building, it was built to symbolize communism blending into democracy.

For me, the beauty of this building is from the outside but if you want to venture indoors then they have a restaurant that is open daily from 12pm to midnight and the food is delicious.

John Lennon Wall

From here you can walk to the John Lennon wall – a wall dedicated to John Lennon who, ironically, never visited Prague. After John Lennon was killed in 1980, he became a pacifist icon for the Czech people who would paint his portrait along with The Beatle’s lyrics on the wall.

The wall has been whitewashed several times to remove the ‘graffiti’ but as quickly as it is covered the Lennon images begin to reappear. The Lennon Wall is now seen as a tourist spot and is left as it is.

Go for a Beer Spa

After a spot of lunch then it’s time for a truly unique and truly Czech experience – it’s time to bath in beer, yes this is one of the most interesting things to do in Prague.

Beer Spas became popular in the middle ages and it is believed the yeast and other natural ingredients in the beer have multiple health benefits from cleansing pores to regenerating skin and hair. In the Bernard Beer Spa, you get to relax in a private beer bath and of course, drink as much beer as you like.

Depending on what package you go for, prices start from 2,590 CZK ($118usd) and the spa is open from 11.30 am to 10 pm. Love tasting local beers while traveling? Check out these beer tours you can’t miss in Prague.

The Jewish Quarter

Now that you’ve seen the popular areas of Prague, one thing I would highly recommend visiting is the Josefov or the Jewish Quarter, to dig a little deeper into the city and its history. You can wander throughout the area and visit the harrowing overcrowded cemetery and Europe’s oldest synagogue.

It is said that Hitler wanted to retire to Prague and wanted to preserve the Jewish Quarter as a “museum to an extinguished race”, which means the buildings were almost untouched as the Jews were taken and killed during WWII.

If you’re interested in the history of Nazi Germany and in particular the treatment of Jews, a single ticket to the Jewish Museum will get you admitted into all the buildings here. These tickets cost 330 CZK ($15usd) and admittance is from 9 am until 6 pm daily.

To finish off your last night in Prague head to Lokal; which has a daily changing menu of Czech classics and beer to match. 

Day Trips from Prague

While Prague is wonderful and you could realistically spend a week there and see all new things, most people enjoy a balance of enjoying the big city and taking a day trip or two to other nearby areas of interest.

Of course, there are many wonders in the Czech Republic and there is no shortage of fantastic day trips to fill your trip days with. Below is a list of the most popular day trip options including, but not limited to, Kutna Hora, Cesky Krumlov, and Saxon Switzerland.

Small-Group Bohemian & Saxon Switzerland National Park Day Trip from Prague

This 13 hours small-group day trip from Prague allows you to immerse yourself into the nature of southern Bohemia. Enjoy your day exploring Central Europe’s most beautiful landscapes and get lots among nature in Bohemian Switzerland National Park.

Trip to Cesky Krumlov from Prague

Get lost wandering through the 13th-century streets of Český Krumlov on the full day trip. This UNESCO World Heritage site is surrounded by a large Gothic castle located along the Vitava River. Have lunch at a local restaurant before visiting the expansive State Castle, then explore a little further on your own.

Kutna Hora Day Trip from Prague

Explore the medieval town of Kutna Hora on this 5-hour trip from Prague. Led by an expert guide, travel by comfortable coach to explore the 13th-century area known for its silver mines.

View the famous bones inside Sedlec Ossuary and the UNESCO-listed St Barbaras Cathedral. Enjoy soaking up the history, architecture, and culture of this unique town.

Vienna Sightseeing Day Trip from Prague

Want to see more of central Europe while you’re in Prague? This small-group tour offers you the chance to visit Austria’s capital on this day trip from Prague to Vienna. With your local guide head to the city and discover its historical highlights.

Drive along the majestic Ringstrasse, and explore the lavish Hofburg Palace and gardens of the Schönbrunn Palace, both former residences of the 18th century ruling Habsburgs. Finish your Prague to Vienna day trip with a visit to St Stephen’s Cathedral and free time for lunch or shopping.

Day Trip from Prague to the Unesco Towns of Trebic and Telc

Enjoy this limited small group tour of the UNESCO listed monuments in Trebic and Telc on a full-day trip from Prague. Explore St. Procopius Basilica and the Jewish Quarter while getting lost in the UNESCO listed historic center of Telc.

Full-Day Countryside Tour From Prague

Get off the beaten tourist path on this day trip from Prague. Jump into an off-road vehicle where you will discover amazing sites like Rana Mountain, photograph breathing views of the volcanic landscape and stop by a local spring for some fresh mineral water.

But wait your adventure does not stop here! Visit a local goat farm for a mouthwatering sample of homemade goat cheese and learn how to pan for garnets in the earth.

This tour of the Czech countryside will provide you with a different perspective than most tourists don’t get to see, and just think about those photos you will get.

Prague Travel Tips

Where to Stay in Prague

The city is made up of different districts and I think I have stayed in pretty much all of them, but my absolute favorite is district 1, just over Charles Bridge next to the castle.

I adore the old world feel it has, with its cobbled lanes and charming jazz bars that come alive at night. Staying here also means you have no excuse not to visit Charles Bridge in the evening once all the crowds have dispersed.

The stone lit up against the moonlight is a beautiful sight. If you are looking for a spot of luxury then Golden Well Hotel is perfect; this comfortable and stylish hotel is in a renaissance-style building that once belonged to Emperor Rudolf II.

It also offers panoramic views over Prague with its stunning open-air terrace. If you are after a budget option, then Hotel Bishop’s House is the perfect place to base yourself whilst in Prague.

Another historical building which dates back to the 16^th century and guests can even opt for a room in the tower. Bishop’s House rooms are spacious, clean and value for money.

We have put together a shortlist of hotels we recommend in Prague based on luxury: Aria Hotel Prague by Library Hotel Collection, mid-range: Jalta Boutique Hotel, budget: Hotel Bishop’s House, and hostels: Cosmopole Hostel. All hotels listed are located in the best area of town to experience Prague.

Read reviews and check prices with our Hotel Search Engine, that gives you the best hotel deals found on the web. Our search engine pulls results from all of the major booking places, including Expedia, Hotels, Booking and more. All the options, all the deals, all in one place and just for you.

Tips for Travelers to Prague

Prague is a city that you can keep coming back to countless times; and each time to see something you never noticed the first time around.

• Learn local phrases- if it is your first time visiting Prague then I would advise you to learn a few Czech words as it will go a long way with the locals. “Dobry den” means “hello” and “dík” means thanks.
• Pro tip: Bring your student ID with you and get in for free or for reduced admission to several of the main attractions.
• Caution: Beware of clever pickpockets everywhere in this city. Don’t carry all your valuables in your purse (keep some locked in your hotel or safe in a money pouch).
• Unfortunately, tourists are easy targets in this city and while the crime in very rarely violent, it will be very opportunistic and sneaky.
• Insider info- for some first-person insight check out the article I wrote about the things nobody told me about living in the Czech Republic.
• Must eat- be sure to try Czech dumplings when in Prague, they are delicious and almost every restaurant will sell them with a generous side of succulent meat.
• Buy a Prague City Pass- I am a huge fan of city passes if I plan to see a lot of attractions in a big city. The Prague City Pass is hefty and allows you to use the pass for 30 days after purchase. The pass includes a 45-minute panoramic bus tour, a 1-hour river cruise, skip the line admission at select sites and free admission into most of the popular attractions in the city. It will make your life so easy during your long weekend in Prague, don’t contemplate, just get it. Trust me. Buy your Prague City Pass, thank me later!

About the Author