What to see in Prague in four days
Prague, known as the Golden City and the City of a Hundred Towers, has a fascinating historical quarter, which has been designated a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Its superb architecture spans several different styles, making it one of the most interesting cities in the world. The city’s museums will show you the cultural side of Prague. Add to this a mouth-watering cuisine, rounded off with a good glass of Czech beer. Four days is the perfect length of stay to discover Prague at an unhurried pace, savouring each moment. We tell you how to make the most of those four days, step by step.
Itinerary day 1
10.00-10.45
The Powder Tower
As you’re spending several days here, you can take time to see each of Prague’s iconic highlights. Spend the first day exploring the Staré Mesto or Old Town, starting with the Powder Tower. Built during the fifteenth century, this particular Gothic structure is one of the original entrance gates to the city, and one of its best-loved monuments. It leads into the heart of the Old Town.
11.00-12.30
Old Town Square
A few steps into the Old Town, you will come to the real nerve-centre of this area — the Town Hall, with its splendid Gothic tower and the renowned Astrological Clock on its south wall. This puts on a show every hour on the hour. The monument to Jan Hus, the Baroque church of St Nicholas, and the exquisite Church of Tyn with its pointed towers, complete this gem of a square.
13.00-13.45
Jewish Cemetery
You should spend a few minutes in Josefov, Prague’s well-known Jewish quarter. Here, there are many attractions to fascinate you, such as the old Jewish Cemetery. This was used from the fifteenth century until the end of the eighteenth, and it is reckoned that the remains of around 100,000 people were laid to rest here, with thousands of tombs crowded together and visible on the surface, but with many further layers below ground.
14.00-15.30
Krcma Restaurant
It’s time to sample Czech cuisine for the first time. In Josefov, there are a number of excellent possibilities, such as the one we recommend here. A delicious dish of pork knuckle accompanied by a Pils-type beer will give you the energy you need to continue your tour.
16.00-18.00
The synagogues of Josefov
Before you leave the Jewish quarter, have a stroll around its synagogues and admire the details of their architecture. The Old-New Synagogue, the oldest in the neighbourhood and the only one which is still a place of worship, and the beautiful Spanish synagogue, whose decoration recalls that of the Alhambra. Next to it stands a four-metre-tall bronze statue in honour of Kafka, Prague’s most famous son.
18.30-20.00
A cruise down the Vltava
Does the idea of a romantic cruise down the Vltava appeal to you, so that you can see the city from a different perspective? Near Josefov, between the Cechuv and Stefanikuv bridges, is the quay from which the river cruises depart. A novel way to discover Prague as evening falls and you enjoy the sunset.
20.30-21.00
Charles Bridge
Just after sunset is the perfect time to make your way to one of Prague’s iconic sights, Charles Bridge. At night, the bridge looks even more magical — and there are fewer people. As you are spending a few days in Prague, why not walk across this bridge, the city’s oldest, and see its statues at different times of the day, to admire it in all its splendour?
21.30-23.00
Dinner at U Fleků
There can be no better way to end your first day here than in Prague’s oldest brewery, which first opened its doors in 1499. This enormous establishment brews its own beer, and you can enjoy it along with Czech cooking’s most traditional dishes.
Itinerary day 2
10.00-13.00
Prague Castle
Your day begins on the other side of the city. If you want to avoid the uphill walks, Prague Castle can be reached by public transport. If you’re going on foot, you will need to cross Charles Bridge, and then walk up the various streets. Set aside the whole morning, as this castle, one of the biggest in the world, has within it monuments such as St Vitus’ Cathedral, the Royal Palace, St George’s Basilica, and Golden Lane.
13.15-14.30
Petrin Hill
From the castle, it is a short walk to Petrin Hill, or you can travel on the funicular. This peaceful place has a park where you can relax, with gardens and the finest views of of Prague from Petrin Tower, built after the style of the Eiffel Tower. Watching the sun set from here is a breathtaking experience, due to the panoramic views it affords, so you can explore different options.
14.45-16.00
Lunch and a visit to Strahov Monastery
Can you imagine a monastery with a brewery? In the Strahov Monastery, near Monte Petrin, as well as visiting the monastery itself, you can have lunch and savour an artisan beer. Don’t miss the monastery’s exciting history or its spectacular Theology and Philosophy rooms, which make up its outstanding library. In the brewery, you can enjoy the finest views of Prague while you try typical local dishes.
16.30-19.30
Barrio de Malá Strana
The Bohemian Malá Strana neighbourhood is one of the liveliest and most captivating areas in Prague, so we recommend you take some time to look around it. It is packed with restaurants and bars, but don’t forget to visit the John Lennon Wall and read the messages of peace; go onto the romantic Kampa ‘island’; see the intriguing Franz Kafka Museum and have a coffee in the classic Savoy Café. Spend the rest of your time meandering around at your leisure.
20.00-21.00
Beer tour
The renowned breweries are one of Prague’s outstanding features. If you’re fond of beer, one activity we can recommend is to sign up for a beer tour which will take you around the various traditional establishments while hearing about the history and characteristics of Czech beer, as well as anecdotes associated with it. Enjoyment guaranteed!
21.30-23.00
Field Restaurant
Man does not live by beer alone, and you’re bound to be hungry after such an action-packed day. So how does a pleasant dinner in one of Prague’s best restaurants sound? Here you can try Czech Nouvelle Cuisine, and its varied flavours in the restaurant which retains its original décor.
Itinerary day 3
10.00-10.45
Wenceslaus Square
On your third day, you will learn something of Prague’s recent history, in which Wenceslaus Square plays a major role. Located between the boundaries of the Old Town and the New Town, this vast square was the setting for the Velvet Revolution which led to the downfall of Communism. Without question, a place that is central to any understanding of Czech history.
11.00-12.00
National Museum of Prague
The lovely building that dominates Wenceslaus Square is home to the National Museum of Prague, the Czech Republic’s largest museum. The collections inside the Museum offer a good indication of Prague’s rich cultural heritage. The Natural Science, History and Music collections include millions of exhibits. The zoology department is particularly famous — perfect if you’re travelling with children.
12:15-13.30
Aperitif at the Barceló Occidental Praha Wilson
When you leave the National Museum, you could stop off for a drink in the bar of the Barceló Occidental Praha Wilson Hotel, which is also located in Wenceslaus Square and which enjoys impressive views of the museum.
13.45-14.30
U Kroka Restaurant
If you’d prefer a more substantial meal, you can try exquisite Czech dishes that combine traditional and innovative cuisine in this family-run restaurant. Advanced booking recommended.
15.00-16.30
A walk along the Vltava, and a look at the Dancing House
Summon up the energy for a stroll along the bank of the Vltava from the National Theatre to the Vyšehrad fortress. Half way along, you will see the surrealist Dancing House, a work by Vlado Milunic in collaboration with Frank Gehry. This Deconstructivist building has attracted its fair share of controversy thanks to its striking shapes, which contrast with the Classical buildings around it. An essential stop on your itinerary.
17.00-18.30
Church of St Peter and St Paul
As you walk up the hill on which the Vyšehrad fortress stands, you will come to a peaceful green area and the Neo-Gothic structure of the Church of St Peter and St Paul. Within the same complex, you can also visit the Vyšehrad cemetery. Afterwards, you can stroll back to the Old Town, and walk along the Lucerna Passage, eventually arriving at Havelska Street market where you could do some shopping.
19.00-21.00
Prague Opera House
We cannot think of a better way to round off the evening than attending a performance at the Prague State Opera. This exquisite building hosts ballet, opera, and other events. Check through its programme, and don’t miss this wonderful opportunity to experience the genuine city atmosphere.
Itinerary day 4
10.00-18.00
Local Excursion: Kutna Hora, Terezin, Karlovy Vary, or Karlstejn Castle
Make the most of your last day by going on an excursion. One of the best options is to visit to the beautiful city of Kutna Hora; the journey takes around 50 minutes by train. You could also visit the Terezin Concentration Camp, which is 60 km from the capital. The spa town of Karlovy Vary, 120 km away, is another possibility, if you would like to relax. Lastly, Karlstejn Castle, one of the Czech Republic’s best-known castles, is only 30 km from Prague.
19.00-20.30
Shopping in Prague
All of the excursions we have suggested will leave part of the evening free so that you can make an unhurried return to the city and make the most of your remaining time there. Perhaps you need to do some shopping, or you want to have a last look around the Old Town and wander through its streets.
21.00-23.00
Alcron Restaurant
If you want your final evening in Prague to be unforgettable, book a table at the Alcron Restaurant, whose gourmet experience has earned it a Michelin star. It offers an elegant setting decorated with original images by Tamara de Lempicka.
21.30-23.00
U Pinkasů Restaurant
The area around the Opera is full of superb restaurants where you can put the finishing touch to the evening after a show. At one of these, the U Pinkasů, good food and drink are guaranteed by virtue of its long tradition and excellent standards.