Prague rewards a first visit of three days: enough to see the Old Town, Charles Bridge and Prague Castle properly, with time left for viewpoints, a concert and a beer hall. The centre is compact and most of it is best seen on foot, so this plan groups sights by area. Prices are in Czech koruna (CZK), as charged in 2026.

Day 1: the Old Town and the Jewish Quarter

Start at Old Town Square early, before the crowds, and climb the Old Town Hall tower (350 CZK, half price in the first hour after opening) for the view over Týn Church. Come back down to watch the Astronomical Clock strike the hour. Walk north along Pařížská into Josefov for the Jewish Museum: one 600 CZK ticket covers four synagogues and the Old Jewish Cemetery, but the museum is closed on Saturdays and Jewish holidays.

In the afternoon, take a guided tour of the Klementinum (380 CZK, booking advised) for its Baroque library hall and astronomical tower, then cross Charles Bridge at dusk as the lamps come on. End the day with dinner in the Old Town or an evening concert in one of its churches.

Day 2: Prague Castle and Malá Strana

Take tram 22 or 23 up to the Pražský hrad stop and arrive at Prague Castle when the buildings open. The 450 CZK main circuit covers St Vitus Cathedral, the Old Royal Palace, St George’s Basilica and Golden Lane, and it is valid for two days. Watch the changing of the guard at the main gate on the hour, or the full ceremony at noon.

Walk west to Strahov Monastery for its famous library halls (220 CZK; viewed from the doorways), then along Petřín Hill to the Petřín Lookout Tower (250 CZK). Ride the rebuilt funicular down to Malá Strana, visit St Nicholas Church on Malostranské náměstí (150 CZK) and wander down to Kampa Island and the river.

Day 3: Vyšehrad, the New Town or a day trip

Take metro line C to Vyšehrad, the clifftop fortress where the ramparts, the cemetery and the views are free. The guided casemates tour costs 330 CZK, or 295 CZK online. Walk back along the river past the Dancing House to the National Theatre, then up to Wenceslas Square and the National Museum (360 CZK, under 15s free). In the evening, tour the Art Nouveau Municipal House (320 CZK) or hear a concert in its Smetana Hall. Alternatively, spend the day in Kutná Hora, about an hour by train, for the Sedlec Bone Church and St Barbara’s Cathedral; book the ossuary’s timed tickets ahead.

Getting around

Most of the centre is walkable, though cobbles and hills make it tiring. For trams and the metro, a 24-hour ticket costs 140 CZK in the PID Lítačka app (150 CZK on paper) and a 72-hour ticket 340 CZK (350 CZK on paper). These also cover the Petřín funicular. From the airport, trolleybus 59 to Nádraží Veleslavín connects with metro line A, about 35 minutes to the centre on a 46 CZK app ticket.

Money and practical tips

  • The Czech Republic uses the koruna, not the euro. Cards are widely accepted; where you change cash, check the rate and the amount you will receive before you hand over money.
  • Prague’s accommodation fee is 50 CZK per person per night, added by your hotel; under 18s are exempt.
  • Many official sights, including the Old Town Hall tower, Charles Bridge towers and Petřín Tower, are half price in their first hour after opening.
  • In restaurants, rounding up or adding about 10% is a common way to tip for good service.
  • Pickpockets work the crowds on Charles Bridge, Old Town Square and busy trams; keep bags closed.
  • Tap water is safe to drink.

When to go

Spring and early autumn bring mild weather and blossom or golden trees on Petřín. Summer is warm and very busy. From late November to early January the Christmas markets fill the squares, and winter mornings can be beautifully quiet, if cold. Whatever the season, start early: by 9am you will have Charles Bridge and the castle courtyards almost to yourself.