Prague 3 Day Itinerary (Local’s Ultimate Insider Guide)

From breathtaking Baroque architecture to mystical castles to neighborhoods steeped in history, Prague, Czech Republic has so much to offer visitors. Prague is arguably one of the most beautiful – and most historic – cities in Europe. Planning a trip to the Czech capital? There’s so much to do in Prague, it can be hard to figure out exactly how to plan your perfect long weekend or three-day stopover in Prague. I’ve lived in Prague for six years now, and I have helped countless people plan their trips to Prague. If you’re planning to visit Prague, here’s my perfect Prague 3 day itinerary – according to a local.  

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Day 1 in Prague: Old Town, Mala Strana and Prague Castle

Ready to jump right in? Your first day in Prague covers the city’s most iconic sights – and they are truly beautiful! 

P.S. If you have one single day in Prague, you’ll find my ultimate Prague 1 Day Itinerary most helpful (read it here). 

Old Town Square (Staroměstské náměstí) 

Old Town Square may be one of the most touristy spots in town, but it’s totally worth the visit for a quick walk through. This 12th century square is home to Old Town Hall, the Church of Our Lady before Týn, the Baroque Church of St Nicholas, the Rococo Kinský Palace, the Gothic House at the Stone Bell and the monument to Jan Hus.

You can go up the stairs to the top of Old Town Hall, which gives you a beautiful view of the square. 

Follow the pedestrian pathway down towards the river (down Karlova road, which takes you all the way to the bridge). 

Klementinum 

Before making it to the bridge, stop at the Klementinum. I never see anyone recommending the Klementinum, but it is an absolute MUST visit (and my favorite place in Prague!)! 

For a shorter trip, stop inside and buy a guided tour of the Baroque Library and tower. A guided tour is the only way to visit the library, which was established in 1722, is home to 20,000 volumes of mostly foreign theological literature. 

There are few places as magical as this library, and the view at the top of the tower afterwards looks over both Old Town Square and the Charles Bridge. It’s my favorite view in Prague! 

Charles Bridge

Once you’re done with your tour, head down the street to Charles Bridge. Charles Bridge, perhaps the most well-known site in Prague, is still worth a visit – even with the crowds. 

This gothic bridge leads to Malá Strana, or “Lesser Town.” When you cross the bridge, you can climb up to the top of the tower at Charles Bridge, and it’s so worth it! 

Insider tip: The bridge is going to be super crowded! The only way to avoid those crowds? A sunrise walk. But if you step off the main road and take a left, heading to Restaurant Mlýnec, you’ll find a nice lookout spot to get the perfect view of the bridge and Prague Castle). 

Prague Castle

Once you’re finished with lunch, walk over to the Prague Castle (Pražský hrad). The Prague Castle is enormous, and you will not cover it all in one afternoon. In fact, it’s been in the Guinness Book of Records as the largest ancient castle in the world.

So what do you visit when you go? These are my highlights:

• The Old Royal Palace (Starý Královský Palác) 
• The Czech Republic’s largest Christian building, the Roman Catholic St. Vitus Cathedral (Katedrala St. Vita)
• Golden Lane (Zlatá ulicka)

Day 2 in Prague: Jewish Quarter, Letna and The Farmer’s Market

During your second day in Prague, you’ll see some of the lesser-known sites in Prague – and some of my favorite spots to take visitors. 

The Jewish Quarter

Start your day off at Prague’s The Jewish Quarter, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1992. There’s a lot to see in this area, and you should pick and choose what works best for you and your family. 

My advice? To start, head to the Synagogue (pictured above) and Jewish cemetery before visiting the birthplace of Franz Kafka (Prague’s famous writer), and finish at the Jewish Museum to learn about the history of Jews in Prague.

There’s a lot of history here you might miss unless you take a guided tour or read about the setting in advance. I recommend this guided tour – they do a great job with the historical context and helping you understand the history. 

River Cruise on the Vltava

Of all the things to do in Prague, you simply cannot skip a river cruise on the Vltava. 

Those boat cruises seem touristy… right? I can’t help but admit that the boat tours can be touristy, but it doesn’t mean you should skip them. 

I’ve done two boat tours down the Vltava now, and each time has been spectacular. This is the boat tour we did for our Valentine’s Day Date, and it was honestly perfect (and the food wasn’t bad either!).

If you visit in the summer, opt for a shorter, one-hour ride with some sort of open space. There’s truly nothing like seeing Prague from the water. If you’re going at sunset, consider bringing a light cardigan as it can get a little chilly sometimes.

Letna Beer Garden

Amble north (or take a tram!) and head over across the river to Letna. On a sunny summer day, there’s no better place to grab a beer than Letna Beer Garden. 

This beer garden may be home to one of the most beautiful lookout spots in Prague, too.

During the summer, you’ll find locals and tourists alike under shady groves of trees, nursing local beers. They have some pub food here, but there are plenty of great restaurants nearby, too. 

The Farmer’s Market

Nearby, you’ll find Prague’s famous Farmer’s Market. Hall 22 is known for its iconic farmer’s market, the largest year-round vegetable market in Prague. Every day, you’ll find fresh fruit and vegetables, herbs, honey, packaging-free food and so much more.

Alternatively, if you’re visiting on a Saturday, consider starting your morning with the Farmer’s Market at Naplavka. Booking a tour of the Farmer’s Market and a brunch cooking class is one of the best ways to experience the market AND taste what you’ve purchased. This tour is truly one of my favorites and it’s so much fun; book it here!

Strahov Monastery 

No Prague 3 day itinerary would be complete without a stop at Strahov Monastery. 

From the Farmer’s Market, take a tram to Strahov Monastery. This Premonstratensian abbey was first founded in 1143 by Jindřich Zdík, Bishop John of Prague, and Vladislaus II, Duke of Bohemia. 

The monastery is perhaps best known for The Theological Hall and The Philosophical Hall, two of the most beautiful places in Prague. You can’t go inside, but you can look inside from the entrance and take photos. 

Across the way, the Monastery has its own brewery and restaurant – this is a great place to grab a meal or a drink, if you’re interested. Their traditional Czech food is excellent, too!

Day 3 in Prague: National Museum, Prague Tower, Wallenstein Garden

For your third day in Prague, visit some of the beautiful highlights that most skip – or opt to head out on a day trip. Whatever your heart desires, I got you! 

National Museum

The National Museum (Národní Muzeum) is Prague’s most prominent collection of museums, and its biggest museum is located at the top of Wenceslas Square. 

The museum houses an impressive collection spanning across a multitude of fields, from mineralogy, zoology, anthropology, and archaeology, to the arts and music. 

In fact, their entomology collection alone has more than five million specimens. It’s a great stop for kids and adults alike! 

Optional: Prague Powder Gate Tower

Down the road, consider stopping at Prague’s Powder Gate Tower. Recently renovated, this iconic tower once played host to the coronation processions of Czech kings; kings would enter through this tower when heading to Old Town. It’s one of the most significant monuments of Late Gothic Prague, completed in 1475. If you’d like to go inside, you can head up to the viewing gallery (44 meters high!). 

Wallenstein Garden

Wallenstein Garden is one of my favorite things to do in Prague – and one of the often-overlooked sights to visit. 

Wallenstein Garden, or Valdštejnská zahrada in Czech, is a Baroque masterpiece sitting right below Prague Castle. It’s not the most serene park, but it is one of the most impressive parks in the city. 

Visit this park for beautiful views and a nice stroll – and some peacocks! Yup, the park has live peacocks just walking around (which isn’t uncommon in Czech Republic). 

John Lennon Wall

What trip to Prague is complete without a stop at the John Lennon Wall? 

This colorful wall lies behind a small church courtyard. It first started in 1980, shortly after Lennon was killed. John Lennon never visited this location, but the wall quickly became a symbolic burial site by the youth of Prague.

During Communist times, the wall symbolized freedom of speech and the non-violent resistance. The wall now constantly changes with the times – in fact, drawing on the wall is encouraged. 

Kampa and the River Walk 

To end your third day, walk over to Prague’s Kampa Neighborhood. This riverside spot offers beautiful views and a serene park (the Museum Kampa is a great stop, too, if you’re feeling it)! 

You can follow the path along the river and snake around to Střelecký Island, which offers a really pretty and peaceful view of Prague. It’s also a great place to watch sunset and have a picnic. 

Bonus: Troja Castle & Prague Zoo

If you have the time during your Prague 3 Day Itinerary, or if you simply want to head outside of the main tourist hotspots, consider a visit to Troja Castle in Prague – close to the Prague Zoo, and a great combination trip if you have kids. 

This castle was built for the Counts of Sternberg from 1679 to 1691 and remains a stunning example of Baroque architecture; now, it hosts an art collection – but if you aren’t feeling it, consider just walking around the gardens and soaking up the view. It’s beautiful! 

Alternative Things to Do for Day 3 in Prague

There’s so much to see outside of Prague! Why not spend Day 3 in Prague outside of the city? 

Need some inspiration? Here’s what I recommend to my friends visiting Prague: 

Czech Republic is known for their stunning castles. Why not visit one of the most beautiful castles in Czech Republic? 

Visit the Czech Republic’s underrated wine region, Moravia. My full guide is here!

Consider a day trip to one of Czech Republic’s beautiful towns, like Cesky Krumlov or Karlovy Vary. I’ve got a ton of different ideas here (+ how to get there!). If you’re looking for some of my favorite day trips, why not consider one of these? 

• Bohemian Switzerland National Park. This area is hard to access unless you have a car — but absolutely BREATHTAKING and worth the trip! This tour is a fantastic option because you can tailor your trip to exactly what you want to see.
• Cesky Krumlov, one of the most magical cities in Czech Republic (it’s probably one of my favorite spots in Czech Republic, to be honest).
• Konopiste Castle, the last home of Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria, the heir to the Austro-Hungarian throne (you may know him from your history books — his assassination in Sarajevo triggered World War I). I personally love this tour because Lucy is really well educated on the castle — you spend a lot of time exploring the Castle!
• Hluboka Castle and Cervena Lhota Castle, two of my favorite castles in the south of Czech Republic (and two of the most BEAUTIFUL castles, hands down). This tour combines the two, which is a great option for anyone who doesn’t want to rent a car and drive through windy roads.

Where to Eat in Prague

While you’re in Prague, you simply cannot skip traditional Czech food – and the Czech pastries! Prague has a thriving food scene, but it’s often overlooked. If you’re visiting Prague for the first time, here are three restaurants I recommend: 

1. Výčep

Vinohrady’s Výčep remains one of the best modern kitchens in Prague and one of the best local spots to grab a bite.

The eatery holds one of the few spots in Prague’s Michelin guide, but don’t take their word for it – take mine.

This place is the real deal, and it’s worth the price tag. I’ve been here more than a couple times, and each time, I’ve fallen in love all over again.

Výčep isn’t cheap – nor should it be, given the high standards they hold themselves to. Their menu is short, full of dishes made from seasonal and local ingredients. Many of the dishes are twists on Czech classics, but some are just good, ole fashioned tasty food. What could be better? No list of the best restaurants in Prague is complete without it. 

Local tip: This spot is on my list of the best authentic Czech restaurants in Prague!

2. Pho100

Did you know Prague is home to one of the largest Vietnamese populations outside of Vietnam? The Vietnamese food here is a must-try, and this spot is my favorite. 

Homemade rice noodles, overnight pulled broth, sriracha without additives, crispy quay bread and pickled garlic… Pho100 is, without a doubt, the best Vietnamese Pho is Prague. 

Started by the Khanh brothers and Giang Ta, this cozy neighborhood spot serves up pipping hot pho — and trust me, I’ve tried pretty much every spot in Prague. To top it all off, the ambiance here is lively and cozy. 

3. Kantyna

Third on my list lies Kantyna, one of the best fast-casual spots in Prague – and a great pick for meat lovers! 

Kantyna is an interesting dining hall-style concept where you order from the counters and pay at the end. This modern eatery offers Czech pork and beef from the grill (and oven!) loaded onto a tray. Of course, Kantyna also offers plenty of sides (often veggies and potatoes) as well as a number of delicious sides and the occasional dessert. 

If you’re visiting, don’t skip out on their bramborak or their tartare, which have to be two of the best dishes here. You’ll likely see everyone ordering tartar or carpaccio, two of the most delicious options here, but rest assured everything I’ve tried here over the years is really, really good. 

Local tip: this place also ranks as one of my favorite cheap eats in Prague!

Looking for a full guide? Check out my full list of my favorite restaurants in Prague, grab my Prague foodie guide or snag my Prague Foodie Google Maps spots!

Check out some of my favorite experiences in Prague!

Where to Stay in Prague

Looking for the best place to stay in Prague? I’ll break it down by neighborhood – and by individual hotels! Let’s dive in. 

The Best Hotels in Prague

Prague has some of the best hotels in Europe, in my opinion! If you’re looking for a Prague hotel, consider one of these favorites: 

• The Mandarin Oriental (Luxury Pick): This might just be one of the best hotels in Prague, tucked away in the Mala Strana neighborhood. If you’re looking for a splurge, the presidential suite has a gorgeous private terrace to take in the sweeping views. 
• Prague Carlo IV (NH Collection) (mid-tier pick): The grand Carlo IV is housed in the 19th-century neoclassical palazzo and former bank – and it’s just as impressive outside as it is inside. The hotel also has a fantastic location: close to major public transit as well as Prague’s Old Town. There are plenty of great restaurants nearby, including some of my favorite restaurants in Prague.  

The Best Neighborhoods to Stay in Prague

The oldest and most historic parts of Prague, like Stare Mesto and Mala Strana, may look like the perfect places to stay during your Prague trip. But these areas are often overpriced, noisy, and crowded due to the large number of tourists visiting Prague. Plus, at night, they are filled with partygoers and/or gentlemen’s nightclubs. It’s not always the charming or family-friendly experience that you want when visiting Prague. 

Alternatively, areas like Vinohrady and Žižkov, located just 10 to 15 minutes outside of downtown Prague with the metro, offer much more peace and quiet…and much better restaurants, too! 

Vinohrady is one of those aforementioned Prague hipster neighborhoods, but this beautiful Prague neighborhood – located just east of the river – is the perfect place to stay when visiting Prague. This relaxed neighborhood gets its name from the castle’s vineyards which once lined the hilly area above Old Town. It’s much quieter here – and there are great restaurants, shops and farmer’s markets here, too. 

Read my full breakdown of where to stay in Prague here. 

The Best Time to Visit Prague

One of my favorite times to visit Prague is easily March to May, the early spring season. Expect chillier temperatures (a lighter jacket) and early blossoms as days start to get longer again and sun returns to the Czech Republic. 

But what about fall? Prague’s fall season can be dicey. Some years, it’s really beautiful and sunny with gorgeous fall foliage…and other years, it’s rainy and gray most of the weeks. However, it’s still a somewhat desirable time of year to visit Prague due to fewer crowds and longer days. Expect average highs ranging anywhere between the 60s and the low 40s, so plan to pack warmer clothes.

Read my full breakdown of the best times to visit Prague. 

A local’s guide to visiting Prague: How to maximize your one-day trip

Tipping: Most Czechs do not tip, and it’s not expected that you tip, either. If anything, you would round up your bill to the closest whole number (for example: 375 to 380 or 390). 

Use public transit! The metro in Prague comes every two minutes, and it’s super fast. The tram and bus are also reliable. Above all else, public transit is cheap and covers a lot of the city. 

Skip the Trdelník: this “traditional Czech” goodie really isn’t Czech… unless you count all the street vendors selling it for an insanely expensive price. It can be delicious, but not worth the cost to me. 

Beware of scams: There are so many known scams in big cities, and Prague is no exception. Beware when exchanging money, or taking taxis, or paying your bill. 

Avoid eating in super touristy places: Some restaurants in touristy destinations can be worth the visit, but some are not – and will charge insane prices. It’s nothing new, but beware of where you eat. 

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Samantha Tatro

Samantha Tatro is a Czech-American third culture kid who grew up living and traveling abroad. Many years later, after living in California and working as a journalist, she decided to take the leap and move abroad again…this time to Prague, Czech Republic. Samantha started Undiscovered Path Home to help couples and solo female travelers find the courage to visit countries – and locations – off the beaten path. Her work has appeared in Bon Appetit, NBC News, The Adecco Group, and more.