3 Days in Prague Itinerary

Old Town Square

Begin at the heart of Prague, the stunning Old Town Square. The colourful baroque buildings, twin-spired Tyn Church, and Gothic Old Town Hall create one of Europe's most photogenic squares. Arrive before tour groups to appreciate the atmosphere. The Jan Hus memorial commemorates the reformer burned for heresy.

Astronomical Clock

The medieval Astronomical Clock on the Old Town Hall puts on a show every hour as the twelve apostles parade past the windows. Installed in 1410, it's the oldest working astronomical clock in the world. The show is brief but iconic. Climb the tower for panoramic views.

Jewish Quarter (Josefov)

Walk to the Jewish Quarter, one of the best-preserved in Europe. The Old Jewish Cemetery is extraordinarily moving, with 12,000 tombstones crowded into a tiny space representing 100,000 burials. The synagogues house exhibitions on Jewish history and the Holocaust. A combined ticket covers all sites.

Lunch near Old Town

Escape the tourist-trap restaurants on the square. Lokal (near Dlouha street) serves authentic Czech food at local prices - try svickova (beef in cream sauce) or goulash. U Medvidku is a historic beer hall with excellent tank beer. Reservations recommended.

Municipal House & Powder Tower

Walk to Republic Square to admire the Municipal House, an Art Nouveau masterpiece where Czechoslovak independence was declared in 1918. The cafe inside is worth visiting for the interiors alone. Next door, the Gothic Powder Tower once stored gunpowder and now offers views from the top.

Wander to Charles Bridge

Stroll through the Old Town's winding streets toward Charles Bridge. Stop at Havelska Market for souvenirs (bargain hard). The Clementinum, a vast former Jesuit college, has a stunning baroque library (book tours in advance). Reach the bridge for late afternoon light.

Charles Bridge at Sunset

Cross the iconic Charles Bridge, lined with 30 baroque statues of saints. The views of the castle and Mala Strana are spectacular. Touch the brass relief of St John of Nepomuk for good luck. Return at dawn for the bridge nearly to yourself.

Dinner in Old Town

Return to Old Town for dinner. Avoid restaurants directly on the square. V Zatisi offers refined Czech cuisine. For beer and atmosphere, U Zlateho Tygra (The Golden Tiger) was Vaclav Havel's favourite - it's cramped, authentic, and you'll share tables with locals.

Tram to Prague Castle

Take tram 22 from the centre up to Prague Castle - the ride offers great views. Alternatively, climb the Old Castle Steps from Mala Strana for a more atmospheric approach. Arriving early beats the tour groups.

Prague Castle Complex

Enter the vast castle complex, which has been the seat of power for over 1,000 years. St Vitus Cathedral is the centrepiece - its Gothic grandeur is overwhelming. The Old Royal Palace has the spectacular Vladislav Hall. The Romanesque Basilica of St George is beautifully simple. Golden Lane's tiny cottages once housed castle craftsmen.

Castle Gardens & Strahov Monastery

Explore the castle gardens with their stunning views over Prague. Walk to nearby Strahov Monastery for its magnificent baroque libraries (one of Europe's most beautiful rooms). The monastery brewery serves excellent beer with views.

Lunch in Mala Strana

Descend to Mala Strana (Lesser Town) for lunch. Cafe Lounge has lovely courtyard seating. U Schnellu serves excellent Czech food in a historic setting. The area around Malostranske namesti has many options.

Mala Strana Exploration

Wander the baroque streets of Mala Strana. Visit St Nicholas Church, one of Europe's finest baroque churches. Explore the Wallenstein Garden with its peacocks and grotto. The John Lennon Wall attracts pilgrims to its colourful graffiti.

Petrin Hill

Take the funicular (or walk) up Petrin Hill, Prague's largest green space. The Petrin Tower, a mini Eiffel Tower, offers panoramic views. The Mirror Maze is classic fun. The rose garden and orchards are beautiful in season.

Beer Hall Dinner

Experience a traditional Czech beer hall for dinner. U Fleku has brewed its own dark beer since 1499 - it's touristy but historic. Pivovarsky dum brews unusual beers including coffee and banana varieties. U Pinkasu was the first pub to serve Pilsner Urquell in Prague.

Wenceslas Square & National Museum

Start at Wenceslas Square, actually a long boulevard that has witnessed pivotal moments in Czech history. The equestrian statue of St Wenceslas stands before the newly renovated National Museum. The museum's interior is stunning, with exhibitions on Czech history and culture.

Art Nouveau Prague Walk

Walk through New Town admiring its Art Nouveau architecture. The Grand Hotel Europa (exterior only - undergoing renovation) is magnificent. The Lucerna Palace arcade has a famous hanging horse sculpture. The Dancing House by Frank Gehry is worth a detour.

Lunch in Vinohrady

Head to Vinohrady, Prague's most desirable residential neighbourhood. The area around namesti Miru has excellent restaurants and cafes. Vinohradsky Pivovar is a craft brewery with good food. Las Adelitas serves superb Mexican. Cafe Sladkovsky is classic and beloved.

Vysehrad Fortress

Take the Metro to Vysehrad, an ancient fortress that predates Prague Castle. The park-like grounds contain the Basilica of St Peter and St Paul (worth entering), the Slavin cemetery where Dvorak and Mucha are buried, and dramatic views over the Vltava. Far fewer tourists come here.

Naplavka Riverside

Walk along the Naplavka embankment, where Prague comes to relax. Farmers markets operate on weekends. Houseboats serve drinks and food. This is where young Prague spends summer evenings, watching the river flow beneath the castle.

Letna Park & Beer Garden

Cross to the left bank and climb to Letna Park for sunset views from the Metronome (formerly a giant Stalin statue). The famous Letna Beer Garden serves cheap tank beer with possibly Prague's best view. It's where locals gather on summer evenings.

Farewell Dinner & Nightcap

End your Prague adventure at a memorable restaurant. La Degustation serves a Bohemian tasting menu (book weeks ahead). Sansho offers Asian-influenced dishes in a hip setting. For a final beer, Craft House has Prague's best craft beer selection, or return to a traditional hall for pilsner perfection.