We landed, made it through check-in and found our room at Mama Shelter Prague. Nice hotel. Modern, cool, a little bit hip. And then we noticed the lamps.
Both of them had masks on. Dizzy Devil on one, Bugs Bunny on the other, staring back at us from across the room. Odd decorating choice, we thought. Then a quick search told us what was actually going on: it was the eve of Pálení čarodějnic, the Czech witch-burning festival, a national tradition celebrated every 30th of April with bonfires across the country. The masks suddenly made a lot more sense. Welcome to Prague.
It was my second visit, the first being back in 2017, and this time I was back with a group of friends for a long weekend. I knew what to expect from the city but Prague managed to surprise me all the same.
So is Prague worth visiting in 2026? Absolutely, without question. Yes, it gets touristy and crowded around the main square, the Jewish Quarter, the Charles Bridge and the castle. That’s unavoidable, and you should go in knowing it. But there are quiet corners everywhere if you’re willing to look for them, and the city itself is genuinely one of a kind. Among the most beautiful in Europe, full stop. No amount of tour groups changes that.
Continue reading to find out how we did three days in Prague: what we visited, what surprised us, what to skip and where to eat and have your coffee. Use it as your itinerary, your city guide, or both.
Getting to and Around in Prague
Prague is very well connected internationally, as well as domestically. Check out your options on how to get there and how to get around.
Getting to Prague
- By Plane | Flying into Prague (PRG) airport is straightforward, and the journey from the airport to the city centre is refreshingly smooth.
- Getting from the airport to the city | Both Uber and Bolt are available at the airport. We chose an UberXL which turned out to be a perfect fit for our group of six. But there are also buses that take you to the city, or the nearest metro station. Just check your options on Google Maps.
- By Train | Another option if you’re already in Europe, is to take the train. Prague is well connected to nearby cities such as Berlin, Bratislava and Vienna. Find your connection on thetrainline.com.
- By Bus | Prague is also well connected to many cities in Europe by bus, such as with Flixbus. Find all your options on omio.com.
Getting Around Prague
Prague’s public transport (trams, metro and buses) is cheap, reliable and covers the whole city well. A 24-hour or 72-hour pass is excellent value. Trams are the most enjoyable way to get around and give great views of the city as you go.
Tip: Get the PID Lítačka app on your phone to buy your public transportation ticket. That way you can’t lose a paper ticket (always happens to my mom).
Where to Stay in Prague
We stayed at Mama Shelter Prague in Holešovice, a neighbourhood in the north of the city that most tourists overlook entirely. The hotel itself is beautifully designed, modern and full of character, with a foosball table, pool table, a great bar and a great restaurant.
If you want to experience Prague like a local rather than a tourist, Holešovice is the place to base yourself.
Other Options to Stay in Prague
When you prefer to stay in the Old Town, right in the heart of the city, then check out these great options:
- The Julius Prague | For a more luxurious stay right in the city centre, this is a strong option. The hotel occupies a beautiful heritage building with an Italian-inspired bistro and bar on site. The location puts you within easy walking distance of the Old Town Square and the main train station. A great base if you want to be right in the thick of it.
- Numa Prague Poise | A smart choice for those who prefer the flexibility of an aparthotel over a traditional hotel setup. Rooms are modern, well equipped and come with kitchenettes, and the whole experience is designed to be as seamless and self-sufficient as possible.
- Mottl House by Adrez | Opened in 2024 and steps from Wenceslas Square with Old Town Square six minutes on foot, this is a newer aparthotel that already has a strong reputation for spacious, individually decorated rooms and a genuinely central location.
Our 3-Day Prague Itinerary at a Glance
This is a quick overview of how we spent our days. It covers both the city’s biggest tickets, but also some quieter corners of the city.
- Day 1: Jewish Quarter (Josefov), Old Town Square and Astronomical Clock, Charles Bridge, Prague Castle (St Vitus Cathedral), Folklore dinner
- Day 2: Vyšehrad, riverside farmers market, rotating Kafka head, Letná Park, evening in Holešovice and VNITROBLOCK
- Day 3: John Lennon Wall, Kampa Island and Kampa Museum, Petřín Hill
This 3-day Prague itinerary worked perfectly fine for our group of six with sufficient time to explore and have breaks in between the sights.
If you’re exploring solo, or as a couple I guess you could do it all in two days by merging day 2 and 3, leaving a third day for a day trip out of the city. I’ll give you a few day trip suggestions after the 3-day Prague itinerary.
Day 1 | The Jewish Quarter, Old Town and Prague Castle
Today is all about the landmark sights of Prague. There’s plenty of them, but since they are all located within walking distance it’s easy to put them all in one day. We started with breakfast in our hotel and then continued exploring the city.
Start in the Jewish Quarter (Josefov)
Prague’s Jewish Quarter is one of the most historically significant areas in Central Europe, and a must-visit on any trip to the city. A single combined ticket gives you access to four synagogues and the Old Jewish Cemetery.
Check out what’s included in your Jewish Quarter ticket:
- The Old New Synagogue is the oldest active synagogue in Europe and an extraordinary place to start. It’s small, atmospheric and still used for worship today.
- The Spanish Synagogue is the polar opposite in feel: an explosion of Moorish ornament and gilded detail that stops you in your tracks the moment you step inside. The upper gallery tells stories of Prague’s Jewish community during the Second World War.
- The Maisel Synagogue was built in the late 16th century after Mordechai Maisel secured a personal privilege from Emperor Rudolf II to construct his own place of worship. Nowadays it hosts an exhibition on the history of Czech Jews.
- The Pinkas Synagogue is perhaps the most affecting of all. Its walls are inscribed with the names of nearly 80,000 Jewish victims from Bohemia and Moravia who were deported and never returned.
- The Old Jewish Cemetery is unlike anywhere else in Prague. More than 10,000 gravestones crowd over each other across a small patch of land, yet historians believe over 100,000 people were buried here across ten centuries, the layers stacked one on top of another.
Between stops, look out for the surreal bronze statue of Franz Kafka standing beside the Spanish Synagogue. One of the most famous Czechs in history, depicted in a quietly absurd way that feels entirely fitting.
Quick tips for visiting Prague’s Jewish Quarter
Check out these practical tips for the best way to explore the city’s Jewish Quarter:
- Allow at least two to three hours for the Jewish Quarter and keep in mind that all sights are closed on Saturday.
- If possible plan to visit Monday to Thursday morning, since Friday and Sunday are the busiest days.
- You can get your Jewish Quarter ticket in advance which includes a short introduction by a guide, or at a ticket office at any of the sites.
- The Jewish Cemetery is the most impressive site, so either keep it till the end, or start there first thing in the morning for shortest waiting times.
- The ladies at the Old New Synagogue try to only sell tickets with audioguide and actively hide the option without audioguide. They are very persistent, but if you don’t want the audioguide, just be as persistent as them.
- Dress modestly. Men can get away wearing a kippah (skullcap) if they wear a cap already.
- For a coffee break head to Onesip, a small café just nearby that serves excellent coffee by Prague roasters Candycane.
The Old Town Square and the Astronomical Clock
From Josefov, it’s a short walk to the Old Town Square, one of the most photographed public spaces in Europe. The pastel-coloured facades, the gothic spires and the general grandeur of the place are genuinely jaw-dropping, especially on a sunny day.
The most popular sight on the square is undeniably the Astronomical Clock of Prague’s Old Town Hall. It draws a crowd on the hour though, as figures emerge from behind their little windows in the clock.
Here’s my honest take: the clock itself is a genuine medieval masterpiece, but the mechanical show every hour is… underwhelming.
Hundreds of people craning their necks for thirty seconds of moving puppets. So, do visit the clock, just don’t bother timing it to the hour, as you’ll enjoy it far more without the scrum.
For another perspective of the astronomical clock and the Old Town Square go up the tower. If this is something you want to do, then get your Old Town Hall Tower entry ticket in advance with skip-the-line access.
Another sight on the square is the Church of Our Lady Before Týn, the gothic twin-spired church facing the square is free to enter and absolutely worth it. Beautifully ornate inside, and far less crowded than you might expect.
There’s a lot more to see on the square, so take your time to take in the beautiful facades of the buildings, the statues and the atmosphere.
Tip: Wander off the square into the small side streets. That’s where the real magic of Prague’s Old Town reveals itself.
Lunch Off the Beaten Track
Avoid eating on the square itself, as prices are high and quality rarely matches. Walk a few streets away and you’ll find excellent spots with real food at fair prices.
We found a brilliant little courtyard at Charles Burger Pub serving a proper chicken schnitzel with fries that hit the spot perfectly. They could easily accommodate our group of six during peak lunchtime.
Cross the Charles Bridge to Prague Castle
The Charles Bridge (Karlův most) is always busy, but it’s still a pleasure to walk. The baroque statues lining the bridge, the views up and down the Vltava river, the sense that you’re walking across centuries of history. It just doesn’t get old.
On the other side lies Prague Castle (Pražský hrad), the largest ancient castle complex in the world by area. You can visit the castle area for free, although many of the things to do are ticketed. Buy your Prague Castle entry tickets online in advance to avoid the queues.
Your ticket includes entry to the following sites:
- St Vitus Cathedral is the undisputed highlight and one of the most spectacular gothic buildings I’ve ever been inside. The breathtaking stained glass windows alone are worth the visit. Don’t rush through this one!
- Golden Lane (Zlatá ulička) is a charming row of tiny colourful houses built into the castle walls, historically home to goldsmiths and castle guards, and famously where Franz Kafka once lived and worked.
- The next stop is the St George Basilica, which is the oldest surviving church inside the castle complex.
- The Old Royal Palace and the palace’s grand Vladislav Hall, used for coronations and jousting tournaments, is an extraordinary space. Both are well worth the time.
Insider tip: From the cathedral, take this hidden passage and follow the path down to the castle terrace for panoramic views over the city. It’s one of the best viewpoints in Prague, and a good place to pause and let it all sink in.
Quick tips for visiting Prague Castle
Check out these tips for the best way to explore Prague’s castle complex:
- Plan 2-3 hours minimum | Prague Castle is large and crowded, so allow sufficient time to explore. You will need about 2-3 hours at minimum.
- Ticket is valid for 2 days | If you don’t want to do it all in one go, then spread your visit out over two days. You can do this at no extra cost, since your ticket is valid for 2 consecutive days.
- Visit Golden Lane early in the morning | On the day we visited Golden Lane, it was absolutely packed. Shoulder-to-shoulder crowds in a very narrow lane. Not the most enjoyable experience. So, go to Golden Lane early in the morning or late in the afternoon if you want any chance of enjoying it.
Evening: Folklore Dinner with a Crowd
After a short stop at the hotel to freshen up we ended day 1 of our Prague itinerary at Folklore Garden, a traditional Czech dinner with live music, folk dancing and unlimited drinks.
Folklore Garden is unabashedly touristy with long shared tables, loud groups, and not much elbow room. But with a good group of friends and the drinks flowing, it turns into a genuinely fun evening. Go in knowing what it is and you’ll enjoy it!
Day 2 | Vyšehrad, The Rotating Kafka, and Back to the Castle
With all of Prague’s landmark sights ticked off your must-see in Prague list, day 2 has a slower and more easy-going local vibe.
Morning Coffee in Holešovice
Start day 2 of your Prague itinerary at KOLEKTOR, the coffee bar on the ground floor of the National Gallery building (right next to our hotel). They serve a short but excellent breakfast menu with really amazing coffee. Sometimes the best spots are literally on your doorstep.
Vyšehrad: Prague Without the Crowds
Take the metro to Vyšehrad and you’ll immediately feel like you’ve stepped into a different city. According to Czech legend, this hilltop citadel is the original birthplace of Prague. Even if that’s debated by historians, the atmosphere more than earns a visit.
The clifftop park offers some of the best views over the Vltava river in the whole city, and without the crowds you’d find at the castle.
The Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul dominates the complex with its striking neo-gothic towers, though a church has stood on this spot for nearly a thousand years.
Behind the basilica, the Vyšehrad Cemetery is the resting place of many of the most celebrated Czech artists, composers and writers. It lends the whole area a quietly dignified, deeply local feel.
Tip: Vyšehrad is the perfect antidote to tourist fatigue. Come here on a Saturday morning when the city centre is at its busiest.
Saturday Farmers Market by the River
Downhill from Vyšehrad sits a lively Saturday farmers market along the riverfront. On a warm day it’s a great spot: local produce, street food stalls, plenty of atmosphere.
The food queues were long when we visited, so we took a seat at one of the moored river boats along the bank for a drink and some people watching. A perfect way to spend a late morning, or early afternoon.
If it’s just as crowded when you’re visiting, and you don’t want to queue for your food, then check-in for lunch at QUOQ Bistro. It’s a chicken-and-eggs with a Mexican twist focused restaurant. They serve excellent burgers and wraps, with warm and enthusiastic service.
The Rotating Kafka Head
After lunch, make a short detour to see the rotating Kafka head sculpture by artist David Černý. It’s a striking piece: a large mirrored bust made up of stacked rotating discs that periodically realign to form Kafka’s face.
Fair warning: the rotation takes about 15 minutes to complete a full sequence. We watched for a bit, enjoyed it for what it was, and moved on without waiting for the finale. Entirely worth a few minutes of your time, just set realistic expectations.
Make Room for a Museum
Prague punches well above its weight when it comes to museums. Depending on your interests and how much energy you have left after the morning, any of these four are worth a couple of hours of your time.
- National Museum | Just a short walk from the rotating Kafka head, the neo-Renaissance building of the National Museum dominates the top of Wenceslas Square and dates from 1891. Inside you’ll find extensive collections covering Czech history, natural sciences and archaeology, topped off by a dome you can climb for sweeping views across the city.
- Lobkowicz Palace | If you’re heading back up to the castle because you missed something yesterday, then this is one of the most rewarding places. It’s the only privately owned palace in Prague Castle and houses one of Europe’s oldest private art collections. Highlights include paintings by Bruegel the Elder, Canaletto and Velázquez, alongside hand-annotated musical manuscripts by Mozart and Beethoven.
- Kunsthalle Praha | Opened in 2022 in a converted former electrical substation in Klárov, this is one of Prague’s most exciting newer cultural spaces. And it feels a world away from the big tourist museums. The programme focuses on 20th and 21st century Czech and international art, with temporary exhibitions, workshops and cultural events. Those all change regularly, so it’s worth checking what’s on before you go.
- National Gallery at the Trade Fair Palace | The Trade Fair Palace houses the National Gallery’s collection of 19th, 20th and 21st century art, with works by Picasso, Van Gogh, Klimt and Mucha among others. It also tends to be far less crowded than the main tourist attractions, which after a busy day in the city centre feels like a genuine bonus.
Visit Letná Park for the (Sunset) River Views
If you have any energy left, Letná Park sits on a wooded hill directly above the Vltava, right between Holešovice and the castle district, and is well worth the short walk or tram ride.
The big draw is the view: a sweeping panorama of the river, the bridges and the Old Town rooftops that is arguably the finest in the city, and particularly special at sunset.
There’s a large metronome on the hill too. This 23-metre kinetic sculpture was erected in 1991 on the plinth left empty after the demolition of an enormous monument to Stalin. Interesting for a moment, but honestly you’re here for that view.
Evening in Holešovice
Back in our neighbourhood, we started the evening at VNITROBLOCK, a converted industrial building that’s become one of Prague’s coolest spaces. Coffee shop, boutique shops, creative studios and a great atmosphere. The shops were closed by the time we arrived, but it’s well worth exploring in the afternoon if you’re staying in the area.
Dinner was a pleasant surprise at a restaurant we stumbled upon on a local terrace, Kolkovna Argentinská. Think classical Czech food, steak, good wine and the kind of relaxed evening you can only have when you’re not following anyone else’s itinerary.
While you’re in the neighbourhood, the Holešovice Market is worth knowing about whatever time of day you find yourself there. The site dates back over 130 years as a former royal slaughterhouse, but what it is today couldn’t be more different.
The old industrial halls have been transformed into a lively mix of food trucks, outdoor cafes, bars, live music and cultural events, with a proper farmers market at its heart during the day. Come in the afternoon and you can graze your way through the food trucks and pick up fresh produce.
As the evening sets in, a different crowd arrives, and the complex shifts into something more like a nightlife destination, with bars, upmarket restaurants and clubs drawing a hip local crowd. It’s one of those places that captures exactly what makes Holešovice so interesting right now.
Day 3 | Malá Strana, Kampa Island and Petřín Hill
Day 3 in Prague and the city keeps on giving. Where the first two days were heavy on history and sightseeing, today is all about breathing a bit more. A great coffee to start, a peaceful island, a hill with a view and a neighbourhood that rewards just wandering. The perfect way to round off a long weekend.
Kafe Francin: The Best Coffee of the Trip
In the morning, seek out Kafe Francin in Holešovice. They roast their own beans on-site and the difference is immediately obvious. Outstanding coffee! We liked it so much we bought bags of beans to take home. Highly recommended if you’re a coffee lover. And the breakfast is excellent too.
The John Lennon Wall
On the way to Malá Strana, we passed the John Lennon Wall, a long stretch of wall near the river. It became famous during the communist era as a symbol of free expression and peace.
In honesty, the original spirit of the wall is hard to find now. It’s been so heavily painted over by subsequent visitors that it mostly looks like a messy tag wall. Worth a quick glance, but don’t make a special trip.
Kampa Island
Kampa Island sits in the Vltava just beside the Charles Bridge and is one of the most peaceful spots in the city. A large green park, riverside walks, views up to the bridge. It’s the kind of place you come to breathe for a bit.
The Kampa Museum on the island is well worth a visit if you enjoy modern art. It holds the collection of Jan and Meda Mládek, who during their years in exile actively supported Czechoslovak non-conformist artists, and the result is one of the most compelling small museums in the city.
The centrepiece is an extensive collection of works by František Kupka, a pioneer of abstract art, alongside bronze Cubist sculptures by Otto Gutfreund. The building itself is a beautifully restored medieval watermill, and the views of the Charles Bridge from the top floor are excellent.
Tip: For lunch or drinks with a view stop by Mlýny restaurant. This riverside restaurant serves delicious Aperol spritz and tomato bruschetta. On a warm sunny day, it doesn’t get much better than that.
Petřín Hill: Worth Every Step
We had planned to take the funicular railway up Petřín Hill (Petřínská lanovka), but it was out of service. So we walked, and genuinely didn’t regret it. The climb is real, but the views at every stopping point along the way are a reward in themselves.
At the top, the Petřín Lookout Tower stands as Prague’s answer to the Eiffel Tower (built for the 1891 Jubilee Exhibition). We chose not to climb the tower itself, having well and truly earned our views on the way up, but the hilltop is a lovely place to linger.
On the way back down, we found a couple of quiet spots for a drink and a long conversation. One of those unhurried afternoon moments that ends up being a highlight of the trip.
Tip: Check the funicular timetable before you go at dpp.cz. Service is expected to resume during summer 2026. If it’s running, take it up and walk down. The descent through the orchards and gardens is beautiful.
Final Dinner: NOI Thai Restaurant
Finish your Prague itinerary with dinner at Thai restaurant NOI, that boasts a beautiful inner courtyard garden. Excellent rosé, proper Thai food and a wonderfully relaxed setting. A near-perfect way to close out your trip to Prague.
The Best Day Trips from Prague and Where to Next
There’s plenty of things to do in Prague to keep you busy for at least three days. If you plan to stay longer though, or feel like going on a day trip outside the city, then check out these fantastic possibilities:
- Český Krumlov | A storybook town with a hilltop castle, winding alleys and courtyard cafés that feel completely frozen in time. It’s the most visited day trip from Prague for good reason. The journey takes around two and a half hours each way with this organised small group tour.
- Terezín | A sobering but important visit. During the Second World War, the town served as a Nazi concentration camp and transit point for tens of thousands of Jewish prisoners. The vast majority of whom were eventually deported to Auschwitz. This guided tour helps put the experience into proper context.
- Kutná Hora | Just an hour from Prague by direct train, or join this organised small group tour. The UNESCO World Heritage town was once one of the wealthiest in medieval Europe thanks to its silver mines. The main draw is the Sedlec Ossuary, known as the Bone Church: a chapel whose interior is decorated with the artistically arranged bones of over 40,000 people. Unsettling and utterly unforgettable. The gothic St Barbara’s Cathedral is equally worth your time. An easy half day or full day out.
- Brno | The Czech Republic’s second city and a very different proposition from Prague. It feels younger, is less touristy and has a strong café and bar culture of its own. At around two and a half hours by train it sits on the outer limit of a comfortable day trip, so if you’re heading to Bratislava afterwards, consider stopping in Brno along the way rather than rushing back.
From Prague, Head to Bratislava
Prague felt like the perfect reintroduction to a part of Europe I’d been meaning to revisit. And it got me thinking about its nearest neighbour, Slovakia.
Czechia and Slovakia shared a country for most of the 20th century, only going their separate ways in 1993. In what became known as the Velvet Divorce, these two nations peacefully split simply because they wanted different things.
The two capitals are just four hours apart by train, the cultures overlap in all sorts of ways, and yet Bratislava feels like a completely different world. I’ve put together a full guide to Bratislava, so check it out and combine both cities in one trip.
Prague Practical Tips
A trip to Prague is pretty easy, but these tips will help you make it even easier.
- When to visit Prague | Late April and May are ideal: warm enough for terraces and outdoor exploring, but before the peak summer crowds arrive. We visited in early May and the weather was genuinely lovely. September and October are two other excellent months after the peak summer scrum.
- Money | In Prague the currency used is Czech Koruna (CZK), where 1 EUR ≈ 25 CZK, or 1 USD ≈ 21 CZK. Credit- and debit cards are accepted pretty much everywhere, but keep a few koruna’s handy for markets, toilets, or small shops.
- Eat Away From the Main Squares | Two streets away from the Old Town Square, prices drop and quality rises. Trust your instincts, follow the locals and you’ll eat well for less.
- Stay in Holešovice | If you want a more authentic experience of Prague, this neighbourhood is one of the best-kept secrets in the city. Great food, cool bars, easy tram access and far fewer tourists than the centre. We stayed at Mama Shelter Praha and would go back without hesitation.
- Consider getting an eSIM before you travel | Having data on your phone throughout the trip is invaluable for navigation and booking Ubers. I always use Saily eSIM when my provider from home doesn’t cover me at my travel destination.
- Don’t skip travel insurance | If you can’t afford travel insurance, you can’t afford to travel. Make sure you have adequate travel and medical cover before you go. Readers of Next Journey Ahead get 5% discount on a quote with Heymondo travel insurance.
Final Thoughts on Prague
Prague is one of those cities that rewards slowing down, especially once you step away from the main tourist drag. The Jewish Quarter will move you, the castle will impress you, and the neighbourhoods beyond the guidebooks will make you want to come back.
Have you been to Prague already, or do you have any questions? Then feel free to leave a comment or reach out on Instagram. Also sign up to my newsletter for new travel guides and itinerary ideas.
Are you planning a trip to Europe? Prague is a fantastic city to include on your trip to Europe. For more inspiration check out my Europe Travel Guide, or continue reading the latest articles below:
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