Prague is a city that wears its history on its rooftops—red-tiled seas beneath Gothic spires, Baroque domes, and a castle so large it could be its own neighborhood. Once the capital of the Holy Roman Empire, it has been shaped by emperors, composers, astronomers, and revolutionaries, and it shows in every square and alley.

Fun fact: the Astronomical Clock has been delighting crowds since 1410, a medieval mechanical marvel that still keeps time and celestial positions. The city’s compact center means you can stroll from the Old Town to the castle and back via storybook bridges, passing breweries, cafés, and hidden courtyards along the way.

Expect hearty Czech cuisine (think slow-roasted pork, duck, and dumplings), world-class lagers, and café culture that rewards lingering. Prague is walkable and safe; pickpocket awareness is wise in crowded zones. The Czech koruna (CZK) is standard—cards are widely accepted. Spring and fall offer mild weather and thinner crowds, while winter wraps the city in fairytale mist.

Prague

Prague’s core neighborhoods—Staré Město (Old Town), Malá Strana (Lesser Town), and Hradčany (Castle District)—pack a millennium of architecture into a few scenic kilometers. Highlights include Prague Castle and St. Vitus Cathedral, Charles Bridge’s baroque statues, the Old Town Square’s Gothic towers, and the art nouveau elegance of Municipal House.

Beyond the icons, seek viewpoints at Letná Park and Petřín Hill, the monastic calm of Strahov Library, and the galleries of DOX for contemporary edge. Evenings shine on the riverbanks with jazz boats, ambient bridges, and a generous choice of classic pubs and modern cocktail lounges.

• Where to stay (easy booking): Browse stays on VRBO or Hotels.com.
• Specific hotel picks:
  • Four Seasons Hotel Prague — refined riverside base steps from Charles Bridge; spa and Vltava views.
  • Hotel Julian — friendly boutique stay with a cozy library bar; easy walk to Anděl and the river.
  • Motel One Prague-Florentinum — smart-value design hotel near the Old Town and Masaryk Station.
  • Hotel Kampa Garden — quiet canal-side address on Kampa Island, perfect for bridge sunsets.
  • Hostel One Home — social, central, and clean; great for solo travelers.
• Getting to Prague:
  • Flights (to/from Europe): Compare on Omio (flights). Examples: Paris–Prague ~1h45, often €60–€140; Rome–Prague ~1h50, €70–€160.
  • Flights (intercontinental): Check fares on Kiwi.com or Trip.com (via hubs like FRA, AMS, LHR).
  • Trains in Europe: Use Omio (trains). Berlin–Prague ~4h20 from ~€19; Vienna–Prague ~4h05 from ~€19.
  • Buses in Europe: Use Omio (buses). Munich–Prague ~5h from ~€18; Budapest–Prague ~6h45 from ~€24.

Day 1: Old Town Icons, River Glow, and a Taste of Czech Classics

Morning: Travel to Prague and settle in. If you land early, fuel up at EMA Espresso Bar (Na Florenci) for expertly pulled espresso and a poppy-seed koláč; it’s a local favorite near the Masaryk rail hub.

Afternoon: Start in Old Town Square to catch the Astronomical Clock’s hourly show, then duck into the Gothic nave of Týn Church. Walk to the Municipal House to admire its art nouveau façade and mosaic. For a light lunch, head to Bakeshop (Kozí) for quiches and cheescakes—ideal for a quick, tasty bite between sights.

Evening: See Prague’s monuments light up from the water with a dinner cruise: Prague: Sightseeing Boat Cruise with Buffet Dinner. Expect a relaxing 2–3 hours with a buffet of Czech and international dishes as you glide past Charles Bridge and the castle.

Prefer land-based dining? Book Lokál Dlouhááá for perfectly poured unpasteurized Pilsner and favorites like svíčková (beef in creamy root-veg sauce) and schnitzel; it’s boisterous, affordable, and authentically Czech.

Day 2: Prague Castle, Mala Strana Strolls, and Cocktails with Craft

Morning: Begin with breakfast at Café Savoy (buttery Viennoiserie, eggs Benedict, and a painted-ceiling dining room). Then head uphill for a deep dive into the world’s largest castle complex with the Prague Castle Tour Including Admission Ticket - 2.5 Hour. You’ll cover St. Vitus Cathedral, the Old Royal Palace, St. George’s Basilica, and Golden Lane—plus centuries of intrigue.

Afternoon: Enjoy lunch at Kuchyň (on the castle grounds): choose from pots of daily Czech dishes (roast meats, dill sauce, seasonal sides) and soak up unbeatable city views. Wander down to Malá Strana through Nový Svět lane for a quiet, village-like moment, then visit the Lennon Wall and riverside art on Kampa Island.

Evening: For an elegant dinner with river vistas, book Mlýnec near Charles Bridge—modern Czech tasting menus highlight local produce (try the roasted duck or trout). Cap the night at Hemingway Bar for impeccably crafted cocktails and an encyclopedic absinthe selection; arrive early or expect a wait.

Day 3: Day Trip into Storybook Nature (Bohemian & Saxon Switzerland)

Trade spires for sandstone cliffs on a small-group escape: 2025 Best Reviews: Bohemian & Saxon Switzerland from Prague. This full-day tour (max 7 travelers) typically includes hotel pickup, hikes to arches and viewpoints, and time on both the Czech and German sides of the national park.

Bring sturdy shoes and a light layer—the weather can change in the sandstone labyrinths. Back in Prague, reward yourself with a relaxed dinner at Kantýna (butcher-restaurant for dry-aged beef, pork knuckle, and superb potato salad). Beer lovers can continue to Letná Beer Garden for twilight views over the Vltava, weather permitting.

Day 4: Jewish Quarter, New Town Highlights, and a Farewell Feast

Morning: Coffee at Můj šálek kávy (Karlín) or central La Bohème Café (Vinohrady) for specialty beans roasted by local pros. Then explore heritage and resilience on the Prague Jewish Quarter Walking Tour with Admission Tickets. You’ll visit synagogues (including the Pinkas and Spanish Synagogues) and the haunting Old Jewish Cemetery with expert context.

Afternoon: Lunch at historic Café Louvre (since 1902; think svíčková, goulash, schnitzel, or a light salad), then stroll Wenceslas Square and pop into the National Museum if time allows. Alternatively, taxi to DOX Centre for Contemporary Art in Holešovice for bold exhibitions and the Gulliver airship installation.

Evening: For your finale, choose between a Michelin-star celebration at La Degustation Bohême Bourgeoise (inventive takes on Czech tradition, tasting-only) or riverside sophistication at CottoCrudo (Italian modernity with prime Czech ingredients). Beer aficionados can end with a stop at U Zlatého Tygra (tiny, historic, reservations essential) or the more accessible BeerGeek Bar for craft taps.

Food & Drink Deep Cuts (Use as Swaps Any Day)

• Naše maso: A butcher shop serving hot meatloaf sandwiches and burgers; stand-up counters, high quality.
• U Kroka (Nusle): Neighborhood favorite for crisp roast duck, red cabbage, and dumplings—book ahead.
• Manifesto Anděl: Stylish street-food market with rotating vendors; great for groups and picky eaters.
• Vinograf Senovážné: Czech and Central European wines by the glass with knowledgeable staff.
• Anonymous Bar: Playful, speakeasy-style cocktails with theatrical presentations.

Practical Notes

• Getting around: Walk most of the center; for longer hops use trams/metro (contactless cards accepted). Taxis and ride-hailing are widely available.
• Cash/cards: Cards are common; small coins help for kiosks and public restrooms.
• Timing: Visit Charles Bridge at dawn for serene photos; major sights are quietest early morning or late afternoon.
• Day-trip alternatives: Prefer castles over cliffs? Consider Cesky Krumlov Full day tour from Prague and back for a UNESCO town of Renaissance facades and a hilltop chateau.

In four days, you’ve walked medieval lanes, climbed into castle history, tasted Czech staples and stellar lagers, and breathed in sandstone skylines. Prague rewards curiosity—there’s always another courtyard, view, or café waiting when you return.