How to Spend 1 Day in Prague (Itinerary + Tips)
If you’re just passing through, that’s absolutely fine. You can still see the city’s highlights in just 1 day in Prague…
…but fair warning: you’ll probably leave already planning your return.
This itinerary is fast-paced but walkable, and designed to help you tick off the best bits without feeling like you’ve run a sightseeing marathon. Bring comfy shoes, a phone charger, change for the toilets (yes, really), and a good appetite—you’ll be covering a lot..
We did this route ourselves on a recent trip, and while our legs were tired, our camera roll was full—and so was our snack bag.
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📸 Short on Time? Here’s the Quick Route:
Start early (8:00–8:30am) and walk this loop:
✅ Old Town Square & Astronomical Clock
✅ Charles Bridge (before the crowds)
✅ Wenceslas Square
✅ Optional: Free Walking Tour / Kafka Head / Beer Spa
✅ Jewish Quarter (Josefov)
✅ Lennon Wall via Kampa Park
✅ Prague Castle (the easier way up!)
✅ Havelský Market & back to Old Town for food
1 Day in Prague Itinerary
We haven’t included strict time blocks in this itinerary because it’s totally subjective—how long you spend at each stop really depends on your pace, interest level, and snack needs (we don’t judge).
That said, I do recommend heading out by 8:00–8:30am if you want to see the big sights before the crowds roll in.
Old Town Square & the Astronomical Clock
Start your day in Old Town Square, before the walking tours descend and it becomes one big swirl of umbrellas, group photos, and someone loudly explaining medieval astronomy.
It’s one of Prague’s most famous spots for a reason—home to pastel townhouses, the Church of Our Lady before Týn, and, of course, the Astronomical Clock.
If you’re a fan of photography, this is a great moment to grab a few crowd-free shots before heading to the Charles Bridge next.
Charles Bridge (Before It’s Packed)
The walk from here to Charles Bridge takes about 9 minutes, and it’s mostly flat, scenic, and full of snack temptations if breakfast wasn’t part of your plan.
If you’ve timed it right, you’ll get there before the crowds fully take over. This is Prague’s postcard spot, and it really is beautiful… just not so much when you’re shoulder-to-shoulder with 400 other people trying to film the same reel.
If you’re an early bird (like me—even after copious amounts of Guinness the night before), it’s 100% worth getting up for sunrise. The bridge is quiet, the statues feel more dramatic, and you can actually enjoy the view without ducking under someone’s umbrella.
There are 30 statues lining the bridge (replicas—the originals live in the National Museum), but the real draw is the view of Prague Castle on one side and Old Town on the other. Take your time here—you won’t get it this peaceful again all day.
Wenceslas Square
From Charles Bridge, it’s about a 20-minute walk to Wenceslas Square, which is more of a long, sloping boulevard than a traditional square—but it’s still one of Prague’s most important historic spots.
These days, it’s a mix of grand architecture, high street shops, money exchange booths (avoid those), and the occasional rogue performer with a speaker that’s far too loud for 10am.
At the top of the square, you’ll find the National Museum and a good view looking back down toward the Old Town. It’s not the most atmospheric part of the city, but it’s definitely worth seeing, especially if you’re following this walking route.
Readers Choice:
Walking Tour, Beer Spa or a Quick Kafka Stop
After Wenceslas Square, it’s decision time. You’ve covered a lot of ground already, so take a second to figure out what kind of energy you’ve got left. From here, you’ve got three solid options:
🚶♀️ 1. Join a Free Walking Tour
These are a great way to get loads of info on a city—especially if you’re only doing 1 day in Prague and don’t want to spend hours in museums.
Most tours start around 10am from Old Town Square (about a 9-minute walk from here) and usually finish near the Jewish Quarter, which is perfect for your next stop.
👉 Check out our full guide to the best free walking tours in Prague
🌀 2. Swing by the Kafka Rotating Head
If you’re in the mood for something quirky, walk 9 minutes to see Kafka’s Rotating Head—a giant mirrored sculpture that slowly spins in layers.
It’s strange, brilliant, and weirdly hypnotic. Plus, there’s a shopping centre right next to it if you want to grab a snack or a quick drink before moving on.
🍺 3. Book a Beer Spa
Fancy a break from walking? The Bernard Beer Spa is just 6 minutes away and lets you soak in a warm, bubbling tub of hops while sipping unlimited Czech beer from your own personal tap. No, really.
I didn’t manage to fit it in, but it’s firmly on the list for next time
Whichever option you choose, your next main stop is the Jewish Quarter, roughly a 15-minute walk from here depending on your route.
Jewish Quarter (Josefov)
Next up is Josefov, Prague’s Jewish Quarter—and one of the most thought-provoking areas in the city. Even if you’re short on time, it’s worth walking through and pausing at a few key spots.
If you joined a walking tour, chances are you’ll finish right around here. If not, make your way over on foot (about 15 minutes depending on your last stop), and you’ll find yourself surrounded by beautiful synagogues, quiet streets, and a lot of history.
You can get a ticket to visit the Pinkas Synagogue, Old Jewish Cemetery, and several other key buildings through the Jewish Museum, or just wander the area and take it in from the outside. I’d recommend setting aside at least 30 minutes to walk through—even if you’re not planning to go inside the museums, the atmosphere alone is worth experiencing.
🕍 Tip: If you’re buying tickets, they’re easiest to pick up at the Pinkas Synagogue entrance. And shoulders need to be covered if you’re heading inside.
Lennon Wall via Kampa Park
From the Jewish Quarter, it’s about a 16-minute walk to the Lennon Wall, and the route through Kampa Park is a lovely little break from the city’s busier streets. Expect leafy paths, views of the Vltava River, and a moment to catch your breath before the next uphill stretch.
The Lennon Wall itself is a colourful tribute to John Lennon, peace, and protest. It started as an act of rebellion during the Communist era and has been covered in layers of graffiti, lyrics, and messages of hope ever since.
It changes constantly—anyone can add to it—so what you see probably won’t be what I saw, and that’s part of the charm.
Is it touristy? Yes.
Is it still worth seeing? Also yes.
Grab a few photos, enjoy the moment, and keep moving—there’s a castle up next.
Prague Castle (The Easier-ish Way Up)
From the Lennon Wall, it’s about an 18-minute walk to Prague Castle, but we’re going to take you the opposite side to the famous staircase.
I did this walk myself and found it a lot more manageable—it’s still hilly, and there are cobblestones (of course), but it’s nowhere near as brutal as the classic stair route everyone talks about.
This way brings you up past charming streets in Malá Strana and drops you near the Starbucks with the rooftop terrace. And look, I know—but if you do drink Starbucks, the view from up there is actually worth it.
Once you’re at the top, you’ll be standing in front of one of the largest castle complexes in the world, with gorgeous views across the city and plenty to explore.
You can walk around the main courtyards and gardens for free, or grab a ticket to visit St. Vitus Cathedral, the Old Royal Palace, and Golden Lane if you want to dig in deeper.
🎫 Tip: If you’re short on time (or energy), just pop into the cathedral—it’s the star of the show and doesn’t take long to see. Even just walking round the castle complex is lovely.
Havelský Market & Back to Old Town
After exploring the castle and making your way down the hill, we stopped for a well-earned drink at Cafe Club Misenska—a chilled little spot on the Malá Strana side of the river. Highly recommend it if you need a break before your final stretch.
From there, we walked along the riverside and crossed Charles Bridge one last time… and wow, it was SO busy. Still gorgeous, but if you’re hoping for a calm, reflective moment to end the day, this probably won’t be it.
The café? 10/10.
The bridge at peak hour? Not so much.
Once you’re back in the Old Town, head to Havelský Market, about a 10-minute walk from the bridge. It’s a small strip of stalls selling souvenirs, fruit, nuts, and trdelník (those sugar-coated chimney cakes everyone insists on trying).
It won’t take long to wander through, but it’s a fun little stop before you finally sit down for dinner.
Where to Eat in Prague
I’m clearly not local to Prague—but our walking tour guide was, and you better believe I asked her where she actually eats. These were her top picks, and honestly, they did not disappoint.
- U Malvaze – Just off Charles Bridge, but somehow still peaceful. It’s got a cute little courtyard that feels totally tucked away. We nearly skipped it because of the location, but the food was great and the prices weren’t ridiculous.
- U Pivrnce – A proper Czech pub, no frills, and full of locals when we went. The goulash was unreal, the beer was cold, and the prices were exactly what you hope for after accidentally paying €7 for a latte earlier in the day (just me?).
- Česká Kuchyně – Bit of a canteen setup, but if you want traditional Czech food without the tourist markup, this is where you go. Pick your meal, grab a tray, and enjoy actual home-style cooking. It’s quick, it’s cheap, and it hits the spot.
- Baguette Boulevard – This one’s a chain, but the Salmon wrap was to die for. Sometimes you just need something easy and the sandwiches were better than expected. They’re dotted all over the city, and perfect for grabbing something on the go if you’re halfway through your sightseeing loop and hangry.
Getting Around Prague
(Trams, Tickets & Airport Stuff)
Prague is really easy to get around, so let’s break it down for you!
Walking vs Public Transport
You can easily do this entire itinerary on foot—Prague is super walkable. But if your legs start staging a protest (valid), public transport is cheap and easy to use.
Trams, buses, and the metro all run on the same ticket system, and you’ll find ticket machines at most stops or in little newsagents. You can even download the PID Lítačka app, or pay contactless.
Just don’t forget to validate your ticket once you board. There are small yellow machines on trams and buses, and at the entrance to every metro station.
It’s one of the easiest tourist mistakes to make, and yep—they do check, and you will be fined.
I go into more detail in my Prague dos and don’ts guide, but honestly, just be sure to do it.
Arriving by Train or Bus
If you’re arriving by train, Praha hlavní nádraží (the main station) is only about a 15-minute walk from Wenceslas Square, so you’re already right near the city centre.
Coming by bus? The main terminal, Florenc, is also just a 15-minute walk to Old Town—or a quick hop on the metro if your backpack’s cutting off circulation to your arms.
Getting from the Airport
There are a few easy ways to get from Prague Airport to the city centre—I go through them in detail in this guide, but here’s the short version:
The Airport Express (AE) is the easiest public transport option. It runs direct to the main train station (no metro changes needed) and costs 100 CZK per person. You can pay on board or online.
If you’re up for a budget option, you can take bus 119 to Nádraží Veleslavín, then jump on the green metro line to get into town.
We also used Bolt, which worked brilliantly and was often cheaper than local taxis. It’s a great option if you’re arriving late or just want to get straight to your hotel with minimal effort. Prices will vary depending on when you land.
❓1 Day In Prague FAQs
Is it possible to visit Prague in one day?
Yes! You won’t see everything, but you can definitely cover the key highlights with this route—and still stop for coffee, food, and a few surprise photo ops. It’s ideal if you’re just passing through or squeezing Prague in between other stops.
Looking to extend your trip?
I’d 100% recommend a day trip to Český Krumlov. It’s ridiculously pretty and feels like a completely different side of the Czech Republic. I’ve got a full one-day guide from Prague here.
Is €100 a day enough for Prague?
Absolutely. If you’re not aiming for Michelin stars or planning to buy every souvenir in sight, €100 is more than enough for meals, snacks, transport, and the occasional beer (or two).
You can definitely do it for less, especially if you eat at local spots and stick to walking or trams.
This article is also featured on GPSmyCity. To download this article for offline reading or create a self-guided walking tour to visit the attractions highlighted in this article, go to Walking Tours and Articles in Prague.
Final Thoughts
It’s one of those cities that’s so easy to fall in love with—even if you’re only able to do 1 day in Prague it is so worth it.
Sure, you won’t tick off every single corner of the city, but this route gives you a real taste of what makes it special: the history, the views, the food, the weird rotating head… all within reach (and walking distance).
We did this exact itinerary on a recent trip, and by the end of the day, our legs were sore, our camera roll was overflowing, and we’d already started planning our next visit.
So if you’re on the fence about squeezing Prague into your itinerary—do it. 1 day in Prague is better than none, and this city knows how to make an impression.
