3 Days in Prague: The Ultimate Prague Itinerary for First Timers

Are you planning to spend 3 days in Prague? Then you’re in the right place!

This 3-day Prague itinerary has you covered, guiding you through the best things to see and do while visiting Prague.

Whether you want to marvel at Prague Castle, see the historic Old Town, or explore the Czech food and beer scene, we’ve got you the best things to do in Prague.

Of course, we have also included tips on the best time to visit Prague, getting around Prague, and where to stay in Prague.

So, please sit back and grab your favorite beverage as we explore Prague with this 3-day itinerary!

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Best Time to Visit Prague

Prague is a gorgeous city year-round, meaning it draws people worldwide to its famous tourist sites.

While there are benefits to visiting Prague any time of year, the best time to visit Prague is an individual decision, depending on your preferred experience.

Let’s explore the different seasons so that you can make the best decision for your Prague vacation.

Spring in Prague

Spring in Prague occurs in April and May. This season is accompanied by warmer days and cooler evenings.

Spring brings the awakening of the wildflowers and generally fewer crowds to the city.

Summer in Prague

Visiting Prague in the summer ensures warmer, more humid weather and the influx of summer travelers.

If planning your visit during June, July, or August, ensure that you book accommodation with air conditioning, as many hotels and Airbnb do not offer this feature.

Fall in Prague

Fall in Prague is between September through November and is accompanied by cooler temperatures, often accompanied by rain.

Fall is a great time to visit as there are generally fewer tourists, so prices for accommodations are often better during this time of year.

Winter in Prague

Prague winters occur December-March and are the coldest months of the year. This cold generally brings snow and ice to the city, so dress accordingly.

Of course, December also brings the famous Prague Christmas Markets, making this a magical (and popular) time of year.

It is recommended that you dress in layers during the winter months as the heating in Prague is very efficient!

Getting to Prague

By Airplane

Arriving in Prague by airplane is a popular option.

Prague airport is located about 30 minutes from the city center, and there are several Prague airport transfers to choose from.

While you can always book a private transfer, remember that Prague also has Bolt and Uber available.

The journey generally costs around $20.

The cheapest way to get from Prague airport to the city center is to take public transportation.

If this is your choice, head to the bus stop outside of the airport and take bus 119 to the Nadrazi Veleslaving stop, then take the green line subway to either the Malostranska (Mala Strana) or the Staromestska or Mustek (for central Old Town) stops.

By Train or Bus

If you are arriving by train or bus, you will find both main stations in the center of Old Town.

To get to your hotel from the train station, you can walk, call an Uber or Bolt, or hop on a bus or tram, whichever is most convenient.

How to Get Around Prague

We found Prague a very walkable city and walked almost everywhere we went.

Of course, Prague is also known to have very reliable public transport.

The public transport system offers different types of tickets for purchase. You can buy a 30-minute ticket without transfers, a 90-minute one with transfers, or a 3-day one.

Depending on your needs, the 3-day ticket is probably the best bet for your time in Prague.

We used public transportation to reach the Prague Castle area and found it easy to navigate.

You might want to download the ‘IDOS’ and “Jizdni Rady’ apps to help with navigation. These apps show you all lines, schedules, and transfers.

Neighborhoods in Prague

While Prague has many lovely neighborhoods, we recommend staying near the Prague city center as most tourist attractions are only a short walk from this area.

Since you only have three days in Prague, I recommend staying in Old Town (Staré Město) or the Lesser Town (Malá Strana).

We stayed in an Airbnb in Malá Strana, a couple of blocks from the Charles Bridge, and found it a great central location.

Where to Stay in Prague

Unlike other big cities in Europe, like London, Paris, and Rome, accommodations in Prague are much more affordable.

Luxury Hotels in Prague

If you want to splurge on a nice hotel in Europe, Prague is the place to do it. With prices lower than most large European cities, a luxury hotel is the perfect splurge for your vacation.

Here are some suggestions:

Mid-Range Hotels in Prague

Budget Hotels

What to See and Do With 3 Days in Prague

This 3-day Prague itinerary is perfect for first-time visitors. We will hit the city’s highlights while introducing you to some lesser-known gems. Your 3 days in Prague will consist of:

Day 1: Prague Old Town and Jewish Quarter
Day 2: Prague Castle Complex (Hradčany) and Lesser Town (Mala Strana)
Day 3: New Town (Nové Město), Food or Beer Tour, River Cruise

Book accommodations as close as possible to these areas so you won’t lose valuable vacation time traveling to and from the city center.

Prague Itinerary Day 1: Prague Old Town and the Jewish Quarter

Wandering the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Old Town Prague is an absolute delight.

If I can give you one piece of advice, get an early start today. There is just something about being in Prague’s Old Town before all of the tourists arrive that is magical!

Visiting some of the best attractions in the city center today is a great introduction to Prague.

Today, we will see many Prague city centers, including Wenceslas Square, the National Museum (if you choose), Old Town Square, Old Town Hall, Old Town Hall Tower, the Jewish Quarter, the Old Jewish Cemetery, and more!

Take a Guided Tour

We recommend taking a guided tour to get the most out of your time in Prague and truly learn about the city’s complex history.

Here are a few options, several of which we took during our visit to Prague:

Wenceslas Square

As you make your way into Prague’s Old Town, be sure to visit Wenceslas Square.

This beautiful avenue, known for being one of the most picturesque streets in the city, is lined with restaurants, bars, shops, and more.

Wenceslas Square, which is more of a broad avenue, has served as an area for political demonstrations throughout Prague’s history.

The avenue leads up to the statue of Saint Wenceslas in front of Prague’s National Museum.

While at Wenceslas Square, feel free to go inside the National Museum if you would like.

Old Town Square

Prague’s Old Town Square is the place to be in the city center.

Surrounded by beautiful buildings, historic sites, and numerous attractions, you will quickly see why Old Town Square is such a popular gathering place.

Roam around the area and enjoy the square’s life before exploring some of its main attractions.

Old Town Square is centered around Old Town Hall, one of the most important monuments in Prague.

Pass through the Gothic doors to enter Old Town Hall and take a tour to learn about the historical significance of this building.

If you want fabulous views of the area, climb to the top of the Old Town Hall Tower!

Astronomical Clock

The world-famous astronomical clock is located on the southern wall of the Old Town Hall.

If you happen to be in the area at the top of the hour, the Prague astronomical clock puts on an hourly show featuring the 12 Apostles.

While we found the hourly show overrated, the astronomical clock is stunningly beautiful.

The Church of Our Lady Before Tyn (Tyn Cathedral)

Church of Our Lady Before Tyn in Old Town Prague

Standing tall, as if watching over Old Town Square, is the gorgeous Church of Our Lady Before Tyn.

You will recognize the cathedral immediately; look for the two Gothic spires of the church.

The church’s Gothic exterior and Baroque-style interior draw visitors from all over the world.

We advise visiting during the day when the church is flooded with light.

It is gorgeous!

Jan Hus Monument

The huge statue in the center of Old Town Square is that of Jan Hus.

Hus was a Czech priest at Charles University who was burned at the stake after speaking out against the Catholic Church.

Hus’ work paved the way for the Protestant Reformation and the expansion of the Protestant religion in the 16th century.

St. Nicholas Church

Another of the beautiful buildings in Old Town Prague is the St. Nicholas Church.

This stunning Baroque architecture of the church stands out in contrast to the buildings around it, so it is easy to see.

For a special treat, the church offers daily concerts and loads of special events, so be sure to visit it during your time in Prague.

The Jewish Quarter (The Josefov District)

Prague’s Jewish Quarter, also known as the Josefov District, is one of the most interesting neighborhoods in the city.

The area has a unique feel and character, as many historic sites are well-preserved.

Highlights of the Jewish Quarter include visiting the Old Jewish Cemetery, the Jewish Museum, the Jewish Town Hall, the Spanish Synagogue, and the oldest active European synagogue, the Old-New Synagogue.

The small area, located between Old Town Prague and the Vltava River, is best explored on a guided tour to learn about the neighborhood’s history.

Charles Bridge

One of the most iconic landmarks in Prague is the Charles Bridge.

Stretching across the Vltava River and connecting the Old Town to Lesser Town Prague (Malana Strana), the Charles Bridge is beautiful.

The Charles Bridge is flanked on either side by glorious medieval towers and was the first bridge in the city.

We stayed in Malana Strana during our time in Prague, meaning we crossed over the Charles Bridge several times during our visit.

Granted, the Charles Bridge is always crowded, but look beyond the mass of people and truly appreciate the work of art that this medieval structure is.

The history of Prague can be seen in the 30 statues that adorn the Charles Bridge, each telling a specific story about the city’s history.

One of the most popular statues on the Charles Bridge is the statue of John of Nepomuk.

John of Nepomuk was a patron saint thrown off the Charles Bridge when he refused to reveal the queen’s confessions. It is believed that rubbing his feet will bring you good fortune.

Visit the bridge at sunset to get an incredible view of the sun setting behind Prague Castle.

It is glorious and a highlight of your visit to this magical city!

Prague Itinerary Day 2: Prague Castle Complex and Lesser Town

Undoubtedly, you have seen Prague Castle off in the distance, proudly standing tall, watching over its city.

Today, we will explore the Prague Castle complex and the area around it, known as Lesser Town.

Once you cross over the Charles Bridge from Old Town, you are in Lesser Town. We will explore this area later today, but first, we will head straight to Prague Castle.

Prague Castle

To get to Prague Castle from the Old Town side of the bridge, take tram 18 or 2 from the Karlovy Lázně tram stop and then get off at Malostranská. From here, you will then board tram 12 to the castle complex.

To get to the castle from the Lesser Town side, take tram 12 from the Malostranská tram station.

The Prague Castle complex was built in the 9th century and is today one of the most popular attractions in Prague.

The castle district is known for being the largest ancient castle complex on the planet, meaning you could easily spend the entire day here exploring.

Highlights include St. Vitus Cathedral, the Old Royal Palace, St. George’s Basilica, and Golden Lane, all included in your admission to Prague Castle.

St. Vitus Cathedral

St. Vitus Cathedral and St. Vitus Cathedral Tower stand tall on Castle Hill, seemingly watching guard over the city of Prague.

This historic cathedral is a stunning example of Gothic architecture, both inside and out.

Take time to explore the cathedral’s history when you do a private tour of the castle grounds.

St. Vitus is an integral part of the Czech Republic as it has seen the coronation of numerous Czech kings and queens and serves as the final resting place for Holy Roman Emperors and Czech kings.

I especially loved the incredible stained glass found throughout the cathedral. It was breathtaking when the sunlight streamed through it.

Old Royal Palace

The Old Royal Palace is the original residence within the castle grounds.

While the original building was made from wood, that building was later replaced by a stone structure in the 12th century.

The remains of the 12th-century building are preserved underground, and the royal palace you see before you today was erected in the 16th century.

St. George’s Basilica

The smaller church in the castle complex is St. George’s Basilica.

This Romanesque-style church dates back to the 10th century. The interior feels simple when compared to St. Vitus Cathedral, but it is still beautiful in its austere way and is an important part of the history of Prague and the Czech Republic.

Golden Lane

Golden Lane is a wonderfully preserved example of the 16th-century homes that used to be a part of the castle district.

It is said that the royal goldsmiths lived here, thus earning it the nickname “Golden Lane.”

Walking down the cobblestone lane and seeing the well-preserved pieces of history was one of my favorite parts about visiting Prague Castle.

The buildings now house small souvenir shops, showrooms, and museums for visitors to enjoy.

Recommended Prague Castle Tours:

Prague Lesser Town (Malana Strana)

After spending the day at the castle, let’s explore some of the highlights of the Malana Strana area of Prague.

Located on the opposite side of the Vltava River, the Malana Strana area is full of quaint alleys, gorgeous Baroque architecture, fabulous street art, and wonderful gardens to explore.

Some highlights of Malana Strana include Wallenstein Palace and Garden, Park Cihelna, the Franz Kafka Museum, the Lennon Wall, and the Devil’s Stream.

Wallenstein Palace is the perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. We loved walking through the manicured gardens to get a break from the city streets.

Another respite from the hustle and bustle is the riverside park, Park Cihelna. This park has beautiful views of the Charles Bridge and the Old Town skyline!

Fans of Franz Kafka will not want to miss the Franz Kafka Museum in Lesser Town. Here, you can see examples of his work and learn more about his life.

The infamous John Lennon Wall is a wonderful example of modern street art in Prague.

The ever-changing living canvas is dedicated to the legendary Beatles singer. Visitors are invited to contribute their message to the John Lennon Wall, making it a symbol of freedom and political protest.

Next to the Lennon Wall is one of the most beautiful spots in Prague, the Devil’s Stream. This man-made channel divides Kampa Island from Lesser Town and looks like something out of a storybook!

A scenic walk through Malana Strana will not disappoint while visiting Prague.

Prague Itinerary Day 3: New Town, Food or Beer Tour, River Cruise

Now that you have been introduced to the historic side of Prague, let’s explore some of the city’s modern offerings.

Today, we will hit some of the highlights in Prague’s New Town, go on a Czech food or beer tour, and take a relaxing river cruise to see the city from a whole other vantage point.

New Town (Nove Mesto)

You have probably walked through New Town already during your time in Prague, so for this section, I want to highlight a few of the attractions (just in case you missed them).

Franz Kafka’s Rotating Head is a unique sculpture located in New Town Prague. The layers of the statue’s head spin, causing the face to distort.

New Town is also home to Prague’s newest synagogue, the Jerusalem Synagogue. This synagogue boasts an Art Nouveau style with a colorful interior and exterior.

If you want more great city views, you can climb Henry’s Tower, Prague’s highest free-standing bell tower.

Another popular attraction in New Town is the Dancing House, a modern building with a twist!

The Dancing House is said to be inspired by Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers. The stone tower represents Fred Astaire, and the curvy glass tower represents Ginger Rogers.

I loved how the architects represented movement in the Dancing House. The Dancing House is a wonderful photo opportunity, so don’t miss it!

Czech Food Tour

We love taking food tours when we visit new places. We have taken food tours in Rome, Dublin, Boston, and Savannah, to name a few.

A food tour is a great way to be introduced to the area’s cuisine by a knowledgeable local guide.

A food tour in Prague will introduce you to great traditional dishes like dumplings, goulash, sausage, and more!

During our tour, we were introduced to a Czech restaurant that we probably would have never known about.

As you tour Prague’s city center, you will learn more about the area and this amazing city!

Czech Beer Tour

If you are a beer lover or want to learn more about the beer culture in the Czech Republic, we highly recommend taking a beer tour in Prague.

The Czech Republic is famous for brewing some of the best beers in the world, so you know you are in for a treat!

You can book a Czech beer-tasting tour or go all out and spend the day at a beer spa!

Vltava River Cruise

things to do in Prague-cruising on the Vlatava River

Taking a Vltava River Cruise is a must during your visit to Prague.

Gliding down the calm waters while surrounded by the historic city of Prague is truly a treat.

There are several options to choose from when booking your river cruise, so find the one that suits you best.

We chose this cruise that happened right before sunset, and it was magical!

Recommended Tours in Prague

As we said above, to get the most out of your time in Prague and to learn all about the city’s history and culture, we highly recommend taking a guided tour. Here are our top recommendations:

If You Have More Than 3 Days in Prague, Czech Republic

If you have more time in Prague or just want to get out of the city center to see more of this absolutely stunning country in Central Europe, here are a few suggestions.

Karlstejn

The Czech Republic is home to many glorious castles, and Karlstejn is definitely one of them.

The Gothic Karlstejn sits atop a hill overlooking a small Czech Republic town. It was built for and named after King Charles IV.

It housed the Bohemian Crown Jewels for centuries and was an important part of the history of the Czech Republic.

Today, you can tour the castle and the grounds when you visit on an easy day trip from Prague.

Kutna Hora

Kutna Hora is another great day trip from Prague, especially if you like a bit of macabre.

The town of Kutna Hora is home to the Jesuit College and the Gothic Church of St. Barbara. While those are great to see, the Sedlec Ossuary draws so many visitors to this area.

You might be wondering why. The Sedlec Ossuary’s cathedral is decorated entirely with human bones and skulls from the local graveyard.

Pilsen

Beer lovers will want to add a trip to Pilsen to their Czech Republic itinerary.

Beer lovers travel here to experience the city’s main attraction, the Pilsner Urquell Brewery. Visiting the brewery teaches you all about brewing and allows you to taste unfiltered beers straight from the source.

Karlovy Vary

For a nice, relaxing break from the hustle and bustle of the big city, consider taking a day trip to Karlovy Vary.

Karlovy Vary is a popular getaway and one of the top European Cities for wellness, thanks to the many spa resorts and mineral hot springs offered here.

The city’s grand architecture and beautiful forest setting will instantly make you fall in love with it.

Book your tour with spa visit here!

Prague FAQ

Is Prague Worth Visiting?

The short answer is ABSOLUTELY!

Prague is a mesmerizing and beautiful city to explore. Whether this is your first trip to Europe, or you are a veteran European traveler, Prague will amaze you.

As one of the best-preserved cities in Europe, Prague is a wonderful combination of history with modern conveniences.

Combining that with the fact that Prague is much cheaper to visit than most large cities in Europe, you have the makings for a wonderful vacation!

Is 3 Days Enough for Prague?

Three days is the perfect amount of time to explore Prague, as we have demonstrated for you in this itinerary.

72 hours in Prague allows you to see some of the top attractions in Prague, such as the astronomical clock, Prague Old Town, the Jewish Cemetery and Jewish Quarter, Prague Castle, take a food tour, drink some Czech beer, and more!

How Many Days Is It Ideal to Stay in Prague?

3 days is the perfect amount of time to spend in Prague. Three days in Prague allows you time to explore all of the city’s major attractions and have some downtown to enjoy Czech food, Czech beer, and some of Prague’s nightlife.

Of course, if you have more than three days in Prague, Prague makes for a great home base to explore other areas of the Czech Republic on day trips.