Last Updated: 01/23/2020 | January 23rd, 2020
Prague is a destination that always seems to be in vogue.
It’s been on the tourist map for decades, and the crowds show no signs of abating, especially as it becomes a center for digital nomads and tech workers.
Prague is a gorgeous, well-preserved medieval city with a rich history, expansive parks, Vegas-style nightlife, and a hint of romance. It holds a special place in my heart: it was the first city I backpacked through on my round-the-world trip in 2006. It was where I stayed at my first genuine hostel, the first place I was on my own, and the first place I went to where signs weren’t in English. I grew as a traveler in this city.
I’ve been back over a dozen times since that first visit.
Over the years, a lot has changed: there are more tourists, prices are higher, the food is more international, and more foreigners live there. But its essence — all the clichéd stuff (cobblestone streets, quaint medieval houses, incredible charm) that makes Prague…well, Prague — is still there.
There’s a reason why so many people visit Prague each year.
There is just so much to see and do in Prague that you aren’t going to be short of things to choose from as you plan your trip.
Today’s blog post puts the best the city has to offer into a manageable four-day itinerary. To really see Prague, it’s best to visit for four to five days. That will allow you to see all the main sites and get a sense of the city’s culture.
This post will show you how to create a manageable itinerary as you visit Prague. If you are looking for a way to organize your trip, here is a list of 20 things to see and do in Prague!
What to do in Prague: Day 1
Take a free walking tour
Walking tours are a smart way to orient yourself to a new city, learn some history, and hear about the main attractions. There are a TON of free walking tours in Prague, so you’ll have plenty of options. All the tour companies meet near the astronomical clock in the Old Town Square at 10 a.m. and last about three hours. They will give you an overview of the main sites, like the Old Town Square, Charles Bridge, Prague Castle, the Jewish Quarter, and more.
My favorite company is New Europe. It operates free tours around Europe and tends to have upbeat guides and lots of historically accurate information. Free Tours by Foot is another great option.
If you are looking for a paid tour, check out Prague Alternative Tours, which runs amazing alternative art and history tours throughout town, run by local artists. I highly recommend it.
Visit Prague Castle
The famous Prague Castle is the next logical place to visit, since all the walking tours end near this popular sight. The castle, which lords over the city, consists of multiple sections: St. Vitus Cathedral, the Old Royal Palace, The Story of Prague Castle, St. George’s Basilica, Golden Lane with Daliborka Tower, the Powder Tower, and Rosenberg Palace. You can buy a ticket to any or all of these sights from the box office. The most famous structure is St. Vitus Cathedral — this is the large building you see when you look up at the castle from outside the city walls.
119 08 Prague 1, +420 224 373 368, hrad.cz. The castle is open daily 6am-10pm. Tickets are 70-350 CZK, with discounts available.
Walk around Petrín Park
Petrín Park is the city’s biggest and most beautiful park, with sweeping views of Prague. You’ll find a garden, a maze, and a lookout tower that looks like the Eiffel Tower. You can climb the 299 steps to the top of the tower and get an awesome view of Prague (on a clear day, you can see the Czech Republic’s highest pea, Snezka, some 150km away). What I love about this expansive park is how easy it is to get lost among the trees. Paths meander throughout, and it’s a relaxing contrast to the crowds of the historic center. Keep in mind that this park is on a big hill and walking to the top can be strenuous. There is a funicular that can take you down (or up) the hill if you don’t feel like making the trek.
Petrínské sady 417/5. The park is open 24 hours and admission is free.
Visit the John Lennon Wall
After Petrín Park, head down towards Kampa, a neighborhood by the river, and visit the John Lennon Wall. Toward the end of Communism in the 1980s, students started writing John Lennon lyrics on this wall as a way to air their grievances. Today, the wall represents love and peace. Tourists are allowed to write or paint on it too.
Velkoprevorské námestí. The wall is free to visit anytime.
Relax on the waterfront
It’s been a long day, so relax in Kampa with a satiating drink, some food, or a coffee. There are a number of appealing restaurants and cafés in the area. To get here, just keep walking toward the river from the John Lennon Wall. You’ll cross a little bridge and there you are! You’ll find lots of places to eat, sit, and relax, and when you’re done, you can walk across the famous Charles Bridge back toward the city center.
Suggested restaurant: Kampa Park Restaurant, Na Kampe 8b, Lesser Town, +420 296 826 102, kampagroup.com.
What to do in Prague: Day 2
Explore the Old Town Square
Though you got an overview of the Old Town Square during your walking tour, today you can savor the square’s attractions in detail. Some of the highlights include:
- Hanging out in the square — The people-watching is unbeatable as tourists, families, students, and touts pass through the square. Sit on one of the benches, eat a sandwich, and enjoy! Moreover, there are a number of talented musicians — ranging from jazz musicians to Scottish bagpipe players, and everything in between — that perform in the square.
- Astronomical Clock — Watch the most overhyped attraction in all of Prague! While the hourly chime that people line up for is anticlimactic, the detail and artistry of the clock make it one of the most beautiful in Europe.
- Visit the churches — The beautiful Tyn and St. Nicholas churches line the square. St. Nicholas is open all day, but Tyn is only open in the mornings and late afternoons.
- Explore the catacombs — Under the Old Town Hall, you’ll find a series of catacombs worth exploring. They were the first level of the medieval houses that used to be in the square. Now, they are an exhibit showcasing medieval life (enter through the tourism office).
Staromestské nám. +420 221 714 444, prague.eu/en.
Explore the Jewish Quarter
The Jewish Quarter in Prague is located between the Old Town Square and the Vltava River and has six synagogues, a Jewish Ceremonial Hall, and the Old Jewish Cemetery. It is one of the most popular attractions in Prague. Hitler saved it from Nazi destruction because he wanted to make the area a museum to the lost Jewish race. Now, the museums, synagogues, and historic graveyard in the area honor the history of what was one of the largest Jewish communities in Europe.
Explore Letenské sady (Letná Park)
This park, across the river from the Jewish Quarter, features several walking trails, a café, and expansive views of the city. You’ll see a lot of art students painting the cityscape. Crossover to Chotkovy sady for beautiful gardens and rear views of the Prague Castle. It’s quiet, with secluded paths that make for an intimate romantic stroll.
170 00 Praha 7. The park is open 24 hours and admission is free.
Take an underground Prague tour
Prague Underground Tours runs an underground tour of the medieval houses in the city center. There are many “catacombs” in Prague, which are basically the first couple of levels of old houses below the Prague that has risen on the rubble of many centuries. This tour may be short, but it provides a detailed history about medieval Prague and is super interesting!
Malé nám 459/11, +420 777 172 177, prague-underground-tours.com. The tour costs 410 CZK and lasts about 70 minutes.
What to do in Prague: Day 3
Take a day trip to Kutná Hora
Kutná Hora was an important center for silver mining in medieval Bohemia. It helped keep the kings of Prague rich. Now the town is famous for its creepy bone church, Sedlec Ossuary, which contains 40,000-70,000 bones. Since the church takes only about 15 minutes to see, head into the historic city center to see some of Kutná Hora’s other attractions, including marvelous medieval churches, overlooks, well-preserved streets, and a large town square. It’s a small and quiet town that feels like Prague without the crowds. You can take a tour or travel to Kutná Hora on your own.
Trains for Kutná Hora leave the Prague main train station every two hours in the morning, and the journey takes about an hour. It costs around 100 CZK.
What to do in Prague: Day 4
Explore Vyšehrad
While Prague Castle gets all the love, Vyšehrad, located in the southern part of the city, was also one of the original castles of the kings of Prague. It was built around the 10th century and contains Prague’s oldest surviving building, the Rotunda of St. Martin. Few tourists ever come here, so you’ll get the castle and its views of Prague to yourself. It also offers good upriver views of the city.
V Pevnosti 159/5b, Praha 2, +420 241 410 348, praha-vysehrad.cz. Open 9:30am-5pm (6pm during the tourist season). Guided tours cost 120 CZK.
Walk up the river back into town
From the castle, you can take a nice walk along the river back into the center of town. There are walking and bike paths, as well as places to stop, sit, and maybe read a book. It’s mostly locals around here, despite it being about 20 minutes from the city center.
Visit the Powder Tower
Back in town, be sure to check out this medieval tower, one of the original 13 city gates. Construction began in 1475 and, during the 17th century, the tower used to store gunpowder. It was heavily damaged in 1757, and most of the sculptures on it were replaced in 1876.
Namesti Republiky, 5, Stare Mesto, +420 725 847 875, muzeumprahy.cz/prasna-brana. Open daily 10am-10pm. Admission is 100 CZK, with discounts available.
Wander the streets of Prague
Prague is a stunningly beautiful and historic city. Meander its winding streets. Find random restaurants, markets, and churches. Sit and watch the people go by. Get happily lost and find your own offbeat attractions and things to do while you’re here! Travel is, after all, an act of discovery!
Other activities while in Prague:
- Take in a concert — Prague is famous for its classical music, and there are concert halls throughout the city. They perform nightly shows of classical piano and singing, and you’ll find people selling tickets throughou town.
- Visit the Franz Kafka Museum — Love Kafka? Great! Then you know Kafka was from Prague. There is a museum dedicated to his life and work on the banks of the river. Cihelná 635/2b, +420 257 535 373, kafkamuseum.cz.
- Visit the National Monument at Vitkov Park — This hill has played an important role in the development of Prague and has a gigantic statue of Jan Žižka, who defeated the Catholic King Sigismund and his forces in 1420 on this very hill! You’ll also find the Ceremonial Hall here, which has an exhibit on the history of the country during the 20th century (it’s really good and detailed) and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. The high vantage point gives you incredible views of the city, and the park is popular for running.
Suggested places to eat in Prague:
- Country Life — Cheap vegetarian buffet that offers travelers great value for their money.
- VinoGraf — Off-the-beaten-path wine bar serving only Czech wines. Its small, candlelit setting makes it a good date spot.
- U Medvídku — Traditional Czech food with delicious soup and goulash. They also brew their own beer.
- Las Adelitas — Delicious and authentic Mexican food for those with a fiery palate, the best I’ve found in continental Europe.
- Prague Beer Museum — Despite its cheesy name, this place has a wide selection of beer and good food with large portions.
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Book Your Trip to Prague: Logistical Tips and Tricks
Book Your Flight
Find a cheap flight by using Skyscanner or Momondo. They are my two favorite search engines because they search websites and airlines around the globe so you always know no stone is left unturned.
Book Your Accommodation
To find the best budget accommodation, use Booking.com as they consistently return the cheapest rates for guesthouses and cheap hotels. IYou can book your hostel with Hostelworld as they have the most comprehensive inventory. My favorite places to stay are:
- Miss Sophie’s – My favorite hostel in the city. Great rooms, amazing stuff, lively social scene.
- The MadHouse – The #1 place to stay if you want to Party in Prague.
If you’re looking for more places to stay, here are all my favorite hostels in Prague!
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance
Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. I’ve been using World Nomads for ten years. My favorite companies that offer the best service and value are:
- World Nomads (for everyone below 70)
- Insure My Trip (for those over 70)
Looking for the best companies to save money with?
Check out my resource page for the best companies to use when you travel! I list all the ones I use to save money when I travel – and I think will help you too!
Want more information on visiting Prague?
Be sure to visit our robust destination guide on Prague for even more planning tips!
Laura
I’ve been in Prague last year and find it too touristic for my taste. Nevertheless there were some beautiful architecture details surrounding the Old Town.
Unfortunately couldn’t squeeze Vyšehrad on my trip, would have loved to go!
Lauren Meshkin
I’m definitely bookmarking this since I’ll be in Prague next spring. I’m a huge fan of free walking tours. Also, thanks for the restaurant suggestions!
Happy travels 🙂
Clay
Thanks for the great itinerary Matt! I’ll be over that way for the first time next May (woohoo!) and i’d love to visit Prague along my journey. 🙂
Wynne
How I wish I’d been able to read this prior to my trip to Prague last fall. Unfortunately, free walking tours didn’t occur to me until I was in Venice, a couple of stops past Prague. However, I WILL go back, and will certainly keep this list with me!
Prague was one of my favorite cities as well. So gorgeous!
Vit Lastovka
Good tips Matt ! I really recommend to all Day 4 where you talk about walk along the river Vltava. We call this place Naplavka (try to pronounce it 🙂 ) . It’s great place on weekends or afternoon when local people chill out there enjoying the view, river, live music, talk with friends and off course local beer….
Veronika
Great plan to spend 4 days in Prague actively..!
If one is to experience also a bit of the nightlife, leaving few things out here and there would do. But I hope each visitor will make it to Prague more times, like you did Matt..! I assume this wasn’t your last time either:)
Btw. good one on the Las Adelitas! It really is the most authentic Mexican restaurant here in Prague, and one that’s just around the corner of where I live, lucky me 🙂
Katie
Great itinerary but I would also definitely add the Museum of Communism and the Mucha Museum – showcasing the Czech Artist Alphonse Mucha’s work.
Maureen
We head into Prague end of December, so appreciate heads up on itinerary. We have the usual guide books and did the research but condensing all that Prague has to offer, into 5 days, was a challenge! It sounds a relaxing itinerary too – we have 5 weeks to wander around parts of Europe, via trains, so are hopeful that other cities prove to be as relaxing. Good Post btw.
Thanks. M.
Ryan Biddulph
Hi Matt,
The castle looks beyond awesome! Prague is such a fun city from what I’ve both heard and read. I know a friend who lived there for over 20 years. He raves about it and also helped found an international university there which helped hook students up with so many jobs, it’d make your head spin. He is a great guy and seasoned traveler who says Prague is his fave city on earth. Given the reviews I read and the beauty shared I’d have to put it up there. From the sites, the sounds, and the rave reviews, it looks like a place I’d need to visit, before I nix Europe from my travel list.
As for the 4 days, sounds awesome on one hand but it may be short. I prefer the long term bit. 1 month or nothing, so I can fully experience the area and totally soak it up, versus trying to go through too quickly and missing out on the goodness an area affords you with.Try longer term but of course, I get that not all travelers can do the extended trip thing. If not, become a digital nomad, full time, I say…not going out to you Matt, because I know you are ;)….but if any audience members feel hurried through their travels this could be their solution.
Tweeting from Bali.
Ryan
Bella
I personally think that some destinations are best enjoyed quickly (Prague is one of them) while others (e.g. Paris) are best enjoyed slowly because there is much more to see, do, absorb, etc. I reckon that if you stay longer than 7 days in Prague, you might find yourself utterly bored and questioning your sense of reasoning LOL. I’m all for slow travel but every destination is not meant to be explored that way and doing otherwise make actually take away from its richness because again, you’ll be bored after a while and feel like there isn’t much else to see. In turn, your opinion of the place might dip because you stayed too long. Long story short, you can enjoy pretty much anywhere quickly if you want but you might not enjoy everywhere on a slow pace but, to each his own 😀
Emily
We spent 5 days in Prague this summer and really enjoyed it, though I think I would like to re-visit in more of a shoulder season – the crowds were pretty thick! We took a pretty slow pace so we still have lots left to see and do!
Tata Nanje
I didn’t find Prague that interesting to be honest. But then again I went during Winter and I spent more than two weeks there. Four days is probably a good amount of time and beyond that it gets boring.
Another thing I would add on this list for those who like drinking and partying is to go out for the pub crawl. But keep in mind on Thursdays it’s shit but on Fridays and Saturdays it’s not half bad. I met some really cool folks there I met later on to travel with.
Jamie
Prague was probably one of the most beautiful cities I have visited. I am just disappointed that I was 16 and couldn’t appreciate it as much as I would now. I didn’t even take any photos!
I’ll have to go back for a visit, but I think it’s a lot more expensive than when I went 8 years ago!
Andrea
I’m spending a few months in Prague now. All your suggestions are great. Kutna Hora is on my list of places to visit while here. I’m also really looking forward to the Christmas markets and holiday fun that will start soon.
Katie
I only had a day in Prague (not nearly enough at all), so I’ll definitely be checking out everything next time I’m there. With only a day, I just walked around the city trying to take in as much as possible. Even then I fell in love with it.
Renuka
Prague is high up on my radar! It’s one of the European cities that I definitely want to explore. I have heard it’s pretty affordable too. Thanks for a comprehensive guide.
adamwatson
Its really nice post. Prague is such a nice place. I was in Prague last year in summer with my family, It was a great experience for us to enjoy our holidays.
Ed Rex
Pretty good overview Matt.
I’m hoping to go to Prague in the new year. is there a best time of year to go that’s budget friendly yet good weather?
NomadicMatt
April and May
David
…..and after 4 days you will realize that you would like to spend more weeks in this city!
Geke
You’re my hero!
I’m leaving for a six week Europe roadtrip on Tuesday, and I’m way behind on planning :’)
Now at least Prague is going to be awesome!
Jill
Hi Matt, I too enjoyed your pictures and information about what to do in Prague. I’m coming with my family (me, husband and 3 children { 10,14 & 21}) in December for Christmas. Could you enlighten me as to what do that time of the year as it could be cold.
Cheers
Jill
Magan
Hard to predict re weather, depending on where you are coming from. I am in Canada, thus, weather in December is much milder than here. Check if Zoo is open and take kids there. Easy by public transportation (metro and bus). If your kids can take it, National Theatre would be great to visit and see some Opera or Ballet. If you are coming from U.S. or Canada opulence of the theatre will be very unique, if you are not familiar with European Opera Houses.
Petrin Hill is another place you all might be interested to go to. Go on public transportation (tram) keep the tickets !! and you will use it for the lift (Lanovka is the sign) up the hill. Lanovka/lift is part of the public transportation, where you just continue on your journey. You can see few things on top of the Petrin hill and walk down the hill back to the trams. (check if lift is working in the Winter, I think so). You have to do some Googling for pics and info.
You may also be interested to visit a beautiful Karlstejn Castle. It is just about 30 min. (and frequent) by train from Hlavni nadrazi (Main train station).
I hope you enjoy your trip and after you return, share your experience with others.
Andreea
I am currently in Prague. Came on a rather short notice woth no time to do some research. Thank you for the info – very helpful !
From what you are describing, Prague seems to be the same …
Tadeja
Great post, as always! I’ve also just got back from Prague. I spent there only a day this time around, but still enjoyed Prague a lot. 🙂
Adam
Awesome list you got here, Matt!
Been to Prague several times, too 🙂
What I love is escape games. Have you tried one?
Marie Clarens
Just what I have been looking for! Thanks for the detailed discussion and amazing pictures. My husband and I are planning to go there and been searching for itineraries. Looks like we will enjoy the view as well as the art.
Miriam
Matt do you have any suggestions on where to stay?
NomadicMatt
I like Miss Sophie’s a lot!
Ted & Sheila
Went to our daughters wedding last June in Israel and after ten days, didnt want to be a continuous burden wife and I both in our eighties flew over to Prague for 4 days; Fantastic, use the tram pass for transport and had a ball; We discovered a german beer garden down near the river and ended each evening over a pint. Went to the palace and the church was magnificent but the rest was so so; Dont miss this church, trams stops right outside the gate; Ate goulash several times and always at recommended stops, but still found it too runny for our taste; So for of your readers you hit it on the head, a great place, so much to see, and so reasonably priced
Juan Ovalle
I’ve always about Prague being so beautiful. It’s great that they have free walking tours and I’d have to take advantage of that when I do go. Thank you for the tips!
Lisa Maria
Ahoj, I just spent five days in Prague – Grand city! If you want to stay away from the tourists then consider staying across the river in Prague 7 – hipster Holesovice. Easy walk through Letna Park to the old city. But Holesovice gives a glimpse of modern Czech. DOX – contemporary art gallery; Page 5; Vnitroblock etc. Plenty of good coffee and bar options like Bar Cobra and Cross club. Recommend going to the museum of communism in Prague 1 too. Enjoy, there is so much to explore in this wonderful city!
Renuka Walter
This is quite a bit to do in four days in Prague! I’d love to follow your guide on my European trip. I’m planning to visit Budapest, Vienna and Prague in one single trip.
Peter
I’m leaving Berlin for Prague in two days. Some good sightseeing tips here that I didn’t see in my guide book.
Baker
I visited most of the Central Europe countries and I have to say that Warsaw, not Prague is the one which standing out! It just seems more lively and authentic to me. I loved the nightlife there, especially New Orleans Club.They have great music and fantastic pole dance shows.
Jason
we are looking forward to visiting Prague in February, some of these things we already have planned to do but great to see a few extras we didn’t know about, thanks for sharing
Jožek
I love the architecture of Prague. You can really see that town was very well developed through the history. I can say the same for Warsaw.