As one of the continent’s top tourist destinations, there’s no shortage of things to do in Prague. From strolling through the charming Old Town to exploring the majestic Prague Castle, a visit to Prague is a must for any travel enthusiast. With its impressive castles and cathedrals, and vibrant nightlife, there’s something for everyone in this magical city. Check out this Prague itinerary to experience its unique blend of history, culture, and charm.
Table of Contents
- How to get to Prague
- Where to stay in Prague
- Day 1 in Prague
- Day 2 in Prague
- Day 3 in Prague
- Where to Next?
How to get to Prague
Flight to Prague
Traveling to Prague is easier than ever with numerous flight options. The Prague International Airport is located just 17 kilometers from the city center and offers direct connections from major cities worldwide, including New York, London, Paris, and Berlin. Major airlines such as Czech Airlines, British Airways, and Lufthansa provide frequent flights. Budget carriers like Ryanair, Wizz Air, and EasyJet also operate routes to Prague, offering affordable options.
Vienna to Prague
Vienna to Prague is a popular route for travelers which makes it easy to find buses and trains between the two cities. Check out Flixbus for cheap buses. For trains look at OBB. There are multiple buses and trains running every day so there is no shortage of transportation.
Dresden to Prague
There is also a train from Dresden to Prague with DB train (Deutsche Bahn). However, cheaper train tickets may be found with Czech Railways. In addition, there is also a Flixbus that travels between Dresden and Prague for roughly around the same price.
Where to stay in Prague
Choosing where to stay in Prague depends on your budget and your interests. For first timers, I would recommend staying in the Old City close to the famous historical landmarks like the Astronomical Clock and Charles Bridge. Old City has beautiful cobblestone street and a medieval vibe taking you back in history. Not to mention a number of restaurants and bars that are located in the area. A few highly rated and affordable hotels to recommend are Unitas Hotel and Hotel Leon D’Oro. AXA Hotel is also a decent hotel that provides basic amenities and is in close proximity to the old town square.
Another option is staying in Mala Strana, also called the Lesser Town. Malá Strana is right across the river from the Old Town, closer to Prague Castle. The area is quieter but hillier so be sure to choose a hotel at the bottom so you’re not always walking uphill to get back! A few nice and budget friendly hotels are Bishop’s House and and Mama Shelter.
Day 1 in Prague
Arrive in Prague and settle in. This first day is all about exploring the city and the biggest tourist attractions in Old Town especially. Depending on where your hotel is, develop a route around the city with Prague’s most notable landmarks.
Take a look at the Powder Gate Tower, and if you’re really intrigued get tickets to visit the inside. You will definitely need to walk through Old Town Square and see the Astronomical Clock. Stroll over to the Charles Bridge and take in the views of the river and the Prague Castle. Make your way through Wenceslas Square where you can take in some views of the city while popping in and out of pubs and restaurants. Enjoy wandering the streets and taking in Prague on your first day here.
Powder Gate Tower
The Powder Gate Tower is a striking gothic landmark that once marked the entrance to the Old Town. Originally built as part of the city’s fortifications, it later served as a gunpowder storage, giving it its name. Climb the narrow staircase to enjoy panoramic views of Prague’s enchanting rooftops and discover a piece of history that has watched over the city for centuries.
Old Town Square and Astronomical Clock
The Old Town Square is the heart of Prague and home to the famous Astronomical Clock. The clock, which dates back to the 15th century, is a fascinating engineering feat that still functions today. From 9am to 11pm, every hour the clock strikes starts the procession of the Twelve Apostles. It was very cool to see this, but also a bit anticlimactic. Nonetheless, it’s worth seeing at least once.
Charles Bridge
This stunning 14th-century bridge spans the Vltava River and offers breathtaking views of the city and its landmarks. The bridge is a pedestrian and biking bridge that gives spectacular views of the Prague castle and the city. This is a landmark you must visit in Prague.
Wenceslas Square
This bustling boulevard is lined with shops, restaurants, and historic buildings, and is a popular spot for locals and tourists alike.
Day 2 in Prague
The next day in Prague is to dive a little deeper in your exploration and visit some more prominent landmarks. Start by crossing the Charles Bridge over to Prague Castle and St. Vitus Cathedral. Take a tour of the inside to explore a bit of history. Stroll over to Petrin Hill and the Observation Tower where you can get panoramic views of the city. If you don’t feel like making the hike up, there is a cable car available at the bottom of the hill.
Now that you’ve explored this side of the river, head back over the Legion Bridge and make a pitstop at the Kampa Island in the river. If you venture down to the edge of the water you’ll be greeted by friendly beavers! Continue your walk back to Old Town and make a quick detour at Dancing House if you have the time.
Prague Castle and St. Vitus Cathedral
The largest ancient castle complex in the world, Prague Castle has been the seat of Czech kings, emperors, and presidents for over 1,000 years. As one of the most famous historical sites to visit in Europe, it’s definitely a wonder to see.
The Gothic St. Vitus Cathedral, located within the castle complex, is a stunning masterpiece of architecture.
Tickets can be purchased at the information centers or the ticket offices around the Prague Castle. More information can be found on the Prague Castle website. There are tickets for the main circuit which includes the Old Royal Palace, St. George‘s Basilica, Golden Lane, and St. Vitus Cathedral and also the Charles Bridge Museum. The main circuit tickets cost 450 CZK or about $20 USD at the time of publishing this blog post.
To visit Prague Castle, you can take a tram or walk up the hill from the city center. The castle is open daily from 9am to 5pm (peak season) or 4pm (winter season). The castle grounds open at 6am. In addition, guided tours of the castle are available in several languages and can be booked in advance or on the day of your visit.
Petrin Hill and Observation Tower
Located just outside of the city center, Petrin Hill offers a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. The Observation Tower at the top of the hill offers panoramic views of Prague. Tickets to the tower cost 220 CZK or about $11 USD.
To get to Petrin Tower you can either hike up the hill or take a cable car that is located at the bottom of the hill. The cable car ticket is included in the public transportation pass otherwise tickets can be bought at the station. Be sure to get the ticket stamped so you don’t get fined!
Kampa Island and Shooter’s Island playground
Kampa Island is a picturesque island, located in the heart of Prague. It’s a popular spot for a romantic stroll or picnic, and offers stunning views of the Charles Bridge and Prague Castle. Shooter’s Island playground is another island in the middle of the Vltava River that can be accessed by the Legion Bridge. We saw several playful otters along this island, a very unexpected sight.
Dancing House
This iconic building, designed by architects Frank Gehry and Vlado Milunic, is a modern architectural masterpiece that stands out amidst Prague’s historic buildings. You will certainly not miss this building if you are wandering around along the streets of Prague.
Day 3 in Prague
It’s your final day in Prague! Now is the time to visit that cute shop you passed on your first day that you promised yourself you’d go back to. Give your final walk through Old Town and take a trip to the Jewish Quarter. The Jewish Quarter in Prague is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and holds a rich history.
Visit the oldest Synagogue in Europe called the Old-New Synagogue and home to the Golem of Prague. Check out the Jewish museum that has a number of exhibitions around the area. A ticket for the Jewish Museum can also include entry to 4 of the Synagogues and the Old Jewish Cemetry. The Old Jewish Cemetery, with its ancient, weathered tombstones stacked in layers, offers a glimpse into the community’s past.
Spend the last of your time in Prague taking in the beauty of the city, the quaint alleyways, and the stunning architecture. Whether it’s your first visit or one of many, this magical city will surely beckon you back for more.
Jewish Quarter and Old Jewish Cemetery
Prague’s Jewish Quarter is a historic district rich with Jewish heritage dating back to the 10th century. It features landmarks like the Old-New Synagogue, the Old Jewish Cemetery, and the Jewish Museum, offering a glimpse into centuries of Jewish life and resilience. Strolling through its streets reveals a powerful connection to Prague’s vibrant past.
Where to Next?
Traveling across Europe? Searching for your next destination? Look no further! Consider traveling down to the beautiful city of Vienna! Just a short bus or train ride away, Vienna offers a perfect next destination with its grand palaces, world-class museums, and a rich musical heritage that will captivate any traveler.
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