3 Days in Prague: The Ultimate Itinerary for First-Time Visitors
The enchanting Czech city has become a popular tourist destination for many and it isn’t hard to see why. We spent 3 days in Prague and it was just the right amount of time to see the top highlights of the city.
Prague is filled with rich history, Gothic architecture, cobblestone streets, and some of the best beer you can find. It’s a fairy tale city and one you definitely must visit. From romantic strolls to crazy nights out, there’s something here for everyone.
Prague is a great city to visit whether you are traveling solo, as a couple, or as a family. It’s safe and easy to get around on foot. And if you aren’t the walking sort, then like many other cities in Europe, Prague has excellent public transportation.
How to Plan Your Time in Prague: 3 Days in Prague
No matter how much time you have in Prague, you will enjoy the city. Thankfully the city’s historical center where you can find the majority of attractions is compact and easily walkable. So, it is easy to see the best things in Prague in a few days.
I’ve created an easy 3 Days In Prague Itinerary to help you plan your stay and enjoy this beautiful city.
Below is how I recommend spending your 3 days in Prague. It’s the ultimate itinerary for first-time visitors as I’ve selected my favorite places that will provide an enjoyable experience. In this itinerary, you will see the top attractions the city has to offer. I also provide tips on how to get around the city so you get a good sense of the charm Prague brings about.
This suggested itinerary focuses on places you shouldn’t miss during your 3 days in Prague, especially for first-time visitors. It may seem busy, but it’s definitely all doable in this timeframe.
3 Days in Prague: The Ultimate Itinerary for Fist Time Visitors
During your 3 days in Prague make sure you take time to stop and really absorb the beauty of this enchanted city.
3 Days in Prague: Day 1
So where do you even begin! Prague has so many hidden treasures, you really want to try and take in as much as you can during your time here. Let’s start day 1 at Wenceslas Square and then make your way to Old Town from there. At Old Town, you’ll cover a number of the top tourist attractions to visit in Prague. The best part is that a number of these attractions are free to view.
Wenceslas Square
The Square is located in the heart of New Town Prague. It’s a lively part of the city filled with shops, restaurants, and bars. The square is home to some of the most beautiful and significant buildings in the city.
In the center of the square, you’ll find a statue of King Wenceslas in front of the National Museum. Take a stroll and grab a coffee, or window shop while you are here.
If you’re visiting at Christmas, there is a large Christmas Market that’s worth checking out.
Old Town Square
From Wenceslas Square, make your way to Old Town Square which is the heart and soul of Prague. It’s a great starting point for those visiting the city for the first time as it provides great history and architecture of Prague, two things the city is famous for. Wander through the square or grab a snack and find a bench so you can people-watch.
Stroll through the square’s surrounding cobblestone lanes and Admire the Church of Our Lady Before Tyn and St Nicholas Church. Basically, get lost through the winding streets around Old Town where the architecture is absolutely stunning. You’ll definitely discover a slice of Prague you were not expecting to experience.
Astronomical Clock
In the midst of the hustle and bustle in Old Town Square, you’ll find the Astronomical Clock which is a masterpiece in Prague. The clock features the sun, moon, and signs of the zodiac. Every hour the clock puts on a show, so be sure to time your visit so you can watch the clock strike an hour.
Try a Trdelník
It’s almost impossible not to go past a stand selling this delicious cylindrical dough-like pastry that’s rolled in a sugar and cinnamon mixture. You can eat these by themselves or filled with cream, ice cream, or even Nutella. YUM!
There are stalls all over the city. If you have only 3 days in Prague, I urge you to eat one…or ten!
Jewish Quarter
Once you’ve seen the Astronomical Clock in action, make your way to the Jewish Quarter of the city where you can visit the synagogues and the Jewish cemetery. Back in the 13th Century, Jewish people in Prague were banned from living anywhere else except for this part of the city. A visit to the Jewish Quarter isn’t complete without witnessing the Old Jewish Cemetery.
After all the walking that you have done throughout this busy morning, it’s time to take a break and enjoy a delicious Czech lunch at one of the local restaurants in the neighborhood.
Klementinum
Next, visit the Klementinum which houses many libraries and Baroque buildings. Klementinum was transformed into a Jesuit College in 1556 and later a university in 1654 which operated until 1773.
River Cruise
To end the day, take a relaxing River Cruise and enjoy the beautiful sights that line the banks of the river Vltava. The cruise will take you past the impressive Charles Bridge. It’s the perfect way to end the sightseeing on day 1 and give your feet a break from all the walking.
3 Days in Prague: Day 2
Sunrise at Charles Bridge
Begin your second day at Charles Bridge. Built-in the 14th century, this bridge spans the Vltava River and connects the Old Town to Prague Castle.
Charles Bridge is one of the most popular attractions when visiting Prague. Tourists flock here to take in the views of the river on either side. Given its popularity, you’ll want to start your day here as early as you can to avoid the large crowds that fill the bridge during the day. If you can start at sunrise, you won’t battle large crowds and the lighting is just perfect. You’ll get some incredible photos here.
No matter where you are staying in Prague or how you plan your trip, you’ll walk across this Bridge multiple times.
John Lennon Wall
From Charles Bridge make your way to the famous John Lennon wall. The wall is covered in John Lennon-inspired graffiti with Beatles lyrics and it is one of the most colorful places in the city.
No two visits to this wall will look the same. Today the wall represents a symbol of global ideals such as love and peace.
Prague Castle and Malá Strana
Once you’ve taken your Instagram-worthy photos at the Lennon wall, start your climb to the beautiful grounds of Prague Castle. The castle was built in the 9th century and is the largest ancient castle in the world today.
The complex is made up of the castle, the Gothic Saint Vitus Cathedral, the Romanesque Basilica of St. George, and the Spanish Hall. Feel free to explore the grounds on your own but if you want to learn more book a guided tour.
Entry to the castle grounds is free although many buildings such as the St Vitus Cathedral, Basilica of St George, and Golden Lane can be visited with a combined entry ticket.
The main attraction here is St Vitus Cathedral. This gorgeous Gothic cathedral is even more spectacular on the inside than it is on the outside. If you want priority access to skip the huge lines you should buy Skip the Line for a guided tour. You should consider this 2.5-Hour Tour (including an admission ticket).
What can you visit for free?
- Walk around the castle grounds
- Watch changing of the guards
- Prague Castle Gardens
- Enter the western part of the St. Vitus Cathedral
If you have time, stick around for the changing of the guard that takes place at noon every day. Just be sure to make it there by 11.55 am to secure a good spot.
After all the exploring and walking around, take a break and enjoy a meal at one of the local restaurants in the area.
Strahov Monastery
A little further up from Prague Castle is Strahov Monastery (roughly a 12 min walk). If you have the time to explore then make your way inside. The library within the Monastery is simply spectacular. It’s divided into two halls that contain thousands of rare volumes of religious and philosophical books, making it a haven for book lovers.
Petrin Hill
If you are looking for great views over Prague, visit Petrin Hill. Petrin Tower is found on this hill and is almost like a smaller version of the Eiffel Tower in Paris and offers panoramic views of Prague.
Climb the 299 steps of the 60-meter (200-foot) Petrin Tower, modeled after France’s iconic landmark, to get a bird’s eye view of the winding streets below.
3 Days in Prague: Day 3
Day 3 of your 3 days in Prague is all about spending time outdoors. From visiting Vyšehrad to Letna Park, take day 3 at your own pace while finishing off your time in Prague.
Vyšehrad
Vyšehrad is a historic fort in Prague where you can get some of the city’s finest views. The Upper Castle was built on the hill in the 10th century.
At Vyšehrad, you can visit the Basilica of St. Peter and St. Paul, the cemetery containing remains of famous people from Czech history, or enjoy the upriver views of the city and the relaxed atmosphere of the surrounding park. This place is popular among locals who come here to run or walk their dogs.
Dancing House
From Vyšehrad (Ostrčilovo náměsti), take tram number 7 to Karlovo náměst. Once you get there, it is a short walk to Dancing House. This is definitely one of the more unusual attractions to visit in Prague and one of the most photographed attractions in the city.
Make your way to Old Town and enjoy a delicious lunch in the neighborhood. Once you’ve had a chance to fuel up, head to Letna Park where you can spend the rest of the afternoon relaxing.
Letna Park
Letna is a district in Prague where you’ll find hipster coffee shops and bistros. Tourists and locals visit the park mainly for its spectacular views of Prague. Here you’ll find amazing views of the river Vltava and its bridges. With its location being just above the city on a hilltop, it’s so easy to take some beautiful photographs of Prague.
This is a beautiful spot to visit if you are looking to have a relaxing afternoon. Take a picnic basket along with you and people watch while you are there. Letna Park is a great place to enjoy a beer on a good day.
After a relaxing afternoon at Letna Park, make your way down the park to get to the river that leads to the city center. Alternatively, you can take a tram if it’s been a long day and you don’t want to walk back. Finish Day 3 by enjoying a nice meal and watching the city’s lights come on.
How to get around Prague?
While the main city center is very walkable, you will definitely use public transport to get between each district.
The public transport in Prague, like many European cities, is top-notch. Prague’s network of trams is the third-largest after Moscow and Budapest. The best way to see parts of Prague is to hop on a tram and take a ride through the city. If you want to capture some of Prague’s important landmarks, ride trams 91 or 23 which will take you past these. Definitely, something to keep in mind if you are visiting Prague for the first time.
You can buy four types of tickets: 30 minutes without transfers, 90 minutes with transfers, a 1-day ticket, or a 3-day ticket. You can choose the type of ticket to buy depending on how much you plan to walk around the city.
Best Time To Visit Prague
Prague is a year-round destination, but some periods are for sure more popular than others.
In Prague, you can experience four seasons:
- Spring from March to May
- Summer from June to August,
- Autumn from September to November
- Winter from December to February.
The warmest weather lasts from May to September, but this is also the time of the year when the city is filled with tourists and hence the prices are higher than normal.
Off-peak times tend to be a good time to visit; either in Spring (March and April) or early Autumn (September or October), when temperatures are usually pleasant, but there aren’t as many tourists.
However, if you are looking for a different experience, then Winter in Prague is very picturesque. Beware the temperatures do drop below freezing point and you can encounter rain and snow. On the plus side, you’ll have access to Prague’s Christmas markets in December.
Hopefully, this itinerary for 3 days in Prague will give you a chance to see some of the top attractions in Prague. And if for some reason you haven’t made it to every place on this list, then it’s just a perfect excuse to plan another trip to this enchanting city.
If you are looking for a more extensive list of things to do in Prague, check out this guide on the best things to do in Prague.
Summary of 3 Days in Prague: The Ultimate Itinerary for Fist Time Visitors
First Day
- Wenceslas Square
- Old Town Square
- Astronomical Clock
- Try a Trdelník
- Jewish Quarter
- Klementinum
- River Cruise
Second Day
- Sunrise at Charles Bridge
- John Lennon Wall
- Prague Castle and Malá Strana
- Strahov Monastery
- Petrin Hill
Third Day
- Vyšehrad
- Dancing House
- Letna Park
Note: The information here is updated the best we can at the time of writing this article. Please check attractions, activities, and transport before you can as things tend to change from time to time.
