The 3 Day Prague Itinerary I Give To Everyone I Know

Three days in Prague is just right. You are not cramming everything into a blur, but you are not hanging around wondering what to do either. 

 I actually hand this 3 day Prague itinerary to friends and family when they ask for advice. My mum and dad are going next year, and I told them this is their “Prague for beginners” plan.

You will still see the big names, but you also get time for the fun bits, like random coffee stops, riverside walks, and even a beer spa when your legs inevitably start to give in to the cobblestones. 

If you only have a day, I have a shorter plan for that too. But honestly, three days hits the sweet spot: enough time to see the city properly while still leaving space for those little surprises that make it stick in your memory.

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Short On Time? Here You Go!

Day 1: Old Town walking tour, Charles Bridge, quirky photo stops, Pasta Fresca for dinner, Irish pub or jazz club at night.
Day 2: Sunrise on the bridge, Malá Strana, Lennon Wall, Kampa Park, Prague Castle (pre-book!), riverside drinks.
Day 3: Prague Zoo for the day, or start with a relaxed breakfast, Petřín mirror maze, beer spa or Letná Park, ghost tour.
Where to stay: We loved Central Hotel Prague — easy walks everywhere.
More options? Try my 1 day Prague itinerary or 2 day Prague itinerary.

3 Day Prague Itinerary: Day 1

Let’s start with the “classic” sights!

Start with a Free Walking Tour of Old Town

If you are new to Prague, a free walking tour is a great place to start.

Most leave from Old Town Square and cover a lot in just a couple of hours: the Astronomical Clock, the towers of the Church of Our Lady before Týn, and the winding lanes of the Jewish Quarter.

Along the way, the guides share little stories you would miss on your own, like where Franz Kafka used to live or how to avoid paying over the odds for a pint.

These tours give you a quick-fire look at the majority of the things Prague is famous for, so you can decide what you want to go back to later.

If you want to go inside the Old Jewish Cemetery (and you should, it’s one of the city’s most atmospheric spots), be sure to book your tickets in advance.
We missed out the first time because we didn’t realise you need to pre-book!

If you are not big on group tours, you can still wander the Old Town yourself, and maybe head up the tower of the Old Town Hall, but the tips you pick up from locals are worth it.

Afternoon Architecture and Photo Stops

After lunch, make your way across Charles Bridge. Yes, it is busy, but the views are unbeatable.
Once you reach the other side, you could hop on a short Vltava river cruise to rest your legs while still seeing the city from a new angle.

When you are back on dry land, wander into New Town for some fun photo stops.

The Book Tower in the Municipal Library is worth the short queue (head for the side entrance to skip the crowds).
The giant Franz Kafka Head spins just a few streets away, and the Dancing House is always a hit for its odd design in contrast to Prague’s gothic features.

None of these take long, but together they show off Prague’s quirkier side.

Dinner and Evening Options

For dinner, Pasta Fresca is always a safe bet. It is central, well-priced, and the food is genuinely good.

When it comes to the evening, if you are anything like us, an Irish bar tends to be the default no matter where in the world you are.
So, naturally, we ended up at The Dubliner for a few pints and some live music.

If you prefer something a little more sophisticated, swap the Guinness for a glass of wine and head to a concert at the legendary Reduta Jazz Club.

If neither of those are calling your name, a simple evening walk through Old Town’s streets is just as memorable.

Just one tip: avoid sitting down for drinks in the cafés and restaurants on the Main Square. It is a tourist trap and you will pay the price… literally.

Have a look at my Prague do’s and don’ts for more simple ways to dodge the rookie mistakes.

3 Day Prague Itinerary: Day 2

Now to head over the bridge!

Set Those Alarms For A Morning Stroll

know, I know — holiday lie-ins are tempting, but trust me, Charles Bridge at sunrise is worth it.
If you’re staying central, you should also be able to head to the Astronomical Clock to get the same experience there too!

With the crowds still asleep, you get golden light, and statues casting long shadows instead of being surrounded by selfie sticks.

It feels like a completely different place compared to the middle of the day.

I went on my own for this one, and managed to prop my phone up for some “candid” photos…so if you have a friend to come with you, you’re guaranteed a great photoshoot!

Explore Malá Strana (Lesser Town)

On the other side of the bridge, grab breakfast or a strong coffee at Café Club Míšeňská. It is a cosy spot that will fuel you up before wandering the lanes of Malá Strana. This neighbourhood has more of a local feel and is packed with little surprises around every corner.

The Lennon Wall is always worth a stop. The colours and messages change constantly, and it’s a cool backdrop for your photos…

…even if half the time we treated it like an Olympic sport trying to get a photo with no one in it, it is still one of those places you just have to see for yourself.

From there, you can dip into the Franz Kafka Museum if you are curious, but honestly our highlight was Kampa Park. After hours of walking, sitting by the river with shady trees and quirky statues around us was exactly the reset we needed before tackling the castle climb.

Afternoon in the Castle Quarter

From Malá Strana, you have a couple of ways up to the castle. The main steps feel like they go on forever, so we took the steeper shortcut from the Lennon Wall.

It’s quicker and drops you out by the Starbucks at the top, but your legs will feel it.
If you cannot be bothered with either, the tram will save you the climb.

At the top, the castle complex is huge — it feels more like a small town than one building.

You have got the Old Royal Palace, St. Vitus Cathedral towering above everything, St. George’s Basilica, Lobkowicz Palace, and the colourful cottages of Golden Lane. It also gets B U S Y, so if you are planning to go inside, pre-book your tickets in advance here!

Honestly though, our favourite bit was just sitting in the courtyards and gardens, catching our breath and looking out over the red rooftops.
You can easily spend a whole afternoon here without even realising.

Evening by the River

After a full day of walking, wind down by the water. Head to the Náplavka waterfront, where locals grab drinks, bands play under the bridges, and the view of Charles Bridge lit up at night is hard to beat.

For dinner, U Pivrnce is a solid choice.

It is nothing fancy, just proper Czech grub and a cold beer to wash it down.

To keep the night going, you can grab a drink from one of the floating bars along the river or book a night-time river cruise for a different view of the castle glowing above the city.

3 Day Prague Itinerary: Day 3

You have a couple of options for Day 3, depending on what you like.

Option 1: Spend the Day at Prague Zoo

I don’t add zoos to many of my itineraries for ethical reasons, but Prague Zoo is one that gets a lot of positive attention for its high standards and animal care.

If you are keen to visit, you could easily spend most of your day here — it is big, laid-back, and especially good if you are travelling with kids or just want a change of pace from the city centre.

OR

Take It Slow with a Local Start

If the zoo isn’t your thing, start your day slow. Grab breakfast at somewhere popular like Venue (worth the wait), or wander around Wenceslas Square and the Havel Market.

Pick up pastries, grab a good coffee, and just let the morning unfold without a plan.

Morning: Mirror Maze and Petřín Park

In the late morning, you could head up Petřín Hill. You can walk if you’re feeling energetic, or take the funicular (your legs will thank you by day three, although it is closed until 2026).

The mirror maze at the top is just pure fun — silly photos guaranteed, and the park itself is great for a slow wander and city views.

Afternoon: Beer Spa or Letná Park

After a chilled morning, treat yourself to a Czech beer spa. Yes, you really do get to soak in a tub of warm hops and malt while sipping a pint. This weird but wonderful activity has become a staple for tourists in Prague. This means it gets super busy, so remember to book ahead.

If this doesn’t float your boat, Letná Park is a great alternative for the afternoon. Loads of open space, locals hanging out, and another cracking view over Prague.
Find a spot in the garden if the weather’s good and just soak up your last day here!

Evening: Ghost Tour or a Farewell Stroll

For your final night, lean into Prague’s quirky side with a ghost tour through the old streets. It’s a fun, theatrical way to hear some local legends (and maybe get a bit spooked).
Or, if you’re feeling mellow, just take one last wander through the Main Square and enjoy the city before heading home.

Where to Stay in Prague for a 3 Day Itinerary

Picking a base in Prague depends on your style. Here’s a quick lowdown:

• Old Town (Staré Město): Walkable and slap-bang in the centre. Super handy for sightseeing, but it can get crowded.
  
• Lesser Town (Malá Strana): Quieter and a bit more romantic. Perfect if you want to be near the castle but still away from the main rush.

• New Town (Nové Město): Good for budgets and nightlife, plus it’s easy to jump on a tram or the metro from here.

We stayed at Central Hotel Prague and genuinely loved it — nothing too fancy, but the location was perfect for getting everywhere on foot.

Is the Prague Visitor Pass Worth It?

If you plan to visit three or more paid attractions (like the castle or museums), hop on trams or the metro a lot, and want to skip queueing for tickets, the Prague Visitor Pass is worth a look.

It covers all public transport, gets you into the castle and a bunch of museums, and comes with some handy discounts too.
You can buy it online or in person at info centres.

Prague Itinerary FAQs

What is the best month to visit Prague?

Spring (April–June) and autumn (September–October) are best for decent weather and fewer crowds. December is magic if you want Christmas markets.

Do I need cash in Prague?

Yes, it’s worth carrying some Czech koruna. Cards are accepted in most places, but small cafés, public toilets, and souvenir stalls often want cash. Small notes are your friend.

The bus from the Airport to Old Town also takes cash, and it is around 100CZk each.

Is Prague walkable?

Absolutely. You’ll spend most of your time on foot, crossing bridges and wandering neighbourhoods. Comfy shoes are non-negotiable, especially for castle day.

Is 3 days enough for Prague?

Definitely. You’ll hit all the highlights, with time left over for a river cruise, a beer spa, or a trip to the zoo. If you fall in love with the city, you’ll just have to come back (that’s what I did).

We also have a 1 day itinerary AND a 2 day itinerary for you to check out!

What are some good day trips from Prague?

Cesky Krumlov is a super easy day trip from Prague that feels like you’ve stepped into a fairytale.
An organised trip to Terezin Camp is also really interesting if you’re after a bit of history, but just know it’s a much more sombre day out.

Final Thoughts: Make Prague Your Own

This 3 day Prague itinerary will fly by, but it’s the perfect amount to see the best bits and still have time to wander.

Use it as a loose guide, follow your own curiosity, and don’t worry about ticking every single box. Some of the best memories come from the little detours anyway.

Enjoy your trip — and if you discover something great, let me know for next time!