Prague in 4 Days: A Storybook City of Spires, Castles, and Czech Cuisine

See Prague’s best in four days—Prague Castle, Old Town Square, Charles Bridge, the Jewish Quarter, and the Vltava River—while tasting classic Czech food, world-class beer, and refined cocktails.
A vibrant view of Charles Bridge leading to Prague Castle at sunset.
Photo by JÉSHOOTS on Pexels

Prague, the “City of a Hundred Spires,” has been dazzling travelers since the days of Bohemian kings. From the Gothic towers of the Charles Bridge to the baroque domes of Mala Strana and the largest ancient castle complex on earth, Prague’s skyline reads like a timeline of European history. Its Astronomical Clock has chimed since 1410; its beer culture goes back even further.


Beyond postcard moments, Prague rewards curiosity. Peek into medieval lanes, sip a velvety Pilsner poured “hladinka” style, and wander between grand squares and quiet courtyards. The city’s neighborhoods—Old Town, New Town, Castle District, Vinohrady, Žižkov, and Karlín—each offer a distinct rhythm, stitched together by an easy-to-use tram and metro network.

Practical notes: the local currency is the Czech koruna (CZK); cards are widely accepted, but small coins help for markets and trams. Pack layers for changeable weather, keep an eye on pockets around crowded sights, and book prime restaurants and tours in advance—especially in peak season (May–September and December markets).

Prague

Prague blends imperial grandeur with neighborhood soul. Start at Old Town Square to see the Astronomical Clock, cross the Charles Bridge at golden hour, and climb to Prague Castle for stained-glass light dancing in St. Vitus Cathedral. Then slip into Letná Park for city-wide views and a beer-garden sunset.

  • Top sights: Prague Castle, St. Vitus Cathedral, Charles Bridge, Old Town Square, Jewish Quarter, Wenceslas Square, Dancing House, Letná Park, Vyšehrad Fortress, Strahov Monastery.
  • Why foodies love it: Hearty classics (svíčková, roast duck, goulash), artisan bakeries, modern Czech tasting menus, legendary beer halls, and new-wave specialty coffee.
  • Fun facts: Czechs top global beer consumption charts; Franz Kafka called Prague home; the Lennon Wall became a symbol of peaceful resistance in the 1980s.

Where to stay (curated picks):

Getting to Prague:


  • Flights (Europe): Many low-cost and legacy carriers connect to Prague (PRG). Compare fares on Omio flights. Examples: London–Prague ~2h (often $60–150), Paris–Prague ~1h45m ($70–180).
  • Flights (from North America/Asia): Look for one-stop itineraries via major hubs. Compare on Kiwi.com and Trip.com flights.
  • Trains & buses (within Europe): Berlin–Prague ~4h25m by train ($25–45), Vienna–Prague ~4h ($20–40), Munich–Prague ~5h40m (train or bus, $25–50). Search and book on Omio trains and Omio buses.

Day 1: Old Town Arrival, Charles Bridge, and a Night on the Vltava

Afternoon: Arrive and check in. Shake off the journey with a short orientation walk: Powder Tower to Old Town Square, pausing for the Astronomical Clock’s hourly show, then into the tangle of lanes around Týn Church. Coffee stop: EMA Espresso Bar (bright, Scandi-leaning cafe known for top Czech roasters) or Bakeshop (buttery pastries and fruit tarts).

Evening: Glide past the lit-up embankments on a dinner cruise—the city’s spires look cinematic from the water. Book the Prague: Sightseeing Boat Cruise with Buffet Dinner for an easy first night with views of Prague Castle, Charles Bridge, and Kampa Island.

Prague: Sightseeing Boat Cruise with Buffet Dinner on Viator

Prefer land? Book a table at Mincovna on Old Town Square for refined takes on roast duck with red cabbage or beef svíčková with bread dumplings; or grab casual classics and tank Pilsner at Lokál Dlouhááá (Ambiente group; go early to avoid queues). Nightcap: Hemingway Bar (absinthe and rum temple; reservations advised) or U Kunštátu for a sprawling craft-beer list in a historic courtyard.

Day 2: Prague Castle, Mala Strana Lanes, and Letná Viewpoints

Morning: Breakfast at Café Savoy (grand café, chandeliers, perfect eggs Benedict and pastries). Cross the Charles Bridge early for crowd-free statues and river mist, then join a focused castle experience: Prague Castle Tour Including Admission Ticket - 2.5 Hour. You’ll take in St. Vitus Cathedral’s stained glass, the Old Royal Palace, and Golden Lane while hearing ten centuries of stories.

Prague Castle Tour Including Admission Ticket - 2.5 Hour on Viator

Afternoon: Lunch at Klášterní pivovar Strahov (monastic brewery since the 17th century; try the St. Norbert amber lager with beer-cheese spread). Stroll past the Loreta, descend through baroque Mala Strana lanes and hidden gardens. Cross to the north bank for Letná Park: the Metronome terrace is one of the city’s best skyline lookouts.


Evening: Dinner options: Mlýnec (riverfront, modern Czech tasting menus and a view toward the bridge) or U Modré Kachničky (romantic, duck-focused classics in a candlelit townhouse). For music, JazzDock floats on the Vltava with nightly sets; AghaRTA Jazz Centre is an Old Town cellar institution.

Day 3: New Town Stories, Architecture Icons, and a Progressive Food Tour

Morning: Start at Café Louvre (since 1902; ceramics clink, waiters in vests, and a famous hot chocolate). Walk Wenceslas Square for 20th‑century history, then along Národní třída to the National Theatre’s golden crown. Loop by the Dancing House for Frank Gehry curves and photogenic river bends.

Afternoon: Make lunch the experience: join the Prague Eat, Sip and Make New Friends on Food and Drink Tour. You’ll hit local haunts for chlebíčky-style open sandwiches, artisan charcuterie, seasonal soups, and Czech desserts, paired with beer or Moravian wine—ideal for tasting the city beyond tourist menus.

Prague Eat, Sip and Make New Friends on Food and Drink Tour on Viator

Evening: If you’re still peckish, go light: Naše maso (tiny butcher shop; legendary cheeseburger and sausages), or Kantyna (stand-up butcher canteen where you choose your cut to grill). Beer people should pop into U Hrocha near the castle or U Zlatého tygra near Old Town for perfect Pilsner pours (both tiny; arrive very early). Cocktail aficionados: Anonymous Bar for playful, secretive serves or L’Fleur for elegant classics.

Day 4: Jewish Quarter, Riverfront Strolls, and Farewell Views

Morning: Explore the Jewish heritage of Josefov with the Prague Jewish Quarter Walking Tour with Admission Tickets, covering synagogues, the Old Jewish Cemetery, and the story of resilience across centuries. Note: some sites close on Saturdays and Jewish holidays.


Prague Jewish Quarter Walking Tour with Admission Tickets on Viator

Afternoon: Tram to Karlín for third-wave coffee at Můj šálek kávy (Doubleshot roastery cafe) and fresh, seasonal plates at Eska’s spiritual successors around the neighborhood—try Kro Bistro for rotisserie meats or Nejen Bistro for market-led cooking. Alternatively, wander Vyšehrad Fortress for river views, Romanesque rotundas, and a quiet, contemplative park above the city.

Evening: Celebrate your last night your way. Splurge at La Degustation Bohême Bourgeoise (modern Czech tasting menu) or riverfront Kampa Park; or keep it lively at Manifesto Anděl (open-air food hall with global street food and DJ nights in season). Sweet finish: Cukrárna Myšák for retro cakes or Crème de la Crème for gelato. If you missed the boat earlier, hop a quick 1‑hour Vltava sightseeing cruise before departure.

Practical Dining and Café Shortlist

  • Breakfast/coffee: Café Savoy (classic Viennese vibe), Café Louvre (historic), EMA Espresso Bar (specialty coffee), Můj šálek kávy (Karlín), Bakeshop (pastry heaven).
  • Lunch: Lokál Dlouhááá (Czech pub classics and tank Pilsner), Kantyna (butcher-grill), Havelská Koruna (old-school canteen, cash-friendly), Klášterní pivovar Strahov (brewpub near the monastery).
  • Dinner: Mincovna (modern Czech on the square), U Modré Kachničky (duck and game), Mlýnec (contemporary riverside), La Degustation (tasting menu), Kampa Park (river terraces).
  • Drinks: U Zlatého tygra and U Hrocha (legendary beer pours), U Kunštátu & BeerGeek (craft), Hemingway Bar and L’Fleur (top cocktails), Letná Beer Garden (sunset when warm).

Add-On Ideas (if you extend)

  • Fairytale south Bohemia: Day trip to Český Krumlov (medieval lanes and a riverside castle).
  • Nature break: Bohemian & Saxon Switzerland sandstone formations and Bastei Bridge viewpoints.
  • Castles close to Prague: Karlštejn Castle plus countryside caves and karst landscapes.

Local tips: Ride trams 9, 17, and 22 for scenic routes; validate tickets on board. Book headline restaurants and cocktail bars a week or more ahead. For the Charles Bridge, go at sunrise or after 10 pm for atmosphere without the crush.

Affiliate tours featured in this itinerary (quick recap):

Four days in Prague gives you the essentials: castle heights, riverlight evenings, Old Town drama, and neighborhood flavor from Karlín to Letná. With great beer, confident cooking, and layers of history under every cobblestone, you’ll leave plotting a longer return.


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