3 Days in Prague

3 days in Prague is the right amount of time to see the fascinating Czech capital.

Prague is one of Europe’s most beautiful cities with a lot to do. You can check out the amazing Charles Bridge, see the funky astronomical clock and walk around the stunning Vrtba Garden.

I enjoyed visiting Prague, and although it was busy, it’s a fascinating city that is perfect if you love history and culture. The old town is very busy, but if you head over the bridge to Malá Strana, it’s much quieter with plenty to see.

This Prague itinerary will give you all the information you need before visiting the beautiful Czech capital. There’s info on where to stay, rough estimates of costs, the best time to visit and how to get around.

Keep scrolling to discover what to do in Prague in 3 days!

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3 Days in Prague Itinerary

My Experience in Prague

I’ve been lucky enough to visit Prague twice over the years. Once by myself when I was on a wider European trip and the second time as part of a stag party with my friends.

I saw more sights when I was by myself than I did during the stag party, but both trips were a lot of fun and exemplified how beautiful the city is.

The city is one of the most beautiful in Europe and perhaps only spending 3 days in Vienna can compare in regards to the beauty of Prague.

As with most places I visit for the first time, I wasn’t 100% aware of what there was to see in the city. I knew about Charles Bridge and the Astronomical Clock, but other than that, I didn’t know too much about Prague.

Well, I was impressed by what else there was in the city and could have spent longer in the city exploring everything. It’s a big city and you will need the full three days to see everything.

It’s gorgeous with stunning architecture and is nice no matter what time of the year you visit. It’s arguably nicer during winter as the city looks incredible under the lights, but it’s just as fun in the summer too.

Despite visiting twice, I’m eager to go back and explore Prague again. It’s that good of a destination and one you can’t miss out on if you’re travelling around Europe!

Here are a few things I liked about Prague and a few things that weren’t so great:

Good

• Prague is one of the most beautiful cities in Europe. There are so many amazing buildings such as Prague Castle and Charles Bridge, that it does feel like you’re in a fairytale city. It’s this beauty that makes it so great and somewhere you have to visit when you’re in Europe.
• As well as being beautiful, there are so many things to do in Prague you won’t be short of stuff to do during your trip. I felt like there was much more I could have seen and I’ve been to the city twice!

Bad

• Prague can get busy during summer and it can be frustrating making your way around the city. This is especially true in the Old Town, which is one of the most popular parts of the city. If crowds aren’t your thing, I’d consider visiting in spring or autumn.
• Although not as bad as Barcelona or Rome, there is a problem with pickpockets in Prague. If you’re using public transport, I’d take extra precautions. I’d also be wary of using currency exchanges as they charge 10 to 25% commissions on top of the exchange. If you go to quieter parts of the city such as U Luzickeho, you should find a much more favourable commission rate.

What to do in Prague in 3 Days

There are plenty of interesting things to do in Prague that you won’t have any difficulty finding activities to do during your 3 days there.

From Charles Bridge to the astronomical clock to Wenceslas Square, there are so many great sights in the city.

Another great thing about visiting is that there are plenty of places to go on a day trip. If you’re here for longer than 3 days or want a break from the city, the small town of Kutná Hora home to the Bones Chapel, and the gorgeous town of Karlovy Vary, home to 12 hot springs are must-visits!

If you’ve never visited Prague before, I’ve listed some places you should check out below. I’ve also a recommendation of some of the best tours you can do:

If you’ve spent 3 days in Budapest, you’ll know that the city can get busy and you might have to queue to get into some of the main attractions.

That’s why I recommend getting the Prague City Pass. You get discounts at over 70 attractions in the city as well as unlimited free use of public transport for the duration of your trip!

It’s a good idea to buy it before you go as you can activate it when you’re there and start using it straight away. It’s handy if you’re on a budget too, as it will save you a lot of money. Especially on public transport!

Here are a few places I recommend you visit on your 3 days in Prague itinerary:

• Charles Bridge – Charles Bridge is arguably the most iconic of Prague’s landmarks. The bridge over the Vltava River is beautiful and a must-visit while you’re in the city.
• Astronomical Clock – The astronomical clock in Prague’s old town square is a sight to behold. It’s kind of hard to see how it works, but it’s an impressive sight nonetheless.
• Jewish Quarter – One of the oldest Jewish Quarter’s in Europe, there are many interesting sights here such as the Spanish Synagogue and Jewish Cemetery.
• Prague Castle – Another of the most iconic landmarks, Prague Castle is the largest castle complex in the world! You can easily spend most of the day exploring the area and seeing everything!
• Wenceslas Square – Wenceslas Square is one of the main squares in the new town. It’s a famous spot for demonstrations and like many other European cities under the rule of communism, saw plenty before the fall of the Berlin Wall.

Prague Itinerary – Day 1

The first of your 3 days in Prague starts with a walking tour to get a feel for the city. Then a walk across the stunning Charles Bridge before heading into the center of this magical city to see the astronomical clock.

Walking Tour

One of my favourite things to do whenever I get to a new city is to go for a wander once I’ve checked into my accommodation.

I never have a destination in mind and just see where I end up and what I find along the way. I realise this isn’t how everyone likes to travel, so a good solution is to book a walking tour.

This way you’ll be able to explore the city with a guide who will show you all the most interesting sights and teach you about them along the way.

If you’re staying in a hostel, some of them might provide a free walking tour. It’s worth checking if this is the case once you get there. Otherwise, there are plenty of ones you can pay for to get acquainted with the city!

Charles Bridge

Charles Bridge is one of the most iconic landmarks in Prague and a great place to visit after you’ve been on a walking tour.

The bridge isn’t far from the Old Town Square and is often heaving with tourists due to its popularity. If you don’t like crowds, I recommend waking up early to check it out when it will be much quieter.

You’ll get stunning views of the Vltava River as you walk across the bridge, as well as some beautiful views of Prague city center once you make it to the other side.

If you want a different perspective of the city, a Vltava River cruise is a good idea. I did one and you get to appreciate how beautiful the city is from the water as well learning more about the city!

Astronomical Clock

The world famous astronomical clock, known as the Orloj, is one of the most famous sights in the city and an easy place to visit after you’ve been to Charles Bridge.

The clock is attached to the Old Town Hall Tower and was first installed in 1410, which makes it the oldest astronomical clock still in operation!

I must admit it’s beautiful to look at but I had no idea how you can tell the time from it and how it works! Again, this is a busy spot in the Old Town Square, so I’d get there early to avoid crowds if you can!

It’s a beautiful clock and one of the most charming sights in Prague Old Town. It’s also worth going inside the Town Hall to look around!

Jewish Quarter

The final spot to check on the first of your 3 days in Prague is the Jewish Quarter. It’s one of the oldest Jewish Quarter’s in Central Europe dating from the 10th century!

Also referred to as Josefov, the Jewish Quarter is a fascinating place to visit and one of the first stops should be the Jewish Museum.

You’ll learn all about the history of the Jewish community in the city and the trials and tribulations they’ve been through.

Another place to check out is the Old Jewish Cemetery, where you’ll find tombstones of many of the famous Jewish inhabitants of the city such as Rabbi David Oppenheim.

The Jewish Quarter is also home to one of the most beautiful buildings in Prague, the Spanish Synagogue. Built in Moorish revival it’s not only one of the nicest buildings in the quarter but in Prague too!

Prague Itinerary – Day 2

The second of your 3 days takes you to Malá Strana, the lesser town to see amazing sights such as Prague Castle, Golden Lane and John Lennon Wall.

Malá Strana

Malá Strana, also known as the lesser town, is a historic district in Prague home to some of the most historic sites in the city.

The district is located on a hillside overlooking the Vltava River. You’ll need to cross Charles Bridge, but once you do, you’ll find lots of interesting places to check out.

Some are listed below, but there’s a lot more to see besides that. One is the Petřín lookout tower, which resembles the Eiffel Tower and offers some stunning views of the city!

One of the best things to do is to just walk around the picturesque streets and enjoy this part of this amazing city! It’s a beautiful place, and as you’ll see below, easy to spend the whole day in!

Prague Castle

Prague Castle is one of the most recognisable sights in the city and is only a short walk from anywhere in Malá Strana.

The Prague Castle complex is the largest castle complex in the world with an area of almost 70,000 m² and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It was the seat of power for the Kings of Bohemia and Holy Roman Emperors.

The castle is so big you could easily spend hours walking around and exploring everything. The complex is home to Vitus Cathedral, a beautiful piece of Gothic architecture.

One of the best things about Prague Castle is that it opens at 6 am and closes at 10 pm. This gives you plenty of time to visit and means you can skip the crowds early in the morning or late at night.

Golden Lane

A must-visit place in the Prague Castle complex is the Golden Lane, which is a street full of beautiful buildings.

It’s referred to as the ‘street of alchemists’, which refers to the King’s alchemists who were said to live there. Although, goldsmiths lived here instead.

Walking along the cobblestone streets and seeing the colorful houses that were inhabited until the end of World War II, is a treat and does feel like you’re in a fairy tale at times!

A notable fact about Golden Lane is that the famous writer, Franz Kafka lived at house number 22 during World War I.

So it’s a fascinating place to walk around and one place you can’t miss when visiting Prague!

John Lennon Wall

John Lennon Wall is one of the most famous spots in the city that features plenty of street art and is considered to be a symbol of peace.

It was just a nondescript wall until the death of John Lennon in 1980 when it became a place of mourning after his death. It gradually morphed into a place to criticise the Communist government and then a place to promote peace and freedom.

Originally, there was a portrait of John Lennon on the wall, hence the name. But it’s long been covered with plenty of graffiti over the years.

It’s a fun place to visit and is a modern contrast to a lot of the historic sites you’ll find here, which is what makes it one of the best European cities to visit!

Prague Itinerary – Day 3

The last of your 3 days in Prague takes you to the magnificent Vrtba Garden, historic Wenceslas Square, the National Museum and the striking Dancing House!

Vrtba Garden

Vrtba Garden is a beautiful baroque garden that’s located on Petřín Hill overlooking the city. It’s in the Malá Strana part of the city and will mean heading back there to start the day.

The garden was designed in 1720 and was only opened to the public in 1998. It’s a beautiful spot to walk around and I enjoyed strolling through the garden, especially as it offers some amazing views.

It can be hard to miss the garden, as it’s not the biggest and is deep in the heart of the Malá Strana neighborhood.

The benefit is that it’s much quieter than other attractions in Prague and is the perfect place to go for a break from the hustle and bustle of the city center.

Wenceslas Square

Wenceslas Square is one of the main squares in the new town of Prague and one that has a lot of historical significance.

It’s a traditional gathering point for celebrations and gatherings, an example being the huge demonstrations that took place there during the Velvet Revolution in 1989.

One thing to note as you walk down the square is that it’s more of a boulevard than a square. Traffic is running on either side and it does get very busy. However, you get a fantastic as you reach the bottom with the National Museum in the background.

There are many important buildings and statues to check out in the square, such as the state of Saint Wenceslas and the beautiful Grand Hotel Evropa!

National Museum

If you like culture as much as I do, visiting the National Museum after you’ve spent some time exploring Wenceslas Square is a must.

It’s only a short walk to the museum after you’re finished in the square and it’s an interesting place to visit as it’s home to over 14 million items!

The exhibitions range from the sciences, with collections of minerals and a look at evolution to historical exhibitions that detail the history of the Czech lands from before the 10th century to the present day.

Visiting the National Museum is a must if you’re a culture vulture. I enjoyed walking around and seeing all the exhibits and it’s a good place to go and escape the hustle and bustle of Wenceslas Square for a few hours too!

Dancing House

Dancing House is one of the most recognisable landmarks in Prague and a perfect way to end your trip in the city.

It’s an odd-shaped house that you’ll recognise even if you haven’t visited the city before because it’s gone viral a few times on the web.

It’s located right on the riverbank and some of the floors are used as a hotel. So this would be a fun place to stay if you want to make your Prague trip memorable!

You’ll also find a swanky restaurant and an art gallery inside, giving you two more good reasons to visit. Perhaps the best is the view you get from, which is spectacular.

It’s the perfect spot for a great view of Prague Castle and beyond!

Other Places to Visit in Prague

If you’re still looking for more places to visit in Prague and the surrounding area, here are a few others you should check out:

• Beer Spa – This is a fun activity that’s good to do if you’re going to be in the city longer or want to swap it with one of the activities above. It’s the all things you’d find in a normal spa but with beer! Click here to book your ticket!
• Vltava river cruise – If you want to see the city from a different angle, a river cruise is. a great way to do so. I went on one and enjoyed seeing the sights from the river and learning about the history of the Czech capital! You can choose between booking a cruise during the day or the evening!
• Pilsner Experience – The Czech Republic is the home of Pilsner, so if you enjoy this beer, it’s worth heading here to learn more about it and try some samples! Click here to book your ticket!

If you want even more places to see and activities to do in Prague and the surrounding area, click the link below:

Prague Travel Tips

In this section, you’ll find practical tips to help you make the most of your Prague trip. Discover where to stay, rough estimates of costs, the best time to visit and how to get around the city.

Where to stay in Prague

As the capital of the Czech Republic, there are plenty of places to choose from when it comes to accommodation in Prague.

If you’re looking for a hostel, hotel or rental apartment, you can find what you’re looking for in the city.

One of the key questions you’ll have to ask yourself is whether you want to be right in the heart of central Prague or stay a bit further out of the centre.

It’s not the most expensive city but some of the hotels can be costly and it will be cheaper to stay just outside the centre in one of the quieter neighbourhoods.

However, I’d probably advise you to stay in the centre if you can. Everything is within walking distance and the prices aren’t too prohibitive. I stayed at ______ and found it to be a great place to stay and easy to walk into the centre from there.

Below are a few of my recommendations for where you should stay during your trip to Prague:

Cost of Travel in Prague

I didn’t find the prices too expensive when I was in Prague. The Czech Republic isn’t an expensive country compared to others in Europe, especially Western Europe.

You can eat out and get a decent meal here for much cheaper than you would in many other European countries. This is one of the many benefits of travelling in Eastern Europe.

As it’s easy to get around the city, you won’t spend much on public transport either. I walked around most of the city, and didn’t need to use the metro. Not that it’s particularly expensive, but it’s good to save money and not use public transport if you don’t need to.

One area that will result in you spending more money is tours and visits to places such as museums. While the museums, galleries and other attractions in the city aren’t too expensive, if you book tours you will end up paying a decent price for these.

My advice would be to scope out the tours you’re likely to do before you go, so you factor the cost into your trip. This way you’ll be able to manage your budget better.

Other than the above, expenses will likely consist of any tours you book and excursions to other places in the city. Purchasing travel gifts for friends and family can add up if you buy a lot, so I’d consider that too before you visit.

I’ve included a rough guide to prices for accommodation, eating out and transport in Prague below.

Prices for other expenses such as nights out at a bar/pub, club entry fees, souvenirs/clothing purchases, tours. etc. aren’t included.

You’ll need to budget extra for these purchases as they are ‘non-essential!’ 

The Czech Republic uses the Czech Koruna (CZK), as a result, I’ve included the prices in Euro (€) as it can be hard to convert and offers a comparison with the rest of Europe.

Best Time to Visit Prague

The best time to visit Prague depends on what you want to get out of your trip to the Czech capital.

If you want good weather, summer is the best time to go to Prague. You’re almost guaranteed to get good weather, although it can get hot approaching the high 20s and into the 30s.

Late spring and early autumn are also good times to visit, as the temperatures will still be warm but as warm as during summer.

There will also be fewer tourists during these months, as the peak season is during the summer.

Winter will be much colder than the others and is a time you shouldn’t visit if you don’t like cold weather. However, you will get to experience Prague Christmas Markets if you visit during December.

The markets are incredible and the city looks beautiful under the lights. So, if this is your vibe, it’s a brilliant time to go and will be an experience you won’t forget.

I visited during July and late August and found the temperatures to be fine both times. It wasn’t too hot and not too cold, although there was a bit of rain.

Prague was busy during this time of the year, but the city wasn’t as manic as visiting Venice in 3 days would be at this time of the year.

I’ve put together a quick season-by-season guide on what to expect when you visit:

Prague in Spring

Spring is a good time to visit Prague if you want good weather and fewer tourists than during summer. It will be warmer towards the end of spring, so bear this in mind if you visit during March and April.

Prague in Summer

Summer is the best time to visit in regards to weather. The temperatures will be in the 20s most days and you’re guaranteed to get more sun. The trade-off is that the city will be busier so if you don’t like crowds, it might be better to visit at another time of the year.

Prague in Autumn

Autumn is another good time to visit the city if you want good weather and to avoid the summer crowds. It will still be warm in September and October, but the temperatures will decrease a lot in November.

Prague in Winter

If you want warm weather, I wouldn’t visit during winter. Temperatures can dip below freezing and it will be significantly colder than at other times of the year. However, the city is beautiful at this time of the year and will more than make up for the cold weather!

How to Get Around Prague

The best way to get around Prague is to use the metro. It’s the quickest and most efficient way of navigating the city.

You can use it to get to most of the places listed above, which will make your time in Prague much easier. It’s also great to get to the main bus station, Florenc and the main train station, with the metro stopping at both.

I tend to walk most of the time when I’m in cities, but it’s nice to have the option of using public transport to get around.

That said, Prague is a walkable city. If you decide to get around on foot, it’s not that hard. The old town is mostly pedestrianised, which means you have no choice but to walk to get around.

Most of the main sights are located in a small part of the city on either side of the Vltava River, making walking to and from them easy.

I found it easy to get around this part of the city and didn’t need to resort to using the metro. Especially, on a nice day during summer, it’s much more fun to walk around and take in the beauty of the place.

Another way to get around the city is to use the tram network. This complements the metro and is a good option to combine with sightseeing.

One line you should take is Tram 22, a route that takes you past some of the most beautiful sights in the city such as Prague Castle. So you can ride the line and jump off at the stops that pique your interest!

I don’t recommend using the bus unless you want to visit somewhere outside the city center, such as Prague Zoo. Bus 112 is the one for that, while Bus 119 will take you to Prague Airport.

Frequently Asked Questions

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