Medieval lanes, art nouveau facades, and the soft glow of gas lamps at dusk—few capitals cast a spell like Prague. Once the seat of Holy Roman Emperors, its skyline bristles with spires, from St. Vitus Cathedral to hundred-year-old synagogues, all mirrored in the Vltava River. South-east, Brno hums with modernist architecture, playful cocktail temples, and access to limestone caves and vineyards.

Across seven days, you’ll wander the Charles Bridge at blue hour, trace Kafka’s footsteps in the Old Town, then pivot to Brno’s design-forward cafés and Špilberk’s hilltop views. Day trips add texture: the photogenic sandstone arches of Bohemian Switzerland, and the bone-chilling beauty of Kutná Hora’s Sedlec Ossuary.

Practicalities: the currency is Czech koruna (CZK), cards and tap-to-pay are widely accepted, and trains are fast, frequent, and affordable. Reserve popular sites (Prague Castle interiors, Villa Tugendhat, Punkevní Caves) well ahead, and keep an eye on pickpockets in crowded areas. Learn a couple phrases—“Dobrý den” (hello), “Děkuji” (thank you)—and follow the scent of roast pork and caraway to a classic hospoda.

Prague

Prague blends Gothic drama with Renaissance grace: the Astronomical Clock plays its hourly theater, while the Charles Bridge lines up saints and buskers over the Vltava. Neighborhoods shift moods quickly—castle quiet in Hradčany, artisan ateliers in Malá Strana, café culture from Karlín to Vinohrady.

• Top sights: Prague Castle, St. Vitus Cathedral, Charles Bridge, Old Town Square, Jewish Quarter, Letná viewpoints, Vyšehrad.
• Perfect for: history lovers, architecture buffs, food-and-beer explorers, riverside strollers, photographers.
• How to get there: Fly into PRG or arrive by train; compare options on Omio flights and Omio trains in Europe.

Where to stay (Prague): Browse stays on VRBO Prague or Hotels.com Prague. Standouts: Four Seasons Hotel Prague (riverside grandeur, Charles Bridge views), Motel One Prague-Florentinum (smart design, great value), Hotel Julian (rooftop terrace facing the castle), and Hotel Kampa Garden (quiet Malá Strana island).

Day 1 — Arrival in Prague, Old Town First Tastes

Morning: Fly into PRG; check fares via Omio flights. If you land early, reset with a cortado at EMA Espresso Bar (top-tier Czech roasters, standing-room buzz) near Masarykovo nádraží.

Afternoon: Check in and stretch your legs around Old Town Square. Watch the Astronomical Clock strike the hour, then wander Týn Passage to peek at Gothic Church of Our Lady before Týn. Coffee and pastry pick-me-up at Bakeshop (buttery quiches, flourless cakes that actually taste like chocolate).

Evening: Classic Czech dinner at Lokál Dlouhááá—pilsner from gleaming tanks, svíčková (marinated beef with dumplings), and fried cheese done right. Stroll to the Charles Bridge for blue-hour photos, then craft cocktails at Hemingway Bar (reservations advised; think absinthe riffs and immaculate martinis).

Day 2 — Castle District, Hidden Libraries, and Hillside Views

Morning: Tram up to Pražský hrad for a deep dive with a historian-guide.

Prague Castle Tour Including Admission Ticket - 2.5 Hour covers St. Vitus Cathedral’s stained glass, Old Royal Palace, and Golden Lane’s tiny houses while unpacking 1,000 years of intrigue.

Afternoon: Lunch at Kuchyň, the castle-side canteen where staff lift lids from simmering pots so you can choose by sight—try roast duck with red cabbage and caraway. Pop into Strahov Monastery Brewery for a tasting flight, then descend through Petřín orchards for citywide views.

Evening: Vyšehrad neighborhood dinner at U Kroka (homey Moravian recipes; great value). Nightcap at Letná Beer Garden in warm months or Anonymous Bar for theatrical, ciphered cocktails year-round.

Day 3 — Old Town, Jewish Quarter, and a River Cruise

Make the most of central Prague with a well-paced combo of walking, tram, and boat.

Prague Guided Walking Tour and Cruise with Authentic Czech Lunch links Charles Bridge, Old Town, and the Jewish Quarter with a Vltava boat ride and a hearty Czech lunch—ideal for first-timers who want stories with their sights.

After the tour, browse Pařížská’s tree-lined boulevard or duck into Ungelt’s cobbled courtyards. Dinner at Kantýna (butcher-hall vibes: pick your cut and sides at the counter) or at Naše maso for a casual burger with serious pedigree.

Day 4 — Day Trip: Bohemian & Saxon Switzerland (Sandstone Arches and Movie Scenery)

Trade spires for cliffs on a small-group nature excursion (about 2 hours each way by road; moderate walking).

Bohemian & Saxon Switzerland From Prague-Travelers' Choice 2025 features Pravčická Gate (Europe’s largest sandstone arch), Kamenice river gorge boats, and Germany’s Bastei Bridge. Expect forest paths, cliffside viewpoints, and a rustic lunch. Back in Prague, keep dinner light—soup and open-face chlebíčky at Sisters Deli or modern Czech plates at Field.

Brno

Brno, Czechia’s second city, charms quietly: functionalist icons like Villa Tugendhat, a lively student scene, and a downtown that wakes up with specialty coffee and ends with sly, world-class cocktails. It’s a perfect base for the Moravian Karst and the vine-striped hills near Mikulov.

• Top sights: Špilberk Castle, Cathedral of St. Peter and Paul, Capuchin Crypt, Zelňák market, Villa Tugendhat (book far ahead).
• Café-to-cocktail arc: SKOG Urban Hub → Monogram Espresso → Bar, který neexistuje → Super Panda Circus.
• Getting there: Morning trains from Prague take ~2h30; compare times and fares on Omio trains (from roughly $12–22 if booked in advance).

Where to stay (Brno): Browse VRBO Brno apartments near Náměstí Svobody or Cabbage Market, or compare hotels on Hotels.com Brno (look for stays around the historic core for easy walking).

Day 5 — Prague → Brno by Train, Špilberk Views and Cellar Lore

Morning: Depart Prague hl.n. to Brno hl.n. (~2h25–2h40 on ČD Railjet, RegioJet, or Leo Express). Check schedules and seats via Omio trains. Drop bags and grab brunch at Café Placzek (eggs benedict on brioche; honey cake).

Afternoon: Walk the Old Town: Náměstí Svobody’s tram triangle, Cabbage Market (Zelňák) stalls, and the Capuchin Crypt’s mummified monks (a macabre slice of 18th-century history). Hike to Špilberk Castle for city panoramas and fortress casemates. Coffee at SKOG Urban Hub—filter menu is excellent, and the cardamom buns go fast.

Evening: Dinner at Lokál U Caipla (Moravian pork with horseradish and fresh dill potato salad) or Soul Bistro (seasonal, veggie-friendly comfort). Drinks at Bar, který neexistuje (everchanging menu; try their Czech-ingredient highballs) or the immersive Super Panda Circus just around the corner.

Day 6 — Moravian Karst Caves and Tugendhat Modernism

Morning: Head to the Moravian Karst: train Brno → Blansko (~25 min), then local bus/taxi to Skalní Mlýn for the Punkevní Caves boat ride and the 138m-deep Macocha Abyss. Reserve cave tickets in advance (limited slots); bring a light jacket—temperatures hover around 8–10°C underground.

Afternoon: Return to Brno for a late lunch at Stopkova Plzeňská Pivnice (Pilsner tank beer, beef goulash with house knedlíky). If you secured tickets months ahead, tour Villa Tugendhat, Mies van der Rohe’s glass-and-steel masterpiece; otherwise, view the villa and gardens from the outside and visit the excellent info center nearby.

Evening: Treat yourself at Pavillon (modern grill house with airy glass-and-steel dining room) or vegetarian-forward Atelier Bar & Bistro. Nightcap at 4pokoje (from coffeehouse to cocktail den as the day progresses) or a tasting at the local Pegas brewery.

Day 7 — Brno → Prague and Farewell

Morning: Early train Brno hl.n. → Praha hl.n. (~2h30). Book seats on Omio trains, aiming to reach Prague by late morning. Stow bags and take a last stroll at Vyšehrad—ramparts over the river, romantic cemetery where composers and writers rest.

Afternoon: A final Czech lunch: Kantýna’s butcher-board schnitzel or Naše maso’s aged-beef tartare on toasted bread. Transfer to PRG for your flight—scan options and times on Omio flights. Na shledanou!

Optional Bonus Day Trip from Prague (swap into Day 3 or Day 4 if preferred): Kutná Hora & the Bone Church

Day Trip to Kutná Hora by train from Prague visits the UNESCO-listed Sedlec Ossuary (bone chandeliers!) and St. Barbara’s Cathedral, weaving in silver-mining history. Expect about 6 hours door-to-door with scenic countryside between.

Getting around and booking tips: Prague and Brno transit run on time—buy 24-hour passes at metro kiosks or via validated SMS where available. Trains between cities are easiest via Omio, with buses as a budget backup on Omio buses. For stays, compare neighborhoods and deals across VRBO Prague, Hotels.com Prague, VRBO Brno, and Hotels.com Brno.

Food and drink cheat sheet: In Prague, don’t miss Café Savoy for a Viennoiserie breakfast, Můj šálek kávy for specialty brews, and Lokál or Kantýna for perfected pub fare. In Brno, chase cortados at Monogram, waffles at KAFEC, and late-night cocktails at Bar, který neexistuje. Beer-wise, seek unpasteurized tank Pilsner, and try Moravian wines (Grüner Veltliner, Riesling) when you’re south.

With castle courtyards, riverside walks, and sandstone skylines, this 7-day Czech Republic itinerary balances Prague’s storybook grandeur with Brno’s contemporary spark. Fast trains keep logistics easy, while day trips layer in nature and UNESCO gems. Expect hearty meals, standout coffee, and more viewpoints than your camera battery planned for.