What to see in Prague in 3 days
A three-day trip to Prague makes the perfect city break for a long weekend away. It’s an easy and remarkably beautiful city that’s just the right size to keep you busy for 72 hours without needing to rush around.
To make sure you don’t miss anything and aren’t stressed about trying to fit it all in, here is our ultimate guide to exploring Prague on foot in three days. Welcome to one of the most gorgeous cities in Europe!
Itinerary day 1
10:00-11:30
Old Town Square
There’s no better place to kick off your weekend in Prague. This jewel of a square is home to stunning churches such as St Nicholas and Our Lady before Tyn, the Town Hall and, most important of all, Prague Astronomical Clock, which strikes on the hour.
12:00-12:45
Clementinum
Just visiting the library makes a trip to the Clementinum worthwhile. This old Jesuit college is one of the largest buildings in Europe and, in addition to its spectacular library, it’s home to the Mirror Chapel and has a 68 m high astronomical tower.
13:00-13:30
Charles Bridge
One of the great symbols of Prague lies just behind the Clementinum: Charles Bridge. Protected by two gateways with towers at either end and decorated with numerous statues, it casts an unmistakeable shadow across the Vltava. Visit the bridge both during the daytime and at night to admire its beauty.
13:45-15:00
Pork knuckle and beer
There’s no better way to quickly immerse yourself in Czech culture than trying two of its national food staples. Try a delicious unpasteurized pilsner and dish of pork knuckle at U Sadlu, a restaurant near the Jewish quarter where you’ll head to next on your tour.
15:30-17:00
Jewish cemetery and synagogues
It’s time to leave Staré Mesto behind and walk over to the nearby Josefov neighbourhood, the Jewish quarter. Start at the Jewish cemetery: you’ll be amazed by what you find there. Then visit the Old-New Synagogue and the Spanish Synagogue, two jewels of European Judaism. Don’t miss the sculpture of Franz Kafka next to one of the synagogues.
17:30-18:30
Cruise along the Vltava River
Head from the Jewish quarter to the Vltava River and look for the dock between the Cechuv and Stefanikuv bridges. Here you can climb aboard a boat that travels along the Vltava River, giving you the chance to appreciate the city from a different point of view. During your hour-long boat trip you’ll be given lots of information about the city so it’s a great way to learn more about the Czech capital.
18:45-19:30
El Rudolfinum
After your cruise, walk southwards along the riverbank to find the Rudolphinum, home of the Czech Philharmonic Orchestra. From here you can take wonderful photos with Charles Bridge in the background. It’s also easy to get back to the Old Town from area, so take your time to wander around and explore.
20:00-22:00
Goulash
There’s nothing like a hot dish of goulash to finish off the day and Pivnice Stupartska (Stupartska 745/9), in the heart of Staré Mesto, serves a particularly good one. A fantastic way to end your first day in Prague.
Itinerary day 2
10:30-13:00
Prague Castle
Prague Castle is another of the city’s icons. The complex includes the gardens, St Vitus Cathedral, the Royal Palace, the Golden Lane and lots of other features of great historical interest. Enjoy some of the best views of Prague from up here!
13:15-14:15
Petřín Hill
Petřín Hill is a short walk from the castle and is the highest point in the city. Petřín Lookout Tower stands atop the hill and is a smaller replica of the Eiffel Tower in Paris. It was originally planned to be a 1:5 scale copy of the original — it’s 63 m high so climb the 299 steps up to the top and look down on Prague and its surroundings.
14:30-16:00
Lunch at Mlynska Kavarna
After coming back down the hill, it’s the perfect moment to charge your batteries. There are lots of restaurants in the area; Mlynska Kavarna is famous among local residents and has wonderful views over the Vltava River.
16:15-16:45
Malá Strana
Malá Strana means Lesser Town and this district, one of the oldest in Prague, lies between the castle and the river. Known as the “pearl of the Baroque”, the neighbourhood was first inhabited by craftsmen and then expanded when noble families wanted to live close to the castle. Today it’s perhaps the most tourist-focused neighbourhood in the Czech capital.
17:00-17:45
Cafe Savoy
A classic Prague destination. The Café Savoy was established in 1893 and is a great place to enjoy a coffee or afternoon tea in a Modernist interior.
18:00-19:00
John Lennon Wall and Kampa Island
Follow the Certovka canal from the Savoy to Kampa Island, a romantic and peaceful strip of land that overlooks the river. The canal leaves you close to the John Lennon Wall, a wall dedicated to peace that was named after the legendary Beatle (who never actually visited Prague.)
19:30-21:30
Beer Tour
It’s your second day in Prague — time for a little fun! And there’s nothing like going on a beer tour… Visit the most famous breweries in town and learn more about the most popular drink in the country on one of the tours that leave at sunset from the centre of Prague. Beer, culture and fun all in one!
9:30-10:00
Towards Malá Strana
You’ll start the day on the other side of the city. To avoid climbing steep hills, travel directly to Prague Castle by public transport. However, if you’d prefer to walk, all you have to do is cross Charles Bridge and head uphill.
Itinerary day 3
10:00-11:15
Wenceslas Square
After two days of historical monuments, it’s time to change gear. Head to Wenceslas Square on the border between the Old Town and the New Town. Over 750 m long, this space has seen numerous important demonstrations — the last was during the Velvet Revolution, which led to the creation of the current Czech Republic.
11:30-13:00
Prague National Museum
The majestic building that presides over Wenceslas Square is Prague National Museum where you can learn a little bit more about the Czech Republic. The museum houses over 14 million different items and its prehistoric collection is especially interesting.
13:30-15:00
Lunch at U Medvidku
On your third day in Prague you’ll want to carry on sampling Czech specialities, always accompanied by a good beer. A classic spot is U Medvidku, a restaurant that is famous for being one of the oldest places in town that has brewed beer ever since it opened. It also has the strongest beer in the world.
15:15-16:00
Dancing House
As it’s very close by, pop down to the riverside to discover the famous Dancing House (Tancici Dum) by architects Vlado Milunic and the renowned Frank Gehry, who was also responsible for the Guggenheim Museum in Madrid among other well-known works.
16:30-17:30
Communism Museum
And as you’re in history mode today, it’s time to take a look at the nation’s most recent history. Prague Communism Museum is an opportunity to find out what Communist Czechoslovakia was like through documents and everyday objects from life in the city. It covers the period from the start of the regime to its fall after the Velvet Revolution and is organised around fascinating themes such as propaganda and sport.
18:00-20:00
Shopping in Havelska Street
There’s nothing better to put the finishing touch to your Prague trip than a visit to the street market in Havelsksa Street. Souvenirs, small objects, food... It’s the perfect place to find gifts and to take a small reminder of Prague home with you. Of course, there’s plenty more to do in Prague —explore the surrounding area, for example— but this three-day plan offers you the very best of the city.