3 Days in Prague Itinerary 🇨🇿: The Perfect Guide to Explore the City

Planning to spend 3 days in Prague? You’re in for an unforgettable adventure in one of Europe’s most enchanting cities. From exploring the cobblestone streets of Old Town to marveling at the grandeur of Prague Castle—the largest ancient castle in the world—this 3-day itinerary in Prague is packed with must-see sights and hidden gems.

🏠 Where to Stay in Prague

• 💎 Luxury Hotel: Buddha Bar Hotel Prague
• ✨ 5-Star: Four Seasons Prague
• 🏨 4-Star: Boho Prague
• 🛏️ 3-Star: Ikona Hotel Prague
• 💸 Cheap: VSE University Hostel
• 🏢 Apartament: Residence Karolina
• 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 For Families: Park Inn Prague
• 🏩 For Couples: U Zlaté Studně

Whether it’s your first time in the city or you’re revisiting its charm, check out this Prague guide, it helps you navigate, discover its rich history, and enjoy its vibrant culture. Don’t miss iconic landmarks like the Dancing House, Mala Strana, and the John Lennon Wall, all while indulging in delicious Prague food and world-famous Czech beer.

💁 Best Guided Tours in Prague

• The Best of Prague from € 65 (⭐ 4.8/5)
• Prague Foodie Tour from € 150 (⭐ 5/5)
• Prague Oldtown and Medieval Underground from € 20 (⭐ 4.4/5)
• Discover Prague Tour from € 100 (⭐ 4.9/5)

3 Days in Prague: Itinerary Overview

• Day 1 🏰 Old Town & Jewish Quarter: Start at Old Town Square for the Astronomical Clock and stunning Gothic architecture. Climb Old Town Hall Tower for city views. Afternoon in the Jewish Quarter exploring synagogues and the historic cemetery. End with sunset at Charles Bridge and traditional Czech dinner.
• Day 2 🌉 Castle District & Malá Strana: Morning at Prague Castle complex and St. Vitus Cathedral. Explore charming Malá Strana’s baroque streets, John Lennon Wall, and Kampa Island. Evening at a historic beer hall or classical concert.
• Day 3 🎭 Modern Prague & Hidden Gems: Visit Wenceslas Square, Dancing House, and Vyšehrad fortress. Explore local life in Vinohrady or take a Kutná Hora day trip. Finish with a river cruise and rooftop dinner overlooking illuminated Prague.

Day 1: Old Town Square and New Town

Morning: Astronomical Clock and Church of Our Lady

Early Magic: I always start my weekend in Prague itinerary at dawn in the Old Town Square (Staroměstské náměstí), when the morning light bathes the Gothic spires in a golden glow. The square, dating back to the 12th century, offers a completely different experience before the tourist crowds arrive.

Architectural Wonders: The Church of Our Lady before Týn dominates the skyline with its 80-meter twin spires, creating that fairytale Prague silhouette. The church’s asymmetrical towers (one slightly larger than the other) represent Adam and Eve – a detail most visitors miss.

Morning Rituals: While tourists flock here hourly for the Astronomical Clock show, I prefer watching it during the 9 AM performance when crowds are thinner. The world’s oldest functioning astronomical clock puts on quite a display with its moving apostles, but don’t waste time fighting for front-row spots.

Best Activities

Old Town Underground, Astronomical Clock and Charles Bridge Tour: This comprehensive walking tour covers Prague’s most iconic landmarks in the historic center. Perfect for first-time visitors, you’ll explore the medieval underground chambers, watch the famous Astronomical Clock show, and learn about the legends of Charles Bridge while avoiding the typical tourist crowds.

Astronomical Clock – Check availability of tickets

Afternoon: Jewish Quarter (Josefov)

Historic Discovery: After lunch, I venture into Prague’s Jewish Quarter (Josefov), where nearly 1,000 years of Jewish heritage unfolds between the Old Town Square and Vltava River. The afternoon light creates perfect conditions for photography, casting long shadows across the historic streets.

Cultural Heritage: The Jewish Museum complex offers a profound journey through time. I always recommend starting at the Spanish Synagogue, a breathtaking Moorish-style masterpiece with intricate arabesques and a dazzling combination of green, blue, and red hues.

Sacred Spaces. The Old-New Synagogue, Europe’s oldest active synagogue, captivates with its Gothic architecture and wrought-iron chandeliers. I’m always moved by the legend of the Golem resting in its attic, adding an air of mystery to this 13th-century marvel.

Best Activities

Prague Old Town, New Town and Jewish Quarter Walking Tour: Get around Prague’s most historic neighborhoods on this intimate walking tour through the capital of the Czech Republic. Perfect for first-time visitors, this tour takes you through the charming alley in Prague’s Old Town, past the famous Astronomical Clock, and into the atmospheric Jewish Quarter.

Jewish Town –  Check availability of tickets

Evening: Charles Bridge

Magical Hour: I’ve discovered that Charles Bridge transforms completely as the sun begins to set, usually around 8:00 PM in summer and earlier in winter. The fading light bathes the Gothic towers and 30 baroque statues in a golden glow, creating an atmosphere that feels almost medieval.

Perfect Timing: My favorite spot is near the Old Town Bridge Tower, where the sunset creates a spectacular backdrop behind Prague Castle and St. Vitus Cathedral. During summer solstice, around June 21, you can witness ‘Praguehenge’ – when the setting sun perfectly aligns with the cathedral’s spires.

Common Mistake: Don’t rush across the bridge at sunset. Most tourists hurry to get their photos and leave, missing the most magical moment when the castle complex lights up against the darkening sky.

Best Activities

The Best of Prague Walking Tour: This comprehensive walking tour is perfect for first-time visitors looking to get around the city and discover the major sights. Your expert guide will help you navigate the historic town Prague while sharing fascinating stories about the attractions, making it an ideal introduction to kickstart your 3 day Prague itinerary.

What I spent on my first day in Prague:

Essential Morning Route:

• Start at Powder Tower (Prašná brána)
• Walk through Celetná Street to Old Town Square
• Visit the Astronomical Clock during its hourly show
• Explore the Týn Church courtyard
• End at Havelská Market

Local Flavors. The area around Havelská Street offers excellent traditional Czech restaurants. I’ve found the best value for authentic goulash and svíčková here, away from the tourist-heavy square

Day 2: Lesser Town (Malá Strana) and Prague Castle

Morning: Malá Strana and The Lennon Wall

Charming Streets: Crossing Charles Bridge led me to Malá Strana, or Lesser Town, one of the most picturesque neighborhoods in the capital of Czech Republic. I wandered down Nerudova Street, famous for its historic house signs, and admired the grandeur of St. Nicholas Church, one of the most beautiful Baroque buildings in the city.

Hidden Gems. The district offers a more authentic experience than the touristy Old Town. Local cafes and antique shops line Nerudova Street, where you’ll find unique pottery at Kafe & Hrnky and vintage treasures at U Zlaté číše.

Artistic Vibes: The Lennon Wall was a highlight of my walk, its vibrant graffiti constantly changing with messages of hope and freedom. A short stroll brought me to Kampa Park, a peaceful retreat by the river where quirky art installations like David Černý’s crawling baby sculptures added a playful touch to my visit.

Best Activities

• Prague Castle and Mala Strana Tour: This intimate walking tour perfect for your first time in the capital of Czech Republic, the tour helps you get around the castle district while exploring hidden alleys and secret spots that most visitors miss when exploring these historic places in Prague.
• Secret Food Tours Prague: Mala Strana District: This delightful food tour takes you through the historic Mala Strana district, where you’ll discover authentic Czech cuisine and sample traditional prague beer in hidden local spots that most tourists never find.

Afternoon: Prague Castle Complex

Royal Experience: After climbing the scenic route through the castle stairs, I always pause at the main entrance to take in the magnitude of the world’s largest ancient castle complex. The afternoon sun illuminates the stunning St. Vitus Cathedral spires perfectly at this time.

Cathedral Magic: St. Vitus Cathedral’s stained glass windows create a mesmerizing light show during afternoon hours. The St. Wenceslas Chapel, adorned with semi-precious stones, glows particularly beautifully between 2-4 PM.

Hidden Corners: Golden Lane was a delightful surprise with its tiny colorful houses that once housed castle workers and goldsmiths. I even discovered Kafka’s former writing studio here! The panoramic views from the castle grounds over Malá Strana and Prague city were unforgettable and worth every step uphill.

Royal Gardens: The castle’s gardens are my favorite afternoon retreat. The Royal Garden, with its Renaissance Ball Game Hall and Singing Fountain, offers a peaceful escape from the castle’s busier sections.

Evening: Strahov Monastery

Baroque Libraries: My day ended at Strahov Monastery, home to some of the most stunning baroque libraries I’ve ever seen. Filled with ancient books and globes, they felt like stepping into a scene from a fantasy novel—entrance cost €12.50 but was worth every cent for history lovers like me.

Czech Beer: Before heading back, I enjoyed a pint of Czech beer (€3) at Klášterní Pivovar Strahov, the monastery’s brewery. Sitting in their garden overlooking Prague as the sun set was the perfect way to relax after an eventful day exploring this incredible city.

Best Activities

Prague Castle Tour with Best City Views: This panoramic tour takes you around castle while showcasing the best views of the city of Prague from carefully selected vantage points. It is combines the majestic castle complex exploration with spectacular photo opportunities of the historic center, making it an ideal addition to your 3-day Prague itinerary.

What I spent on my second day in Prague:

Common Mistake: Many visitors rush through Prague Castle; plan at least three hours to explore its courtyards, gardens, and interiors fully. Skipping the quieter spots, like the South Gardens or St. George’s Basilica, means missing some of the most serene and historically rich areas of the complex.

Skip Taxis: Taxis are notorious for overcharging tourists. Stick to Uber or Bolt if you need a ride, or better yet, walk! The city center is compact, and many attractions in Prague within walking distance.

Day 3: Off-the-Beaten-Path Adventures

Morning: Vyšehrad Fortress

Historic Start: I begin my final day at Vyšehrad, Prague’s second castle perched high above the Vltava River. This lesser-known fortress offers breathtaking views without the tourist crowds of Prague Castle. My morning walk along the fortress walls reveals panoramic vistas of the city that most visitors miss entirely.

The complex features several notable sites:

• The neo-Gothic Basilica of St Peter and St Paul with its 58-meter twin towers.
• The historic Vyšehrad Cemetery, established in 1869, housing Czech luminaries.
• The ancient Rotunda of St Martin, Prague’s oldest surviving rotunda.
• Extensive public parks and gardens with panoramic city views.

Legends and Beauty: I explored the Basilica of St. Peter and Paul, with its striking neo-Gothic design, and wandered through Vyšehrad Cemetery, where many famous Czech figures rest. The fortress walls provided breathtaking views of the river and city below, making it a highlight of my 3-day Prague itinerary.

Best Activities

Private Half-Day Tour: Discover Prague and Upper Castle: This private half-day tour offers an intimate way to see Prague for the first time, taking you through hidden alleys and up to the magnificent castle complex. Your personal guide helps you get around city’s most significant landmarks while sharing insider travel tips.

Midday: Žižkov District

Unique Architecture: My next stop was the Žižkov TV Tower, one of Prague’s quirkiest landmarks and a must-see for anyone planning on visiting Prague. The tower’s observation deck (€10) offered panoramic views of the city, while David Černý’s crawling baby sculptures added a playful touch to this modern building in Prague.

Modern Marvel: The Franz Kafka Rotating Head is an incredible kinetic sculpture by David Černý that I stumbled upon near the Quadrio shopping center. This 11-meter-tall stainless steel head is made of 42 rotating layers that constantly shift to create Kafka’s face—a fitting tribute to one of Prague’s most famous literary figures.

Local Vibes: Afterward, I headed to Riegrovy Sady, a park loved by locals for its relaxed atmosphere and beer gardens. Sitting on a bench with a light lunch and enjoying views of Prague Castle made for a perfect midday break away from the tourist crowds.

Prague TV Tower Observatory – Check availability of tickets

Franz Kafka Museum – Check availability of tickets

Afternoon: Petřín Hill

Scenic Escape: Petřín Hill was my next destination, offering a lush green retreat in the heart of Prague. I took the funicular (€2.50) up to the top and climbed Petřín Tower (€6)—Prague’s mini Eiffel Tower—for incredible 360-degree views of the city below.

Nature and Fun: I strolled through Petřín Park’s winding paths, stopping to admire the blooming rose garden and visiting the Mirror Maze (€4) for some lighthearted fun. The area felt like an oasis within Prague city center, perfect for unwinding after exploring historic landmarks.

Afternoon Culture. Wenceslas Square isn’t actually a square but a boulevard, stretching 750 meters through New Town. I spend my afternoon exploring the National Museum, recently renovated and housing fascinating Czech historical artifacts.

Moving away from tourist zones, I discover local gems like:

• Manifesto Market for modern Czech street food
• Café Savoy for traditional pastries
• Lokál Dlouhááá for authentic Czech beer culture

Best Activities

Prague In One Day Private Tour (7 Hours): This comprehensive private tour offers the perfect introduction to Prague, covering the city’s major highlights in a single day with a dedicated guide who can customize the itinerary to your interests.

Evening: Farewell Dinner and Vltava River

Czech Cuisine: For my final evening in Prague, I indulged in traditional Czech food at Lokál Dlouhááá near Old Town Square. A plate of vepro knedlo zelo (roast pork with dumplings and sauerkraut) cost around €10, paired with Czech beer (€2), making it both delicious and affordable.

Evening Views: As night fell, I took one short cruise along the Vltava River to enjoy Prague’s illuminated skyline. The glowing Charles Bridge and majestic Prague Castle were unforgettable sights that perfectly capped off my three days in this beautiful city.

Best Activities

Prague Devil's Channel 1-Hour Cruise: This intimate boat tour takes you through Prague’s picturesque Devil’s Channel, a hidden waterway that offers unique perspectives of the city’s historic architecture.

What I spent on my third day in Prague:

Prague Travel Tips

Transportation Tips

Public Transport: Prague’s public transport system is one of the best in Europe, making it easy to get around the city. The metro, trams, and buses all use the same ticket system, with a 90-minute ticket costing €1.50. Tram #22 is particularly scenic, passing by popular Prague attractions like Malá Strana and Prague Castle. Tickets can be purchased at vending machines or via the PID Lítačka app.

Walking-Friendly Areas: The city center of Prague is compact and perfect for walking, especially around Old Town Square, Charles Bridge, and the Jewish Quarter. However, for uphill spots like Petřín Hill or Vyšehrad Fortress, public transport or the funicular (€2.50) is a great option to save energy.

Best Time to Visit

Spring Magic: The perfect time to spend 3 days in Prague is during spring (March-May), when fewer tourists crowd the alleys close to Prague Castle and cherry blossoms paint the city pink. Morning temperatures are crisp but comfortable for exploring the historic center.

Autumn Charm: September through November offers another ideal season in Prague, with golden light illuminating medieval architecture and comfortable temperatures for walking tours. The Prague Castle complex and Old Town Square are particularly stunning as autumn colors transform the city.

Winter Wonder: Prague Christmas markets transform the city into a fairytale from late November through December. While temperatures drop, the festive atmosphere and mulled wine make winter visits magical.

Summer Scene: June through August brings warm weather perfect for outdoor cafes and evening walks, though expect larger crowds and higher prices. Early morning or evening exploration helps avoid peak tourist times.

Budgeting Advice

Estimated Costs: On average, budget travelers can spend €45–€60 per day in Prague. This includes meals (€5–€10), public transport (€4 for a daily pass), and free or low-cost attractions like Charles Bridge or Letná Park.

Money-Saving Tips: Consider purchasing the Prague City Pass (€70 for 3 days), which includes entry to over 50 attractions like Prague Castle and the Astronomical Clock Tower, as well as unlimited public transport access. Dining at local pubs outside tourist hotspots offers authentic Czech food at reasonable prices (€10–€12 per meal).

❓ FAQ

What is the best 3-day Prague itinerary for first-time visitors?

Start with iconic landmarks like the Astronomical Clock and Charles Bridge, then dive into Prague Castle, the largest castle complex in the world. On your final day, relax at scenic spots like Riegrovy Sady or take a food tour to sample authentic Czech cuisine. This itinerary is packed with all the must-see attractions while leaving time for spontaneous discoveries.

How do I get from Václav Havel Airport Prague to the city center?

Getting from Prague Airport to the city center is easy and affordable. The most popular option is taking the Airport Express bus (AE), which costs around €3 and drops you off at the main bus station in Prague city center. Alternatively, you can use public transport by combining bus #119 with metro Line A for a total cost of €1.50. Taxis and ride-sharing apps like Bolt are also available but can be more expensive (€20–€30).

What are the best things to do in Prague in 3 days?

In three days in Prague, you can explore a mix of historic landmarks, cultural sites, and local experiences. Must-see attractions include Old Town Square, Charles Bridge, St. Vitus Cathedral, Golden Lane, and the Lennon Wall. Don’t miss out on sampling Czech beer at a traditional pub or enjoying panoramic views from Petřín Tower. For a unique experience, visit a museum like the Jewish Museum or relax at Vyšehrad Fortress for stunning views of the Vltava River.

When is the best time to visit Prague?

The best time to visit Prague is during spring (March to May) or autumn (September to November) when the weather is mild, and the crowds are smaller compared to summer. Winter in Prague is also magical due to its famous Christmas markets and snow-covered streets, making it worth a visit if you love festive vibes. Avoid peak summer months if you prefer quieter streets and lower accommodation prices.

What are some budget-friendly tips for visiting Prague?

Prague is one of Europe’s most affordable cities for travelers. Walking is the best way to get around Prague’s compact city center, saving on transport costs. A daily public transport pass costs just €4 and includes trams, buses, and metro rides. For attractions like Prague Castle or museums, consider getting a combined ticket or using the Prague City Pass (€70 for 3 days) to save money on entry fees. Dining at local pubs outside tourist hotspots offers authentic Czech food at reasonable prices (€10–€12 per meal).

Is it worth visiting Wenceslas Square during my trip?

Yes, Wenceslas Square is worth visiting as it’s one of Prague’s most vibrant areas filled with shops, restaurants, and historical significance. It’s an ideal spot for people-watching during the day or experiencing nightlife after dark. The square also houses the National Museum, which provides fascinating insights into Czech history and culture—definitely worth adding to your travel itinerary!