Prague has worn many crowns: medieval capital of the Kingdom of Bohemia, imperial jewel of the Habsburgs, and artistic engine of Central Europe. Miraculously spared from wartime destruction, the “City of a Hundred Spires” still shimmers with Gothic steeples, Baroque domes, and Art Nouveau flourishes that turn every stroll into a time-bending gallery walk.

Beyond the postcards—Prague Castle, Charles Bridge, Old Town Square—you’ll find poets’ cafés, monastery breweries, and riverbanks where swans skim the Vltava at sunset. Kafka wrote here; Mozart triumphed here; and today, chefs, roasters, and craft brewers keep the city’s creative streak alive in backstreets and vaulted halls.

Practical notes: the Czech koruna (CZK) is used; cards are widely accepted. Trams and the metro are superb—consider a 24-hour (120 CZK) or 72-hour (330 CZK) pass. Tipping 5–10% is appreciated. Stay watchful around crowded sights for pickpockets, and bring good walking shoes—the cobbles are beautiful but unforgiving.

Prague

Prague is best explored at human speed. Start on Charles Bridge at dawn, when saints’ statues are silhouettes in the mist, then climb to the castle quarter for red-roof panoramas. Dip into the Jewish Quarter’s layered history, the Klementinum’s libraries, and river islands where locals picnic on warm days.

Top sights include Prague Castle and St. Vitus Cathedral, Old Town Square with the Astronomical Clock, the Jewish Quarter (Josefov), Malá Strana’s palaces and gardens, the Lennon Wall, Letná Park’s sweeping viewpoints, and Vyšehrad’s ancient ramparts above the river. For culture, consider the National Gallery’s Veletržní Palace or the contemporary DOX Centre.

Getting there & around

• Flights within Europe: compare fares and times on Omio. London–Prague ~1h45 (from ~$50–$140), Paris–Prague ~1h45–2h (from ~$70–$160).
• Long-haul flights: search broad options on Trip.com or Kiwi.com.
• Trains in Europe: book high-speed and regional routes on Omio. Vienna–Prague ~4h ($25–$50), Berlin–Prague ~4.5h ($25–$60), Munich–Prague ~5.5h ($30–$70).
• Airport to center (PRG): Bus 119 + Metro A to Staroměstská/Muzeum (~35–40 min, standard ticket), AE bus to Main Station (~35 min), or rideshare taxi (~25–40 min).

Where to stay

• Four Seasons Hotel Prague (riverfront elegance steps from Charles Bridge): Check availability.
• Hotel Julian (boutique comfort near Petřín and the river; rooftop views): Check availability.
• Motel One Prague–Florentinum (stylish, good value, walkable to Old Town): Check availability.
• Hotel Kampa Garden (quiet island setting by Charles Bridge): Check availability.
• Hostel One Home (social hostel with activities): Check availability.
• Prefer an apartment? Browse stays on VRBO or compare hotels on Hotels.com.

Day 1: Old Town Arrival, Time Travel on Cobbles, and Riverlight Views

Morning: Travel day. If you land early, shake off the flight with a specialty coffee at EMA Espresso Bar (bright, buzzy, and serious about espresso) or Můj šálek kávy in Karlín (roastery-backed brews and killer cakes). Light lunch ideas: Kantýna (butcher’s counter—order the beef sirloin with creamy sauce or a simple schnitzel) or Café Savoy (grand-room pastries and a Czech-French menu).

Afternoon: Check in, then wander Old Town Square to see the Astronomical Clock strike the hour. Slip into the Klementinum courtyard and peek at the Baroque library or climb the tower for skyline views. Amble the crooked lanes to the Jewish Quarter for façades that read like a history book.

Evening: Time your walk across Charles Bridge for sunset—statues glow, buskers play, and the castle ignites above the river. Dinner near the bridge: Lokál U Bílé kuželky (fresh-poured Pilsner, steaming svíčková, and potato pancakes) or Kuchyň by the castle (home-style Czech dishes with a royal view). Nightcap at Hemingway Bar (reservations recommended), celebrated for absinthe classics and forthright cocktails.

Day 2: Icons in One Sweep + Vltava Dinner Cruise

Morning: Beat the crowds: sunrise on Charles Bridge, then breakfast at Café Savoy (Viennoiserie, eggs Benedict, and a chandeliered room that whispers Belle Époque). Cross to Malá Strana for palace gardens and quiet backstreets where bakeries open their doors.

Afternoon: Join this comprehensive city experience to connect the dots between Prague’s biggest sights:

• One Day See-it-All Prague Tour & River Boat Cruise with PragueWay — Cover Charles Bridge, Old Town, Jewish Quarter, and Prague Castle with an included mini-cruise. Expect engaging history, key viewpoints, and smart pacing for first-timers.

  

Snack stop ideas: Naše maso (butcher shop—perfect for a quick burger or sausage roll) or Čestr for a sit-down Czech-beef lunch if you want a meaty interlude.

Evening: Glide through the city lights on the Vltava with a buffet dinner and landmark views from the water:

• Prague Boats 3-hour Dinner Cruise — See the castle, Vyšehrad, and lit-up embankments while you dine; the glass-roof boats are a photographer’s dream.

  

Prefer to stay on land? Book Café Imperial (sumptuous Art Nouveau tiles, roast duck or beef cheeks) and catch a late show at JazzDock on the river.

Day 3: Castle Depths, Monastic Beer, and a Historic Pub Ramble

Morning: Dive into the world’s largest castle complex with a guide so the stones can speak:

• Prague Castle Tour Including Admission Ticket – 2.5 Hour — St. Vitus Cathedral’s stained glass, Old Royal Palace’s Vladislav Hall, St. George’s Basilica, and the storybook Golden Lane.

  

Lunch nearby: Kuchyň (castle-side pots of braised meats, dill sauce, and cucumber salad) or Klášterní pivovar Strahov (monastic brews; try the amber Sv. Norbert with roast pork and dumplings).

Afternoon: Walk to the Strahov Monastery library (marbled halls and globes), then amble to Petřín Hill. Ride the funicular, climb the lookout tower for citywide views, and descend through rose gardens to Malá Strana’s cobbles. Coffee at Artic Bakehouse (buttery croissants, small-batch bread) or a quiet café in Nový Svět.

Evening: Learn Prague’s liquid history in vaulted taverns and tucked-away bars:

• Prague Historic Pub Tour with Drinks Included — Classic lagers, cozy cellars, and tall tales that make Bohemian beer culture click.

  

If you’d rather dine first, book U Kroka (local favorite in Nusle; pork knuckle, duck with red cabbage, excellent value) or Lokal Dlouhááá (fast-poured Pilsner, seasonal Czech classics).

Day 4: Vyšehrad Calm, Artsy Letná, and Farewell Flavors

Morning: Breakfast in leafy Vinohrady at La Bohème Café (roastery pedigree, tranquil vibe) or near New Town at Café Neustadt (courtyard gem). Then circle the ramparts of Vyšehrad, the ancient seat of Czech legends, peeking into the cemetery where artists and composers rest, and down to the riverside for views back to the castle.

Afternoon: Head to art-forward Letná: stroll the park for the postcard panorama, then browse the DOX Centre for Contemporary Art (bold exhibitions; the airship installation is a signature). Lunch options: Vinohradský pivovar (craft lagers and goulash), Dva Kohouti in Karlín (brewpub collabs plus snacks), or graze around Manifesto Market Anděl for global street food.

Evening: If you’re departing later, toast your last night with a riverside stroll and one more view from Charles Bridge. Prefer a sit-down finale? Try La Degustation Bohême Bourgeoise (modern Michelin-starred takes on Czech ingredients) or a relaxed table at Kantýna. If your flight is in the afternoon, consider moving last night’s special dinner to Day 3.

Optional swaps and extras: Explore the Medieval Underground beneath Old Town, catch a classical concert in a Baroque church, or ride a tram to Žižkov for murals and neighborhood bars. On sunny days, join locals at Střelecký Island with gelato in hand.

Transit tips: The 24/72-hour passes cover metro, tram, and buses; validators are yellow boxes by doors. Trams 22 and 23 are scenic routes to the castle area. For intercity connections, compare times and prices on Omio Trains or Omio Buses.

Prague rewards the curious: lift a tavern lid, open a library door, climb one more tower. In four days you’ll trace kings and composers, sip foam-capped lagers, and collect river-lit memories that feel part fairy tale, part lived-in city. Na zdraví—to your next visit.