Prague is the perfect place to visit if you’re looking for a short but unforgettable getaway. As the capital of the Czech Republic, Prague is known for its stunning architecture and old-world charm.
There’s so much to see and do that it can be hard to narrow down your list of attractions!
Luckily, with this 3-day Prague itinerary, you can make sure to hit all the major landmarks and still have time for a few surprises.
I visited Prague back in 2020 and had a blast, despite only having three days to explore.
Here’s what I did, where I went and the best things to see:
In this post, you'll find...
About Prague
Prague is the capital of Czech Republic, located in the Central Europe region.
It’s best known for its historical sites and Gothic architecture. It’s also a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Europe’s best-preserved cities. It’s a great city to explore with a lot of things to do and see.
In fact, Prague is home to over 1.2 million people and sees a whopping 6 million tourists every year!
Some of the highlights of Prague include the famous Charles Bridge, one of the most famous bridges in Prague.
Other popular landmarks here include the Prague Castle, Old Town Square, Jewish Quarter, St. Vitus Cathedral, The Great Place, and the river Vltava which runs through the city.
My personal favorite aspect of the city? It’s super cheap to travel here. Especially when compared to other major European cities.
Prague is one of the most budget-friendly travel destinations in Europe – you can expect to spend as little as $45-60 per day while traveling here.
And you could easily spend even less than that! Since the city is filled with so much architecture, most of the things you’ll want to see and do here are free.
You can find great deals on accommodation in Prague – but we’ll talk more about that later.
Related read: Is Prague Safe to Visit? Safety Tips + 10 Things to Avoid
Things to do in Prague & What to See
So what is there to do in Prague, anyway?
There are quite a few cool things to do in Prague that you won’t want to miss, and we’ll get more into the nitty gritty of each one as you read along.
But for now, here are some of my favorite things to do in the Czech capital and popular places to visit during your stay here:
- Charles Bridge
- Prague Astronomical Clock
- Prague Castle
- St Vitus Cathedral
- Dancing House
- Old Town Square
- Lennon Wall
- The Powder Tower
- Vyšehrad
- Národní muzeum
Pressed for time? Join a walking tour of Prague to get a better understanding of the culture, history, and architecture of the city. You’ll visit most of these places with a guided tour, and the information you’ll learn will give you some insight into the city.
Getting around in Prague
What’s the best way to get around Prague?
Public transport in Prague is clean, cheap, and reliable – so it’s the best option for getting around the city.
The most popular option is to take the metro, which is easy to use and covers most of the city. It’s fast and relatively cheap, making it one of the best options for getting around if you’re short on time.
You can also take buses or trams in Prague. They aren’t as efficient as the metro but they will get you to your destination.
If you have time, walking around Prague can be a great way to see the city and take in the sights. It can help you save money on transportation too!
For travelers who are pressed for time and want to see as much of Prague as possible, there are plenty of hop-on-hop-off buses that you can take.
Is Prague worth visiting?
I definitely Prague is worth seeing! Prague is a great place to visit, with some of the most stunning architecture in all of Europe.
I’ll admit – when my friends first proposed this destination as a trip for our Christmas break, I wasn’t thrilled.
I’d had a ton of European cities higher up on my bucket list that I wanted to see (and still do!) and Prague, sadly, just wasn’t one of them.
But after I got here, I was quickly entranced by the city.
Prague is an incredibly picturesque city with a mix of old and new architecture that will make you feel like you’ve stepped into another world entirely.
There’s such a unique and special charm that this city holds that will leave you enchanted and wanting to come back.
Is 3 days in Prague enough?
3 days in Prague is typically enough to see the main attractions and get a good feel for the city.
Even if you’re pressed for time, you can still visit all of Prague’s must-sees in as little as 3 days.
In fact, I’d say three days is the perfect amount of time to visit Prague.
3 Days in Prague: A Day-by-Day Itinerary
Day 1: Explore the City
Prague Castle & St. Vitus Cathedral
Start your day off by visiting one of Prague’s most iconic monuments—Prague Castle. Prague castle is the largest castle in the capital, so naturally, every visitor wants to explore it.
But be prepared to go through several security checkpoints! They take their security seriously here.
You can either explore the castle yourself or hop on a guided tour of the castle.
With a tour guide, you’ll get a better idea of the history of the castle and what it was used for, since they’re typically more knowledgeable than your average tourist.
And let’s be honest, you didn’t come here just to admire the architecture–you want to get a better understanding of what it means and the history behind it.
Am I right?
I personally wanted to get a more in-depth understanding of one of the largest fortresses in the world, so joined this Prague Castle tour. I thought it was great!
Our guide was very friendly and knowledgeable and told us stories about the Czech royalty that once lived here.
The tour lasted about two and a half hours, and we had some time to explore the castle on our own as well. It also included a tour of the St. Vitus Cathedral and some of the other buildings in the complex.
Charles Bridge
After you’ve gotten your fill of the castle, head to Charles Bridge – this is Prague’s pride and joy. And the oldest bridge in the city!
The Gothic-style bridge was built in the 14th century and connects the Old Town of Prague to the Lesser Town. It’s lined with 30 baroque statues and is bookended by two towers.
As you walk along the bridge, you’ll find an array of vendors selling handmade jewelry, paintings, and unique souvenirs and trinkets.
There was even a guy with an owl dressed up in a little cape that will sit on your hand for a photo!
Just keep in mind that you’ll have to pay a few Czech crowns for this.
I recommend staying on the bridge for a few minutes and really admiring the views of the Vltava River. The view here is truly breathtaking!
This city is so rich in history and the Baroque arches and statues you can see from the bridge are just a reminder of that.
It’s also an ideal spot for taking photos after sunrise, or early in the morning when the crowds are less dense. It’s definitely worth stopping by to take some snaps and appreciate the stunning views of Prague’s skyline.
And if you’re traveling alone but still want some high-quality photos, don’t be afraid to hire a photographer and have a photoshoot!
I do this almost every time I travel solo and don’t have someone to get the pictures that I want. I love having visual reminders of my trips and to me, it doesn’t make sense to pay for a trip and not get a few good photos to remember it by.
You can find a few different Prague photo tours on Viator like this one – which offers solo, couple, or group packages.
Lesser Town (Malá Strana)
Across the bridge, you’ll find Prague’s Lesser Town (called “Malá Strana” in Czech). This is a great place to wander around, grab a bite to eat, and window shop.
There are plenty of cafes here offering traditional Czech food as well as international cuisine.
I personally stopped by Ferdinanda restaurant located in the old Lesser Town Hall for lunch since I was craving something other than typical tourist fare! The atmosphere there was cozy and the food was delicious.
Once you’ve grabbed a bite to eat, take some time to explore this historic part of town.
There are plenty of galleries and shops here, as well as churches like St Nicholas Church and St. Thomas’s Church that are worth visiting.
This area is also home to “Shakespeare and Sons”, one of many cool English bookstores in Prague.
Lennon Wall
You can also visit the Lennon Wall–a colorful wall with John Lennon-inspired graffiti.
The wall was created in the 1980s after Lennon’s assassination as a symbol of peace during the Cold War.
The Czech Republic was a communist country at the time, so having a wall with John Lennon lyrics on it was a form of protest against the regime.
The John Lennon wall has since become an iconic symbol of Prague and is definitely worth checking out!
It’s a cool place to snap a few photos of something other than centuries-old architecture and bridges.
Petrin Hill & Petrin Tower
At the end of your day, make sure you take some time to admire the views of Prague from Petrin Hill.
The hill is located in Lesser Town and is home to an observation tower called the Petrin Tower, a steel tower that looks a bit like Paris’ Eiffel Tower.
The views of the city from up there are some of the best you can get!
To get to the top of Petrin Hill, you have two options: walking or taking the funicular (cable car).
The walk takes about 30 minutes and is a bit steep, but your path through the woods as you climb is a lovely experience well worth the effort.
My friends decided to hike to the top of the hill, but I was exhausted from the day and in a bit of a food coma after my huge lunch, so I opted for the funicular.
It took me up to the top in about 5 minutes and cost about 150 Czech crowns (about $7 USD).
Day 2: Culture & Cuisine
Old Town Square
Prague’s Old Town Square is one of the most popular attractions in Prague. This vibrant square has everything from historical buildings, street performers, outdoor cafes, and markets.
It’s the perfect place to spend the morning and take in some of Prague’s history.
Here is also where you’ll find a ton of food vendors selling traditional Czech food and drink for suuuuper cheap. So if you’re looking for a cheap and delicious breakfast, Old Town Square is the place to go!
I highly recommend trying trdelnik – it’s a type of doughnut-style pastry rolled in sugar and cinnamon. It’s usually served with a sprinkling of nuts or ice cream, and it is SO GOOD.
It’s a sugary, doughy roll of deliciousness.
Also in the town square, you’ll find a bunch of little shops and galleries, as well as buildings like the famous Astronomical Clock.
Prague Astronomical Clock
This massive clock located in Old Town Square was first installed in 1410 and has been standing here for over 600 years!
The face of the clock is filled with intricate details and it plays a trumpeter call every half hour. It also performs an elaborate show every hour on the hour with its 12 apostles.
Prague’s Astronomical Clock is one of the oldest functioning medieval astronomical clocks in the world!
Yep. It’s that old.
It’s the staple of Prague (after the Charles Bridge, of course), so seeing the clock is kind of an obligation while here.
I mean, if you go to Prague and don’t see the Astronomical Clock – did you really even go to Prague?
For a unique view of Prague, climb to the third floor of the tower to its viewing platform. From up there you can get an amazing view of the city and its many spires, as well as a close-up look at the clock’s mechanics.
It costs about $10 per person and can be booked in advance online here.
Grab some traditional Czech food for lunch
For lunch, you can grab something quick at one of the many outdoor stands in the square or head to a nearby restaurant like U Fleku which is known for its delicious Czech beer and hearty dishes.
I’m a huge advocate of always trying the local food wherever you’re traveling to. I think one of the best ways to learn about a destination and its culture is to taste its cuisine.
Food is the best way to bond with locals and really get to know their culture!
So while you’re in Prague, try some of the traditional Czech food.
Some of my favorites were Bramborak (potato pancake), Smazeny Syr (fried cheese), Czech roasted duck, and Svickova na Smetane – a type of roasted beef topped with a creamy sauce.
You can use the site EatWith to find tons of food-related activities in Prague! They offer food tours, Czech cooking lessons, and there are even some locals on the site who offer a traditional home-cooked meal in their home.
It’s a unique way to get some insight into the local food culture and make some new friends while you’re at it.
Wenceslas Square
After your lunch, head to Wenceslas Square.
This is one of the main tourist hubs and it’s where you’ll find all the souvenir shops, restaurants, and monuments. This square is always bustling with both locals and tourists taking photos and shopping.
It’s only about a 10-minute walk from the Astronomical Clock, so you can get here easily after visiting the Old Town square.
In Wenceslas Square, you’ll find plenty of art galleries and theaters around here if that’s something you’re interested in. The Statue of Saint Wenceslas and the National Museum are also located here, so there’s plenty to see and do.
Wenceslas Square is also the best choice when it comes to where to stay in Prague! It’s where most of the nightlife and restaurants are in the city, and it’s close enough to the main square and the main train station that it makes getting around the city pretty easy.
There are many hotels and hostels in the square to call your home base while exploring the city. I recommend The Hotel CUBE Prague for a luxurious stay in the city center. It’s clean, modern, and offers luggage storage and a 24-hour front desk.
For budget travelers, I’d check out The Roadhouse Prague or Prague Dream Hostel. Both are close to the metro and offer single, double, or multiple bedrooms.
Prague National Museum (Národní museum)
The Prague National Museum (Národní museum) was founded in 1818 and will take you on a walk through Czech history – from the 8th century to the present day.
The museum spans over 13,000 square feet and houses over 2,000 artifacts and art collections.
There is tons to see here – you could easily spend 5-6 hours in this place, depending how interested in Czech history you are.
I certainly didn’t spend that long here, but I did enjoy the few hours that I was there.
If you don’t have a lot of time in Prague, then try to at least visit the museum for an hour or two if possible.
The museum is open Monday to Sunday from 10 am to 6 pm. The price for a regular ticket is 260 CZK (12 USD) and they typically offer discounts for seniors, students, and children under 6.
Jewish Quarter (Josefov)
Next up, let’s visit the Jewish Quarter of Prague.
Located between Vltava river and Old Town Square, the Jewish Quarter is one of the most historically significant areas of the city. It is actually the only area where Jewish people were allowed to live in the 13th century.
In the Jewish Quarter, you’ll find some of the best-preserved synagogues in Europe.
Some highlights are the Old-New Synagogue (the oldest in Europe), Pinkas Synagogue – which houses a memorial to victims of the Holocaust, and Maisel Synagogue – an amazing example of Renaissance architecture.
The Old Jewish Cemetery is also a must-see if you have time.
The best way to see all that the Jewish Quarter has to offer is on a walking tour of the neighborhood. Aside from being informative, it’s also a great way to get to know the local culture and history.
This tour takes you through the Jewish Quarter and stops at some of the key sites. You’ll have an experienced local guide to explain all of the history and answer any questions that you may have.
The Jewish Quarter is not only a great place to learn about history, but it’s also an amazing spot for shopping and food. There are tons of shops and cafes around here, so take your time strolling through the neighborhood.
And since there is no entrance fee for most of the sites, this is a great place to explore on a tight budget.
National Theatre
If you’re a fan of cinema and the arts, then you must visit the Prague National Theatre (Národní divadlo). This is one of the most famous theatres in Prague and it’s been around since 1881.
The theatre showcases some of the best Czech plays, operas, ballets, and concerts.
One of the highlights of this place is the building itself. It was designed by renowned Czech architect Josef Zítek and built in the Neo-Renaissance style.
The golden roof and the façade decorated with sculptures of Czech patron saints is a sight to behold! And inside, the auditorium is decked out with stunning frescoes and wall paintings.
It’s definitely something you won’t want to miss!
To get tickets for any show at the theatre, head over to the box office located on the ground floor of the building or book in advance online.
If you’re not interested in seeing a show here, then I’d still recommend taking a tour of the building.
The National Theatre also has an outdoor terrace bar open during the summer months, so you can sit back and enjoy a beer while admiring the views of Prague’s skyline.
Nerudova Street
To wrap up day three, why not have a relaxing stroll down the historic Nerudova Street.
This street is named after Czech poet Jan Neruda who lived here in the 19th century. It’s located between Prague Castle and Malá Strana (Lesser Town), so it’s quite easy to get to from either of those places.
Nerudova Street is home to some of the prettiest buildings in Prague and is lined with colorful houses and cobblestone streets.
I definitely recommend popping into one or two of the antique shops along the way – they have some really unique items here.
I ended up buying a few old postcards to take home as souvenirs!
While you’re strolling, don’t forget to look up at all the colorful facades. The street is lined with vibrant houses and each one is decorated with a different symbol.
These symbols were used to identify the house owners during the 17th century, so it’s quite interesting to learn about their meanings.
After walking around for a while, you can end your day with dinner at one of the delicious restaurants here.
Day 3: Explore More of Prague
Dancing House
Start your last day in Prague by visiting the famous Dancing House.
This is a unique and modern building designed by Vlado Milunić and Frank Gehry. The structure is composed of two curved buildings that look like they’re dancing together – hence the name.
The house has become quite a symbol for Prague and it’s definitely worth checking out if you want to get some great photos.
From up close, you can also appreciate the marble and glass façade as well as some of the sculptures that decorate it.
Afterwards, I suggest taking a walk along the nearby Vltava riverbank. Here you’ll find some stunning views of Prague Castle and Charles Bridge in the distance.
It’s a perfect spot to take some photos or simply take in the beautiful scenery.
Vitkov Park or Letná Park
Since the first two days were packed with sightseeing, make sure to give yourself some time to relax this afternoon. So why not head over to either Vitkov Park or Letná Park?
Vitkov Hill is a great spot for taking in views of Prague’s cityscape. It’s located right next to the Vltava river and houses one of the largest equestrian statues in the world.
The statue is dedicated to Jan Žižka, a Czech military leader who fought during the Hussite Wars.
Letná Park is another great spot for taking in views of Prague. It’s located just north of Old Town and is home to many winding pathways and tree-lined trails.
There are plenty of benches around the park where you can sit and relax for a bit.
Or, take advantage of their greenspace and have a picnic lunch.
Parizska Street
If you’re anything like me, you’ve got to get some shopping in before you leave. And there’s no better place to do that than Parizska Street!
Parizska Street is the most expensive street in Prague – and it shows. This street is lined with luxury boutiques, designer stores, and art galleries.
It’s definitely the best spot for window shopping – or even splurging if you have some extra money saved!
I like to do all my shopping on the last day of my trip, that way I have a better idea of how much money I can spend.
There’s nothing worse than buying something expensive on the first day of your trip and then regretting it later when you don’t have enough money for attractions and activities.
Whether you plan on blowing a week’s pay on a designer handbag or just browsing around, Parizska Street is a great place to hit up on your last day in Prague.
Vltava River Cruise
What better way to wrap up your 3 days in Prague than a sunset cruise down the Vltava River?
This is a great option for those who want to take in some spectacular views of Prague’s skyline – especially at night! A river cruise is a perfect activity to wind down after an action-packed three days in Prague.
You’ll pass by the city’s main attractions such as Charles Bridge, Prague Castle, and Dancing House. The best part about this is that you can sit back and relax while getting a unique perspective of the city.
I highly recommend booking a river cruise for your last night in Prague. It’s quite romantic and the views are amazing.
It’s also a great way to see the highlights of the city from a different perspective, and get a glimpse of anything you might’ve missed.
There are many boat companies here that offer Vltava River cruises and they’re all fairly inexpensive.
This Vltava River Night Cruise comes with a buffet dinner, live music, and drinks. You’ll get to cruise along the city while enjoying some delicious food and listening to a live performance.
It’s a great option for those who don’t want to have to figure out dinner plans and want a unique experience.
For those who just want the river cruise without dinner, check out this Vltava River nighttime sightseeing cruise. This boat tour lasts 50 minutes and departs from the Old Town.
Where to stay in Prague: Best areas & hotels
When it comes to the best areas to stay in Prague, you’ve got a few different options.
If you’re looking to be in the heart of the action, I’d recommend staying in Staré Město (Old Town).
This is a great spot for those who want to explore the city on foot and get easily excited about taking pictures of its romantic cobbled streets.
This is where my friends and I stayed during our Prague visit!
Most of Prague’s main attractions are located here, as well as plenty of restaurants and pubs.
Best hotels in Staré Město (Old Town Prague)
- Prague Old Town Hostel ($)
- Hotel Hastal Prague Old Town ($$)
- Old Town Square Residence by Emblem ($$$)
Alternatively, you can stay in Malá Strana (Lesser Town). This area has a more laidback feel to it and is less crowded than Old Town. It’s also home to the iconic Charles Bridge and many historic monuments.
If you’re looking for something a bit more relaxed, this area is definitely the place to be.
Best hotels in Malá Strana (Lesser Quarter)
- Charles Bridge Hostel & Apartments ($)
- Hotel Nerudova 211 ($$)
- Luxury Family Hotel Royal Palace ($$$)
When it comes to accommodation, Prague has plenty of options. If you’re on a budget, I’d recommend checking out Hostel HOMEr or Sophie’s Hostel. Both offer comfortable beds in beautiful locations for really great prices.
For those who have a bit more money to spend, the four-star Hotel Svatojánský Dvůr is a great option. It boasts beautiful views of Prague’s skyline and its rooms are decorated in an Art Deco style.
Or, you can check out Grand Hotel Praha which has a location right next to Prague’s iconic astronomical clock.
You can search over 100 hotels, apartments, and hostels in Prague here 👇
Thanks for reading!
That brings us to the end of your 3-day Prague itinerary!
Hopefully you’ve had a blast seeing all that this city has to offer and have found this itinerary helpful. I’m sure you’ll be making plans for a return visit soon enough!
See ya next time, Prague!
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Hi, I’m Tiana – founder of and author here at Where Tiana Travels. I’m a 20-something with a love for all things travel, photography, and food. I have been living abroad for the past 5 years and solo traveling the globe in my free time. I created this blog to share my travel stories and inspire other women to go out and see the world. Read more about me here!