Prague, the bohemian gem of Eastern Europe, has to be one of the most magical cities in the world. Steeped in history, adorned with architectural marvels, and exuding a vibrant cultural scene, Prague is a city that captivates the hearts and imagination.
Nestled in the heart of Europe, this enchanting Czech capital offers a timeless journey through centuries of art, heritage, and charm. From the majestic spires of Prague Castle to the meandering lanes of the Old Town, every corner of this city tells a story, beckoning visitors to explore its treasures.
This cultural itinerary will show you what to do in Prague in 3 or 4 days, encompassing both big attractions and lesser known ones too. I hope you enjoy the city as much as I do.
Day 1: Prague Castle, Saint Vitus Cathedral & Charles Bridge
Morning & early afternoon
Please note: the whole area around Charles Bridge and the castle are among the most visited parts of the city so expect some crowds today.
The famous Charles Bridge stretches 520-metres across the Vtalva River and dates back to the 14th century. Its distinguishing features are the 30-odd striking Baroque statues studding its entire length. You’ll find some lovely views of the city as you walk across so arriving in the early morning is your best bet to see them unobstructed.
Once you’ve crossed the river make your way to nearby Prague Castle, said to be one of the most important cultural institutions in the Czech Republic. This UNESCO site dates back more than 1,000 years and is the largest castle complex in the world, spanning an area of almost 70,000m². There’s a wealth of attractions to explore within a small radius. Highlights include:
- St Vitus Cathedral – Hands down the star attraction. Whilst the facade is unmistakably Gothic, inside you’ll discover a beautiful art nouveau stained-glass window that bears a striking resemblance to the one belonging to Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris.
- Old Royal Palace – Former seat of Czech rulers, the Old Royal Palace is a mix of many architectural styles, particularly Gothic and Renaissance. The palace houses the Story of Prague exhibition, which uses castle models, films and artefacts to tell the history of Prague Castle. On a whole, it’s not as lavish as you might expect of a former palace, but still not without charm.
- St George’s Basilica – This 12th century Romanesque church is the oldest remaining church building within the castle precincts. As well as its pink facade, the painted decoration on the apse and the chapel ceiling is particularly noteworthy.
To skip the queues, book your ticket in advance to Prague Castle. Tickets are valid for two consecutive days and also include admission to Charles Bridge Museum.
Late afternoon
A little further up the hill from Prague Castle lies the beautiful Strahov Monastery. It features a church and 17th-century brewery, but it’s the stunning library that steals the show.
The Strahov Library is one of the world’s most beautiful libraries. It consists of two stunning baroque halls – the 17th century Theological Hall and 18th century Philosophical Hall – containing around 200,000 books, old prints, first copies and manuscripts.
Both halls are dominated by incredible ceiling frescoes by Siard Nosecký and Anton Maulbertsch. Thanks to numerous renovations it remains strikingly well-preserved, perched atop a hill with magnificent views of the city.
Note: Without a guided a tour, it’s worth mentioning that visitors can only admire the library from the corridor area.
Only a few steps away from the library, you’ll find the Museum of Miniatures which is worth heading inside. It doesn’t take long to view the exhibits, but seeing the quirky artworks which are so small you need a microscope to look at them make for an entertaining spectacle.
If you have time (in summer I’m sure you will), make your way to Petřín hill (formerly one of King Charles’ vineyards) for beautiful views of Prague and ample greenery for a nice stroll or a spot of sunbathing if the weather permits.
The hill is easily recognisable by the TV tower that is a miniature of the Eiffel Tower and you can head up it for panoramic views across the city. Other notable characteristics of Petřín hill include the rose garden (pictured above) and the Memorial to the Victims of Communism which is a poignant sculpture of several figures representing those who were impacted by the regime. Afterwards make your way back to your accommodation to freshen up, and have a little rest before heading back out for the evening.
Evening
Dinner: On your first night in this beautiful city treat yourself to fine dining without breaking the bank at Mlynec Restaurant. Enjoy exquisite attention to detail in every respect as well the view of Charles Bridge from the restaurant.
Alternatively: Why not watch a captivating performance at the National Theatre? This impressive building has an extensive programme of ballet, opera and theatre, with A Midsummer Night’s Dream and Pride and Prejudice among the shows you might expect to see on stage.
Day 2: Old Town, Jewish Quarter & Modern Art Gallery
Morning
Begin today by exploring the old town and Main Square. You will find Prague’s famous astronomical clock where crowds gather on the hour to witness a collection of characters performing a little mechanical show. Among the characters you’ll see Vanity clutching his mirror and Death depicted as a skeleton ringing a bell, which, I think, is a customary sign of bad luck.
After a look around the square, wander off along the narrow cobblestoned lanes where there’s plenty of architecture to admire as well as a chance to enjoy shops and cafés. You should also stumble across several unusual sculptures with my favourite being the psychoanalyst Sigmund Freud precariously hanging by one hand on top of a building – now tell me, how should we analyse it?!
Between the Old Town and Vltana River is the Josefov neighbourhood, once the city’s Jewish Quarter. The district is home to many historic synagogues, and each one holds a different meaning for the community. The Pinkas Synagogue is particularly significant because it houses the longest epitaph in the world, listing 80,000 Jewish victims of Nazi concentration camps.
Visually speaking, the Spanish Synagogue is the most spectacular with its Moorish/Byzantine decor complete with stunning stained glass windows and oriental details, all basking in a golden glow.
Complete your exploration of Josefov at the crumbling Old Jewish Cemetery. There are upwards of 12,000 headstones in the cemetery, though it is speculated that as many as 100,000 individuals are buried beneath them.
Jewish custom forbid the removal of old graves, so the dead were simply piled on top of one another for centuries resulting in a swathe of extremely uneven-looking tombstones.
Afternoon
- The National Gallery – home to the largest collection of art in the Czech Republic. It’s so big that it’s not all housed under one roof. Instead, the collection of art dating from medieval times to the 21st century spans across six unique locations within the city ranging from old renovated palaces and convents to functionalist buildings. You’ll be able to find the collections in the following buildings: the Convent of St Agnes of Bohemia, the Kinský Palace, the Salm Palace, the Schwarzenberg Palace, the Sternberg Palace, the Wallenstein Riding School, and the Veletržní Palace.
- DOX Centre for Contemporary Art – more than just an exhibition space. Its name derives from the Greek word doxa, which among other things means to think, to hold an opinion, and a conviction. Through its exhibitions and presentations of current international and Czech art, it aims to open current social topics for reflection and discussion through various artistic disciplines. These are further developed by public events, film screenings and interactive workshops.
- Museum Kampa – a private collection of artwork collected by Meda Mladkova which reminds me somewhat of the Guggenheim in Venice. The sculpture garden has some super fun sculptures, including the iconic crawling babies of David Černý which you’ll also find cropping up in other places across the city, and a startling installation of yellow penguins overlooking a gorgeous view of the river bank. Entry to the sculpture garden is free but there’s a small charge to visit each exhibitions inside the museum.
The atrium in Veletržní palác, National Gallery.
Evening
Dinner: If you opted to visit one of Prague’s art museums in the afternoon, there’s no doubt you’ll love Art&Food Had, a stunning restaurant set within a small modern gallery. It serves a modern adaptation of original Czech recipes along with international cuisine and an impressive selection of wines and about thirty types of exceptional beer by small Czech breweries. This is a dining experience you really won’t want to miss!
If the evening is nice you should take advantage of it by going for a nightly stroll… there’s something rather glorious about exploring Prague with some red wine pumping through your veins!
Alternatively: Take a Prague beer tour! Every beer enthusiast probably knows the first recorded brewing took place in the Czech Republic and on a tour you’ll discover much more about the history of beer and brewing. Taste a wide range of world-class Czech beer paired with traditional Hermelín cheese. You can book this beer tasting tour but it starts at 16:55 so you’ll have to fit it into your itinerary accordingly.
Day 3: Franz Kafka Museum, Dinner river cruise & possibly a beer spa?
Morning
The Czech Republic has seen the birth of many famous writers, but none more better known than Franz Kafka.
Born and raised in Prague, Kafka left his mark everywhere in the city, and that’s particularly obvious at this small but perfectly formed museum dedicated to his work.
Before entering the building, pay attention to the famous sculpture titled Piss, by renowned Czech sculptor David Černý. Then step inside the Kafka Museum to see the writer’s original manuscripts, letters, photographs and diaries, along with some of the his personal belongings.
Afternoon
Having spent so much of your time walking around Prague, why not treat yourself to a spa with a local twist? Czech’s aren’t content with being the biggest beer drinkers in the world, they also like to bathe in the stuff.
Across the Old Town and New Town there are several beer spas where you soak in the amber brew while also enjoying a drink or two but the Original Beer Spa is supposed to be the best. I have to admit I’ve not got round to doing this in Prague yet, but I just had to recommend such a unique and fun experience. I reckon this is a great addition to any special occasion you might be celebrating too!
Alternatively…
However, if you want something more low-key but still like the sound of something along the theme of beer, why not head to the beer museum? Your entry ticket also includes free beer!
Evening
If you’re spending three days in Prague, this will be your final night so I suggest something to remember – having dinner on board a river cruise. Sit back and take in the city sights on one of the boat tours that run along the Vltava River, passing through the historical centre and teaching you more about Prague’s fascinating history.
It takes three hours to wind its way along the Vltava river, with incredible views of ‘The City of a Hundred Spires’ along the way. You will see the lights of Prague Castle glowing in the distance, while the grand Charles Bridge lies ahead. For more information or to book see here.
Day 4: Travel further afield to Sedlec Ossuary & Kutna Hora
The city of Prague can easily keep you entertained for 3 or 4 days. And yet, staying in the Czech capital also allows you the opportunity to explore more of the country by making a day trip to a nearby destination.
Looking for a destination that combines a whole lot of beauty with a little bit of creepiness? Then look to the town of Kutná Hora, east of Prague.
A church chapel made of bones might not be for everyone, but it’s certainly different. Just outside Kutná Hora you’ll find the Sedlec Ossuary, a chapel with a macabre style of interior-decorating. Back in the 19th century the chapel was decorated by an unhinged monk with the skulls and bones of the local graveyard. The creepy decorations include the coat of arms of the noble family who owned the church at the time.
If you don’t feel confident going to Kutná Hora and the Sedlec Ossuary alone, you can book a 6-hour tour here.
I hopped on a train from the main station in Prague and was in Kutna Hora in just over an hour. While Sedlec Ossuary is the most favourite attraction in the city, there is so much more to see and do.
Where to stay in Prague
Prague offers a variety of neighbourhoods and accommodations to suit different preferences. The best place to stay depends on your interests and your preferred atmosphere. I personally prefer staying to the left bank of the Vltava River, but I’ve stayed in several areas of Prague and I think these areas are the best because they all feature beautiful and historical architecture on your doorstep.
Old Town (Staré Město): Located at the heart of Prague, Old Town is perhaps the most popular place to stay due to its historic architecture, charming streets, and proximity to major attractions like Old Town Square and Charles Bridge.
Selected hotel → Hotel Residence Agnes
Lesser Town (Malá Strana): Situated on the left bank of the Vltava River, Lesser Town is characterised by its picturesque streets, Baroque architecture, and proximity to Prague Castle. On this side of the river, you’ll also be close to the Franz Kafka museum, as well as the Kampa Museum.
Selected hotel → Hotel Pod Vezi
Prague Castle Area (Hradčany): Close to Prague Castle, this area offers a peaceful atmosphere with beautiful views of the city. It’s a great choice if you enjoy historical sites and somewhere quieter at night. The area is filled with cobbled streets – very romantic!
Selected hotel → Lindner Hotel Prague Castle
Want to book a guided tour? Take a look at everything that’s available for you to get the most out of your trip to Prague fuss free by booking one of these tours.
2 Responses
Hello.
Im just planning my visit of Prague and this is great thank you.
I would also like to see some other cities in Czech and i saw this on internet
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Do you think its better than trains or buses and do you have some experience with something like this
Thanks