3 Days in Prague: Everything You Should Know

Nicknamed the City of a Hundred Spires, Prague is a picturesque city with a rich history dating back hundreds of years. Over eight million tourists head to Prague annually from other European cities and from overseas. They come to see the Gothic churches and colorful Baroque-style buildings. Visitors to Prague can also explore the city's many museums and art galleries, or take a stroll through the cobbled streets of the Old Town Square lined with amazing sights. Crossing the River Vltava is the Charles Bridge, another popular spot for tourists, and is the way to the majestic Prague Castle. Prague Castle is located outside the Old Town area of Prague and it's one of the most popular tourist destinations in the city. The castle complex, which includes Prague Cathedral and several other palaces and gardens, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, so that tells you right away the importance of the location.

In addition to exciting tourist attractions, there are many great shopping and dining options to keep you busy when you explore Prague. And speaking of food, be sure to try some traditional Czech dishes while you're here. The city is known for its excellent beer, beef goulash, and dumplings. And if you have a sweet tooth, you'll want to try trdelnik, a grilled pastry that's coated in sugar and cinnamon.

You might be asking yourself how you can fit all of these great things to do into 3 days in Prague, but don't worry; it's possible to see the main attractions in just a few days in Prague. The Czech capital city is a beautiful destination with plenty to see and do, making it ideal for a weekend getaway.

Condensing your Prague itinerary into just 3 days means that you don't want to waste any of your valuable time. Save the struggle of dealing with your bags and drop them off at a luggage storage facility in Prague. We'll take care of everything while you make the most of each precious minute.

Prague Itinerary - Day 1

Morning: Old Town Square

Consistently voted one of the best town squares in the world, Prague's Old Town Square, also called Staromestske Namesti, is the perfect spot to start your 3 days in Prague itinerary. Frequented by both tourists and locals, to say that the Old Town Square is beautiful seems like an understatement. The square, built in the 12th century, was historically important for merchant trade and a trip here will instantly transport you back in time. Simply put, everyone who visits Prague wants to come here so it gets busy. Try to arrive as early in the morning as you can and plan to get your breakfast on the way or in the Old Town Square itself.

As for the things you need to do in Old Town Square, there are many. Old Town Hall is a particularly striking complex with the Gothic Town Hall Tower, that was once the tallest structure in Prague when it was built in the 14th century. Climb the tower to a lookout gallery (not the top) if you have time and you'll be rewarded with impressive views over the square and some parts of Old Town.

Get your timing right and head to another attraction on the hour. The astronomical clock is a certainly unique feature on any travel itinerary and is even more impressive when the hour changes. It's the oldest of its kind in the world that is still in working order. The astronomical clock hourly show is popular and only lasts for about a minute, but you should stake out a spot in front at least 10 minutes before the hour.

Next, head into St. Nicholas Church after you admire the Baroque architecture of the white facade built in the 18th century. This seems a bit modern compared to the Old Town Hall Tower but anchors the square perfectly.

If you visit Prague in December, the square is the site of a magical Christmas Market that is definitely worth checking out.

Afternoon: Old Town Square and Old Town

Now that you have a few attractions under your belt, sit down for a pleasant lunch at one of the restaurants that line the square. You can take a break while still being immersed in the hustle and bustle and stunning architecture. Restaurace Mincova offers an outdoor front-row seat to the action and some excellent Czech food like sausages and Šnyt, which is a Czech-style beer pour. Restaurace White Horse is another great lunch option with live jazz and blues to up the atmosphere ante.

After lunch, continue your exploration of the square with an emphasis on the Jan Hus Monument, the square's centerpiece. This bronze statue commemorates Jan Hus and was unveiled in 1915, a whopping 500 years after the martyr's death. Next, take a good look at the Church of Our Lady before Tyn. Does it look familiar? It's said that this church was one of the structures that inspired Disney's Magic Kingdom. You'll see the resemblance, guaranteed.

A short walk from the square, you'll find the Powder Tower, which is always great for a few photos. The tower marks the entrance to Old Town and the Gothic structure remains one of the 13 original city gates. The Klementium is another fabulous historical attraction just outside the square full of ornate ceilings and the Baroque Library should not be missed.

Regardless of where you're staying in Prague, now is a good time to head back to your hotel to prepare for a night on the town.

Night:

To spend your first evening in Prague, there are a couple of options: one low-key and one not-so-low-key. Both in Prague Old Town, you can opt to head to the Beer Museum for a few drinks and a crash course on Czech beer-making and its history. Alternatively, you can party it up until the early hours at Ace Club near the astronomical clock. There are actually tons of unmissable things to do at night in Prague when you get down to it.

Prague Itinerary - Day 2

Morning: Prague Castle Complex

Morning two of your 3 days in Prague has to start with a visit to the Prague Castle and the surrounding Complex. Like the Old Town Square, you can't leave Prague without touring the countless sights across the Charles Bridge.

Start with a trip to Prague Castle. Prague Castle is the largest ancient castle in the world and the most significant Czech monument. The castle area includes the gothic Saint Vitus Cathedral, several palaces, defensive towers, and bastions. Originally built as a fortress in the 9th century, it became the seat of Prague's rulers and thus also the political center of the country for centuries. It's the current residence and office of the president of the Czech Republic.

Since Prague Castle is an important national area, it is always protected. And, if you time your visit right you can even witness the ceremonial changing of the guards.

Afternoon: Prague Castle Complex

Exploring the inside of the Prague Castle and St. Vitus Cathedral will most likely eat up your morning, so now is a good time to head for lunch.

For some good casual food and drinks, head to the Castle Pub & Restaurant nearby. It's about an eight-minute walk from St. Vitus Cathedral and you get to pass by some lovely green spaces and gardens along the way.

After a refreshing meal and a rest, continue your sightseeing around the complex. Head to St. George's Basilica to see the remnants of the original structure built in 920. The brightly colored exterior is easily recognizable and the intricate interior will draw you inside.

A logical next stop is to explore Golden Lane. The historic street is lined with colorful houses that were once home to goldsmiths and other artisans. The street was first mentioned in historical records in 1357, and the houses on the street were built in the 16th century and were originally used as storage units for ammunition and weapons. Today, Golden Lane is a popular tourist destination and features several shops and restaurants. The street is also home to the Franz Kafka Museum, which is dedicated to the life and work of the Czech writer and is worthy of a visit for fans and historians.

Night: Old Town

For an unforgettable evening on your day two Prague itinerary, head back over the Charles Bridge to Old Town. The Charles Bridge is a tourist attraction in and of itself lined with ornate statues and offers Vltava River views. After a full day of sightseeing, opt for a relaxing night of dinner and a few drinks in an easy part of the city that doesn't require any public transport to reach. Restaurant Mlynec and Sad Man's Tongue Bar & Bistro are particular favorites.

Prague Itinerary - Day 3

Morning: Jewish Quarter

Start your morning with some traditional Czech food, and ideally a Czech pastry. Mansson's Bakery is conveniently located in the Jewish Quarter part of Old Town and will meet every bit of your breakfast pastry needs. These tasty sweet treats are a must on any 3 days in Prague itinerary.

Spend the morning touring the Jewish Quarter with its sad past. The entire quarter was totally destroyed during World War II, but thanks to an initiative by Mr. Josefov, a wealthy citizen who decided to give back a part of his wealth for restoring the old city center he managed to restore many beautiful buildings in this area. Today, you can walk around and admire the architecture of this magical place, once known as "the heart of Prague." It's home to synagogues, a Jewish cemetery, and small alleyways that will take your breath away! There are also some of the best museums in Prague here where you will be able to learn more about the history of the Jewish people in Prague and how they have endured throughout the years.

You can also visit the charming Wenceslas Square south of Old Town Square where you can have lunch and explore the impressive central monument and historic buildings. Wenceslas Square is also home to a fabulous Christmas Market during the holiday season.

Afternoon:

After navigating the Jewish Quarter, a relaxing Vltava River cruise is the perfect way to end your sightseeing days in Prague. Many companies run these cruises along the river, and it's a great way to see some of the attractions from a different angle. Cruise under the Charles Bridge rather than on top of it and get different views of the riverfront buildings and colorful street art.

Night:

For a truly unique way to wind down a Prague visit, spend the evening at a beer spa. Yes, beer spa. Head to the Original Beer Spa in Old Town, a short walk from the Old Town Hall Tower and relax in "style" in a tub of Czech beer. This activity is ideal for any beer lover and any traveler who enjoys a unique experience. Use the time to reflect on all the wonderful things you've managed to fit into 3 days in Prague and you'll probably start planning your next trip to this capital city before you towel off.

Conclusion

Prague is a gem of central Europe and has so many exciting things to keep you busy for a weekend. This Prague itinerary will get you to all the main attractions and a few unique ones so that you'll know you've at least covered the basics. In truth, 3 days in Prague lets you scratch the surface of everything this Czech city has to offer, but before long, you'll likely feel the call of a return trip.