Planning the perfect Prague itinerary can seem daunting when you consider just how popular and how much there is to see and do in the Czech capital. And while you can see the top sites of Old Town Prague in just a couple of days, planning to spend 3 to 4 days in Prague is very worth it if you want to see a more local side of this beautiful city and dig a bit deeper.
Consistently lauded as one of the most beautiful cities in the world, Prague has also struggled with the impacts of over-tourism. Because of this, it is important to ensure that you spend more than a day or two simply wandering through the old town, the castle and across the Charles Bridge and venture to some other neighbourhoods and sites in this incredible city.
So whether you’re visiting Prague as a city break destination, the next stop on a trip from Munich or Berlin or as one stop of many on a trip through Central Europe, figuring out how to structure your trip so that you’re able to explore the medieval charms that make this city so popular with tourists along with some lesser-visited areas is essential.
If you’re planning a trip to Prague, follow this itinerary to ensure you get the most your of your trip to the Czech capital.
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How Many Days in Prague?
Many potential visitors tend to rush through the city, thinking the sites in the Old Town and near the castle are the only things of merit worth visiting.
If you go for this route, you definitely could spend only 2 days in Prague, however, you wouldn’t be able to see more local areas and venture beyond the hordes of tourists in the centre of the city.
If you are short on time, I would highly recommend planning to spend at least 3 days in Prague. This will allow you to check off all of the main sites and tourist highlights while also giving you time to explore some of Prague 2 and 3 and to see where locals actually live and what we do in the Czech capital.
In an ideal world, spending 4 days would be the best option. This allows you to do all of the things in the city while also giving you time to go on a day trip. There are plenty of places to visit within easy reach of Prague that will give you a more holistic view of the Czech Republic beyond what you can see in the capital city.
Getting To & Around Prague
Located in the centre of Europe, Prague is relatively well-connected to many other cities throughout Europe and beyond. Home to its own international airport, there are lots of flights that connect Prague to across Europe and even some further afield.
Prague airport is small, but it does serve both major and budget airlines, so it is likely that you can find some flights to the city if you’re looking to visit Prague as a standalone city break.
If you’re visiting the Czech capital as part of a longer trip through Central Europe, there are lots of trains between cities like Vienna, Berlin, Dresden, Bratislava and many cities in Poland. You can view schedules here.
Once you’re in Prague, you will find that it is a city that is very easy to get around. The city centre of Prague (that is, the Old Town and Mala Strana areas) is easy enough to get around while only relying on your own two feet. However, if you’re following this Prague itinerary, you’re going to want to use the public transit system.
Fortunately, Prague has one of the best and easiest-to-navigate public transport systems in Europe. Using the tram or metro is simple and affordable and it is also very wide-reaching and expansive.
You can purchase public transit tickets either from the machines at the metro stations, from the machines on the trams (you can use card payment on both of these) or by downloading the PID Lítačka app and buying a ticket directly from there (my preferred method).
Keep in mind that if you buy a single ticket through the app, it does take 2 minutes to be fully active, so make sure to buy it before your tram comes in case you get on the wrong side of a ticket inspector. You can also buy a Prague City Pass that includes public transport as well as entry to many Prague attractions.
If you want to take a taxi in Prague, there are a few apps that operate in the city. You can use the Bolt app, Uber or the local app Liftago and get around via taxi very easily in the Czech capital.
3 to 4 Days in Prague Itinerary
Day 1 – Charles Bridge, Prague Castle, Mala Strana & More
The first day of this route takes in a lot of the classic attractions in Prague. If you want to learn more about the city, consider taking a walking tour with a guide.
Charles Bridge
Begin your itinerary at one of the city’s most iconic and famous sites – the Charles Bridge. This is one of the most popular places to visit in the city and it very quickly gets packed with eager visitors – which is why I recommend making this the first stop of your day.
Trying to get to the Charles Bridge early will allow you to beat at least some of the crowds and enjoy this site when things are a little bit quieter.
Another great reason to visit the Charles Bridge in the morning is that you can get to the Old Town Bridge Tower at the end of the bridge for 50% reduced price in the first hour of opening.
Keep in mind that if you’re visiting Prague in winter, then the opening hours are a bit later than if you are visiting during the high season.
Prague Castle
From the Charles Bridge, it’s time to wander through the Mala Strana district (you’ll explore this in more detail later) before reaching the most iconic part of the Prague skyline – the Prague Castle.
As one of the largest castle complexes in Europe, this is one of the biggest attractions in the Czech Capital and a must-visit. It also gets very popular with tourists and it, like the Charles Bridge, can be very worth getting here as early as possible in order to avoid the crowds.
The Prague Castle complex is absolutely massive and there are lots of different places to visit in this area. The imposing Gothic St Vitus Cathedral dominates the skyline and is just one of many places to explore in this area.
You will need to purchase tickets to go inside the Prague Castle, the museums and the cathedral, however, you can walk around the grounds outside and the Golden Lane for free. It is possible to purchase skip-the-line tickets here which includes a guided tour.
If you’re planning on visiting many of Prague’s attractions it can be worth purchasing a Prague City Pass that includes entry to Prague Castle as well as over 70 other attractions in the city.
Petrin Hill
Prague is quite a hilly city (something to keep in mind when walking around!) and located directly next to the Prague Castle is the lovely Petrin Hill.
After spending a few hours exploring the castle complex, it’s time to wander over to this lovely hilltop park. If you’re up for it, it can be worth it to walk to the top through the leafy green park itself, however, there is also a funicular that can take you to the top if you are feeling tired.
The top of Petrin Hill boasts the Petrin Tower, which is like a smaller version of the Eiffel Tower, and there are beautiful panoramic views of the city below to enjoy. Petrin Hill is just one of many green spaces to enjoy in Prague, but it really does make for a great stop on your first day.
Mala Strana
Once you’ve gotten your fill of Petrin Hill, it’s time to wander down and get lost in the beautiful district that surrounds Prague Castle – Mala Strana. Also known as the Lesser Town, there is a lot to see here, but it can get quite touristy and there are plenty of kitschy souvenir shops and overpriced restaurants on the main thoroughfare that can get very busy.
Fortunately, as soon as you venture just a bit away from the main roads, you will likely be able to find some beautiful streets all to yourself. There are lots of interesting places to explore here and the architecture is just gorgeous. If you’re a fan of getting lost in beautiful cities, then making sure you wander through Mala Strana is an excellent option.
Another popular spot to visit in Mala Strana is the John Lennon Wall. This used to be a wall dedicated to free art, but these days not just anyone is allowed to paint on it. It is still very worth seeing and it is covered in interesting bits of art.
And, if you’ve worked up an appetite so far, consider popping into the Craft Beer Spot for lunch or even just a great, local craft beer. This is a great place to go as they have some unique microbrews rather than simply serving up Pilsner Urquell or Kozel (not that there is anything wrong with those beers, either!).
Střelecký Island
From your exploration of Mala Strana, head closer to the Vltava River and visit Střelecký Island, a love island in the middle of the river. This is one of many islands in the Vltava, but it is very easy to reach on foot as it is connected via the Legion Bridge. You can also get a great view of the Charles Bridge from the Legion Bridge.
This island is very peaceful and is nice just to hang out on. If you happen to be visiting in the summertime or in the warmer months, you can even enjoy watching paddle around on the pedal boats on the river.
You can also get wonderful views of the Charles Bridge and Old Town and experience a bit of local Prague wildlife – the nutria. These rodents are like large water rats and, though they seem friendly, it is discouraged to feed them. They are cute to see swimming in the river, however!
Naplavka
End your day on the embankments of the Vltava – known by the locals as Naplavka! This area has been recently refurbished to include countless riverside bars and cafes and it is incredibly pleasant to walk around – and it is a popular spot for locals and tourists alike.
This area is nice to visit at any time on any day of the week, but it is also home to a very popular farmer’s market on Saturdays if you have the time to visit during your trip to Prague. Regardless of that, Naplavka is the perfect place to end your first day of Prague exploration.
Day 2 – Wenceslas Square, Old Town, Letna & More
Wenceslas Square
The second day begins in one of the most popular areas to visit in the city – Wenceslas Square. A bit different from places like the Old Town Square (which we will visit later today), Wenceslas Square is long and vast, lined with high street shops.
I recommend getting here early as it can get incredibly busy the later in the day you go. And it is also worth noting that this square, though perfectly safe in the daytime, can get a bit seedy after dark.
There is a lot of history in this square and it has been a major meeting and gathering place in the Czech capital. This was the site where, in 1969, Jan Palach set himself on fire to protest the suppression of free speech. It was also the site of mass protests in November of 1989 during the Velvet Revolution.
At the very top of Wenceslas Square, you will see the statue of St Wenceslas in front of the beautiful National Museum. And though this square isn’t the most beautiful in Prague, it is definitely worth visiting when in the Czech Capital.
National Museum
After wandering through Wenceslas Square, take the time to visit the Czech National Museum, which is located in the beautiful building at the top of the square. This museum is perfect to visit if you want to learn more about Czech history and life, from hundreds of years ago to the present day.
You could spend quite a long time in the museum depending on just how interested you are in the various exhibitions. You can purchase tickets to the museum either online in advance or simply at the museum itself when you choose to go.
Old Town
After learning about Czech history at the National Museum, it’s time to saunter into the medieval centre of Prague — and, after the Charles Bridge and Castle, probably the area you most associate with this city: the Old Town.
Old Town Prague can get incredibly popular and packed with tourists and it’s worth noting this. However, it is still worth visiting and wandering around because it is absolutely beautiful and a highlight for many visiting this city.
Make sure to take your time exploring the vast Old Town Square. Here you can see the Gothic architecture of the Church of Our Lady before Týn, plenty of monuments and, one of the top attractions, the Astronomical Clock. If you would like to enter, you can buy skip-the-line tickets here for the Astronomical Clock & Old Town Hall.
Take the time to wander on some of the smaller side streets away from the crowds and make sure to take in the beautiful architecture that surrounds you. You can easily spend hours exploring this area and allow yourself to get a little bit lost – you will not regret it! Foodies can also take a food tour of the area.
The Jewish Quarter
Within Prague’s Old Town lies its historic Jewish Quarter. Though there isn’t a large Jewish population left in the Czech Republic, there is a vast history here that is very much exemplified by the countless synagogues and historical sites to take in here.
The main draw of this area is the imposing Spanish Synagogue, which is built in beautiful Moorish revival-style architecture. Along with touring the synagogue, it is also home to a permanent exhibition about the history of Jews in the Czech Republic.
Another site to see in the Jewish Quarter would be the Old Jewish Cemetary. This cemetery is considered to be the largest of its kind in Europe (the second-largest is in Sarajevo) and is a very moving place to visit.
If you would like to learn more about the Jewish Quarter and Old Town, you can organise a guided walking tour here.
Letna Park
After a long day of exploring the historic sites of Prague’s Old Town, it’s time to head across the Vltava and visit one of the city’s nicest parks – Letna Park. This hilltop park is most famous for having beautiful, panoramic views of the city from above and it is the perfect place to grab some great photos of Prague.
And if you want to have a drink with a view, there is also a delightful beer garden where you can overlook the city while sipping an ice-cold Czech beer – some of the best in the world!
Day 3 – Vyšehrad, Vinohrady & Žižkov
Vyšehrad
While Prague Castle is normally on the top of tourist’s to-do lists when visiting the Czech capital, if you have 3 days in the city or more, you will be able to have the time to visit another historic fortification in the city centre – Vyšehrad.
Located a bit south of the Old Town, Vyšehrad has a lot to offer and you can easily spend the entire morning exploring this beautiful area. The complex houses churches, parks, gardens, cemeteries, galleries and much more.
It is a very interesting place to visit and something that must be included if you want to spend more than a couple of days exploring Prague.
Naměsti Jiřího z Poděbrad
After exploring Vyšehrad, it’s time to head to the Vinohrady neighbourhood and get a little bit off of the beaten tourist trail. And the perfect place to do this is in Naměsti Jiřího z Poděbrad, often referred to simply as JzP.
This is a great place to head to (you will need to hop on the metro, tram or into a taxi from Vyšehrad) if you want to begin exploring this neighbourhood.
On Wednesday through Saturday, this park and square hosts a lovely farmers’ market that is worth browsing. There is also a beautiful church designed by Slovenian architect Joze Plecnik that is a focal point of the area. There are also countless hip cafes and restaurants to have a meal or a drink in and relax.
One of the highlights of this area, in my opinion, is the gorgeous Art Nouveau architecture that lines the streets. As you explore, make sure that you take the time to look up and really enjoy the intricate facades on these beautiful, pastel-coloured buildings.
Riegrovy Sady
From JzP, it’s only a short walk to another of the city’s best parks – Riegrovy Sady. This is a very popular park for locals and tourists alike and it is lined with countless benches, lots of grass and hills that can give you a glimpse into the Old Town.
Riegrivy Sady is also home to one of the city’s best beer gardens. This is a vast area where you can get an ice-cold pilsner (or two or three) in a lovely setting.
The beer is affordable (as it is in the majority of the city), but keep in mind that you do need to pay a deposit on your glass – card payments are accepted.
Žižkov Television Tower
From the park, it’s time to head back in the direction you came from and explore a bit of the Žižkov quarter. What used to be a bit rough around the edges, Žižkov is gentrifying and it is a seriously cool place to explore. And one of the highlights of this quarter is the Žižkov TV Tower.
As the highest building in Prague, this tower is in stark contrast with the medieval spires that pepper the city’s skyline. Constructed between the mid-’80s to early ’90s, it is distinctly modern and a really cool monument to visit and see. If you want to visit the observation deck, you can buy tickets here.
Vitkov Hill
After seeing the TV tower, wander further into Žižkov and make your way to Vitkov Hill. This is yet another of Prague’s imposing hills that has been turned into a beautiful park and monument to explore (there is also a tunnel through the hill that can take you to the Karlin district).
At the top of Vitkov Hill lies the National Memorial, which is adorned by an imposing statue. There is also a great viewpoint that can give you another vantage point with fantastic views over the city – ranging from the medieval Old Town to the modern TV tower only a few hundred metres away.
This makes for the perfect end to your third day and is one of the best things to do in Prague.
Day 4 – Day Trip to Karlovy Vary, Pilsen or Kutna Hora
If you have 4 days in the Czech capital, planning to go on a day trip from the city is a great way to finish off your time in Prague.
Though many visitors will want to flock to the gorgeous town of Cesky Krumlov, this is about 3 hours from the city (a bit too far for a day trip) and it is much better to plan to spend a night there. If you want some other suggestions, check out these day trips:
Kutna Hora
One of the most popular day trips from Prague is to the small village of Kutna Hora. This town is well-known for the Sedlec Ossuary, a church that is filled with the bones of Plague victims.
There are a few other interesting things to experience in this town and it is easy to reach from the capital, making it an excellent day trip option. You can book an organised day tour here.
Pilsen
Another popular and great day trip from Prague is the city of Pilsen. Known for being home to the Pilsner Urquell Brewery, you can tour this brewery while on a visit to this city. It’s located about an hour from Prague via train and is very easy to reach.
There are lots of things to do in Pilsen beyond the brewery that you’re sure to enjoy visiting another Czech city. You can book an organised day tour here.
Karlovy Vary
One of the top places to visit on a day from Prague is the lovely spa city of Karlovy Vary. Located about two hours via bus from Prague, there are lots of things to do in Karlovy Vary that you can easily occupy a day here.
Take the time to hike in the hills surrounding the city, visit the beautiful colonnades and sip some of the “healing” waters that the city sits atop. You can book an organised day tour here.
Where to Stay in Prague
Miss Sophie’s Downtown – Centrally located in Prague 1, this boutique hotel is located near the main station making it super convenient for first-time visitors to the city. They have a range of rooms available suitable for couples or larger suites for families.
Grand Hotel Bohemia – This elegant and luxury hotel is an excellent choice for people where budget isn’t an issue. They offer a range of lovely suites with breakfast included daily and a restaurant on the premises.
Hostel One Miru – A small hostel in Vinohrady that makes for a great base for exploring Prague. It has a great social atmosphere, a large kitchen to cook your own meals and a lounge room for relaxing at the end of the day.
Not quite what you’re looking for? Click here to browse other hotels in Prague.
Whether you have 3 days or 4, planning the perfect Prague itinerary can be a bit difficult if you want to combine the tourist highlights with some more off-the-beaten-path haunts. Follow this guide to ensure that your time in the Czech capital is a great one!
Are you planning to visit Prague? Have any questions about this itinerary? Let us know in the comments!
Hello Maggie,
My husband and I plan to spend 3 full days in Krakow and 4 full days in Prague. We plan to use our credit cards as often as possible. Please advise us how much cash we would need for each place for food and drink. Many thanks.
A lot of places accept cards in the city centre so you probably don’t need a lot of cash. However, it’s always good to have a bit on hand – how much really depends on your habits and where you plan to visit.