The Perfect Prague 3 Day Itinerary, Czech Republic
Prague is the capital city of Czech Republic, oozing culture, mystery, history of Bohemia and interesting architecture including arguably one of the best squares in Europe.
I’ve put together the perfect Prague 3 day itinerary incorporating how many days to spend in Prague, the best architecture to see, both major attractions and unique spots to visit, places to eat and tips for your journey. After reading this travel blog Prague will be on your travel list and you’ll know what to do in Prague for 3 days!
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Contents
Contents (jump to)
I’m going to detail 3 perfect days in Prague that you will want to experience for yourself. Prague is a fantastic city and somewhere I’ll return to many times. I’ve already been twice!
3 Day Itinerary For Prague Overview
Day 1: Walking Old Town, Top Attractions, Prague Beer, Vietnamese Food
Day 2: Mala Strana, Prague Castle, Gardens, The River, Lennon Wall, Bookshops, Horror Bar, Italian Food
Day 3: Sunrise, Main Market, Wencaslas Square, Czech Food Tour, Jewish Quarter
Planning Your Prague Trip
How To Get To Prague
Bus: There are routes to Prague from all over Europe via Flixbus. I used Flixbus to get from Germany to Prague for just €20! Search Flixbus here for your route.
Car: If you’re on a road trip through Europe, you will have probably already got your rental car. Know that they drive on the right hand side in Czech Republic but as with any capital city, you will need to find accommodation with suitable parking options.
Train: I use Trainline for all of my train journeys within Europe. Prague main station is called Praha hlavní nádraží and can be reached by local transportation and international destinations in Central Europe and Eastern Europe.
Flight: The main airport is Václav Havel Airport Prague and is 17km from the centre. Catch the number 119 bus to Nadrazi Veleslavin, then transfer to subway line A to continue to the centre. The bus is just over €1 but obviously hard with luggage and navigating in a new city. You could get a transfer from the airport to your hotel which is far more convenient.
Getting Around Prague: For getting around in Prague they have a very good tram system throughout the city and Uber is also available. This Prague itinerary is tailored for walking and will easily surpass your 10k steps a day! I also think that by foot is the best way to visit Prague.
Is Prague Cheap?
Prague is extremely affordable for all types of budget. For things to do in Prague 3 days is perfect for the shoestring budget but be warned, you could easily spend a fortune down Parizska Street (the Rodeo Drive of Prague)!
Example costs include:
- A bowl of Pho = €5
- Hop On Hop Off Bus for 24 hours = €29
- A puppet souvenir = €2
- A beer on Old Town Square = €2
- 1 night accommodation in Adeba Hotel = €30 for twin room including breakfast
- Entry to Prague Castle = free!
Prague in 3 Days Resources
3 Days in Prague Guide – Get the Lonely Plant book here because for 3 days in Prague Lonely Planet can always help!
Prague MultiCard – If you prefer to have a card to swipe for shopping discounts, free public transport, discount on restaurants and bars get the Prague MutilCard but I think for what to see in Prague in three days, you don’t need this card but the option is there if you prefer.
Europe Map of Prague below:
6 Things to Pack For Prague
- Reusable cutlery for the street food tour, lunch on the river Vltava and optional night cruises. Plus they are always handy to have in case there’s no cutlery available, you prefer your own especially during Covid, and it’s helpful for the environment! I have used the Jungle Culture Bamboo set previously but for my Europe trip I took this Acehome cutlery set.
- 3 days in Prague money in local currency (Czech Koruna) and maybe a few Euros as backup.
- Prague guide book to accompany you on your Prague three day itinerary.
- Sunglasses for those bright days and bridge pictures.
- There are fountains of free water around Prague so take a steel reusable water bottle!
- Jacket or cardigan for the early sunrise on the final day of this three days in Prague itinerary.
Where to Stay On a Long Weekend Trip to Prague?
I can recommend Adeba Hotel which is the hotel I stayed in Prague for the price, friendly staff, easy (and early) check-in, luggage storage, location to the bus station, and varied and tasty breakfast. This hotel was basic and the room is far from luxury but the other points make it up for me. Every day I would walk 20 minutes into the centre of Prague but I love doing this as I discover things along the way, get my steps in and explore a lesser-known neighbourhood! Plus the tram system is very easy to navigate.
If you would prefer to stay closer to the city centre, check out this Prague Map for your accommodation:
Booking.comThings to Know About Prague
- Population: 1.3 million
- Currency: Czech Koruna (1 Czech Koruna is €0.41 at time of writing)
- Language: Czech (‘Thank You’ is ‘Dekuji’)
- Nickname: The Golden City
- Random fact: The restaurant ‘Allegro’ made Prague the first post-Communist city to gain a Michelin-star.
- FAQ: Commonly asked questions include ‘how many days do you need in Prague’ and ‘is 3 days in Prague enough’ and I believe that you can see the very best of Prague for 3 days, you can catch just the top sights in one or two days and totally immerse yourself for a week in Prague.
So now you’re going to spend a weekend in prague what to do? Read on for my Prague blog travel post!
Prague in 3 Days Itinerary
While this Prague travel itinerary seems jam-packed, and to be fair there is a lot included in it which could equal a week in Prague depending on your travel style, many of these Prague attractions are things you pass by or merely just a photo opportunity. Some of them are absolutely skippable and to your taste only. I have ensured that each day is walkable and the listed items are fairly close to one another.
Day 1 of Best 3 Day Itinerary Prague
Old Town
Just wandering through the old town, admiring the architecture, the tree-lined streets and the infrastructure (charming trams and carriages) is how the best way to start your three days in Prague and you’ll see why it’s an UNESCO heritage site.
All alleys lead back to the Old Town Square (well it feels like anyway) where you can admire monuments like Church of Our Lady before Týn, Old Town City Hall, St Nicholas Church and the bustling market in the centre selling everything from Czech cheese to handmade trinkets.
The following places to see Prague has to offer on Day 1 are all located in the Old Town.
Astronomical Clock
If there is just one thing I recommend what to see in Prague in 3 days, it is the Astronomical Clock. Why?
- It is the oldest working clock in the world dating back to the 1400s!
- It puts on a show every hour in the morning.
- The clock is pretty to marvel at.
- There is a communal excitement in the crowd before the clock strikes the hour.
- It’s totally free to enjoy!
Powder Tower
The powder tower is another impressive, gothic building that marks the beginning of the old town and is an impressive place to walk through, take pictures of and learn about. It was supposedly constructed just for being an attractive gate to the city in the 1400s.
Old Town Square for a Prague Beer
Back to the square, you have to stop for a refreshing Czech beer and enjoy the life of the area. I recommend tasting Staropramen which is local, tasty and cheap (even on the touristy square)! I had one for just €2 right in front of the clock.
Charles Bridge
The landmark of all landmarks in Prague is Charles Bridge. There isn’t a 3 days in Prague itinerary on the internet without mentioning this river crosser! And its beauty and views surpass all other bridges. It’s probably my favourite in Europe. You will pass this bridge many times on your Prague trip but the best will be on Day 3. Did you know Charles Bridge is often used as a Prague filming location? It can be seen in the 2019 Spider-man film!
Tip: It is said to be good luck to rub the foot of the gold statue of John of Nepomuk in the middle of bridge.
Dancing House
The Dancing House is a unique building in Prague in that it is completely different to the gothic and baroque style of the rest of the city. It is is something that you just look at passing by and any architectural lovers would enjoy this. It’s sometimes referred to as Fred and Ginger as it resembles two dancers.
I know it seems like there is lots to look at but this what to do in Prague blog was tailored to be walkable and mostly free!
Vietnamese Food for Dinner
Did you know that Czech Republic has the largest Vietnamese community outside of Vietnam? And you know what that means. Excellent Vietnamese food!
You can visit Sapa which is also known as ‘Little Hanoi’ featuring dozens of restaurants, Vietnamese food stalls, supermarkets and stores. My number one recommendation is to find Pho at one of the many, many Vietnamese restaurants in Prague.
I had a huge and delicious bowl of Pho from Pho Le (in Karlin neighbourhood) for just €6! Compared to Pho in Vietnam which is just €1 it doesn;t sound great but compared to a bowl in the UK which costs €15, this was a bargain.
Read Next: 1 Month Itinerary for Vietnam
Optional: Book an Evening Guided Canal Cruise with Dinner along the Vltava River after a full day of exploring to relax and enjoy the city on a boat. See availability here:
Day 2 of Prague 3 Day Itinerary
Mala Strana
Mala Strana is basically the area of town on the other side of Charles Bridge and while it is sometimes known as ‘Lesser town’, I will not be calling it that because it is lesser by no means! I loved this side of the bridge. The entire day 2 will be spent on here.
This area is lovely to wander through including the ‘Little Venice’ underneath Charles Bridge, parks and alleyways to discover something of your own on this itinerary for Prague.
Prague Castle and Gardens
Prague Castle is one of the main things to do in Prague. Close by is St. Vitus Cathedral, another landmark to visit and in many famous Prague photos. According to the Guinness Book of World Records, Prague Castle is the largest coherent castle complex in the world, with an area of almost 70,000 square metres (so largest by land area but not largest castle itself).
Read Next: Visit The Largest Castle in Wales, Caerphilly Castle
A top secret for this Prague suggested itinerary to check out the gardens below Prague Castle and isn’t a well-known spot but will be when it is discovered.
How to Get to Prague Castle on Your Prague Trip
- Cross the Charles Bridge into Mala Strana and find Nerudova Street which is a very steep inclined hill linking the bridge with the castle.
- The walk takes about 15 minutes but I highly recommend stopping at a small restaurant with an outdoor terrace called U Dvou Slunců for a beer as a reward after that hill!
- Then with U Dvou slunců behind you, bear left and take another small hill until you get to the coolest Starbucks I’ve ever seen. Here is the best view over the city and a must for your Prague weekend itinerary.
- Take a left and you’ll find the grounds of Prague Castle.
Changing of the Guard at Prague Castle
This is the only recommendation for this 3 day Prague itinerary that has a time constraint. At 12pm everyday the changing of the guard happens outside Prague Castle and is a spectacle of marches and music with the backdrop of the city. It gets packed quickly so head early for a front row spot or an ideal place on the back steps to see the action.
Lunch on Vltava River
Rather than eating at restaurants for every meal for 3 days in Prague, why not grab a lunch on the go, a cold beer (or whatever you prefer) and enjoy it with your legs dangling over the river. It also gives you a lower view of Prague, a feel of the locals and the chance to try a delicious open sandwich that Prague is known for.
I headed to Kampa Island, got a beer from a corner shop for less than €1 and a delicious baguette from Bistro Kampa (large and lush) to sit on the river watching the world go by, including the cruises where you just can’t help but wave at the passengers! 🙂
Here you can hire a deckchair, sit on the grass or on the river front to enjoy your drinks and food and your travel cutlery will come in handy here.
Lennon Wall
The John Lennon wall is a place where people can express their thoughts, emotions and opinions. Owned by the Sovereign Military Order of Malta, it has been a place of message-writing and poetry since the 60s but in 1988 an unknown artist painted an image of John Lennon following his assassination. As a symbol of freedom, this wall became known as the Lennon Wall and has since been a source of both controversy and expression.
Come here to read poems and messages, admire artwork and emotions or even add your own.
Tip: Take a marker to add your own words.
Address: Velkopřevorské nám., 118 00 Malá Strana, Czechia
Swan Spot
This is known as the swan spot because when you go there it seems to attract the white birds. But the best reason to go here is for a gorgeous view of Charles Bridge over the river. To get to the nearest thing Prague has to a beach, head to Cihelna Street near the Kafka museum and walk into an open part with stones for a lovely view of the bridge and river.
Shakespeare & Sons Bookshop
It’s not The Happy Days Travels without a bookshop or book mention and this has several. The best bookshop to visit in Prague (mainly because of its name) is Shakespeare & Sons, located in Mala Strana. Other bookshops include Budget Books which often has sales and Luxor for translated books.
Recommended Book: Prague Old Legends by Magdalena Wagnerova and translated by Ivan Guittierez which gave me an informed and enjoyable insight into Prague folktales with each chapter being a top sight of Prague.
Most Narrow Alley in Prague
On the same street as Shakespeare & Sons Bookshop is the narrowest lane in Prague city (just 50cm wide). It has a traffic light system to walk through it! There is usually a queue so when it’s your turn, wait for the green light and walk through. And then do the same to come back.
Read My Full Guide on How to Find The Narrow Street!
Peacock Gardens
I walked past these gardens twice before I realised where it was located because it is hidden within huge white walls. The hidden ones are always the best.
Walking in, there is greenery all around except for the shimmer of pink from the Cherry Blossom trees, and the glint of sparkle from the gardens’ residents: peacocks! Walk to the back of the gardens to find many of them lounging in the trees.
Italian Food for Dinner
At the end of Parizska Street is a discreet Italian restaurant but recommended to me by an Italian who said it was the closest thing to Italian food in Prague. The restaurant is called Pepenero and found in the Jewish Quarter. I had the Ragu and garlic bread and can attest it was scrumptious!
Address: Bílkova 132/4, 110 00 Josefov, Czechia
Read Next: Best Naples Street Food in Italy!
Optional: Staropramen Brewery Museum if you have some drinking in you. This is high on a 3 days Prague itinerary for hen parties or stag do’s as well as joining a guided Pub Crawl of Prague if you’re up for it.
For something a little more classy and unique to Prague, why not relax in a salt cave with a spa and beer/wine included? See availability and more info here:
Prague 3 Days Itinerary – Day 3
Sunrise at Charles Bridge
This will be the earliest start of the week or weekend in Prague itinerary as you’ll be waking up in the dark to get to Charles Bridge and watch the sunrise.
Trust me, it will be worth it as there is hardly anyone on the bridge at this time and the sun rising over the city gives the bridge, and views, a unique glow. It is perfect for taking some breathing time, taking your 3 nights in Prague in, and taking perfect pictures!
Tip: If you need caffeine, get iced coffee the night before from a local shop as nothing will be open to get a coffee in the morning, iced coffees are easy to carry and it’s something to enjoy before the herds of sightseers swarm the bridge.
Main Market or Market Outside Palladium
Wherever you travel, visiting the local markets is one of the best ways to adapt to a new place, meet locals and see their day-to-day lives, get a feel for the area and customs, find unique souvenirs or gifts and of course the best food are usually in markets!
Along with the central market on the Old Town Square, two markets I can recommend are:
- The small local market on Republic Square in front of Palladium shopping centre.
- Havel’s Street market on Havelska 13.
Stroll through these markets for fresh fruit medleys, newly-baked pastries, strong coffee, local souvenirs and trinkets, shopping, beer and Prague snacks like Trdelnik (a hollow, sugary doughnut and so yummy).
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Wencaslas Square
I stumbled on this square on my trip as I was walking through New Town Prague I noticed a long street with some sort of monument and building at the end and knew that it had to be of some importance (my mum always mentioned this square after her Prague trip so had to see it).
What I thought was a street is actually the Wencaslas Square (but is actually a rectangle) and the Czech National Museum is the building at the end. This is what to visit in Prague in 3 days at Christmas because it looks amazing!
Street Food Tour
When you visit Prague in 3 days, definitely squeeze in an Eating Europe Prague food tour. I always wondered what is Prague famous for and I never thought it would be food but there are some foods that Prague is famous for (think sweet Trdelnik and salty cheese) and the best way to discover the cuisine is to take a food tour. I’ve also used the company Secret Food Tours in Europe and they have a Prague food tour here:
I love food tours and have taken them in Munich and Amsterdam as well as my self-guided food tours in Piran and Brussels. Find the perfect food tour for your Prague trip itinerary here.
Jewish Quarter
There are several points of interest in the Jewish Quarter which you can visit sporadically throughout your 3 days itinerary in Prague but it makes more sense to visit them in one as they are fairly close together. Start with the Synagogue and Jewish cemetery before visiting the birthplace of Franz Kafka (Prague’s famous writer), and finish at the Jewish Museum to learn about the history of Jews in Prague.
Horror Themed Bar
For a turn in events, head to NIGHTMARE Prague Horror Bar for hundreds of horror memorabilia, references and posters. Think Saw, The Exorcist and Evil Dead and you’re halfway to getting the gist of this bar. It’s actually really cool and amazing for horror movie fans or movie fans in general.
See my full guide to Prague Horror Bar here!
Address: Újezd 598/5, 150 00 Malá Strana, Czechia
Optional: Take a Night Ghost & Legends Tour of Prague to discover the spookier side to Bohemia. Charles Bridge is said to be haunted by many ghosts.
Prague Tours & Day Trips From Prague
Have you been to Prague before? Did you learn anything from this Prague itinerary 3 days?
Next Time You’re In Prague…
As well as the options above in my things to do in Prague blog, there is so much more to do in Prague including the dozens of museums in the city such as Franz Kafka Museum and Museum of Alchemists and Magicians of Old Prague, day trips to other cities and attractions like the brand new Sky Bridge 721. You could visit the Library to see the Tower of Books, the Ice Bar, the Dungeons or even the largest club in Europe.
Don’t forget Prague is a brilliant base to explore other parts of Europe too!
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