Prague is a destination that always seems to be in vogue. It’s been on the tourist map for a long time and the crowds show no signs of abating. Prague is a gorgeous, well-preserved medieval city coupled with a rich history, expansive parks, Vegas-style nightlife, and a hint of romance. The city holds a special place in my heart; it was the first city I backpacked through on my round-the-world trip in 2006. It was where I stayed at my first genuine hostel, the first place I was on my own, and the first place I went to where signs weren’t in English. I grew as a traveler here.
After many years away, I was happy to come back not once, but twice this year. A lot has changed— there are more tourists, prices are higher, the food is more international, and more foreigners live in the city. But the city’s essence — all the cliché stuff (cobblestone streets, quaint medieval houses, incredible charm) that makes Prague Prague — is still there and I was happy to reconnect with the city.
After spending weeks roaming the city, today’s blog post puts the best Prague has to offer into a manageable four-day itinerary. If you are looking for a way to organize your trip, this itinerary, like previous ones I’ve put together, will help you do so.
Day 1
Take a free walking tour
Walking tours are a smart way to orient yourself to a new city, learn some history, and hear about the main attractions. There are a TON of free walking tours in Prague, so you’ll have plenty of options. All the tour companies meet near the astronomical clock in the Old Town Square at 10am and last about three hours. They will give you an overview of the main sites like the Old Town Square, Charles Bridge, Prague Castle, Jewish Quarter, and more.
My favorite company is New Europe. They operate free tours around Europe and tend to have upbeat guides and lots of historically accurate information.
Visit Prague Castle
The famous Prague Castle is the next logical place to visit, since all the walking tours end near this popular sight. The castle, which lords over the city, consists of multiple sections—St. Vitus Cathedral, the Old Royal Palace, The Story of Prague Castle, St. George’s Basilica, Golden Lane with Daliborka Tower, the Powder Tower, and Rosenberg Palace. You can buy a ticket to any or all of these sights from the box office. The most famous structure is St. Vitus Cathedral — this is the large building you see when you look up at the castle from outside the city walls.
Walk around Petrin Park
Petrin Park is the city’s biggest and most beautiful park with sweeping views of Prague. You’ll find a garden, a maze, and a lookout tower that looks like the Eiffel tower. What I love about this expansive park is how easy it is to get lost among the trees. Paths meander throughout and it’s a relaxing contrast to the crowds of the historic center. Keep in mind that this park is on a big hill and walking to the top can be strenuous. There is a funicular that can take you down (and up) the hill if you don’t feel like making the trek.
Visit the John Lennon wall
After Petrin Park, head down towards Kampa, a neighborhood by the river, and visit the John Lennon wall. Towards the end of Communism in the 1980s, students started writing John Lennon lyrics on this wall as a way to air their grievances. Today, the wall represents love and peace. Tourists are allowed to write or paint on it too.
Relax on the waterfront – It’s been a long day, so relax in Kampa with a satiating drink, some food, or a coffee. There are a number of appealing restaurants and cafes in the area. To get here, just keep walking towards the river from the John Lennon wall. You’ll cross a little bridge and there you are! You’ll find lots of places to eat, sit, and relax and when you’re done you can walk across the famous Charles Bridge back towards the city center.
Day 2
Explore the Old Town Square
Though you got an overview of the Old Town Square during your walking tour, today you can savor the square’s attractions in detail. Some of the highlights include:
- Hanging out in the square – The people-watching is unbeatable as tourists, families, students, and touts pass through the square. Sit on one of the benches, eat a sandwich and enjoy! Moreover, there are a number of talented musicians — ranging from jazz musicians to Scottish bagpipe players and everything in between — that perform in the square.
- Astronomical Clock – Watch the most over-hyped attraction in all of Prague! While the hourly chime that people line up for is anticlimactic, the detail and artistry of the clock make it one of the most beautiful in Europe.
- Visit the churches – The beautiful Tyn and St. Nicholas churches ring the square. St. Nicholas is open all day, but Tyn is only open in the mornings and late afternoons.
- Explore the catacombs – Under the Old Town Hall, you’ll find a series of catacombs worth exploring. They were the first level of the medieval houses that used to be in the square. Now, they are an exhibit (entrance through the tourism office) showcasing medieval life.
Explore the Jewish Quarter
The historic Jewish Quarter is one of the most popular attractions in Prague. Hitler saved it from Nazi destruction because he wanted to make the area a museum to the lost Jewish race. Now, the museums, synagogues, and historic graveyard in the area honor the history of what was one of the largest Jewish communities in Europe.
Explore Letenské sady
This park, across the river from the Jewish Quarter, features several walking trails, a café, and expansive views of the city. You’ll see a lot of art students painting the cityscape. Cross over to Chotkovy sady for beautiful gardens and rear views of the Prague Castle. It’s quiet with secluded paths that make for an intimate romantic stroll.
Take an underground Prague tour – Prague Underground Tours runs an underground tour of the medieval houses in the city center. There are many catacombs in Prague and this tour, though short, provides detailed history about medieval Prague.
Day 3
Take a day trip to Kutna Hora
Kutna Hora was an important center for silver mining in medieval Bohemia. It helped keep the kings of Prague rich. Now the town is famous for its creepy bone church, Sedlec Ossuary, which contains 40,000-70,000 bones. Since the church takes only about 15 minutes to see, head into the historic city center to see some of Kutna Hora’s other attractions, including marvelous medieval churches, overlooks, well-preserved streets, and a large town square. It’s a small and quiet town that feels like Prague without the crowds.
Day 4
Explore Vyšehrad
While Prague Castle gets all the love, Vyšehrad, located in the southern part of the city, was also one of the original castles of the kings of Prague. It was built around the 10th century and contains Prague’s oldest surviving building, the Rotunda of St Martin. Few tourists ever come here so you’ll get the castle and its views of Prague to yourself. It also offers good upriver views of the city.
Walk up the river back into town – From the castle, you can take a nice walk along the river back into the center of town. There are walking and bikes paths as well as places to stop, sit, and maybe read a book. It’s mostly locals around here, despite it being about 20 minutes from the city center.
Visit the Powder Tower
Back in town, be sure to check out this medieval tower, one of the original thirteen city gates. Construction began in 1475 and, during the 17th century, the tower used to store gunpowder. It was heavily damaged in 1757 and most of the sculptures on it were replaced in 1876.
Wander the streets of Prague
Prague is a stunning city. Meander its winding streets. Find random restaurants, markets, and churches. Sit and watch the people go by. Just get happily lost.
Other Activities:
- See a concert – Prague is famous for its classical music and there are concert halls throughout the city.
- Visit the Kafka museum – Love Kafka? He was from Prague and there is a museum dedicated to him
Suggested Restaurants:
- Country Life – Cheap vegetarian buffet that offers travelers great value for their money.
- VinoGraf – Off-the-beaten-path wine bar serving only Czech wines. Its small, candlelight setting is also a good date spot.
- U Medvídku – Traditional Czech food with delicious soup and goulash. They also brew their own beer
- Las Adelitas – Delicious and authentic Mexican food for those with a fiery palate. The best I’ve found in continental Europe.
- Prague Beer Museum – Despite its cheesy name, this place has a wide selection of beer and good food with large portions.
