Prague’s 1,100-year story unfolds in Gothic spires, Baroque domes, and a river crossed by stone saints. Once the seat of Holy Roman Emperors, later the thriving heart of Bohemia, it’s a city that turned alchemy and intellect into an urban fairy tale. Today, the “City of a Hundred Spires” pairs history with a modern creative scene, from experimental galleries to artisan bakeries.

Expect iconic moments—Charles Bridge at dawn, the Astronomical Clock on the hour, and the stained glass glow inside St. Vitus Cathedral. Then slip into lived-in neighborhoods for espresso in Karlín, craft lager in Vinohrady, and sunset panoramas from Letná. Food-wise, think roasted duck, svíčková with dumplings, and a serious bread renaissance—not to mention some of Europe’s best lager culture.

Practical notes: Prague is walkable and safe; trams and metro are excellent (72-hour pass ~330 CZK). Carry some cash for smaller pubs; tipping runs 5–10%. Watch for pickpockets in crowded areas around Old Town Square and Charles Bridge. Dress modestly for churches, and book top restaurants and tours in advance, especially spring–fall.

Prague

Prague wraps its legend around the Vltava River—Old Town (Staré Město) buzzing with cafés and clock chimes, the Lesser Town (Malá Strana) huddled below a cliff-top castle, and New Town (Nové Město) showcasing grand boulevards and Art Nouveau swagger. Between them, winding lanes, intimate courtyards, and beer halls hum from lunch to late-night.

• Top sights: Prague Castle and St. Vitus Cathedral, Charles Bridge, Old Town Square & Astronomical Clock, Jewish Quarter (Josefov), Strahov Monastery, Klementinum library, Vyšehrad, Letná Park viewpoints.
• Standout eats: Classic Czech from Lokál and U Kroka; nose-to-tail brilliance at Kantýna; sourdough-and-fire cooking at ESKA; buttery pastries at Café Savoy; butcher counter bites at Naše maso; riverside jazz at JazzDock.
• Good to know: Museums often close on Mondays; Strahov Library and Klementinum require guided visits; sunrise and late evenings are the most peaceful times on Charles Bridge.

Where to stay (handpicked):

• Four Seasons Hotel Prague — A polished riverside base with postcard views by Charles Bridge; superb service, spa, and refined dining.
• Motel One Prague-Florentinum — Design-forward, great value, and walkable to Old Town; ideal for stylish, budget-savvy travelers.
• Hotel Julian — Warm boutique stay near the river and Petřín; excellent breakfast and a cozy library vibe.
• Hotel Kampa Garden — Quiet island setting by the water under Charles Bridge; lovely for walkers and romantics.
• Hostel One Home — Friendly, social, centrally located; spotless dorms and nightly activities for solo travelers.
• Browse more Prague hotels on Hotels.com or apartments on VRBO.

How to arrive (and get around):

• Flights: Prague’s Václav Havel Airport (PRG) has frequent connections across Europe (e.g., London ~2h; Paris ~1h45; Rome ~1h50). Search options on Omio.
• Trains: From Vienna ~4h (€20–€45), Berlin ~4.5h (€25–€60), Munich ~5.5h (€30–€70); compare schedules and fares on Omio Trains. Buses can be cheaper on some routes (Omio Buses).
• Local transit: Reliable metro and trams; 30-min ticket ~30 CZK; 24h ~120 CZK; 72h ~330 CZK. Trams 22 and 23 are scenic routes to the castle district.

Day 1: Arrival, Old Town First Look, and Classic Czech Comforts

Afternoon: Arrive and check in. Shake off the journey with an easy loop: Powder Tower to Old Town Square, then Týn Church and the Astronomical Clock—catch the hourly procession if you can. Espresso at EMA Espresso Bar (bright space, elite Czech roasters) or La Bohème Café (softer, salon feel) to reset.

Evening: Dinner at Lokál Dlouhááá—order beef sirloin svíčková with dumplings, a schnitzel, and fresh unpasteurized Pilsner poured “hladinka” (creamy cap). Dessert stroll for gelato at Crème de la Crème. Nightcap at Hemingway Bar (reservations advised; absinthe and rum classics) or candlelit Black Angel’s beneath the Old Town Square.

Day 2: Castle District Crown Jewels and Mala Strana Meanders

Morning: Breakfast at Café Savoy—vanilla-laced pastries and eggs “Savoy” in a neo-Renaissance hall. Walk (or take tram 22) up to the castle complex for sweeping Vltava views.

Afternoon: Join this excellent guided visit to unlock the centuries:

Prague Castle Tour Including Admission Ticket - 2.5 Hour
Learn the backstory of St. Vitus Cathedral, Old Royal Palace, St. George’s Basilica, and Golden Lane.

Lunch nearby at Kuchyň (by the castle) where daily pots showcase hearty Czech recipes; order the roast chicken with pan juices or braised beef with dill sauce.

Evening: Wander down into Malá Strana: visit Wallenstein Garden (peacocks!), the Lennon Wall, and Kampa Island’s riverside corners. Dinner at Mlýnec (inventive takes on Czech flavors by the river) or U Modré kachničky for slow-roasted duck with red cabbage. Late jazz at JazzDock—modern riverside club with strong acoustics.

Day 3: Old Town, Jewish Quarter, and a Local-Loved Food Tour

Morning: Coffee and a cardamom bun at Kro Kitchen’s bakery or Můj šálek kávy (Karlín). Explore the Jewish Quarter: Old-New Synagogue, Spanish Synagogue, and the haunting Old Jewish Cemetery—give yourself time; it’s moving and layered.

Afternoon: Eat like you mean it on this small-group experience:

Prague Eat, Sip and Make Friends on Food Tour by Taste of Prague
A local expert leads you to off-radar favorites for seasonal dishes, charcuterie, and Czech sweets—come hungry.

Evening: If you still have room, grab a butcher-counter burger or meat tartare at Naše maso (stand-up, quick, superb), or book Kantýna for grilled aged sirloin and potato purée, then a custardy větrník pastry. Golden-hour stroll across Charles Bridge; watch the statues silhouette against the castle.

Day 4: New Town Stories, Art Nouveau Glow, and a Vltava Dinner Cruise

Morning: Start at Café Louvre (1902; Kafka and Einstein once lunched here). Walk Wenceslas Square to the National Museum’s grand staircase and dome. Pop into the Municipal House to admire Art Nouveau stained glass and mosaics.

Afternoon: Choose a focus: modern art at the DOX Centre (Holesovice; thought-provoking exhibitions) or history at the Museum of Communism. Coffee at Ema Karlín or Kafe Karlín; grab an open-faced chlebíček at Sisters Bistro (creative toppings on flawless bread).

Evening: Sail past floodlit facades on a lazy loop down the Vltava:

Prague Boats 3-hour Dinner Cruise
Buffet dinner, live music, and kaleidoscopic views of bridges and embankments at night.

Pre- or post-cruise, sip a Moravian Riesling at Vinograf Senovážné or a well-pulled lager at Dva Kohouti (Karlín’s microbrewery hangout).

Day 5: Day Trip to Bohemian & Saxon Switzerland (Sandstone Arches and Deep Forests)

Trade spires for cliffs on this Travelers’ Choice 2025 day out from Prague:

Bohemian & Saxon Switzerland From Prague
Hike to the famed Pravčická Gate and viewpoints above the Elbe; guides handle transport, trails, and scenic stops.

Food notes: Pack a pastry and fruit; most tours include lunch. Back in town, keep it light: Manifesto Market (Smíchov) for mix-and-match global stalls, or comforting goulash at U Kroka near Vyšehrad.

Day 6: Views, Parks, and the Pub Tradition Done Right

Morning: Coffee at Café Savoy or Místo (Vinohrady). Stroll Letná Park’s beer garden terrace for one of the city’s best castle panoramas, then cross to the riverside National Gallery (Trade Fair Palace) if you’re craving modern art.

Afternoon: Head to Vinohrady: lunch at Vinohradský Pivovar (unfiltered lagers and beer-braised pork), then wander leafy streets to Riegrovy Sady for an afternoon view that locals swear by. Sweet break at IF Café for French-style pastries.

Evening: Do Prague’s pub culture the classic way: start with tank Pilsner at U Hrocha (near Malá Strana) or U Zlatého tygra (Old Town; arrive early), then settle into U Bulínů (Vinohrady) for roast duck with potato pancakes and sauerkraut. Cocktails after at L’Fleur (elegant, spirit-forward) or Bar and Books Týnská.

Day 7: Libraries, Last Bites, and Souvenirs before Departure

Morning: Early breakfast at ESKA (Karlín): poached eggs over sourdough, or their signature fermented potato bread with whipped garlic spread. Book a guided visit to the Klementinum library (or Strahov’s Theological Hall if times align) for an astonishing Baroque finale.

Afternoon (departure day): Pick up tasteful souvenirs—Moravian wines, Becherovka, ceramic mugs, or small-batch chocolate from Steiner & Kovarik. If it’s Saturday, browse Náplavka farmers’ market for picnic goods before you fly. Head to the airport or train station; check routes and tickets on Omio (flights) and Omio (trains).

Optional Add-Ons if You Have Extra Time

• Vyšehrad fortress walk for medieval ramparts, quiet gardens, and a serene riverside loop.
• Strahov Monastery brewery for monastic ales under vaulted ceilings.
• Art Nouveau café-hop: Café Imperial’s tilework, then a concert at the Municipal House.

Another Great Guided Overview (Alternate to Day 2/3)

If you prefer one sweep-through day across the highlights, consider:

Old Town, Astronomical Clock & Underground Tour with PragueWay
A deep dive into medieval streets and the hidden underground beneath UNESCO-listed Old Town.

Note: Choose this instead of one other tour above to keep your schedule balanced.

Quick dining shortlist (bookmark-worthy):

• Classic Czech: Lokál Dlouhááá (bright beer hall, textbook Czech staples), U Kroka (homestyle near Vyšehrad), U Bulínů (Vinohrady neighborhood gem).
• Modern Czech & grills: Kantýna (butcher-led menu; order at the counter), ESKA (open-fire cooking, ferments, bakery).
• Cafés: Café Savoy (grand breakfasts), EMA Espresso Bar (third-wave), La Bohème Café (relaxed), IF Café (pastries).
• Beer & wine: Dva Kohouti (Karlín brewery), Vinohradský Pivovar, Vinograf (Moravian wines), Bokovka (natural-wine darling).
• Evenings: Hemingway Bar (classic cocktails), JazzDock (live jazz on the river).

For a beautiful farewell evening if you shuffle days, there’s also this atmospheric option:

Prague 5 Courses Medieval Dinner and Live Performances
Torch-lit tavern vibe, minstrels, and hearty Czech plates in the heart of Old Town.

Note: Sub this in for one of your other evening plans to keep the tally of guided activities manageable.

Book trains, buses, or intra-Europe flights on Omio, and lock in your stay via Hotels.com or VRBO early—Prague’s peak seasons (May–September, December markets) fill quickly.

Trip Snapshot: This 7-day Prague itinerary layers headline sights, neighborhood cafés, and riverside evenings with a standout day in Bohemian Switzerland. With castles, cobblestones, and seriously good cuisine, the city rewards unhurried wandering—and you’ll leave already plotting a return.