Tips for how to plan the perfect Prague 3 day itinerary for your first visit. What to do, where to eat, and how to get around to make the most of your time in this magical city.
Planning your itinerary for Prague?
You’re in for a real treat! And you’re in the right place, as I’ve visited Prague a number of times now. With my first hand experience, I can help you plan your first trip to one of Europe’s most enchanting cities.
Knowing where to start can feel a bit overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be.
The key to planning the ultimate Prague trip is to: plan ahead so you know which things to see in Prague; stay in one of the centrally located, best neighborhoods in Prague; and, plan strategically so you only visit 1-2 neighborhoods each day.
With these three approaches, you’re going to make the most of your Prague 3 day itinerary. Keep reading for a neighborhood by neighborhood Prague guide, including where to stay and eat.
Table of Contents
Where to stay in Prague
The best neighborhoods to stay in Prague are the Old Town (Staré Město) and the Lesser Town (Malá Strana).
The Old Town
The Old Town is the most beautiful area in the city. At the center of it all is the Old Town Square, which started as a marketplace in the 10th century and has been the site of many political and cultural events that have shaped the history of Prague.
The ancient lanes of cobblestones, the Gothic spires, the colorful Renaissance façades, Prague’s Old Town oozes history and charm through every corner.
Being the heart of the city, the Old Town is the most touristy area of the city, and it’s also the best place to find accommodation.
> Book one of the best hotels in the Old Town
I stayed at The Mozart Prague, a charming family-owned boutique hotel located right next to the iconic Charles Bridge. Originally built in 1770 as a palace for Count Patcha, The Mozart Prague has retained its authentic majestic glamor with crystal chandeliers and ceiling frescoes.
The hotel has a reputation for being a haven for artists, and it was the home of important historical figures in Prague, such as Mozart himself and Casanova.
This stunning hotel is part of a hand-picked collection by Preferred Hotels. My room had a gorgeous balcony with fabulous views over the Vltava River, Charles Bridge, and Prague Castle.
And as it was only one minute walk from Charles Bridge, it was very easy to get to the bridge early in the morning and have it all to yourself without the crowds.
The Lesser Town
Located just across the Vltava River on the other side of Charles Bridge, Prague’s Lesser Town is one of the most historical neighborhoods in the city.
Founded in the 13th century, it is full of stunning Baroque architecture, steep streets and stairways, grand palaces, elegant gardens, and Prague’s most luxurious hotels.
The Lesser Town is located at the foot of the Castle District, making it the ideal base to explore Prague.
> Book one of the best hotels in Prague’s Lesser Town
PRAGUE 3 DAY ITINERARY
Day 1: Old Town (Staré Město) & Jewish Quarter (Josefov)
Stop 1. Prague Old Town (Staré Město)
Prague is said to be the ‘heart of Europe’, and the Old Town is certainly the heart of Prague. So this is the area to spend your first day exploring this city.
The Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the best way to discover it and learn all about it is by joining a walking tour of Prague.
Alternatively, if you prefer not to join a tour, I’d recommend just getting lost in its narrow streets and discovering what they hide. You will likely end up at the Old Town Square at one point.
The Old Town Square is often voted one of the most beautiful squares in Europe, so you can imagine that it draws in the big crowds. It’s a great place for people watching and to soak up the atmosphere around you.
Here you will find important landmarks such as the Church of Our Lady Before Tyn, the highly recognisable twin-towered Gothic church. But the main feature in the Old Town Square is the Old Town Hall Tower, with its world-famous Astronomical Clock.
Built in the 15th century, it is the 3rd oldest astronomical clock in the world and the oldest still in operation. Don’t miss the procession of the 12 Apostles and the sounds of the bells every hour on the hour.
For the best panoramic views of the Old Town Square, you can buy a ticket to the top of the Old Town Hall Tower, or stop for a coffee at Terasa U Prince, a cafe with the best view of the square.
After the square, head to the Powder Tower, one of the finest examples of late-Gothic architecture in Prague. You can climb to the top for some fantastic panoramic views of the city.
> Buy your ticket to the Powder Tower here
Other places to visit in Prague Old Town
1. The House at the Black Madonna: This beautiful building is the earliest example of cubist architecture. It was built in the 1910s around a 17th century structure, as a department store. Today it houses The Cubist Museum and it’s worth a visit just for its stunning spiral staircase.
2. Bernard Beer Spa: Czech beer is famous all over the world, and beer spa treatments are a Czech specialty. Bernard Beer is a family owned brewery that uses high quality ingredients in both their drinking lager and their spa beer – fresh Saaz hops, clean malt, and yeast.
Find Bernard Beer Spa in the basement of Hotel Metamorphis, where you can have a private beer spa experience for you and your friends, significant other, or just for yourself. Just one thing to take into account: reserve in advance as it gets booked up quickly!
> Book your Bernard Beer Spa experience here
Prague Old Town Tours
Where to eat in Prague Old Town
Cafe Louvre
Located on the edge of the Old and New Town, Cafe Louvre opened its doors in 1902. This traditional cafe with high ceilings and a billiard hall is famous for being one of Franz Kafka’s favorites. Another famous visitor to the cafe was Albert Einstein.
Despite being a bit touristy, the splendor and the buzz of this classic cafe still attract local residents. Try the famous Czech specialty svičková na smetaně (braised beef with creamy sauce, cranberries and bread dumplings).
Even if you’d just like a coffee or tea, this cafe is worth a visit.
Stop 2. Jewish Quarter (Josefov)
The Jewish Quarter (Josefov) is only a short walk away from the Old Town, so it’s a good idea to explore this neighborhood on the same day.
Learning about the complicated history of the Jewish Quarter is important to understand both the ancient and more recent history of the city. And one of the best ways to do this is by joining a Jewish Quarter walking tour.
The Jewish Quarter of Prague used to be the largest Jewish ghetto in Europe, and has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1992.
It was founded in the 11th century, after a pogrom destroyed other Jewish settlements. And its inhabitants have suffered a number of destructive episodes through the ages, from banishings to more pogroms.
Nowadays, the Jewish Quarter has approximately 2,000 members.
The Old Jewish Cemetery is one of the most extraordinary of its kind, and it’s a good place to start exploring and learning about this area.
It was in operation from the beginning of the 15th century to the end of the 18th century. It has around 12,000 gravestones densely arranged, which has a very strong impact on visitors. Visiting the Old Jewish Cemetery is a must for everyone.
There are six synagogues in the Jewish Quarter today. These are the ones that I would highlight:
Pinkas Synagogue was founded in the 15th century and is the second oldest Synagogue in Prague. It was turned into a memorial to the 80,000 Czech Jews that lost their lives in the Holocaust.
The Old-New Synagogue is the most important Synagogue in Prague. It’s also the oldest Synagogue in Europe, and home to the legendary Golem of Prague.
It was built in 1270 as one of Prague’s first Gothic buildings, and is famous for its stone decorations, wrought iron grills, and Gothic lamps. It’s still one of the most important places of worship in Prague.
The Spanish Synagogue is perhaps the most beautiful synagogue in Prague, with its elegant moorish decorations that will remind you of the Alhambra in Granada, Spain. During the Nazi era, it was used to store property that had been confiscated from the Jews.
Located just outside the Spanish Synagogue, you will find the World of Franz Kafka statue by artist Jaroslav Róna. This surrealist bronze sculpture is based on Kafka’s short story, Description of a Struggle, one of the author’s earliest works.
Franz Kafka is one of the best known literary figures from Prague. And the city commemorates this in a number of places throughout. If you are a fan of Kafka, I would recommend joining a Kafka tour.
> Book your Prague Through the Eyes of Franz Kafka tour here
Top Tip:
Buy a Prague CoolPass to gain entry to more than 70 attractions, including the Jewish Museum, Old-New Synagogue and Old Jewish Cemetery.
Other places to visit in Prague’s Jewish Quarter
1. The Jewish Museum: Don’t miss seeing the Jewish Museum exhibitions that can be found scattered throughout the Jewish Quarter. Your Jewish Museum ticket will also give you access to four of the Synagogues and the Old Jewish Cemetery.
2. Klausen Synagogue: Dating back to 1694, Klausen Synagogue is the largest, and the only example of early Baroque in the Jewish Quarter.
3. Maisel Synagogue: Just around the corner from Klausen Synagogue, Maisel was built in the 16th century but it has been rebuilt several times since then, due to fires. It holds a permanent exhibition about Jews in the Bohemian Lands.
4. Paris Street (Pařížská Street): Paris Street is Prague’s most elegant and prestigious boulevard.
5. Museum of Alchemy (Speculum Alchemiae): This small museum is located in the spot where alchemists through the ages have tried to produce the elixir of eternal youth, discover the Philosopher’s Stone, and turn non-precious metals into gold.
It’s a fun stop on your exploration of the Jewish Quarter.
Jewish Quarter Tours
Where to eat in Prague’s Jewish Quarter
Lokal Dlouhááá
Lokal Dlouhááá is a bit of an institution in Prague. Part of a small chain of traditional Czech pubs, the food here is excellent. They prepare classic Czech dishes using only fresh ingredients and spices sourced from renowned regional suppliers.
I’d highly recommend Smažený sýr (Fried cheese), a traditional dish in the Czech Republic.
Day 2: Castle District (Hradčany) & Lesser Town (Mala Strana)
Stop 1. Charles Bridge
If you are staying at The Mozart Prague, you’ll be in the perfect place to get up for sunrise and visit Charles Bridge crowd-free. The bridge is one of Prague’s main attractions, so it does get incredibly busy.
However, if you are staying close by, you can get to the bridge at first light, before the big crowds arrive. It’ll be your chance to take some amazing photos in this medieval stone marvel.
Charles Bridge is the oldest bridge in the Czech Republic and one of the most iconic landmarks in Prague, so it’s a must-visit.
Stop 2. Castle District (Hradčany)
After crossing Charles Bridge, you find yourself in the Lesser Town. But I would suggest going straight to Prague Castle, as it gets busier later in the day.
To get to the Castle, you can get public transport. You can walk for 10 mins in the Lesser Town to Malostranská tram stop and take tram 12.
Alternatively, if you are leaving from the Old Town end of the bridge, you can take tram 18 or 2 at Karlovy Lázně tram stop and then change at Malostranská and take tram 12. Both journeys take around 20-25 minutes.
Prague Castle is a complex that was built in the 9th century as the seat of power for the Kings of Bohemia and Holy Roman Emperors. It is the largest ancient castle in the world and one of the most visited attractions in Prague.
The castle complex includes a number of buildings and attractions, and the ticket to the Castle Premises includes access to all of them. You could easily spend a full day here.
The queues to get into the Castle can be long, so I’d recommend buying a skip-the-line ticket in advance.
> Book your Skip-The-Line Ticket for Prague Castle here
Alternatively, you may want to take a guided tour of the Castle, which already includes the admission ticket.
> Book your guided tour of Prague Castle incl. admission ticket here
Within the Castle Complex you will find the following sites:
St. Vitus Cathedral is an important example of Gothic architecture and the largest and most important church in the Czech Republic. It has been the site of coronations and the place of burials of patron saints, royalty, and nobility.
Both the exterior and the interior are truly breathtaking. You can climb to the Viewing Gallery of the Tower of the Cathedral for stunning views of the city, but a separate ticket is required for this.
The Old Royal Palace is the original residence building within the complex. It was originally made of wood, replaced by a stone building in the 12th century, remains of which have been preserved underground, and in the 16th century the building we see today was built.
St George’s Basilica is a Romanesque church that dates back to the 10th century. It was enlarged when a Benedictine convent was founded on the site. Its interior feels austere compared to the grandness of St Vitus Cathedral, but it’s beautiful in its own way.
Golden Lane is my favorite part of the Prague Castle complex. It’s a picturesque cobblestoned street with the only remaining examples of the 16th century modest architecture that used to be around the Castle. Franz Kafka lived in number 22 from 1916 to 1917.
Top Tip:
Buy a Prague CoolPass to gain entry to more than 70 attractions, including Prague Castle.
Prague Castle Guided Tours
Other places to visit around Prague Castle
1. Strahov Library: Strahov Library is one of the best preserved historical libraries with a collection of around 200,000 volumes.
The oldest part, The Theological Hall, dates back to the 17th century, while the Philosophical Hall dates back to the 18th century. Both Halls have really impressive frescoes combined with elaborate stucco on the ceiling.
While you are here, pop into the Basilica of Assumption of Our Lady. Its ceiling frescoes are absolutely beautiful too and worth a visit.
2. Nerudova Street: Named after the Czech poet Jan Neruda, this steep street leads up to Prague Castle and is one of Prague’s most picturesque streets. Look out for the elaborate house signs on the beautiful buildings, such as the Three Fiddles and the Two Suns.
3. Petrin Tower: Located in Petrin Hill, Petrin Lookout Tower is one of the best places for breathtaking views of the city. Built originally for the Jubilee Exhibition in 1891, it was inspired by the Eiffel Tower in Paris. Those 299 steps will be worth it once to get to the top!
While you’re here, try and stop at the Mirror Maze for a bit of fun.
Top Tip:
Buy a Prague CoolPass to gain entry to more than 70 attractions, including Prague Castle, Petrin Tower, and the Mirror Maze.
Where to eat near Prague Castle
U Cerneho Vola
This traditional Czech pub is a popular spot for mostly locals, which for me is always a good sign. It is one of the last traditional Czech pubs near Prague Castle serving authentic Czech food.
Stop 3. Lesser Town (Mala Strana)
After exploring Prague Castle, it’s time to hit Lesser Town. The beautiful Baroque façades, the steep streets and stairways, and the stunning hidden gardens, make this Prague neighborhood feel like it’s been plucked out of a fairy tale.
As you come down from the Castle, stop at Wallenstein Palace and Garden for a bit of an oasis from the hustle and bustle of the city. Wallenstein Palace is an early Baroque palace that today houses the Senate.
The garden is absolutely stunning and a haven of peace for both locals and visitors.
Walk down to the bank of the Vltava River in Park Cihelná, where you will find one of the best views of Charles Bridge and the Old Town skyline. It’s a great spot for photos too.
If you’d like to learn more about Franz Kafka and his work, don’t skip Franz Kafka Museum. It includes exhibits of manuscripts, photographs, and works that show how the city influenced his work.
If you book your ticket for the Franz Kafka Museum in advance, you can get a 20 minute introduction outside the museum.
> Book your ticket for the Franz Kafka Museum here
For a view of Charles Bridge from above, climb to the top of Lesser Town Bridge Tower. It’s a different perspective of the bridge and it’s really cool to see how the crowds look like little ants in the distance.
Head to the now famous and super-instagrammable John Lennon Wall. It started off as a place to express political and Beatles-inspired messages in the 1980s.
Right next to Lennon Wall, is the Devil’s Stream, one of the most beautiful places in Prague and a true hidden gem. It’s a man made channel that divides Kampa Island from the Lesser Town. Try and spot the goblin that lives by the water mill wheel!
Other things to do in Prague’s Lesser Town
1. St. Nicholas Church: It is the most famous Baroque church in Prague, and one of the most important Baroque buildings North of the Alps. Don’t miss the highly decorated interior.
2. Vrtba Garden: My favorite garden in Prague, Vrtba is a bit tricky to find, as it’s hidden in a courtyard behind some buildings. But trying to find it is totally worth the effort. This small Baroque garden was created in the 18th century and it’s perhaps the most beautiful in the city.
Where to eat in Lesser Town
Pork’s
I had my favorite meal in Prague at Pork’s. As the name suggests, Pork’s specializes in pork meat, but in particular in Vepřové koleno (pork knuckle).
The portions are enormous, and the meat is so moist and succulent that it just falls off the bone. The best part was the crackling. Super crispy but easy to bite into, so there’s no risk of losing a tooth here!
This is going to be my very first meal on my next visit to Prague.
Day 3: New Town (Nové Město), Food Tour and River Cruise
Stop 1. New Town (Nové Město)
Start the day by walking to Franz Kafka’s Rotating Head, a metallic rotating sculpture of the writer’s head designed by David Černý. The layers spin and the face distorts, reflecting Kafka’s fragmented and complex view of the world.
Then make your way to Wenceslas Square. Along the way, make sure you stop in Lucerna Passage, a system of passages that run under the Art Nouveau Lucerna Palace, built in 1920.
Don’t miss the statue of King Wenceslas Riding an Upside-Down Dead Horse by David Černý. Černý became famous when he painted a Soviet tank pink as a memorial to the Velvet Revolution.
Wenceslas Square is one of the main squares in the city center. It is the administrative and commercial center of Prague, and it has witnessed many historical events, demonstrations, as well as celebrations.
The square is dominated by the National Museum, the largest museum in the Czech Republic. It has a collection that goes from social sciences to natural sciences. Definitely worth a visit, even if short.
Top Tip:
Buy a Prague CoolPass to gain entry to more than 70 attractions, including the National Museum.
Other things to do in Prague’s New Town
1. Jerusalem Synagogue: Jerusalem Synagogue is the newest synagogue in Prague. It was built in the Art Nouveau style, blended with Moorish style. The interior is just as colorful as its exterior, so try and visit if you can.
2. Henry’s Tower: This late Gothic tower is the highest free-standing bell tower in Prague. You can climb to the tenth floor for stunning views of the city centre. There’s also a restaurant, a museum, and a gallery at the top.
3. Mucha Museum: This museum is dedicated to the famous Czech artist from the Art Nouveau period. It houses a comprehensive collection of Mucha’s artwork, with the exception of his Slav Epic, which is located in South Moravia.
4. Dancing House: Designed by famous architects Vlado Milunić and Frank O. Gehry, this modern building was inspired by Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers. Fred Astairs is symbolized by the stone tower, and Ginger Rogers by the glass tower. It’s a very instagrammable building.
Where to eat in Prague’s New Town
U Fleků
U Fleků is one of the few breweries in Central Europe that has been constantly brewing beer for 500 years. It’s a destination restaurant in its own right, and possibly one of the most visited in Prague. But there’s a good reason for it. Both the atmosphere, the setting, and the food are fantastic!
Stop 2. Food tour of Prague
No visit to Prague, like to many other European cities, would be complete without exploring the traditional food of the Czech Republic on a food tour.
From dumplings and pancakes, to goulash and sausages, there is so much to discover in the culinary scene of this magical city.
Other highly rated food tours of Prague
Stop 3. Vltava River cruise
There’s no better way to end your Prague 3 day itinerary than with a romantic cruise along the Vltava River, even if you are traveling by yourself.
Whether it’s a night cruise or a sunset cruise, apart from being one of the best things to do in Prague, you will get a totally different perspective of the city. I did a cruise at sunset and it was just magical!
> Book your Vltava River cruise here
Other cruise tours of Prague
If you have more than 3 days in Prague
If you have more than 3 days in Prague, the city still has a lot to discover, but I would consider taking a day trip to somewhere like Kutna Hora, which has a famous ossuary almost as big as Brno’s.
> Book your day trip to Kutna Hora here
Another popular day trip from Prague is to Cesky Krumlov, a quaint little town with one of the most beautiful fairy tale castles in South Bohemia.
> Book your day trip to Cesky Krumlov here
Other day trips from Prague
Prague Travel FAQs
Yes, Prague is very safe. However, there are a number of scams that target tourists that you should be aware of. Check out this article to read about them. Personally, I’ve never had any issues, but it’s good to be aware.
My advice from personal experience is to never travel without travel insurance, no matter how safe the destination is. Anything could happen and you want to be prepared. I recommend HeyMondo, which includes Covid-19 coverage.
How to get to Prague
To visit Prague, fly into Vaclav Havel Airport (Code: PRG). Depending on traffic, plan for 35-40 minutes to get to your accommodation from the airport.
You can travel from Prague airport to the city by public transport, Uber, private transfer or airport shuttle transfer.
Airport transfer options in Prague
Yes, there is Uber in Prague. Prague has quite a few transport options – bus, tram, taxi, and Uber. Although Uber costs more than public transport, sometimes it is the easier option.
The best time to visit Prague is either spring or autumn, as the temperatures are mild and it’s not too crowded. Prague gets very cold in winter but it becomes a true winter wonderland. The summer is the busiest season, so I’d suggest avoiding it if possible.
Do you have any questions about this Prague 3 day itinerary?
Let me know in the comments!
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Disclosure: This post has been created as a partnership with Preferred Hotels. As always, all views are my own.