Prague has been on the top of my European bucket list for a while, and I finally was able to visit. The town is full of history, beautiful medieval architecture, and delicious local cuisine. If you have the opportunity to visit the Czech Republic capital, you should follow this 3-day Prague itinerary to hit the best highlights of the city.
Best Time to Visit Your Prague Itinerary
There is not a bad time of year for your 3-day Prague itinerary. However, there are some times of the year that have fewer crowds and cooler weather. The spring and fall months satisfy this. There are a few festivals that happen during this time that might temporarily increase crowd levels. The summer months are definitely warmer but the crowds are at the highest. In general, winter months have the fewest crowds with the exception being during the Christmas markets.
Did You Know This About Prague?
Prague is the capital of the Czech Republic and was founded during the 9th century along the Vltava River. The city became the seat of Bohemian kings and one of the most important cities in Europe during the Middle Ages. During the 14th century, landmarks such as St. Vitus Cathedral and Charles Bridge were constructed. Prague Castle is the largest ancient castle complex in the world. The Old Town Hall Astronomical Clock is the oldest working astronomical clock in the world, installed in 1410. Much of the city is in underground medieval cellars which are remnants of the city’s original street level before it was raised to prevent flooding.
Due to its fairytale-like appearance and preserved architecture, Prague is featured in many movies and tv shows. After visiting, you may recognize scenes in shows like Mission Impossible, Casino Royale, The Bourne Identity, and Chasing Liberty (one of my favorites!)
How to Get Around Prague
If you are staying in the Old Town/Lesser Town areas of Prague, once you get to this area, you can forego any transportation. This part of Prague is very walkable, and we walked everywhere in our 3-day Prague itinerary. Since the town is so walkable and the streets are narrow, I would not advise renting a car.
Public Transportation. Like most major European cities, Prague has great public transportation systems. Metro, trams, and buses are available to get around the town. You can buy passes that last multiple days from the yellow machines in stations and metro areas.
Ride Share. If you do not feel comfortable navigating public transportation and you do not care to walk, you can choose using a ride share app. Bolt is the app of choice when traveling in Prague. Uber is also available, but I found in my experience that Bolt is a little cheaper.
Hop On/Hop Off. I love Hop On/Hop Off bus tours when I am visiting new cities. It is a great way to combine public transportation and a guided tour to learn more about a city. The Prague Big Bus offers a 1-hour boat cruise as part of its tour for you to take advantage of.
Important Things to Know
- New Visa requirements for American travelers are coming soon to Europe, so make sure to check if you need to apply before your travels.
- Currency is Euros.
- Most accommodations do not have air conditioner
- Prague is a huge party destination. If you are staying in Old Town, be prepared to hear drunken party-goers throughout the night.
- Prague is a much more casual, laid-back town than some of its other European counterparts.
- Many places to stay do not have air conditioning, so plan what time of year you visit accordingly.
- Make copies of passport. This is good practice for every time you travel outside your home country.
- Bring comfortable shoes! You will be walking a lot!!
What to Pack for Your 3 Day Prague Itinerary
- Sunscreen – The Barcelona sun can be unforgiving, and I learned the hard way that sunscreen is a must. If you have room in your luggage, bring your own because sunscreen in Spain is very expensive.
- Comfortable shoes – Stylish but comfortable is the name of the game when walking around the city. Here is an option for men and women.
- Rolling Luggage – You will need a durable and easy to maneuver piece of luggage for your 3-day Prague itinerary.
- Packing Cubes – These make organizing your luggage super easy.
- Plug Adapter – Keep your devices charged with this European plug adapter.
- Portable Battery – This portable battery fits most electronic plugs and can be charged with the USB cord.
- Hobo Bag – I often carry this cute hobo bag on my travels. It isn’t too big but big enough to carry small souvenirs I buy along the way. Plus this style bag helps deter pick pocketers.
Map of the 3-Day Prague Itinerary
Day 1 – Prague Itinerary
Arrive in the morning and check into accommodations. Since most of the Prague itinerary is in the Old Town and Lesser Town areas, I would recommend staying in these areas. This will ensure all sights are walkable from your accommodations.
Old Town
First things first, get a lay of the land. After dropping off your luggage, stroll about the Old Town eventually making your way to the Old Town Square, the heart of the city. When walking down the cobblestone streets and narrow alleyways, you will instantly be transported back in time.
Pastel Houses
While you are walking through Old Town, you will notice many pastel houses that add to the fairytale-like charm of Prague. Some of these pastel-painted stucco facades are newer developments that happened after 1989 and the fall of communism. The dreary concrete walls that existed during communism were renovated and painted with these colorful pastels to brighten the town.
Astronomical Clock
Located on the Old Town Hall Tower in the Old Town Square is the Prague Astronomical Clock, also known as Prague Orloj. This is the 3rd oldest astronomical clock in the world, but it is the oldest one that actually works. Don’t expect to show up and be able to read this clock. Astronomical clocks are not the same 12-hour clock that we are accustomed to seeing in our everyday lives. If you want to learn how to read this clock before you begin your Prague itinerary, read this how-to guide.
Make sure to time your visit at the top of the hour, so you can hear the bells ring and watch the little clock show. I am going to be honest, keep your expectations low. It is something you have to do while you are here, but it is definitely a bit underwhelming.
Church of Our Lady Before Tyn
Also located in Prague Old Town Square is the Church of Our Lady before Tyn whose twin spires tower over the Tyn buildings. This has been the main church of the Old Town since the 14th century. The gothic church has been a staple of the Prague skyline. You can visit the inside of this place of worship Tuesdays thru Saturdays.
Charles Bridge
Charles Bridge, which began construction in 1357, was the only bridge that crossed Vltava River connecting Prague Castle and Old Town until 1841. The medieval stone arch bridge dons 30 statues and is protected by the Old Town Bridge Tower and Mala Strana Bridge Tower. I would recommend visiting Charles Bridge both during the day and at night. During the day, street vendors and artists sell souvenirs, art, and other local merchandise. At night, you can see the lights of the bridge and Prague castle for a moody, gothic feel of the city.
Evening Stroll along Vltava River or River Cruise
If you don’t have the time to walk the Vltana Riverwalk to see the Prague lights at night, then consider a nighttime river cruise. If you booked a Big Bus tour, then a river cruise may be part of your tour ticket. You can book your reservation for a cruise only here.
Day 2 – Prague Itinerary
Prague Castle
Prague Castle is the highlight of this Prague itinerary, so I would plan on getting here early. You can walk inside the Prague Castle walls without purchasing a ticket. However, you will not be able to go inside any of the churches or buildings without a ticket. I would highly recommend purchasing a ticket to fully experience all of Prague Castle. You can buy tickets inside the information centers inside the castle, or you can purchase your tickets online prior to your arrival.
Be aware! To get to the Prague castle entrance you will have to walk uphill to arrive. There are two main sets of stairs that lead to the palace: the Old Castle Stairs and the New Castle Steps.
St. Vitus Cathedral
When you look at the Prague Castle, what stands out is actually the St. Vitus Cathedral within the walls of the castle. This gothic church took nearly 600 years to finish construction which was commissioned by Charles IV in 1344. In addition to worship services, many Czech kings and queens were coronated at this sight.
Old Royal Palace
The buildings that surround the outside of the Prague castle area is an actual working palace where official government business is actively happening. It is also the official home of the president of the Czech Republic. Because of this, you will not be able to access most of the Old Royal Palace. However you will be able to enter the Vladslav Hall. Since the 16th century, this hall has been the place of coronation festivities, knights tournaments, and markets.
St. George’s Basilica
St. George’s Basilica is Prague’s second oldest church founded around 920 by Duke Vratislaus I in the Romanesque-style architecture. This church is the burial sight of many of the early Bohemian rulers.
Golden Lane
Golden Lane is a narrow alleyway built in the 16th century within the Prague Castle walls where castle guards, blacksmiths, and artists once lived. These pastel colored houses now serve as souvenir shops where tourists can buy wooden trinkets, pottery, medieval keepsakes, and more. If you go inside one of these homes, make sure to duck! The doors are very tiny compared to today’s standards.
Medieval Tavern U Krále Brabantského
If you are hungry for lunch and exit the New Castle Steps, you can find your way to the Medieval Tavern U Krále Brabantského. This tavern is the oldest in Prague and was founded in 1375! Grab some ale and a slab of meat to experience what it was like to lunch during the Middle Ages.
Lennon Wall and Other Unusual Sights
As you begin walking back to Old Town, you can see some of the most unusual and unique sights on this Prague itinerary. Write your name or a message on the Lennon Wall which began as a protest site during the Communist era. This Beatle-inspired graffiti wall is still a symbol of peace and freedom today. The water wheel and demon can be spotted on Kampa Island. And don’t miss the narrowest street in Prague, Vinárna Čertovka, which is less than 20 inches wide.
Shopping for Souvenirs
If you haven’t already stopped along your travels and bought souvenirs, now is the time to do so. As you cross Charles Bridge back towards Old Town visit one of the many local artists selling their work. Some other classic souvenirs to buy in Prague include Bohemian crystal and glassware, pottery, medieval keepsakes, garnet jewelry, marionettes, wooden trinkets, chocolate, and other typical Prague souvenirs. You could also shop at the Mercado de Praha in Old Town, but bring cash as many vendors do not accept electronic forms of payment.
If you are looking for the latest trendy Prague souvenir, stop at the Prague Charm Bar for a charm necklace or bracelet. This has recently been made famous by going viral on Tiktok. As such, many charm bars are popping up all over the city. If you want to visit the original (and the best in my opinion), then you will need to enter the main shopping entrance at go to Na Příkopě 12 and take the escalator to the 2nd floor.
Medieval Dinner Show
End your second night of the Prague itinerary with a medieval dinner and show. There are a few options in the city with one of them being at the Medieval Tavern U Krále Brabantského where we had lunch. This is the most popular one and sells out weeks in advance. We ended up at U Pavouka Medieval Tavern for a 5 course dinner and a display of bagpipe players, bellow dancers, flame throwers, and sword fighters right out of the Middle Ages. No matter which medieval dinner show you attend, you will have a delicious dinner and be entertained for hours.
Day 3 – Prague Itinerary
Day 3 of the Prague itinerary focuses on more modern sights and attractions within the city.
Rotating Head
The Rotating Head located at the Quadrio shopping center is a moving sculpture by artist, David Černý. The sculpture is of Franz Kafka, a famous author born in Prague.
Dancing House
The Dancing House was built in the mid-1900s by Vlado Milunić and Frank Gehry. The building is nicknamed “Fred and Ginger” after Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers which is who inspired the design of the building. Fred and Ginger houses office space, a hotel, and a rooftop restaurant and bar, the Ginger & Fred Restaurant. Located on the Vltava River, you can get an amazing panoramic view of Prague from here. Be sure to make reservations if you want to visit the restaurant during busy times.
IAM Illusion Art Museum
The IAM Illusion Art Museum is a fun world of illusion and trick art. You can spend hours at this interactive art museum.
Have a Beer at a Pub or Cocktail at a Speakeasy
If you haven’t had drinks at a pub or speakeasy yet, your last day on your Prague itinerary is as good a time as any. Prague’s beer taverns have been serving since the 14th century. Visit the Medieval Tavern for the oldest in Prague or one of the many Irish pubs in the city, such as Dirty Nelly’s. If you want a unique experience and craft cocktails, visit the Anonymous Bar which is a speakeasy with a secret entrance. If you do want to visit the Anonymous Bar, you will need to book a reservation. The Czech Republic drinks more beer per capita than any other country, so when in Rome…
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