Prague is a city of spires and stories. Once the seat of Holy Roman Emperors and a crossroads of trade and ideas, it emerged from the 20th century with its medieval core intact—cobbled lanes, Baroque chapels, and that glimmering Vltava ribboned by stone bridges. Walkable and atmospheric, it rewards curiosity in every neighborhood.

Beyond the postcard views lie quiet courtyards, riverside parks, and cafes where Kafka once brooded and composers found their melodies. You’ll cross the Károly híd (Charles Bridge), gaze up at the Asztronómiai óra (Astronomical Clock), and climb to the Prágai vár (Prague Castle) crowned by Szent Vitus székesegyház (St. Vitus Cathedral). Expect hearty Czech dishes, world-class pilsner, and inventive contemporary cuisine.

Practical notes: public transport is fast and inexpensive (24-hour ticket ~120 CZK), and contactless payment is widely accepted. Book popular experiences and restaurants in advance during spring and holiday seasons. This 3-day Prague itinerary balances icons with local favorites so you can savor the city without rushing.

Prague

Prague dazzles at street level: a living museum with a modern pulse. The Óváros (Old Town) radiates from Old Town Square to Wenceslas Square, past the Asztronómiai óra’s hourly parade. Cross the Károly híd at sunrise for statues in silhouette; by dusk, hear buskers set the bridge humming.

On the left bank, Malá Strana and Kampa feel village-like, with gardens and riverside walks under the castle. Climb Petřín for orchard paths and sweeping views. North, Letná park (Letenské sady) serves the best city panorama. East, the Žižkov TV Tower pierces the skyline with surreal “babies” climbing its sides.

• Top sights: Prague Castle & St. Vitus Cathedral, Charles Bridge, Old Town Square, Astronomical Clock, Wenceslas Square, Kampa Island, Petřín Hill, Letná Park, Dancing House, Žižkov TV Tower, Franz Kafka’s moving head (David Černý), Prague Botanical Garden (Fata Morgana greenhouse).
• Good to know: Synagogues in the Jewish Quarter may close on Saturdays and Jewish holidays; plan accordingly.
• Classic tastes: svíčková (beef with creamy sauce), roast duck with dumplings and cabbage, trdelník (a tourist favorite), and pilsner drawn “hladinka” (creamy head).

Getting there (pick what fits your route):

• Flights within Europe: Search and compare with Omio (Flights in Europe).
• Trains in Europe: Vienna–Prague ~4h, Berlin–Prague ~4h20m, Munich–Prague ~5h. Compare and book via Omio (Trains in Europe). Buses often cost €15–30 via Omio (Buses in Europe).
• Flights from outside Europe: Find deals on Trip.com (Flights) or Kiwi.com (Flights).

From the airport: Bus 119 to Nádraží Veleslavín + Metro A gets you downtown in ~35 minutes (40 CZK). Taxi/ride-hail runs 25–35 minutes depending on traffic.

Where to stay (affiliates):

• Four Seasons Hotel Prague — river views by Charles Bridge, refined service.
• Motel One Prague-Florentinum — stylish, great value near the center.
• Hotel Julian — boutique comfort between Smíchov and Malá Strana.
• Hotel Kampa Garden — quiet Kampa Island base by the water.
• Hostel One Home — social hostel with friendly staff in Nové Město.
• Browse more stays: Hotels.com – Prague or apartments on VRBO – Prague.

Day 1: Old Town, Wenceslas Square, and Prague by Night

Morning: Travel into Prague. If you arrive early, grab specialty coffee at EMA Espresso Bar (bright, buzzy; excellent flat whites) or Můj šálek kávy in Karlín (third-wave pioneer; try the filter of the day). Stroll past Powder Tower and Municipal House for a first look at Art Nouveau Prague.

Afternoon: Check in, then set off to the Óváros (Old Town). Watch the Asztronómiai óra strike the hour at Old Town Square; slip into Týn Church and spot the hushed Gothic interior. Walk up Wenceslas Square (Vencel tér), a stage for Czech history, and continue to the Franz Kafka mozgó szobra—David Černý’s mesmerizing rotating head near Národní třída.

Evening: Ease into the city’s flavors with a guided tasting walk, perfect for night photography and local insight: Prague by Night: Drinks & Food Tour with Eating Europe (expect regional bites and drinks in Malá Strana’s storybook lanes).

Prefer a sit-down dinner? Try Lokál Dlouhááá (classic pilsner, fried cheese, svíčková), Kantýna (Butcher’s hall with stellar beef tartare and steaks), or Café Louvre (historic, with a great schnitzel and airy desserts). Nightcap at Hemingway Bar (reservations recommended) or the riverside embankment by the National Theatre.

Day 2: Jewish Quarter, Charles Bridge, Prague Castle, and Letná Views

Morning: Fuel up at Café Savoy (house-baked pastries; the vetrník is a local favorite) before diving into history on a small-group walk: Prague Jewish Quarter Walking Tour with Admission Tickets. You’ll explore synagogues and the Old Jewish Cemetery for context on centuries of life in Josefov.

For lunch, wander to Naše maso (butcher shop burgers and meatloaf sandwiches) or U Pinkasů (historic pilsner pub since 1843).

Afternoon: Cross the Károly híd (Charles Bridge) into Malá Strana and board a guided visit to the Prágai vár: Complete Prague Castle Tour (Tickets to Interiors Included). It’s an efficient way to see the cathedral nave, Old Royal Palace, and Golden Lane with expert narration.

Descend to Letná park (Letenské sady) for the city’s best panorama—ideal for sunset photos across bridges arcing over the Vltava.

Evening: Dine near the river: Mlýnec (modern Czech tasting menus by the water), U Modré kachničky (classic duck and game in a cozy setting), or Kampa Park (romantic riverside tables). Beer lovers can sample Czech lagers and rotating taps at BeerGeek Bar; wine fans should try Bokovka (natural wine and cheeses in a hidden courtyard). Consider a short night stroll back over Charles Bridge for the lantern-lit view.

Day 3: Kampa, Petřín, Dancing House, Žižkov TV Tower, and a Medieval Feast

Morning: Start on Kampa Island—quiet, leafy paths beside the water, the Lennon Wall nearby for color and history. Ride the Petřín funicular up Petřín Hill for gardens, the lookout tower’s citywide views, and a gentle walk through orchards. Coffee and light bites at Café Savoy or a riverside bakery in Smíchov keep things unhurried.

Afternoon: Walk the embankment to the Táncoló ház (Dancing House) for deconstructivist architecture by Gehry and Milunić, then cross to Nové Město for lunch: Kantýna (fast-casual butcher plates) or Kolkovna Celnice (hearty Czech classics). If time allows before departure, zip to Žižkov TV Tower—ride the elevator for sweeping views and spot David Černý’s “babies” on the exterior. Plant lovers with extra time can detour to the Prague Botanical Garden (Troja) to see the Fata Morgana greenhouse.

Evening: If you’re staying one more night, celebrate with a theatrical supper in Old Town: Prague 5 Courses Medieval Dinner and Live Performances—fire shows, dancers, and hearty fare in a historical tavern.

Alternatively, book a window table at Mlýnec or head to Café Slavia opposite the National Theatre for classic desserts and a last view of the river at night.

Local bites and breaks (sprinkle these in as you explore): Čestr (grilled meats, modern Czech), Eska’s sister spots in the Ambiente group like Lokál and Naše maso, artisan gelato at Crème de la Crème, and summer beers at Letná Beer Garden. For coffee, add Onesip Coffee and Super Tramp Coffee to your map.

Pro tips: Charles Bridge is magical at dawn; arrive before 7:00 a.m. Buy a 24- or 72-hour transport pass if you plan multiple tram/metro rides (24h ~120 CZK; 72h ~330 CZK). Many museums close on Mondays; verify hours for the Jewish Museum sites and the castle interiors.

In three days, you’ll trace Prague’s grand arc—from Old Town’s medieval rhythm to castle courtyards and river bends under timeworn bridges. The city reveals itself in layers: a view from Letná, a bell’s chime in Malá Strana, a plate of roast duck shared with friends. You’ll leave with a camera full of spires and a palate tuned to pilsner and pastry.