I’ve just returned from a short break in the Czech capital, Prague, and I was seriously impressed. It’s such a beautiful city.
The weather was glorious (if a little chilly) and there’s tonnes to do, see, eat and drink. What more could anyone want?
I’ve put together this 3-day itinerary based on my trip for any other super organised travellers who like to know exactly how to make the most of their short time in a new city. Or perhaps just to provide some inspiration for what to do in Prague this winter before or after the Christmas markets pop up.
Let’s get started!
Day 1
Explore Vyšehrad Castle
One of my absolute favourite things I did in Prague was visit Vyšehrad, and I strongly recommend you do it too.
Depending on how energetic you’re feeling, you can either walk or take a tram or metro up to the huge historic fort.
(If you’re up for it, I’d recommend walking as it’s a great way to get to know some less touristy parts of Prague).
There’s loads to see at Vyšehrad – and it’s all free. Wandering between the lush parks and historic buildings makes for a really lovely walk, with some awesome views of the city to top it all off.
Stroll along the riverside back to the Old Town
Next, make your way down to the river for a peaceful, waterside wander back to the city centre. Take in the views across the river and look out for the famous Dancing House on your way back to the Old Town!
Try some hearty Czech food at a local restaurant
After all that walking, you must be exhausted – and hungry! For lunch, you’ll be spoilt for choice for cozy Czech restaurants serving up delicious traditional dishes. As well as those with a much less authentic vibe.
Now, I don’t claim to be any sort of Czech food connoisseur, but I did my research before I came out to Prague because I wanted to avoid tourist trap restaurants.
We ate at Restaurace U Provaznice – which I’d read about online when looking for authentic, inexpensive places to eat in the Old Town. I’ve written about it before. It was so great that I’m recommending it to you now!
Take a walking tour
After you’ve filled up on wholesome Czech goodness, why not take a walking tour and get your bearings a little?
There’s lots of different themes to choose from. I was recommended a WWII tour, which took us to the city’s underground tunnels. It was a little more expensive than some of the others, but our guide was fantastic and it was a really interesting tour. Perfect for history buffs like myself!
Sample local Czech beers at a cozy pub
Prague and beer go hand in hand – so you’ve got to try some when you’re there. Whether you’re a lager drinker, or you prefer something a bit darker, you’ll definitely be able to find something that takes your fancy. And at about £1.50 (~$2) a pop, it’s one of the cheapest pints in Europe.
Soak up all that booze with another wholesome Czech meal. Not sure what to eat? Take a look at this article for inspiration.
Try a Trdelník
Yes, yes, yes. I know. They’re NOT Czech. But these tasty sweet treats are everywhere in Prague so it would be rude not to try one.
You can watch these unique “chimney cakes” rotate and slowly cook on a hot stick above a grill, before they’re covered in sugar, filled with your choice of toppings, and inhaled by whoever buys them. They’re great.
Day 2
Venture up to the awesome Prague Castle
This time, I would suggest taking the tram up to the impressive (and impressively busy) Prague Castle. It’s a massive tourist hotspot but definitely worth a visit nonetheless.
The grounds of the castle are free to visit, but to get into any of the old churches and buildings, you’ll need a ticket.
Don’t worry – they’re not too expensive. As students, we paid 125czk (~£4/$5.50) for access to a selection of buildings.
TOP TIP: If you’re buying tickets on the day, avoid the HUGE ticket queues by buying them further into the complex by the Golden Lane.
The walk back down to street level offers some stunning views too.
It was incredibly busy when we went, so I’d recommend getting to the castle as early as possible to make the most of the experience.
Try a tasty goulash for lunch
You can’t visit central Europe without sampling some hearty goulash. It’s the perfect way to warm up after a chilly day wandering the city’s streets (and pubs…).
If you’re looking for somewhere to eat, another great restaurant I stumbled across was just at the base of the castle. It’s called Restaurace Na Klárove and I wrote about it in my article about things to eat in Prague. Take a look!
Climb up to get an awesome view of Charles Bridge
If you didn’t get a chance to properly visit Charles Bridge yesterday, now’s your chance! Wander down (or, depending on how much you ate for lunch, waddle down) to the famous bridge.
For a couple of pounds, you can climb up the North Tower and get some stunning, panoramic views of the city. We were up there for ages looking out, identifying distant buildings and watching people go about their business. It’s an amazing way to experience the bridge.
And then you get to walk over it! Check out the street sellers and performers along your way.
Go to a Sparta Praha hockey game
If you’re lucky enough to be in Prague on a day their ice hockey team is playing, snap up the opportunity to go along.
The tickets are super cheap, the metro station is close by, and the atmosphere is electric. Watching a game is a great, non-touristy way to spend an evening. And there’s plenty of drinks, snacks and hot dogs to keep you going.
TOP TIP: Don’t be an idiot like me and go to the wrong venue. Check where they’re playing. We watched a playoff game, which took place at the O2 arena rather than their usual stadium. This was great – after we arrived 20 minutes late in a huge rush. Oops.
Day 3
Wander down one of the main shopping streets
I’m not a big shopper, but if you are, there’s plenty of places to get your fix in the centre of Prague.
We made our way down Vodičkova Street and popped into some of the big, inviting shops. There was even an M&S! Who’d have thought it?
Get cultural at one of Prague’s museums
If you’re anything like me, you can’t visit a new country without popping into the odd museum. And Prague has tonnes to choose from.
From the Museum of Magic to the absolutely terrifying Sex Machine Museum, there’ll definitely be something to take your fancy.
We opted for something a bit less bizarre: the Communism Museum. It was very cool, if a little heavy on the reading.
Have a mulled wine in the Old Town Square
You’re right, going to one of those very expensive and touristy restaurants in the Old Town square is not the most ‘authentic’ or ‘cultural’ thing to do in Prague. But it’s really lovely to sit under the heaters and look out to the hustle and bustle of the square with a warming mulled wine in hand.
It’s a people watcher’s dream and an all-round great experience.
(The food is very pricey though, so I’d avoid eating at these places.)
Watch the Astronomical Clock strike the hour
I didn’t know what to expect when I was told I “must watch the clock strike the hour”. But I wasn’t disappointed.
I wont give too much away but pop along (with the crowds) for a cute little show and some bangin’ chimes.
Pour your own pints at a novelty pub
If you’re looking for a unique place to drink in Prague, The Pub is perfect.
It’s a cool and modern bar with a twist. The tables have their own beer taps, so you can decide exactly how much to drink, and laugh at your friends’ attempts to pull a pint. There’s so much foam!
Eat your final meal at Restaurace Mlejnice
Restaurace Mlejnice is a great little traditional-style eatery close to the Old Town square. Popular with tourists and locals alike, it’s the perfect place to try some delicious, reasonably priced Czech food.
I had the roast duck here and it was delicious.
A Curious Venture 