3 Days in Prague (Perfect Itinerary + Map 2023)

Famous for its beer and magical atmosphere, Prague is one of the most popular destinations in Europe. In the past, the city was the seat of the kings of Bohemia and served as the main residence of several Holy Roman Emperors. Today, Prague is the largest city and the capital of the Czech Republic.

With a history shrouded in mystery and legends, cobblestone alleys, a medieval castle and thousands of spires, Prague looks like it came straight from a fairy tale. Add to this the fact that you’ll find the best beer in Europe here (plus delicious local cuisine), and you get the perfect city getaway.

If you’re looking for the perfect Prague itinerary for first-timers, look no further. This itinerary focuses on the best things to do in Prague, including where to try delicious local specialities.

In the first two days of this suggested itinerary, you’ll discover all major sights on both sides of the river. However, Prague offers plenty of quirky museums and even a few cat cafés! Thus plan the third day according to your interests (you’ll find plenty of ideas further in this travel guide). You’ll also discover some suggestions for popular day trips to consider if you’d like to explore beyond the city limits.

Find a map of this Prague itinerary (with all attractions and restaurants’ websites) at the end of the blog post.

Being such a popular (and cheap) destination, Prague is always busy with tourists. Thus, be prepared for lines and don’t forget to book tickets in advance for the most popular attractions. Continue reading to find out how to spend the perfect 3 days in Prague (including where to eat and stay and how to skip all the lines).

Already have a hotel booked? Then take a look at my guide where to stay in Prague for first timers to see if your hotel is in a good area.

3 Days in Prague (perfect itinerary for first-timers)

• Day 1: Powder Gate Tower, Old Town Hall Tower, Astronomical Clock, Church of Our Lady before Týn, Old Jewish Cemetery, Spanish Synagogue
• Day 2: Prague Castle, Charles Bridge, Old Town Bridge Tower
• Day 3: Beer SPA, Vltava river cruise, a day trip to Kutná Hora or Karlštejn Castle

For my trip to Prague, I used this DK Eyewitness Travel Guide. I love their travel guides, as they have practical information, walking tours and a fold-out map!

Breakfast at PEKÁRNA Nostress

08:20 AM – 09:05 AM
Start your day with a cup of coffee and some muffins or sweet rolls at PEKÁRNA Nostress Bakery.

Powder Gate Tower

09:15 AM – 09:25 AM
Standing in the heart of the city, the Powder Gate Tower is one of the original city gates to Prague. The coronation processions of Czech kings entered the Old Town from here. The tower was completed in 1475 and used as a storage place for gunpowder (as you can assume from its name).

There is a viewing platform at a height of 44m, but I would suggest you skip and admire it from outside. You’ll have another tower to climb in less than an hour with better views.

Municipal House

09:25 AM – 09:35 AM
While you’re at Republic Square, take a look at the Municipal House. Constructed in 1912, it’s one of the finest Art Nouveau buildings in Europe. This is where the proclamation of the Independence of Czechoslovakia took place in 1918. Nowadays, the Municipal House houses the largest concert hall in Prague.

Old Town Hall Tower and Astronomical Clock

09:45 AM – 11:15 AM
The Astronomical Clock is the most famous landmark of Prague. You can see the beautiful old clock on the southern wall of the Old Town Hall Tower. Built in 1410, this medieval clock is the oldest working astronomical clock in the world. It shows the relative positions of the sun and the moon through to the signs of the Zodiac.

Every hour on the hour from 09:00 AM to 11:00 PM you can enjoy a clock show where animated figures of the twelve apostles parade. There are always crowds waiting for the show, so go 10-15min earlier to save your spot.

After watching the spectacle, head to the Old Town Hall Tower. Climb to the top (don’t worry there is a lift) and enjoy one of the most famous views of Prague.

A single ticket to the Old Town Hall allows you to enter the Chapel of the Virgin Mary, the historical halls, the Romanesque-Gothic underground and the tower itself.

Church of Our Lady before Týn

11:15 AM – 11:45 AM
On Old Town Square, you’ll find another emblematic city’s attraction – the church of Our Lady before Týn. Since its construction in the 14th century, this is the main church of Prague.

Its Gothic spires are around 80m high, but they are not symmetrical. Representing the masculine and feminine sides of the world, the larger one is called Adam and the smaller one – Eve.

Don’t miss to take a look inside the church, the interior is quite remarkable.

Lunch at Bistro Monk

12:00 PM – 02:00 PM
For some Eggs Benedict and avocado toast head to Bistro Monk. It’s a small cafe with a nice outdoor setting area. Perfect for the warm days!

No meal is complete without a dessert and Crème de la Crème is the place to go. They offer the best Italian gelato in Prague. The selection of flavours is awesome with plenty of interesting ones and huge portion sizes.

Old Jewish Cemetery

02:00 PM – 02:30 PM
This cemetery is one of the oldest surviving Jewish burial grounds in the world. Although small in size, it is believed that more than 100,000 people are buried here.

The oldest grave in the cemetery belongs to the poet Avigdor Karo and dates from 1439. Here, you’ll also find the grave of the Rabbi Löw, a chief rabbi of Prague, who is behind the legend of the mythical Golem.

Another option is to take the Jewish Quarter Walking Tour (a guided tour that also includes entrances to the most famous synagogues and the Jewish Cemetery).

Spanish Synagogue

02:40 PM – 03:30 PM
Built in 1868, it’s the newest synagogue in the Jewish quarter. However, it’s the most fascinating one. The interior is out of this world, richly decorated with gilded motifs, geometric patterns and stained glass. The synagogue is called Spanish, because of its impressive Moorish design, inspired by the famous Alhambra palace in Spain.

The Spanish synagogue (as the Old Jewish Cemetery) is a part of the Jewish Museum.

The Spanish synagogue and the Old Jewish Cemetery are the must-see sights of the Jewish Museum. However, your ticket includes an entrance to a few more places, including the Jewish Ceremonial Hall. If you’re short on time you can skip them, otherwise, take your time to learn more about Jewish history.

Dinner at Restaurace Tiskárna

Finish the first day of this Prague itinerary with traditional Czech food at Restaurace Tiskárna. Order Svíčková (braised beef with dumplings) and some Czech beer.

If you’re ahead with time or want to replace any of the sights on the first day of this Prague itinerary, take a look at the suggestions below.

Jerusalem Synagogue

Also known as the Jubilee Synagogue, this is the youngest and the biggest synagogue in the city. Built in 1906, it’s beautifully designed in Art Nouveau and Moorish Revival styles. Inside, you’ll find an exhibition of artefacts and photographs about the history of the Jewish community post World War II.

Gallery Of Steel Figures

Gallery Of Steel Figures is a unique interactive museum of steel sculptures, made of scrap metal. Among these exclusively hand-made figures, you’ll find your favourite characters from cartoons, sci-fi and fantasy movies, including life-size replicas of popular cars.

You can book your tickets in advance here.

Speculum Alchemiae

This small alchemy museum is housed in a real alchemist laboratory from the 16th century. You can visit the site only with a guided tour, starting every half an hour. The duration is about 30min in which you’ll learn all about the alchemist potions and elixirs, and visit the laboratory and the mysterious catacombs.

Breakfast at Oh Deer Bakery

08:20 AM – 08:50 AM
Start your second day in Prague with some delicious doughnuts and coffee at Oh Deer Bakery.

Prague Castle

09:00 AM – 12:30 PM
Prague Castle is the largest castle complex in the world, covering an area of 45 hectares. It’s one of the must-see sights for 3 days in Prague.

Founded in the 9th century, the castle has dominated the city skyline for more than a thousand years. Originally it served as a seat of Czech princesses and later of the Kings of Bohemia and the Holy Roman Emperor. Today, it is the official residence of the President of the Czech Republic.

Prague Castle is a vast complex that includes numerous palaces, churches, medieval alleys and fortification buildings. The most famous amongst them are the Old Royal Palace, St. George’s Basilica, St. Vitus Cathedral (and its Great South Tower) and the Golden Lane. Keep in mind that you’ll need hours to see everything, so start with the tour as early as you can.

St. Vitus Cathedral
St. Vitus Cathedral is the largest cathedral in Czechia. This is where the kings of Bohemia were crowned. The cathedral is built in Gothic style and it took more than 600 years to be finished. The highlight is the Chapel of St. Wenceslas, richly decorated with semi-precious stones, gold and ornate frescoes.

St. Vitus Cathedral is the most popular sight in the castle complex, so visit it first to avoid the lines.

It’s possible to climb the Great South Tower of the cathedral (you’ll need a separate ticket). Note that there is no lift and it’s 287 steps to the top on a spiral staircase. However, the panoramic views of Prague are outstanding and it’s worth the climb.

Golden Lane
Golden Lane is a picturesque alley with little colourful houses that date back to the 16th century. Its name comes from the goldsmiths that used to live here. Today, many of the houses are converted into souvenir shops and museums. You can take a glimpse of the daily life of the medieval artisans that lived and worked here.

Changing of the Guard
The ceremonial Changing of the Guard happens daily at 12:00 PM in the first courtyard of the castle and includes a fanfare and a flag ceremony. In case you miss this, you can watch the changing of the sentries at the gates (every hour on the hour).

Lunch at St.Martin

12:30 PM – 02:00 PM
Stop for lunch at St.Martin, a small restaurant with a cosy atmosphere, a nice outdoor garden and fabulous food. Don’t miss their cheesecake!

Charles Bridge

02:00 PM – 02:30 PM
Charles Bridge is one of the most iconic landmarks of the city. It’s another must-see during your 3 days in Prague. Being so popular, the bridge is always packed with tourists. Thus, if you want to get great photos without crowds, get here in the early hours of the day.

The bridge was constructed in the 14th century during the reign of Charles IV. According to the legends, the construction started at 05:31 AM on 9 July 1357. Charles IV chose the date and the time himself, as he was a strong believer in numerology and thought that this specific time would bring additional strength to the bridge.

Charles Bridge is lined with 30 Baroque statues, depicting various saints. The most famous one is that of St. John of Nepomuk, who according to legend was thrown in the water from this bridge and drowned.

Old Town Bridge Tower

02:30 PM – 03:10 PM
At the end of each side of Charles Bridge, you’ll find defending towers. The tower that stands on the side of the Old Town is known as the Old Town Bridge Tower. Erected in the 14th century, it served as a victory gate through which Czech kings passed on their coronation route.

For the best views of Charles Bridge, climb this tower. There are 138 steps to the viewing gallery on the top of the tower. No lift is available, but it’s an easy climb.

Good Food Coffee & Bakery

03:10 PM – 03:30 PM
While walking around Prague, you’ll notice numerous street vendors selling cakes that look like chimneys. This popular pastry is called Trdelnik. It’s not a traditional Czech food, in fact, its origin lies somewhere in Transylvania.

Yet, these chimney cakes are something not to be missed. You’ll find all kinds of delicious variations – you can choose between plain or filled with cream or even ice cream. For the best chimney cakes, head to Good Food Coffee & Bakery.

Dinner at Sad Man’s Tongue Bar & Bistro

If you’re looking for the best burgers in Prague, there is one place to go – Sad Man’s Tongue Bar & Bistro. The burgers are excellently made and come with the perfect fries, crunchy and salty (plus they offer plenty of vegetarian options).

Loreto

This beautiful Baroque monastery is one of the top Catholic pilgrimage sites in the Czech Republic. The complex consists of a church, a cloister, a few chapels and a carillon tower. Even if you’re not religious, visit the monastery for its unique treasure collection of liturgical objects from the 16th-18th centuries. Among them, you’ll see the famous Prague Sun, a monstrance encrusted with 6,222 diamonds.

Church of Saint Nicholas

The Church of Saint Nicholas is one of the greatest examples of Baroque architecture in Prague. Don’t be discouraged by its plain exterior, but step inside and admire its gilded interior, featuring exquisite carvings, frescoes and marble pillars. Also, make sure to climb the few steps up to the gallery for a closer view of the painted ceiling.

Church of Our Lady Victorious

Church of Our Lady Victorious is home to the famous Child Jesus statue or the so-called Infant Jesus of Prague. This 16th-century wooden statue is a depiction of the infant Jesus and it’s believed to have miraculous powers.

Don’t miss the small museum on the right side of the main altar, where you’ll find an exhibition of dresses of the Infant Jesus. Most of them are real masterpieces!

Seeing the most popular sights in the first two days of this Prague itinerary, it’s time to explore beyond the city’s limits. Just an hour away by train, you’ll find a royal castle and one of the most famous Gothic cathedrals in central Europe.

You can find all my recommendations for day trips further in the article.

Yet, if you prefer to spend the last day exploring more of the city, just take a look at my suggestions below (or at the ones you’ll find after each day’s itinerary).

Breakfast at Prokop, coffee & croissants

Start the third day of this Prague itinerary with breakfast at Prokop, coffee & croissants. It’s a small coffee shop where you’ll find the best croissants in the city.

Free time

Take a half-day trip or choose an attraction depending on your interests.

Lunch at Choco Café U Červené židle

For lunch stop at Choco Café U Červené židle or Kantýna.

Located in the Old Town, Choco Café U Červené židle is perfect if you’ve decided to explore further the city. You’ll find delicious bruschettas and amazing hot chocolate (more than 30 varieties)!

Located next to the Central train station, Kantýna is a great option for lunch after a half-day trip. If you’re a meat-lover, it’s an absolute must. Kantýna offers great meat at good prices. You can choose a piece of meat from the counter to be cooked for you or from several already prepared meat dishes. The beer is great, too!

Take a look at the ideas below (or at the ones you’ll find after each day’s itinerary) to fill the rest of the day.

Kočičí Kavárna and Cat Cafe Prague

If you’re a cat lover, there are two places you shouldn’t miss – Kočičí Kavárna and Cat Cafe Prague. I was lucky to have enough time to visit both places and I was more than pleased that the cats were super friendly and were looking for attention. All this combined with a delicious cake and a cup of tea – there is nothing more to ask for!

Take a river cruise

One of the best ways to discover Prague is by taking a river cruise (this is the most popular one). You’ll be able to see the city’s iconic landmarks, including Charles Bridge and Prague Castle. In addition, you’ll enjoy a delicious buffet and live music along the way.

Take a ghost walking tour

Learn about the mysterious legends that surround Prague by joining this Ghosts and Legends Walking Tour. You’ll discover the story behind the skeleton on the Astronomical Clock and hear stories of headless hauntings and bloody swordsmen.

Beer tasting and beer SPA

The Czech Republic is world-famous for its beer and there is a reason why. With brewing traditions for more than 1000 years, you simply can’t leave Prague without taking a sip of some Czech beer. And of course, the best way to do it is by taking a Czech Beer Tasting Tour, which includes sampling 7 varieties of beer accompanied by some delicious snacks.

Feeling adventurous? Well, then this Beer SPA experience is just for you. You’ll soak in a private beer bath while enjoying unlimited Bernard beer.

Classical music concert at Lobkowicz Palace

If you love classical music, don’t miss the concert of the Czech Philharmonic Orchestra at Lobkowicz Palace. The concert takes place in the glorious 17th-century Baroque Concert Hall of the palace. You’ll hear works by world-famous composers such as Bach and Vivaldi, alongside great Czech composers, including Dvořák and Smetana.

See Prague’s quirky statues

All around Prague you’ll see unusual and bizarre statues, the works of the sculptor David Černý. Two of the most popular ones are Man Hanging Out and Head of Franz Kafka.

To see Man Hanging Out you’ll have to look up to the sky. This strange sculpture depicts Sigmund Freud dangling above one of the cobblestone streets in the Old Town.

The statue Head of Franz Kafka is 11m tall and it’s made of 42 rotating panels. You can see the rotating panels every hour on the hour.

Dinner at Next Door by Imperial

Finish your last day in Prague with a classy dinner at Next Door by Imperial. And of course, don’t miss their desserts!

Prague Castle – with more than 3 million visitors a year, the castle is one of the most popular city attractions. To skip the lines, book your ticket in advance here.

The city is gorgeous in the winter, especially in December when the Christmas markets pop up all over the city. If you’re visiting Prague in the winter, follow the itinerary above with one little modification. Skip the day trip on the last day and visit some Christmas markets instead. The most popular ones are at Old Town Square, Wenceslas Square and Prague Castle.

Find here a detailed map of this Prague walking itinerary.

Prague is a very walkable city. If you’re staying in the Old Town, you’ll find all the landmarks just a short walk from each other. I’d recommend you explore the city on foot because only in this way you’ll discover its true charm and gorgeous architecture.

Still, if you need to use public transport to reach the other bank of the river (depending on where your hotel is), you can easily get there by metro or tram. You can purchase tickets on an individual basis or as a day pass (see all available options here). Don’t forget to validate your ticket at the start of your journey.

Prague is easily reachable by train from many other European cities like Vienna, Budapest and Bratislava. Prague main railway station (Praha hlavní nádraží) is just a short walk from the Old Town. Check timetables and book train tickets online at České dráhy official site.

If you’re arriving by car, you can find parking in the central parts of the city difficult. The streets are divided into three zones – parking only for local residents and two zones of paid parking (long-term and short term). It’s best to book a hotel with parking or use a paid parking garage (see all public parking garages in the city centre).

The international Václav Havel Airport Prague (Letiště Václava Havla Praha) is located only 12km away from the city centre. You have a few options to get to the city centre from the airport (besides a taxi):

• the easiest way is by booking a private transfer directly to your hotel. I recommend this airport transfer (more than 23,600+ excellent reviews)
• take the Airport Express shuttle, which connects the airport to Prague Main Railway Station
• the less convenient option is by public transport, as you have to change to the metro to get to the city centre (see all bus lines here)

Featuring a stunning cathedral and a church decorated with real bones, Kutná Hora is the most popular day trip from Prague. Once a silver mining town, it was the second most important centre in medieval Bohemia after Prague.

In the heart of the Old Town, you’ll find St. Barbara’s Cathedral, an enormous Gothic church from the 14th century. Located just outside town, lies the Sedlec Ossuary – a unique chapel decorated with the skulls and bones from the adjacent cemetery.

Don’t miss also the Cathedral of Assumption of Our Lady and St. John the Baptist, one of the oldest examples of the Baroque Gothic style. In fact, you can visit the three sites with one ticket.

How to get to Kutná Hora

• the easiest way is to take an organized day trip, in which you’ll discover the most popular sights with an expert guide (this is the most popular day trip to Kutná Hora)
• on your own – take a train from Praha hl.n. to Kutná Hora hl.n. It’s an hour journey and the trains run every 2 hours (see the train schedule here). If possible take the earliest train at 8 AM, the Sedlec Ossuary gets very busy later in the day. After you explore the ossuary head to the Old Town, which is about a 30min walk away.

Karlštejn Castle was founded in 1348 by Charles IV, King of Bohemia and Holy Roman Emperor. The castle served as his private residence and a safe place for the Imperial Crown Jewels.

The castle can be visited only as a part of a guided tour (see all possible tours here).

How to get to Karlštejn Castle
The castle is located 40min away by train from Prague. There are trains every half an hour departing from the Praha hl.n. to Karlštejn station (see the train schedule here).

Are 3 days in Prague enough?

Although a capital city, Prague is relatively small. For 3 days you’ll be able to see all the city’s highlights and even take a half-day trip to Kutná Hora or Karlštejn Castle.

What if I don’t have 3 full days in Prague?

You need two full days to see the most popular attractions. So, if you don’t have 3 full days in Prague, skip the day trip and explore the city only. In this way, you won’t be in a rush and enjoy your time in the city.

2 or 3 days in Prague?

If possible I’d recommend spending 3 days in Prague. In this way, you’ll have enough time to see everything without being in a hurry. Note that to visit only Prague Castle you’ll need a minimum of half a day. Plus, spending 3 days in Prague will give you the chance to take a day trip to Kutná Hora and see the striking St Barbara’s Cathedral and the famous bone church.

Prague is an extremely popular destination and gets really busy in the summer months. Thus to avoid the crowds visit the capital of Czechia in the shoulder season – April, May or September, October. During this time you’ll still enjoy pleasant weather but with fewer crowds.

Prague is renowned for its Christmas markets and the city is absolutely magical in the month of December. If you don’t mind the cold, don’t miss seeing the city during Christmas.

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About the author

	Milena Yordanova
	I’m a full-time travel blogger based in Sofia, Bulgaria. I love to travel and to discover new places, cultures and food. I’m an expert in travel planning and I am here to help you plan your dream vacation.

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