How many days should I plan for my first visit to Prague?
Arranging how many days to spend in a city can be pretty tedious and stressful. Getting bored around Prague is impossible, as there are tons of places to go and things to see. This article will explain the right amount of days that you should spend in Prague, especially, for first time visitors.
Prague was voted as the most beautiful city in the world and for a good reason. Prague (Praha) is such a magical place that has been a target for visitors in the last 30 years. Prague is the capital city of the Czech Republic. Being most famous for its lifestyle, urban life and rich history that dates back to over 1000 years. Prague also conforms the main economical and cultural center of the Czech Republic, and its city core is loaded with historical buildings, museums, some of them, as cool as, the beer museum! Also, it counts with numerous bridges that gives this city its bohemian look.
The history of Prague goes back to a time where the land was inhabited by a Gallic tribe called Boii in the ancient Bohemia region. After a series of different settlements by the Germanic and Slavic tribes, the area was already named Prague. All the tribes and posterior populations settled around the Prague Castle, reason why today, this is one of the main attractions in the city. After the Velvet Revolution in 1993, Czechoslovakia got divided into two separate states Czech Republic (where Prague was named capital of the state) and Slovakia.
It is often times that people ask me how many days they should stay in Prague as first timers to fully discover this precious city. In my experience, I must say that, it is really difficult to fully explore Prague, with all that has to offer, in less than 5 days. There is a lot of ground to cover and I have tailored and created this 5 days Prague travel schedule for you accordingly. 5 days is the optimal time to take in the essential and emblematic places, as well as, the must do things that will blow your mind. On this matter, I will walk you through phenomenal locations, mastering the public transport that Prague provides!
How to get around Prague
When I first visited Prague, I was at first quite concerned about how to get to all the different places around this big city, but I quickly realised that, there is no better way to see how beautiful Prague is than walking around the city.
When you are not walking, you can make use of Prague’s efficient public transport system. Not only, it works really well and accurately, but also, it is very affordable. There are several ways of public transport in Prague that will conveniently take you around this bohemian city, including subway, trams, and buses. Purchasing tickets, day passes or three days passes is a very easy task, as you can get them in the automatic machines at train and tram stations, as well as, newsstands.
One particular detail in Prague is that you have to validate your public transport tickets before you board on the platforms in buses, trams and trains, otherwise, you may run into trouble with the transport crew.
When it comes to moving around Prague by metro, you will find that it is quite straightforward and well explained for pretty much everyone to understand and most lines will connect to the most touristic points of attraction. It is faster than moving by tram, although, they are more frequent and that way you get to explore the vibe around the city.
Please note, that transport via taxi is quite expensive and dodgy in Prague. Even Uber is not so good yet, as Uber in Prague, is relatively new and there can be some mess ups with the pick points, fares and so on.
Prague’s taxi drivers are infamous for being super rude and sketchy towards tourists when it comes to charging their fares. Even hailing a taxi on the street, can be challenging if you are a tourist. The pro tips here to avoid any issues and last minute surprises are, to always call your taxi ahead of time, only get on taxis approved by the council from a Fair Taxi Place, and only board on cars with the sign Taxi across the vehicle. Ensure, you talk about the ride fee beforehand and do not forget to get a receipt after you arrive to your destination. Do not pay more than the taxi meter points out.
When it comes to getting from the Vaclav Havel Airport in Prague to the business district or city center, again, public transport is your cheapest option. Also, it is quite close, only about 17 kilometres. I can’t emphasise enough, how important and convenient it is to book your accomodation close by Prague city center. This will make your trip much easier and enjoyable. Same as stated above, taxis and airport transfers are quite pricey. You can take an Uber to your accommodation, but the fee can also be on the expensive side of things.
How 5 days in Prague look like. What to do in Prague in 5 days.
After arriving in Prague on your first day, leave your belongings in your chosen accomodation and head down to the Old Town (Staré Mesto).
On your day 1, you will immerse yourself in a city that seems like it went back in time! The streets are decorated with cobblestones and each historical building is more impressive than the previous one.
As you walk around the Old Town, you will head to Old Town Square, which is, one of the most popular sites in the city, as it contains most of historical buildings for visitors to explore. Reaching the Old Town Square is super easy and most of the bus, metro and tram lines reach there.
Note that, the tram stop to get off is Staromestska. The metro stop to get off would be Staromestska station or Mustek station.
When in Old Town Square you will be visiting:
- The Old Town Hall with the Astronomical Clock
- The Gothic Church of Our Lady before Týn
- The Baroque Church of St. Nicolas
- The Rococo Kinský Palace
- The Stone Bell House
Old Town Hall & Astronomical Clock
The Old Town Hall Tower (Staroměstská radnice), is one of the most impressive buildings in Old Town Square, built in 1338 and renovated into Gothic style in 1470.
You can go all the way up to the top of the tower to contemplate the best views of Prague, that will take your breath away. Alternatively, there is an elevator that can also take you up. You will need to purchase your ticket in the ticket office at the entrance, to be able to access the tower and it will also give you access to all Historical Halls contained in the place.
The fee for a basic ticket is 250 CZK or 10.15 euros and you will be charged an additional fee in case you wish to take the elevator instead of going up the stairs by foot.
After taking in the most beautiful panoramic views of the historical center of Prague, you will make your way towards the southern part of the tower, where you will come across the worldwide known Astronomical Clock.
This clock is one of the oldest in the world still functioning and it was made back in 1410 by Mikuláš z Kadaně’s, who according to the legend, got his eyes eviscerated in order to avoid a recreation of this clock anywhere else!
Church of Our Lady before Týn
Church of Our Lady before Tyn is by far, one of the most relevant hallmarks of Prague. It is at least seven centuries old, built in 1360 and it is an absolute masterpiece for an extensive Gothic and Baroque art galleries. Early in time, the original Romanesque cathedral, started featuring more Gothic style, reflected in the two towers that give Prague its characteristic bohemian look, to accomodate a fast growing Old town area.
This Cathedral is, not only, stunning due to the refine architecture and beauty, but also, it is quite impressive because of its size. This historical building contains three basilicas with three towers and three coirs in their facades. The height of the towers is 80 meters, making it one of the most emblematic buildings in the city.
Entrance is free of charge, but be aware that there will be a long queue of tourists, just be patient as it is absolutely worth it!
Kinsky Palace (Golz-Kinský Palace)
The Kinský Palace, previously known as, the National Gallery is Prague’s largest collection for art. Famous for its pink facade, this Roccoco styled palace, was built back in 1765 and later purchased from the nobles in the House of Kinský during the Habsburg Monarchy, hence, the name. It is worthwhile visiting, most of the exhibits are a short term display and the structures as well preserved.
Powder Tower
The Powder Tower was built in 1475 and it is part of the 13 original gates of the city of Prague. The ornaments and decorations displaying statues of Bohemian kings, patrons and saints, is just astonishing. It began being built in honour of King Vladislav II Jagiello in an attempt to increase the beauty of the city, rather than, being a defensive tower. It topped its construction after he moved to Prague Castle in 1483. After this event, the Powder Tower was used to store and keep gunpowder, hence, its given name. The Powder Tower, as well as, the Old Town Bridge Tower, is the only originally built part of Prague Old Town fortress.
Going up the almost 200 steps in a spiral shaped stairs, (the tower is 44 meters in height), can be challenging but you will be rewarded and blessed with spectacular views. The entrance fee for the public access is 90 CZK or 3.65 Euro for an individual basic ticket.
On day 2 of your 5 days Prague itinerary, you will be exploring the Lesser Town, aka, Mala Strana, where you will find, hallmarks like the Prague Castle, Charles Bridge, Kafka Museum and the Lennon wall.
If you didn’t have enough enchantress just visiting the Old Town, wait to see the Lesser Town, just across the river Vltava. The cobblestone sides of the streets in Mala Strana are just another result of the bohemian and romantic Baroque and Renaissance style architecture of the city of Prague. The Lesser Town is full of buildings decorated in clear pastel tones, the gardens and palaces are quite ornamented reflecting the Roccoco wealthy style of this district. These mix well and give a contrasts with the traditional restaurants and pubs, as well as, luxury hotels, where tourists and visitors alike mingle around.
Prague Castle
Prague Castle conforms the largest medieval castle still preserved in the world. This majestic gift of history sits on a gorgeous hill ruling the stunning Malá Strana.
The castle was built back in 880 and it was home to Bohemian Kings and Roman Emperors. Today it is used by the president of the Czech Republic as his official residence.
The Prague Castle is an UNESCO World Heritage site and it conforms a collection of palaces, churches and other historical buildings from the Romanesque period, which then passed on some Gothic modifications.
You can get your tickets to visit this palace in the ticket office in the city (price is 350 CZK or 14 euros) and this ticket will also cover a visit to the Charles Bridge Museum without paying an additional fee. It will also cover a visit to the Old Royal Palace, St. George’s Basilica, Golden Lane, and Rosenberg Palace
I would recommend allocating at least half of your day 2 to just getting around this area and visiting the castle, also, because it is such an emblematic monument, that many other people will also be there waiting in line to see it!
Charles Bridge
As you move on through your day 2, go ahead and visit The Charles Bridge. This medieval bridge is one of the symbols of Prague. You will see it in pretty much every picture of the historical center of Prague. Definitely, a must see when crossing from the Old Town to go to the Lesser Town. The Charles Bridge was built in 1357 and it is in line with other Baroque statues and monuments that pay tribute to the city’s patrons and saints.
You will see how the bridge speaks of romance by seeing street artists lined up along the way and tons of people admiring and taking pictures of this iconic element of Prague. The bridge is composed by two towers from which one of them is closed to public and the tallest one is open to be climbed up to the top for a 110 CZK or 4.50 euros to get insane views of the city! Definitely do it!
On your day 3, you will be busy strolling around the city to reach the Lennon Wall, the Kafka Museum and Letna Park.
Lennon Wall
The John Lennon Wall is a good pit stop when in Prague. It is located right behind a church courtyard and it symbolises freedom of speech by the Czech population, even-though, in their Communist times ,they tried to ban it and destroy it multiple times. After John Lennon’s murder, the wall, painted by artists in the city, became a symbol of love and peace, with multiple political and poetry quotes written in the wall in the form of graffiti.
Kafka Museum
Continue your day 3 by visiting the Kafka Museum, actually, very close by the Lennon Wall. This museum is probably the most important tribute to the Prague born novelist Franz Kafka, figure of Existentialism and essential part of the history in the Czech Republic. There, you will find original articles, photographs and letters from him pretty well conserved.
You will also notice the bronze statue, as soon as, you come out of the museum. This is one of David Cerny’s pieces of work, where the statue is urinating in a pond that coincidentally is the shape of the Czech Republic. This gesture remains controversial, as it was hated and hunted back in the day, yet nowadays, is beloved.
Letna Park (Letenské sady)
To finish off your day 3 in Prague, I suggest, to take a stroll towards Letna Park. It is located in between two parks the Letenský and the Stromovka parks, it is such a great area to escape the busy city centre and the noise. It is a delightful place to visit and you will feel the Bohemian vibe, the art around the park and not least, trying the Letna Park beer, where most time of the year (except for the winter), the trees and flowers will be in full blossom.
Getting to the park might be challenging, especially, after a full day of tourism, but trust me, the views will be worth the effort.
Alright! We are entering into day 4 of this trip and you will be exploring Petrin Hill, Petrin Tower, Wenceslas Square and the National Museum, both located in the New Town.
Petřín Hill
Petřín Hill is one of my favourite spots in Prague. It offers one of the best views from the Lesser Town. It is a very vibrant and lively place, built in an old vineyard in 1891.
To get to the top of Petřín Hill (almost 200 metres in height), you have different options, you can walk, although, the way is pretty steep and it might take you more than 30 mins. But you can also take the funicular from Újezd street. I would actually take it, at least for one way (going uphill by foot is harder). You can use a public transport ticket purchased in the newsstand at the entrance of the place. One you get to the top, you will find a garden full of roses, the Petřín Lookout Tower and Mirror Maze. Just an outstanding place.
Petřín Lookout Tower
Two years later of the construction of the Eiffel Tower, Petřín Lookout Tower was built by the Czech Tourist Club.
In 1889 there was a fair being hosted in Paris, where the Eiffel Tower was open for an exhibition. There were some representatives of the Czech Club of Tourists and decided to replicate it back in Prague. This is how Petřín Hill was born above 100 meter over the city and in the riverbank of the Vltava river.
The tower is open all year round, even in the winter time, and the cost of the ticket os 150 CZK or 6.10 euros (you will have to pay an additional fee if you want to make use of the elevator). The price of the funicular is 24 CZK or 1 euro, which is, a pretty standard price for public transport in Prague.
Mirror Maze
Lastly, before you leave Petřín Hill, don’t forget to check out the Mirror Maze, nearby the tower lookout, where you will find a labyrinth surrounded by mirrors which can add a fun touch to this day.
On the second half of your day 4, move towards the New Town (Nove Mesto) of Prague, founded by the Bohemian king and Holy Roman Emperor Charles IV in 1348. Famous for its rich historical background, the New Town consists of three main squares: Wenceslas Square, Charles Square, and Senovazne Square. The main attractions that you will be visiting will be the Wenceslas Square and the National Museum.
Wenceslas Square (Svatováclavské náměstí)
Wenceslas Square is one of the main city squares symbol of the culture of Prague. It receives this name in tribute to St Wenceslas I of Bohemia, former Bohemian king and made saint of the country afterwards. It is a must see place when in Prague, where often times you will see demonstrations, events, celebrations and other public gatherings. Having a little walk around this area you will see heaps of shops, hotels and restaurants.
National Museum (Národní Muzeum)
The National Museum of Prague, (Národní Muzeum) is one of the city’s most important landmarks. It is located right next to Wenceslas Square and it is the main museum that coordinates many others, not only, in Prague, but also, in the rest of the country as well.
The National Museum’s main building covers natural history, geology, palaeontology, archaeology and prehistory, as well as, it contains many collections covering different aspects of the Czech history.
We have now reached our last day, day 5, in this beautiful city! Don’t get discouraged, rather the opposite, as the last day is the day to fully indulge with the best local food and drinks!
To conclude this incredible itinerary, I would absolutely recommend, to do a beer tour and to visit the chocolate museum, to then top it all up trying out the best local foods that you haven't already tried.
Chocolate Museum
Start your day 5 by heading to the chocolate museum, which is, located in the heart of the Old Town Square. You will, not only, thrive with best quality chocolate, as well as, local mixtures, but also, you will get to learn the history of chocolate in one of the best chocolate museums in the world.
The ticket fee is 245 CZK or 10 euros and you will get to make and take your own chocolate, as well as, trying out the best pralines, I have personally, ever tasted. Also, you will experience the most unusual chocolate mixes like garlic, chilli, wasabi, caviar, wine and most importantly beer flavour!
With all your senses activated after such a magical experience, wander around Sady Svatopluka Čecha park to rest, stroll and later making your way to Old Town Square to try out a “trdelnik“, aka, chimney cake. Just incredible! My favourite place is "Trdelnik" Karlova, located between Charles Bridge and the Old Town.
Beer Tour
The city of Prague is famous all over the world for its beer culture. Actually, the country, consumes more beer per capita, than any other country in the world! I would suggest to either book an organised tour ( which Prague is on top of the best personalised tours that there is in the country) or to do a self-guided tour.
For this you can simply go online to https://praguebeer.tours/ where you can get a standard tour, involving 3 hours or the premium one, that will take more than 4 hours and you get to try out more beer types.
Alternatively, you can do a self-guided beer tour around the city center and for that, I have outlined my favourite places for you to try them out.
- Hemingway Bar
- Lokal
- Bankers Bar
- Cervene Jele
- Kro Bistro And Bar
Make sure you try out the local types of beers, that might come across as not very good at first, or shocking, because they are rather different to the normal lagger but trust me! you will love them.
The Mliko
The Mliko (the Milk), is characteristic of the country and this is because of the amount of foam that the pour creates. It is sweet and creamy, just like a glass of milk. It is a popular choice and make sure you drink it fast to get that airy foam!
The Šnyt
This one is also quite rich in foam but this time will also contain two to three fingers of beers at the bottom. This is a good choice for those who don’t want to drink a big pint.
The Hladinka
This kind is the standard Pilsner Urquell pour. Essentially a full pint of lagger with a couple of fingers of foam.
Isn’t this plan such a great way to end your last day in Prague? Alternatively, in case you don’t fancy a beer tour or simply, you just don’t enjoy beer altogether. I have a day 5 replacement for you! This will involve a day-trip to the extraordinary Bohemian Switzerland National Park, only 1.5 hours drive from Prague.
Bohemian Switzerland National Park
This is a mind blowing place, almost like taken out of a fairy tale! This national park, treasure of nature sits on the Elbe Sandstone Mountains, having the Saxon Switzerland National Park on the opposite side. The Bohemian Switzerland is a soft landscape with a vibrant display of forests and sandstone cliffs.
The main points of attraction I recommend for the best views are:
- Rock Formations and Sandstone Mountains
- Kamenice Riverbank and Gorges
- Pravcická Brána
- Bastei Bridge
- Elbe River
It is rather easy to get there from Prague, either via train and later bus or via organised tour, where, they take care of everything for you. If your budget is not too tight (the cost of this trip is 150 euros), I would encourage you to do it this way as it is way easier and it will take shorter time.
I personally like this company.
And they cover from pick up and drop off to your accomodation to incredible lunch, to all sorts of transportation taking you to the main points of interest.
In contrast, if you preferred going via public transport, you can get a train from Prague Main Station to Děčín. This train passes by every two hours and it will be around 10 euros. After 1.5 hours you will reach Děčín, to then take a regional bus, which stops right in front of the train station. Take 434 and get off in the village of Hřensko and there you are!
There you go! now you know all the tips to get around Prague for 5 days, which is the optimal amount of time to travel the city of Prague, especially for first timers!