3 Days in Prague: The Perfect Czech Capital Itinerary

Prague is a compact, walkable city where Gothic spires, Baroque facades and a storybook riverbank make every corner photogenic. This three-day itinerary balances the must-sees (Prague Castle, Charles Bridge, Old Town) with local flavor—food, cafés, short walks and a few quieter corners to help you experience the real city.

Whether you're planning your first visit or returning for deeper exploration, this guide gives daily plans, timing suggestions, practical tips and local insights to make the most of 72 hours in the Czech capital.

Quick planning notes (before you go)

• Currency: Czech koruna (CZK). Cards are widely accepted—carry some cash for markets, trdelník stalls and small cafés.
• Transport: Prague’s public transport (metro, trams, buses) is efficient and cheap. Buy and validate tickets on board or via an app (90-min and 24/72-hour passes are common).
• Prague Card: If you plan to visit many paid attractions, the Prague Card can save money and include public transport and skip-the-line access—do the math.
• Best time to visit: Spring and fall for pleasant weather and fewer crowds. Winter is atmospheric—check our Prague Christmas Markets guide if you’re visiting in December (/en/seasonal-travel/prague-christmas-markets-gothic-winter-magic).
• Safety: Prague is generally safe but watch out for pickpockets in tourist hotspots (Charles Bridge, Old Town Square).

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Day 1 — Old Town & Jewish Quarter: A historic city center

Start your trip in Prague’s beating heart: Staré Město (Old Town). This day is all about taking in the city’s best-known landmarks while leaving room for slow wandering.

Morning: Old Town Square & Astronomical Clock

• Old Town Square (Staroměstské náměstí): Begin here with the soaring towers of Týn Church and the baroque Kinský Palace. Arrive early to avoid crowds and enjoy morning light on the facades.
• Astronomical Clock (Orloj): Watch the hourly procession on the clock tower. If you want a view, climb the Old Town Hall tower for panoramic city vistas (small fee).
• Powder Tower & Municipal House: Walk to the Powder Tower and admire the Art Nouveau Municipal House beside it.

Timing: 2–3 hours including a tower climb and coffee stop.

Lunch: Traditional Czech classics

Grab a table at a nearby bistro—try svíčková (marinated beef in creamy sauce) or goulash with knedlíky (dumplings). For a quick sweet pick-me-up, trdelník is a popular pastry—choose a stall away from the most crowded streets for better quality.

Afternoon: Jewish Quarter (Josefov)

• Jewish Museum & Old Jewish Cemetery: The cemetery and synagogues are poignant and historically important. Buy tickets in advance in high season.
• Walk around the elegant streets and peek into boutique shops.

Timing: 1.5–2 hours.

Evening: Dinner & Vltava sunset

• Cross the Charles Bridge at sunset for the best light and fewer crowds (early evening in summer can still be busy; go later or earlier for solitude).
• Option: Finish the day with a river cruise for evening views of the lit-up city.

Local insight: Avoid restaurants right on Old Town Square if you want authentic home-cooked food and better prices—walk a few streets away to find locals’ favorites.

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Day 2 — Prague Castle, Lesser Town & Petrin Hill

Day two is a classic Prague day: climb up to Prague Castle, wander Malá Strana (Lesser Town) and enjoy panoramic overlooks.

Morning: Prague Castle complex

• How to get there: Walk across Charles Bridge and either climb up the castle hill or take tram 22 to Pražský hrad.
• Highlights: St. Vitus Cathedral, Old Royal Palace, Golden Lane and the castle gardens. Aim to arrive before midday to beat crowds.
• Tip: Many sites inside the castle require tickets; consider buying combined tickets or a Prague Card if you’ll visit multiple museums.

Timing: 3–4 hours if you explore interiors and gardens.

Lunch: Malá Strana cafés

Malá Strana has cozy cafés and small restaurants. Try a Czech-style schnitzel or local beer with cheese and ham plates.

Afternoon: Kampa, Lennon Wall & Petrin

• Kampa Island: A quiet park beside the river with sculptures and canals—great for a relaxed stroll.
• John Lennon Wall: Colorful and ever-changing, it's a great photo stop and interesting piece of contemporary history.
• Petrin Hill: Take the funicular up to Petrin Tower (a mini Eiffel Tower) for sweeping city views and peaceful gardens. It's perfect for sunset.

Timing: 2–3 hours.

Evening: Traditional music or fine dining

• Consider an evening of classical music—Prague is famed for intimate chamber concerts in historic churches and halls.
• For beer lovers, explore craft breweries or a beer spa for something truly Czech.

Local insight: Tram 22 is an excellent route for sightseeing—especially for reaching the castle—and gives a local flavor of transit life.

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Day 3 — Vltava river & neighborhoods off the beaten path

Use your final day to soak in anything you missed, explore different neighborhoods, or take a short day trip.

Morning: Vyšehrad or National Museum

• Vyšehrad: A fortress with dramatic river views, a peaceful cemetery with famous Czech personalities and quiet parks. Less crowded than the castle, it's perfect for a relaxed morning.
• Alternative: National Museum and Wenceslas Square if you prefer central history and shopping.

Timing: 2 hours.

Midday: Dancing House & Riverwalk

• Walk or tram to the modern Dancing House. Continue along the river toward the National Theatre. The contrast between historic and contemporary architecture is part of Prague’s charm.
• Lunch along the river—fresh fish, salads or an international fusion bistro.

Afternoon options (choose depending on interest):

• Museum hop: National Gallery or the Mucha Museum for art lovers.
• Day trip: If you’re tempted to get outside Prague, Český Krumlov is a fairytale option (long day trip). For a nearby capital comparison, consider a short hop to Bratislava on another trip (/en/itineraries/weekend-bratislava-slovakia-underrated-capital).
• Relaxation: Book a Vltava river cruise with refreshments and live commentary—great for seeing the city from a fresh angle.

Timing: 2–4 hours depending on choice.

Evening: Final dinner & nightlife

• End your Prague stay with a memorable dinner—try a modern Czech tasting menu or classic tavern cuisine.
• Nightlife: Prague’s bar scene ranges from historic pubs to sophisticated cocktail bars and jazz clubs.

Local insight: If you love exploring cities before they become mainstream, Prague still offers layers to peel back beyond the tourist loops—consider pairing Prague with other underrated European stops (/en/hidden-gems/5-underrated-european-cities-visit-before-mainstream).

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Practical tips & local insights

• Walk as much as you can: Prague is compact, and many highlights are best experienced on foot. Comfortable shoes are essential—the streets are cobbled.
• Tickets & lines: Buy tickets online for top attractions during high season; early morning or late afternoon visits avoid peak crowds.
• Public transport: Single tickets must be validated. A 24/72-hour pass is great for multi-day stays. Trams run at night (night routes start around midnight).
• Language: Czech is the local language. English is widely spoken in tourist areas; learning simple phrases—děkuji (thank you), prosím (please)—is appreciated.
• Tipping: 10%–15% is standard in sit-down restaurants if service isn’t included. Round up for taxis.
• Money saving: Eat in neighborhoods just off major squares, and choose lunchtime set menus for better value.
• Weather & packing: Summers are warm; winters can be freezing and snowy—pack layers and a warm coat for December visits.
• Accessibility: Some historic streets and buildings have limited accessibility due to stairs and cobbles—plan accordingly.

Getting around from the airport

• Public transport: The Airport Express bus connects to the main train station (Hlavní nádraží). It’s cheap and reliable.
• Tivoli & transfers: Official taxis and ride-share services like Bolt or Uber operate in Prague—agree on an estimated fare or use the app meter.

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Food & drink: What to try

• Svíčková: Marinated beef with creamy vegetable sauce, cranberry and whipped cream—serve with dumplings.
• Goulash and knedlíky: Hearty and satisfying, especially in winter.
• Trdelník: Sweet rolled pastry—best sought from artisanal bakeries rather than tourist stalls.
• Czech beer: Try a Pilsner Urquell or local craft brews; Czech brewing tradition is a national pride.
• Café culture: Enjoy long coffee breaks in classic cafés like Café Louvre or Café Slavia—both literary haunts.

Local insight: Many Prague restaurants will list a tourist menu in English; ask servers about daily specials for seasonal dishes and fresher options.

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Extra itineraries & further reading

• Planning a winter visit? See our Prague Christmas Markets guide for the best seasonal markets and festive tips (/en/seasonal-travel/prague-christmas-markets-gothic-winter-magic).
• If you’re exploring Central Europe further, a weekend in Bratislava can be an easy and rewarding add-on (/en/itineraries/weekend-bratislava-slovakia-underrated-capital).
• For more off-the-beaten-path European ideas, check our list of underrated cities to visit before they go mainstream (/en/hidden-gems/5-underrated-european-cities-visit-before-mainstream).

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Final thoughts

Three days in Prague is enough to fall in love. The city’s compactness makes it easy to pack iconic experiences—medieval squares, castle hill panoramas, riverside strolls and memorable meals—into a long weekend. Move at a relaxed pace, mix the major sights with time to sit in a café or a quiet park, and you’ll leave Prague already planning your return.

Enjoy your visit, and don’t be afraid to stray from the tourist routes—Prague rewards curiosity.