Prague in 3 Days —
Castles, Craft Beer & Medieval Magic

Prague 3-Day Itinerary — Day by Day

Day 1: Prague Castle, Malá Strana & Charles Bridge at Sunset

Begin at Prague Castle, the largest ancient castle complex in the world — a sprawling hilltop fortress above the Vltava river. Explore St. Vitus Cathedral (free to enter the nave; interior tickets from €15 for the full circuit), the Old Royal Palace with its spectacular Vladislav Hall, and the colourful Golden Lane where Franz Kafka once worked. Descend through the Malá Strana (Lesser Town) quarter, a neighbourhood of Baroque palaces and cobbled lanes, and walk across Charles Bridge at sunset — 30 baroque statues line the medieval stone bridge over the Vltava. Watch for vendors and street musicians. Evening dinner in Malá Strana or Nerudova street.

Day 2: Old Town Square, Jewish Quarter & Wenceslas Square

Start early at Old Town Square to watch the Astronomical Clock (Orloj) perform at the top of the hour — arrive five minutes early for the best viewing spot. The clock dates to 1410 and is one of the oldest functioning astronomical clocks in the world. From the square, explore the narrow lanes of Staré Město (Old Town) before entering Josefov, the Jewish Quarter — one of the best-preserved Jewish historic districts in Europe. The combined ticket (€16–22) covers six synagogues including the Spanish Synagogue and the stunning Pinkas Synagogue, plus the Old Jewish Cemetery where twelve layers of graves are stacked on top of one another. Afternoon: walk Wenceslas Square, the commercial heart of the New Town. Evening: craft beer pub crawl — try U Fleků (brewing since 1499), Lokál, or any hospoda (pub) away from the tourist centre where beer costs €1–2/pint.

Day 3: Vltava River Cruise, Vyšehrad & Vinohrady

Take a morning Vltava river cruise (from €12, 1 hour) to see Prague's skyline from the water — Prague Castle, Charles Bridge and the Old Town look spectacular from the river. After the cruise, head to Vyšehrad fortress on the southern bank — a free-entry hilltop park with panoramic views, a Gothic church, and the burial ground of famous Czechs including Dvořák and Smetana. Far fewer tourists than the castle. In the afternoon, explore the Vinohrady neighbourhood — tree-lined boulevards, local wine bars, and excellent Czech restaurants at real prices. A perfect final evening away from the tourist circuit.

Prague Budget Tips

Prague Castle courtyard is free to enter — only the interiors require tickets (from €15 for the full circuit). Most churches including St. Nicholas in Malá Strana are free or €2 to view. Czech beer in a local hospoda costs €1–2/pint — never pay more than €3. Street food at Havelské tržiště market near Old Town Square. A full day exploring Prague costs well under €50 including food, beer and a museum or two.

Best Areas to Stay in Prague

Old Town (Staré Město) €50–100/night — walkable to everything, best for first-time visitors. Malá Strana (Lesser Town) €40–80/night — close to the castle, quieter and more atmospheric. Vinohrady €25–60/night — local neighbourhood feel, excellent restaurants, metro to the centre in 10 minutes.

Prague Hidden Gems

Vyšehrad fortress (free entry, far fewer tourists than the castle, great city views), Žižkov TV Tower with the crawling babies sculpture by David Černý, Letná Park beer garden with views over the Vltava, Loreta shrine in Hradčany with its baroque treasury, Franz Kafka Museum in Malá Strana, and the Lucerna Passage with Černý's upside-down horse sculpture.