The Ultimate Prague Itinerary: 3, 4, or 5 Days in the City of a Hundred Spires

Are you planning a trip to Prague and wondering about the best things to do? Are you looking for the perfect Prague itinerary for your first visit? You’ve come to the right place!

Prague has captured the hearts of travelers worldwide with its fairy-tale architecture, rich history, and affordable Czech beer. If you’re a first-time visitor to the Czech Republic, navigating Prague’s wealth of attractions can feel overwhelming.

That’s why I’ve created this comprehensive Prague travel itinerary guide—perfect for 3-, 4-, or 5-day trips based on my extensive experience living in and exploring this magical city along the Vltava River.

Best Time to Visit Prague

When is the best time to visit Prague? The timing of your Prague visit significantly impacts your experience. Here’s a seasonal breakdown to help you decide:

Spring (March-May)

• Weather: Mild temperatures (9-13°C/48-55°F)
• Crowds: Moderate
• Highlights: Cherry blossoms, Easter markets, fewer tourists than summer
• Recommendation: April and May offer the perfect balance of good weather and manageable crowds for exploring Prague Castle and crossing Charles Bridge without battling crowds

Summer (June-August)

• Weather: Warm (16-18°C/61-64°F), occasional hot days
• Crowds: Peak tourist season with long lines at the Astronomical Clock and other attractions
• Highlights: Outdoor dining, Vltava River boat trips, vibrant beer gardens, cultural festivals
• Recommendation: Book accommodation and popular attractions in advance; enjoy the long daylight hours for evening walking tours

Fall (September-October)

• Weather: Pleasant (9-14°C/48-57°F), cooling gradually
• Crowds: Moderate, reducing after September
• Highlights: Beautiful autumn colors in Letna Park, great photography opportunities of Old Town architecture
• Recommendation: September offers summer-like conditions with fewer crowds—perfect for climbing church towers for panoramic views

Winter (November-February)

• Weather: Cold (0°C/32°F and below), occasional snow
• Crowds: Low (except December)
• Highlights: Christmas markets in Old Town Square and Wenceslas Square, magical snowy views of Charles Bridge, cozy traditional restaurants
• Recommendation: December for festive atmosphere, January-February for lowest hotel prices and authentic local experience

My recommendation: Visit during April-May or September-October for the best combination of pleasant weather, reasonable prices, and manageable crowds at top attractions.

Getting to Prague

How do you get to Prague? Prague is a central European capital and well-connected by air, rail, and road.

By Air

Prague’s Vaclav Havel Airport (PRG) connects to major cities worldwide with traditional and budget airlines. From the airport to downtown Prague:

• Pre-booked taxi: 800-1000 CZK (€32-40) to the city center – the most comfortable option
• Rideshare apps: BOLT or Uber, 450-650 CZK (€18-26) – often cheaper than traditional taxis
• Public transport: Bus 119 to Nádraží Veleslavín metro station, then metro line A to the city center (40 CZK/€1.60 total) – most economical but takes about 50 minutes

Pro tip: Download the BOLT app before arrival and activate mobile data to avoid airport taxi scams.

By Train

Prague’s central location in the heart of Europe makes it easily accessible by comfortable train services:

• Vienna to Prague: 4 hours (scenic route through Czech countryside)
• Berlin to Prague: 4.5 hours (convenient service with several daily departures)
• Budapest to Prague: 7 hours (long but affordable option)
• Munich to Prague: 5.5 hours (beautiful journey through Bavaria and Bohemia)

Pro tip: Book train tickets in advance through official railway websites for the best prices.

By Car

A car isn’t necessary for exploring Prague itself (in fact, it can be a headache with the historic layout). Still, it’s useful for day trips to Czech castles, Český Krumlov, or the beautiful Bohemian countryside. If driving to Prague, be aware that:

• City center parking is limited and expensive (expect to pay 40-60 CZK/€1.60-2.40 per hour)
• Traffic can be congested during rush hours (7-9 AM and 4-6 PM)
• Many central areas have restricted driving zones (ZTL areas require permits)
• Navigation apps like Waze or Google Maps are essential for avoiding traffic

Pro tip: Consider parking at a P+R (Park and Ride) facility near metro stations on the outskirts and using public transport to reach the center.

Getting Around Prague

Prague’s compact city center makes it highly walkable, but when distances are longer:

Public Transportation

Prague boasts one of Europe’s best public transport systems:

• Metro: 3 lines (A/green, B/yellow, C/red) running 5am-midnight
• Trams: Extensive network; some lines operate 24/7
• Buses: Connect areas not serviced by metro or trams

Ticket options:

• 30-minute ticket: 30 CZK (€1.20)
• 90-minute ticket: 40 CZK (€1.60)
• 24-hour ticket: 120 CZK (€4.80)
• 72-hour ticket: 330 CZK (€13.20)

Tip: Validate your ticket upon first use in the yellow machines at metro entrances or onboard trams/buses.

Taxis and Rideshares

• Use reliable apps like BOLT or Uber
• Avoid hailing taxis on the street (risk of overcharging)
• If using street taxis, confirm the price before departing

Walking

The best way to experience Prague’s charm is on foot. Most major attractions in the Old Town, Lesser Town, and Castle District are within walking distance of each other.

See Related: Half-day walking tour of Prague

Where to Stay in Prague

Where should you stay in Prague? Your choice of neighborhood significantly impacts your experience. Here are the best areas for visitors, with top hotel recommendations in each:

Old Town (Staré Město)

• Perfect for: First-time visitors and luxury travelers.
• Pros: Central location, walking distance to Astronomical Clock, Old Town Square, and Charles Bridge.
• Cons: Higher hotel prices can be noisy and crowded, especially during peak season

Recommended hotels:

• Art Nouveau Palace Hotel (Luxury): Elegant historic hotel near the Powder Tower with beautiful architecture
• Hotel Leon D’Oro (Mid-range): Perfectly positioned between Wenceslas Square and Old Town Square
• Royal Road Residence (Mid-range): A variety of apartments ideal for families who need more space
• Four Seasons Hotel Prague (Luxury): Riverside location with stunning views of Prague Castle and Charles Bridge

Mala Strana (Lesser Town)

• Perfect for: Romantic stays, quieter atmosphere, castle access
• Pros: Beautiful baroque architecture, proximity to Prague Castle, less touristy, charming streets
• Cons: Uphill walk from Old Town, fewer restaurant options

Recommended hotels:

• Hotel Ikona (Mid-range): Great value with excellent location and exceptional reviews
• Alchymist Grand Hotel & Spa (Luxury): Housed in a baroque mansion with stunning interiors
• Little Town Budget Hotel (Budget): Affordable option in an otherwise expensive area

New Town (Nové Město)

• Perfect for: Budget travelers, longer stays, nightlife seekers
• Pros: More affordable accommodations, good public transport connections, authentic local feel, great shopping
• Cons: Slightly further from Old Town attractions, though still walkable (15-20 minutes)

Recommended hotels:

• Hotel Golden Crown (Budget): Good quality accommodations near public transport connections
• Roadhouse Prague (Hostel): Excellent reviews and central location, perfect for solo travelers
• Czech Inn (Hostel/Budget): Stylish hostel with both dorms and private rooms in a beautiful building

Vinohrady

• Perfect for: Experiencing local Prague life, longer stays, food lovers
• Pros: Elegant residential area, excellent restaurants and cafes, beautiful architecture, lower prices
• Cons: 20-25 minute walk to Old Town (though well-connected by trams)

Recommended hotels:

• Le Palais Art Hotel Prague (Luxury): Belle Époque building with Art Nouveau elements
• Hotel Tyl (Mid-range): Comfortable option close to Wenceslas Square
• Mamaison Residence Belgická (Mid-range): Apartment-style accommodations for longer stays

Pro tip: Book accommodations near a metro or tram stop to easily access Prague’s attractions. The public transportation system is excellent and will save your feet after long days of exploration.

3-Day Prague Itinerary

Are three days in Prague enough? Absolutely! This 3-day Prague itinerary gives you enough time to see the main highlights while enjoying the city’s unique atmosphere. It’s perfect for first-time visitors who want to experience the essential Prague attractions without feeling rushed.

Day 1: Old Town & Jewish Quarter

Morning: Old Town Exploration

• 9:00 AM: Old Town Square – Begin your Prague adventure at its historic heart, surrounded by colorful baroque architecture
• 10:00 AM: Astronomical Clock – Watch the hourly show of the medieval clock (occurs on the hour) – this world-famous 600-year-old astronomical clock features moving apostle figures and is a must-see attraction
• 10:30 AM: Old Town Hall Tower – Climb for panoramic views of Prague’s red rooftops (purchase skip-the-line tickets in advance to save time)
• 11:30 AM: Týn Church – Admire this Gothic masterpiece that inspired Disney’s Sleeping Beauty castle
• 12:30 PM: Lunch at Restaurant Mincovna for traditional Czech cuisine and excellent local beer

Afternoon: Jewish Quarter

• 2:00 PM: Jewish Quarter (Josefov) – Explore Europe’s best-preserved Jewish historical monuments in this compact neighborhood
  • Pinkas Synagogue, with its moving Holocaust memorial
  • Old Jewish Cemetery with layers of tombstones dating back to the 15th century
  • Old-New Synagogue, Europe’s oldest active synagogue (from 1270)
  • Spanish Synagogue with its stunning Moorish-inspired interior
• 4:30 PM: Powder Tower – Climb this Gothic tower for another perspective of Old Town Prague
• 5:30 PM: Municipal House – Admire this Art Nouveau gem with its stunning façade and café

Evening:

• 7:00 PM: Dinner at Restaurant Mlýnec near Charles Bridge (reserve a window table for river views)
• 9:00 PM: Evening stroll through illuminated Old Town Square, where the architecture is beautifully lit

Day 2: Prague Castle & Lesser Town (Malá Strana)

Morning: Charles Bridge & Castle District

• 8:00 AM: Charles Bridge – Beat the crowds with an early morning visit to this iconic 14th-century stone bridge lined with baroque statues
• 9:00 AM: Walk to Prague Castle via the picturesque streets of Malá Strana (Lesser Town)
• 10:00 AM: Prague Castle Complex (purchase skip-the-line tickets)
  • St. Vitus Cathedral, with its stunning stained glass windows
  • Old Royal Palace and its magnificent Vladislav Hall
  • St. George’s Basilica, the oldest surviving church in Prague Castle
  • Golden Lane, with its colorful tiny houses where Franz Kafka once lived
• 12:30 PM: Lunch at Medieval Tavern “U Krále Brabantského” for an authentic Czech dining experience

Afternoon: Lesser Town Exploration

• 2:00 PM: St. Nicholas Church in Lesser Town – a baroque masterpiece with an impressive dome
• 3:00 PM: Lennon Wall – See this colorful symbol of peace and freedom covered in Beatles-inspired graffiti
• 3:30 PM: Kampa Island – Stroll through this peaceful “Prague’s Venice” with beautiful views of Charles Bridge
• 4:30 PM: Wallenstein Garden (April-October) – Visit this stunning Baroque garden with free-roaming peacocks

Evening:

• 6:00 PM: Dinner at U Modré Kachničky (“The Blue Duck”) for upscale Czech cuisine in a historic building
• 8:00 PM: Black Light Theatre Show – Experience this uniquely Czech theatrical tradition combining dance, pantomime and visual effects

Day 3: Views, Parks & Modern Prague

Morning: Panoramic Views

• 9:00 AM: Petřín Hill – Take the funicular up or walk through the leafy park for excellent exercise
• 9:30 AM: Petřín Tower – Climb Prague’s “mini Eiffel Tower” for spectacular 360° views of the city and Prague Castle
• 10:30 AM: Mirror Maze and Rose Garden at Petřín – fun for all ages with beautiful flower displays
• 11:30 AM: Walk down through Petřín Park to Malá Strana, enjoying the downhill stroll and city views

Afternoon: Riverside & Modern Prague

• 1:00 PM: Lunch at Bella Vida Café with stunning Vltava River views
• 2:30 PM: Legion Bridge and Archer’s Island for unique photo opportunities of Charles Bridge
• 3:30 PM: Dancing House – See this modern architectural landmark designed by Frank Gehry, nicknamed “Fred and Ginger”
• 4:30 PM: Optional visit to Memorial to the Victims of Communism – a powerful and moving sculpture

Evening:

• 6:00 PM: River cruise on the Vltava with dinner (book in advance) – seeing Prague’s illuminated bridges and castle from the water is magical
• 8:30 PM: Evening beer tasting at one of Prague’s famous traditional beer halls (U Fleku recommended, brewing since 1499)

4-Day Prague Itinerary

With 4 days in Prague, follow days 1-3 as above, then add:

Day 4: New Town & Wenceslas Square

Morning: Parks & Viewpoints

• 9:00 AM: Letna Park – Visit for the best panoramic views of Prague’s bridges
• 10:30 AM: Stroll toward Wenceslas Square through local neighborhoods
• 11:30 AM: Museum of Communism – Learn about the Czech Republic’s communist era

Afternoon: New Town Exploration

• 1:00 PM: Lunch at Výtopna Railway Restaurant – food delivered by miniature trains
• 2:30 PM: Wenceslas Square – Explore this historic boulevard
• 3:30 PM: National Museum – Visit Prague’s largest museum (optional)
• 5:00 PM: Shopping on Na Příkopě Street

Evening:

• 7:00 PM: Food tour or Beer-tasting experience (book in advance)
• 9:30 PM: Cocktails at Hemingway Bar or AnonymouS Bar

See Related: 20th Century history walking tour of Prague

5-Day Prague Itinerary

With 5 days in Prague, follow days 1-4 as above, then add:

Day 5: Hidden Gems & Day Trip Options

Option 1: Prague’s Hidden Gems

• 9:00 AM: Vyšehrad – Visit this historic fort with stunning views
• 11:30 AM: Franciscan Gardens – Discover this peaceful haven in the city center
• 1:00 PM: Lunch at a local restaurant away from tourist areas
• 2:30 PM: Strahov Monastery and its magnificent library
• 4:00 PM: Nový Svět Street – Stroll along one of Prague’s most charming streets
• 6:00 PM: Farewell dinner at your favorite restaurant discovered during your stay

Option 2: Day Trip Consider one of these popular day trips from Prague:

• Český Krumlov: Fairy-tale town (2.5 hours each way)
• Kutná Hora & Bone Church: Medieval silver mining town (1 hour each way)
• Karlštejn Castle: Gothic castle in the countryside (40 minutes each way)
• Terezín Memorial: Former concentration camp (1 hour each way)
• Pilsen: Home of Pilsner beer (1.5 hours each way)

Prague Travel Tips

Money Matters

• Currency: Czech Koruna (CZK)
• Payment: Cards are widely accepted, but keep some cash for small purchases
• Tipping: 10% is standard in restaurants (check if a service charge is included)
• ATMs: Avoid Euronet ATMs (high fees); use bank ATMs instead

Connectivity

• SIM Card: Purchase at the airport or use an eSIM from Airalo
• Wi-Fi: Most cafés, restaurants, and hotels offer free Wi-Fi

Cultural Etiquette

• Greet with “Dobrý den” (Good day)
• Remove shoes when entering someone’s home
• Be quiet on public transportation
• Try to learn a few basic Czech phrases

Safety

Prague is generally very safe, but:

• Be aware of pickpockets in crowded tourist areas
• Use official taxis or rideshare apps
• Keep valuables secure, especially on public transport

Useful Czech Phrases

• Hello: Dobrý den (DOH-bree den)
• Thank you: Děkuji (DYEH-koo-yi)
• Please: Prosím (PRO-seem)
• Yes/No: Ano/Ne (AH-no/NE)
• Do you speak English?: Mluvíte anglicky? (MLOO-vee-tye ANG-lits-ky)

Prague Food Guide

Must-Try Czech Dishes

• Svíčková: Marinated sirloin with cream sauce and dumplings
• Guláš: Hearty beef stew
• Trdelník: Sweet pastry rolled in sugar and nuts
• Chlebíčky: Open-faced sandwiches
• Smažený sýr: Fried cheese

Top Food Experiences

• Traditional Beer Halls: U Fleku, U Pinkasů
• Farmers Markets: Havelské Tržiště (daily), Náplavka (Saturdays)
• Fine Dining: La Degustation, Field (Michelin-starred)
• Local Cafés: Café Savoy, Café Louvre

Beer Culture

• Local Brands: Pilsner Urquell, Kozel, Budvar
• Microbreweries: Strahov Monastery Brewery, U Tří růží
• Beer Spa Experience: Soak in beer-infused water while enjoying unlimited beer
• Beer Price Guide: 45-70 CZK (€1.80-2.80) per 0.5L in most pubs

Prague on a Budget

Despite increasing tourism, Prague remains one of Europe’s more affordable capitals, especially compared to Western European cities:

Budget-Saving Tips

• Free Walking Tours: Join daily tours starting from Old Town Square (tip your guide what you can afford)
• Prague Card: Consider purchasing if visiting many paid attractions (calculate if it saves you money first)
• Eat Like a Local: Lunch specials (polední menu) offer great value at 120-200 CZK (€5-8)
• Public Transportation: 72-hour tickets (330 CZK/€13) save money over individual rides
• Free Attractions: Charles Bridge, Old Town Square, Letna Park, Vysehrad, Jewish Quarter (exterior only)
• Student Discounts: Many museums and attractions offer significant discounts for students with valid ID
• Avoid Currency Exchange Booths: Use bank ATMs instead of street exchange offices to get better rates

Free Viewpoints

Instead of paying for tower access, try these free panoramic spots for stunning Prague Castle and Charles Bridge views:

• Letna Park viewpoint overlooking the Vltava River bridges
• Vysehrad ancient fortress with city panoramas
• Riegrovy Sady Park at sunset with a beer garden
• Petřín Hill (the hill itself is free; only the tower requires a ticket)

See Related: Prague Castle skip-the-line tickets

Frequently Asked Questions

Have you visited Prague, or are you planning a trip? Share your experiences or questions in the comments below!

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Disclaimer: Prices and opening hours may vary. Check official websites before your visit for the most current information.

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