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3 days in Prague: what to do, see, and tips on hotels and restaurants
Prague is a charming city, perfect for a long weekend! Living in Vienna, Fabio and I can reach the Czech capital in just four hours by train with RegioJet. For those traveling from other countries, there are also excellent options with budget airlines like Ryanair and WizzAir, which often have great deals. In this article, we’ll share our 3-day itinerary in Prague, including tips on what to do and see, as well as our recommendations for hotels and restaurants to make the most of your visit.
Where to Stay
Here are some hotels and apartments we’ve tried and loved, along with others that come highly recommended. All are centrally located and offer great value for money!
Narodni Stay
We stayed here during our last weekend in Prague. It’s just steps away from the Máj shopping center, known for its butterfly installation, and conveniently close to a Tesco that’s open late every day. Find the link here.Karlova 25 Apartments
Just 200 meters from Old Town Square and 500 meters from Charles Bridge, these apartments come with a fully equipped kitchen. Find the link here.Prague Boutique Residence
Located in a historic building in Prague’s Old Town, this residence is close to Old Town Square and just 400 meters from Charles Bridge. Find the link here.Hotel King George
Only 250 meters from Charles Bridge and 450 meters from Old Town Square, this hotel often has deals on Booking.com starting at €120 for two nights. Find the link here.
DAY 1
Your first day in Prague begins in the heart of the city: the famous Old Town Square. Here you’ll find the iconic Astronomical Clock, one of the oldest in the world, built in 1410. Every hour, the clock offers a mechanical show with moving figures, drawing visitors from across the globe. For breathtaking panoramic views, I recommend climbing the clock tower, where you can admire the red rooftops and the lively square below. If you’re visiting Prague during the Christmas season, don’t miss the festive Christmas markets that light up the square, offering handmade crafts, local delicacies, and a magical holiday atmosphere.
Lunch
If you’re vegetarian or simply looking for an alternative to traditional Czech cuisine, try Lehká Hlava, a restaurant offering creative and delicious vegetarian dishes. Traditional Czech cuisine often features meat-based dishes like Prague ham and hearty stews, so Lehká Hlava is a perfect alternative. Don’t miss their room with a “starry sky” ceiling—it’s truly unique!
If you’re vegetarian or simply looking for an alternative to traditional Czech cuisine, try Lehká Hlava, a restaurant offering creative and delicious vegetarian dishes. Traditional Czech cuisine often features meat-based dishes like Prague ham and hearty stews, so Lehká Hlava is a perfect alternative. Don’t miss their room with a “starry sky” ceiling—it’s truly unique!
Municipal Library and the “Idiom” installation
After lunch, head to the Prague Municipal Library to see the “Idiom” art installation, a tower of books that seems endless thanks to a clever mirror system. Admission is free, but be prepared to wait in line—I waited about an hour, and it’s not uncommon for the wait to stretch to two or three hours, especially in the afternoon.
Praternoster elevator at New City Hall
Right across from the library, you’ll find the Praternoster elevator in the New City Hall. This rare, continuously moving elevator is one of the last of its kind still open to the public and is a must-see for fans of architectural curiosities.
Right across from the library, you’ll find the Praternoster elevator in the New City Hall. This rare, continuously moving elevator is one of the last of its kind still open to the public and is a must-see for fans of architectural curiosities.
Jewish Museum of Prague and synagogues
In the afternoon, immerse yourself in the history of the Jewish Quarter with a visit to the Jewish Museum of Prague. A ticket costs around €21 per person and grants access to significant sites such as the Old Jewish Cemetery and various synagogues, including the Spanish Synagogue, Maisel Synagogue, Klaus Synagogue, and Pinkas Synagogue. The ticket also includes the Old-New Synagogue, managed by the local Jewish community, where you can learn more about the history of Prague’s Jewish population. Tickets can be purchased online in advance or at souvenir shops near the synagogues. As always, GetYourGuide is a great and convenient option—you can find the link here.
In the afternoon, immerse yourself in the history of the Jewish Quarter with a visit to the Jewish Museum of Prague. A ticket costs around €21 per person and grants access to significant sites such as the Old Jewish Cemetery and various synagogues, including the Spanish Synagogue, Maisel Synagogue, Klaus Synagogue, and Pinkas Synagogue. The ticket also includes the Old-New Synagogue, managed by the local Jewish community, where you can learn more about the history of Prague’s Jewish population. Tickets can be purchased online in advance or at souvenir shops near the synagogues. As always, GetYourGuide is a great and convenient option—you can find the link here.
Dinner: recommended restaurants
For dinner, here’s a list of recommended restaurants known for their traditional Czech cuisine and authentic atmosphere:
- U Pivrnce
- Lokal
- U Fleku
- Restaurace Mincovna
- Beer Restaurant U Zlatého Hada
- U Glaubicu
- U Parlamentu
- Výtopna Railway Restaurant (meals are delivered by model trains, though the food is average)
- Beer Restaurant U Černého Medvěda (At the Black Bear)
- U Kroka
I recommend booking in advance, especially during peak seasons like December. For those like Fabio and me who prefer vegetarian or fish options, many of these restaurants offer vegetarian, vegan, or fish dishes.
DAY 2
Start your second day in Prague with a visit to the National Museum, a great option, especially on cold days. If you’re in the city on October 28, Czechoslovak Independence Day, you might even get free admission. To avoid long lines, I recommend arriving about 15–20 minutes before opening. Even if the queue seems endless, it moves fairly quickly once the doors open, but keep in mind that if the museum gets too crowded, they may limit entry.
The museum houses an extensive collection of art and historical artifacts, showcasing the rich cultural heritage of the Czech Republic. It’s an excellent opportunity to delve into the country’s history and discover art pieces, fossils, and archaeological finds.
The museum houses an extensive collection of art and historical artifacts, showcasing the rich cultural heritage of the Czech Republic. It’s an excellent opportunity to delve into the country’s history and discover art pieces, fossils, and archaeological finds.
Walk along Charles Bridge
After the museum, head to one of Prague’s most iconic landmarks: Charles Bridge. Built in the 14th century, this gothic bridge is adorned with a series of Baroque statues, each with its own story. Among the most famous is the statue of St. John of Nepomuk—legend has it that touching his figure brings good luck and ensures a safe return to Prague! The bridge offers spectacular views of the Vltava River and leads directly to Malá Strana (the small town), one of the city’s most charming and historic areas.
Near the bridge, you’ll find Prague’s narrowest street, just about 50 cm wide, complete with a traffic light to prevent two people from passing at the same time—a quirky sight worth a visit! A short walk away is the colorful Lennon Wall, a symbol of peace and freedom covered in graffiti and dedications inspired by The Beatles.
Prague Castle
In the afternoon, make your way to Prague Castle, an imposing fortress overlooking the city. Within the complex, I recommend visiting:
- St. Vitus Cathedral: A stunning example of Gothic architecture, famous for its vibrant stained glass windows and the Chapel of St. Wenceslas.
- Golden Lane: A row of picturesque, colorful cottages that once housed court artisans, now transformed into quaint shops and small museums.
- The Royal Palace: The historical residence of the Kings of Bohemia, featuring grand halls and the Vladislav Hall, renowned for its Gothic vaulted ceilings.
Evening Activity
To end the day on a fun and lighthearted note, especially if you’re traveling with kids or simply want to relax, visit Prague Golf & Games. This unique spot combines mini-golf with interactive games, offering a colorful experience suitable for all ages. Book your spot here.
Dinner Recommendations
For dinner, I recommend Luka Lu Restaurant, a spot we absolutely loved for its vibrant and cheerful atmosphere, friendly staff, and delicious food. Be sure to try their gibanica, a traditional dish made with cheese and puff pastry. Here’s their website with the menu and prices.
If you’re in the mood for Georgian cuisine, Gruzie is a restaurant that offers a true culinary journey to the Caucasus. I had an incredible khachapuri here, a type of bread filled with cheese and often topped with an egg.
DAY 3
Start your third day in Prague with a visit to the Klementinum. This baroque complex houses the National Library and is renowned for its Baroque Library Hall, considered one of the most beautiful libraries in the world, and the Astronomical Tower, which offers panoramic views of the city. Planning a visit can be tricky—I know this firsthand! Since I often book trips to Prague at the last minute, I tried buying tickets on-site by arriving 10 minutes before opening, but they were always sold out. My advice is to book online well in advance (even a month ahead) to ensure your spot. Here’s the link to book.
Strahov Library and Viewpoint
If, like me, you can’t get into the Klementinum, a great alternative is the Strahov Library. It’s less well-known but just as stunning, with beautiful baroque interiors and a unique atmosphere. Entry costs around €6, and you can buy tickets on the spot as there’s rarely a queue. Right next to the library, you’ll find the Strahov viewpoint, which offers breathtaking views of the city.
Wallenstein Gardens
After visiting the library and enjoying the view, explore the Wallenstein Gardens. Hidden in the heart of the city, this green oasis is adorned with statues, fountains, and a large pond. The gardens are part of the Wallenstein Palace, home to the Czech Senate, and are perfect for a relaxing stroll in a peaceful historic setting. Admission is free!
Another highlight you shouldn’t miss is the Kafka Head, a modern sculpture by David Černý. This rotating installation represents the face of the Prague-born writer and moves in a hypnotic fashion.
Other recommended attractions
To round off the day, here are a few more must-see spots in Prague:
The Dancing House: Designed by Frank Gehry, this building along the Vltava River is also known as Fred and Ginger, as it vaguely resembles a pair of dancers. It features a fantastic rooftop bar with views of the city.
Petřín Hill and Petřín Tower: Known as the “green lung” of Prague, this hill is perfect for a leisurely walk. You can climb the Petřín Tower, a smaller version of the Eiffel Tower, for panoramic views.
Kampa Island: Located near Charles Bridge, Kampa is a picturesque island along the Vltava River, perfect for unwinding. You’ll find cozy cafés and spots to rent small boats.
ADDITIONAL TIPS
When it comes to currency exchange, I wouldn’t worry too much. Personally, I’ve never exchanged euros since card payments are widely accepted everywhere. (As you know, I always use Revolut.) However, if you really want to exchange some cash, there are plenty of exchange offices scattered around the city.
No trip to Prague would be complete without mentioning the traditional sweets! One of the most famous treats, found literally on every corner, is the trdelník (or trdlo). This cylindrical pastry is rolled and cooked on a spit, traditionally coated with sugar and cinnamon, and often filled with ice cream, chocolate, or whipped cream. Although incredibly popular today, trdlo isn’t originally Czech but has become a beloved specialty among tourists and is worth trying at least once.
For truly authentic Czech sweets, I recommend trying koláče. These small, round pastries cost about €1 each and are made from a brioche-like dough filled with sweet toppings like jam, quark, or poppy seeds. They’re traditionally prepared for celebrations and special occasions. Another variation to try is the Moravský koláč (around €1.70), a larger, heartier version with rich central fillings, often featuring poppy seeds or plum jam and finished with a touch of quark. These are authentic treats that let you truly savor the traditional flavors of Czech cuisine.
Prague is a fascinating city full of history—a destination I’d recommend to anyone. In my opinion, the best times to visit are May or late September, when the temperatures are pleasant, and the city is less crowded. December is equally magical due to the Christmas markets, though the temperatures can drop significantly—I experienced -8°C at the beginning of the month!
If you haven’t been to Prague yet, it’s absolutely worth a visit.
And don’t forget to follow me on Instagram, where you’ll find my highlighted stories about Prague for inspiration and tips to plan your trip. 🙂 Have a great trip!