Prague in 3 Days: A Local’s Guide to Sights, Food and Hidden Gems

I live in Prague for over 20 years, so these are the tips I would give a friend coming to visit. For a first Prague trip, I recommend three days, ideally a long weekend. That’s enough for the Castle, Charles Bridge and the Old Town, with time left for quieter streets, good food and the places we locals go. Walk when you can, hop on a tram when your feet have had enough, and don’t feel you need to pay to get into everything. There’s loads to enjoy for free.

Here’s how I’d spend those three days. Start up at Pohořelec and work your way downhill past the Castle, spend day two around the centre and the river, then head to Žižkov, Karlín and Holešovice on day three. If you’d rather have a quieter day, I’ve included a Vyšehrad alternative too. Along the way, I’ll point you towards places to eat, free views and the sights I’d actually buy a ticket for. I’ve kept the Czech names where they’ll help you find things on a map.

Where to stay in Prague

For a first visit, I’d look around the Old Town or Malá Strana if you want to walk out of your hotel and be right in the middle of things. You don’t have to stay beside the Astronomical Clock, though. A place with a handy tram or metro stop works well too, especially if you’d rather spend your money on food and things to do. Check the location on the map below so you know how you’ll get back after dinner. For a comparison of six hotels and the areas they suit, see my Prague hotel guide.

My pick: OREA Hotel Pyramida

I’d put OREA Hotel Pyramida on your shortlist. It’s uphill from Pohořelec, so you can head out towards Strahov and the Castle, then walk down into town. The breakfasts are really good, and there’s a tram stop nearby too. It’s a handy starting point for this itinerary if you don’t mind taking the tram back up after a day out. Check rooms.

Find a place on the map

Pop your dates into the map to see places to stay around Prague. Zoom in on the Old Town and Malá Strana if being close to the main sights is your priority, or have a look further out along the tram and metro routes. If you’re planning a late night, it’s worth checking the journey back before you book. Somewhere that looks close on the map can still mean a walk uphill at the end of the day.

What you’ll spend on sights in Prague

You can have a great few days in Prague without spending much on sights. I’d pick one proper historical visit and one paid viewpoint, then spend the rest of the time walking around. A 24-hour or 72-hour transport ticket is handy, especially as it covers the Petřín funicular and public ferries too. I’ve kept the prices in Czech crowns, written CZK or Kč. That’s what we use here, rather than euros.

Attraction	Standard adult admission	What to know
Prague Castle, main circuit	CZK 450	Selected interiors and Golden Lane. Valid for two consecutive days
Old Town Hall tower	CZK 350	Lift +CZK 100. Interior tours cost extra
Old Town Bridge Tower	CZK 250	138 steps. 50% off during the first hour after opening
Petřín Lookout Tower	CZK 250	Lift +CZK 150. The funicular is separate and accepts 24-hour transport tickets
Klementinum	CZK 380	Booked time slot and guided tour
Strahov Library	CZK 220	Standard visit does not enter the historic halls
Jewish Museum	CZK 600	Closed Saturdays and selected Jewish holidays
Kunsthalle Praha	CZK 160	Online service fee +CZK 15
National Museum Complex	CZK 360	Free on announced Sunday dates. Children’s Museum and Czech Press Photo excluded
Prague Zoo	CZK 330 / CZK 300 online	Allow most of a day
National Museum of Agriculture	CZK 250	Under-18s free. Special events may charge separately
National Technical Museum	CZK 330	Free on the first Sunday of the month, excluding the mine and Television Studio. Usual child ticket ages 6 to 15: CZK 80. Under-6s free
National Gallery Prague	Varies by building and exhibition	Permanent collections free on the first Sunday of the month. Temporary exhibitions may charge separately
Palace Gardens below the Castle	CZK 180	Ages 6 to 17: CZK 50. Ages 5 and under: free. Separate from the free Castle gardens

A tip if you like free museums: the National Gallery Prague opens its permanent collections for free on the first Sunday of the month, including the Trade Fair Palace and the Convent of St Agnes. The National Technical Museum does free first Sundays too, while the National Museum has its own list of free Sunday dates. Temporary exhibitions aren’t always included. Don’t want to plan around a special date? Try the Army Museum Žižkov from Tuesday to Sunday or, currently, the main Prague City Museum building at Florenc.

Free things to do in Prague: a quick list

• Golden Lane in the evening: after 17:00 until 22:00 in summer. In winter, I’d also arrive after 17:00 to be safe. The house interiors are closed. Details are in the Castle section below.
• Prague Castle courtyards: an ordinary walk around the grounds is free, within opening hours and subject to closures. Interior visits cost extra.
• Charles Bridge, Kampa and HolKa: free to walk across and explore. Climbing the bridge towers costs extra.
• Vyšehrad ramparts and Bastion: free outdoor walks and viewpoints. This doesn’t include every Vyšehrad exhibition.
• Letná, Stromovka, Petřín gardens and Grébovka: free parks. Petřín’s tower and funicular have separate fares.
• Playground below Charles Bridge and Children’s Island: free breaks for children during a walk.
• Kafka’s rotating head at Quadrio: free to watch outside. Movement times are in day two below.
• Selected museums and galleries: some are regularly free, others only on certain dates. See the free museums section for conditions.
• Castle South Gardens, including Hartig Garden, and Deer Moat: free during the March to October season. See day one for hours.
• Franciscan and Wallenstein Gardens: free during opening hours. Wallenstein Garden opens seasonally.
• Convent of St Agnes gardens: free all year, with the wooden Přístěnek playhouse for children. Stop at Anežka for coffee or food.
• NH hotel lift to Mrázovka: free public access at 10:30 to 11:30, 15:00 to 18:00 and 22:00 to midnight. Confirm current operation with reception.

How I’d spend 3 days in Prague

I’ve planned this around three full days, so leave a little breathing room if you’re arriving or leaving partway through one of them. The map links show the main stops in order, rather than every little detour. Swap the days around to fit the weather and anything you’ve booked. Just watch out for Saturday: the Jewish Museum is closed, but it’s the day to catch the riverside farmers’ market.

Day	Main route	Food along the way
Day 1	Pohořelec, Strahov, Castle, Malá Strana, Kampa and Charles Bridge	Kuchyň, Myšák, Lokál U Bílé kuželky
Day 2	Old Town, one paid visit, Wenceslas Square, Kafka and the riverside	420, Hybernská, Academia, Spálená canteen, Světozor
Day 3	Žižkov, Vítkov, Neboj tunnel, Karlín and HolKa	Tower breakfast, Kasárna Karlín
Quieter alternative	Replace day three with Vyšehrad, Bastion and the riverside	TA KAVÁRNA, AdAstra (weekday lunch menu), Plavecká polévka (weekdays only)

Day 1: Prague Castle, Malá Strana and Charles Bridge

I’d start with the big sights on the left bank of the Vltava. Take a tram up to Pohořelec in the morning, walk through Strahov and give the Castle’s paid route about two to three hours. After lunch, head downhill through Malá Strana, the Lesser Town, to Kampa and Charles Bridge. Add Strahov Library if it interests you, but don’t try to squeeze in every gallery around the Castle as well. There’s already plenty here for one day.

Route: Pohořelec → Strahov Monastery → Prague Castle → Malostranské náměstí → Kampa → Charles Bridge. Open walking route.

Take the tram to Pohořelec and walk downhill

Take the tram up to Pohořelec and walk down through Hradčany, the Castle District. That’s my main tip for this part of Prague. It’s much easier than climbing all the way up from Malá Strana. You can stop at Strahov Monastery and its library, then follow Loretánská street to Hradčanské náměstí outside the Castle. Even if you don’t go inside anything, it’s a lovely walk in its own right.

The standard Strahov Library ticket is CZK 220 per adult, but there’s one thing to know before you book: you look into the Theological and Philosophical Halls from the doorways. You don’t get to wander between the bookshelves. If that’s what you’re hoping for, you’ll need a special tour booked ahead. It’s still worth considering, just make sure you’re buying the visit you actually want.

Prague Castle: what’s free and what needs a ticket

You can wander through Prague Castle’s courtyards and grounds for free. If you want to go inside, the main route costs CZK 450 per adult and includes the Old Royal Palace, St George’s Basilica, St Vitus Cathedral and Golden Lane. You get two consecutive days to use it, with one visit to each included building. The Castle ticket page has the details and any current restrictions, so give it a look before you go.

Golden Lane for free: summer and winter times

You can walk through Golden Lane for free once the houses and exhibitions have closed. You won’t get inside the little houses, but you can still enjoy the lane itself. During the day, it’s part of the Castle’s paid route. For an evening wander, there’s no need to buy a ticket or book a tour. Prague City Tourism confirms the free access, and the Castle website has the opening hours.

Season	Free walk through Golden Lane
Summer: 1 April to 31 October	After 17:00 until 22:00
Winter: 1 November to 31 March	After the interiors close until 22:00. The Czech Castle website says 17:00, the English version 16:00

In winter, I’d play it safe and turn up after 17:00. The English Castle website and the Czech version give different closing times for the interiors, so I wouldn’t count on getting into Golden Lane for free at 16:00. In either season, head out before the grounds close at 22:00 and check for closures before going. If seeing inside the houses is the bit you’re excited about, go during the day instead.

If you’d like someone to show you around the interiors and explain what you’re looking at, you can book a Castle tour with a local guide and a ticket included. Check the language and meeting point before booking, and leave yourself a few hours for the visit. This is an option for exploring the Castle during the day. You don’t need a paid tour just to walk through Golden Lane in the evening.

Kuchyň and Myšák near the Castle

Up by the Castle, I’d go to Kuchyň. The food and beer are excellent, but the terraced garden and view over Prague are a big part of the appeal too. It’s in Salm Palace on Hradčanské náměstí, so you won’t need to go out of your way. I’d book if you want to eat at a particular time, and decide whether you’d rather sit inside or on the terrace.

For coffee and cake, there’s also Myšák in the courtyard of Schwarzenberg Palace. It’s a nice place to stop while you’re around Hradčany, and they do breakfast and have a terrace too. I wouldn’t send you here for the cheapest snack, but I would if you fancy treating yourself to something sweet. Both Myšák and Kuchyň are right along the route, so you don’t have to trek across town for them.

For a cheaper coffee near the Castle, try Café Šternberk – Mezi řádky, tucked away in Sternberg Palace’s courtyard on Hradčanské náměstí. It’s a nice spot for coffee and cake, and they have soup and little things to eat too. It’s a social enterprise employing people with disabilities, and you don’t need a gallery ticket to visit. It’s open Tuesday to Sunday, 10:00 to 18:00, and closed on Mondays.

Gardens below the Castle: which ones are free?

Before you head down to Malá Strana, you could pop into another garden. The Castle’s South Gardens are free, with lovely views over Prague. They include little Hartig Garden, which reopened in 2026 after more than ten years. Go in from Opyš or up the Bull Staircase from the Third Courtyard. The gate by Hradčanské náměstí is for coming out only. The gardens open from March to October, with hours changing through the season.

The Palace Gardens below the Castle are a separate place you’ll need a ticket for. That includes the Ledebour, Small and Great Pálffy and Small Fürstenberg Gardens. It’s CZK 180 for adults, CZK 50 for kids aged 6 to 17, and free for ages 5 and under. Go in at Valdštejnská 14 through the Kolowrat courtyard, as the passage through to the Castle is closed. I’d give it an hour to an hour and a half. There are lots of steps, so I wouldn’t do this one with a pushchair. They’re open from 2 April to 1 November: 10:00 to 18:00 in April and from October to 1 November, and 10:00 to 19:00 from May to September. They can close in bad weather.

Deer Moat: free entry and opening times

Jelení příkop, or the Deer Moat, is a nice way to get some greenery without leaving the Castle area. A tunnel by architect Josef Pleskot links the upper and lower parts of the ravine beside the Brusnice stream. It’s free, and the usual season is March to October. You can get into the lower section from the Belvedere or through the tunnel from above. I’d add it if you’d rather have another walk than spend longer inside the Castle.

The Castle opening hours list the Deer Moat as open daily from 10:00 to 17:00 in March and October, 10:00 to 19:00 from April to June and in September, and 10:00 to 20:00 in July and August. It’s normally shut from November to February. The South Gardens follow the same seasonal hours. I’d still have a quick look at the Castle’s notices before going, as weather or other closures can affect the paths.

Malá Strana, Kampa and Charles Bridge

From the Castle, wander down Nerudova street to Malostranské náměstí and carry on to Kampa. Take your time here. Walk by the water, have a look along the Čertovka canal and make your way towards Charles Bridge. Of course I’d include the bridge on a first visit, but come back in the morning if you’d like it a little quieter. The bridge and Kampa park are free. It’s things like climbing the towers or visiting a museum that cost extra.

For a beer near Charles Bridge, I’d go to Lokál U Bílé kuželky, an Ambiente pub on Míšeňská street. Locals go here too, and it’s a good stop when you need a break from the busy centre. Come for a well-poured beer, rather than expecting the cheapest pint in Prague. It’s easy to work into your Malá Strana walk. And there’s your first bit of Czech: hospoda means pub, pivo means beer.

Old Town Bridge Tower and the playground below Charles Bridge

For a really lovely view over Charles Bridge towards Malá Strana and the Castle, head up the Old Town Bridge Tower. It’s at the Old Town end of the bridge, with 138 steps to the top. A standard ticket is CZK 250, but go in the first hour after opening and you get 50% off, bringing it down to CZK 125 per adult. You could finish today here, or save it for tomorrow morning to get the discount.

With kids, I’d stop at the Pod Karlovým mostem playground before crossing Charles Bridge. It’s on the Malá Strana side by U Lužického semináře street, right beside the Vltava, with a lovely view of the bridge. It’s fenced, free, and has things for younger and older kids to play on. Opening hours are 08:00 to 19:00 from April to October and 08:00 to 17:00 from November to March, with details on the Prague 1 website. Just bear in mind there’s no toilet at the playground.

Day 2: Old Town, Wenceslas Square and the Vltava

Start day two with Old Town Square and the Astronomical Clock. Then pick one bigger visit: Josefov, the Klementinum or the Town Hall tower, whichever sounds most like your thing. If you’d rather do the National Museum, keep a decent chunk of the afternoon free for it. After lunch, head towards Wenceslas Square and Kafka’s Head, then walk past the National Theatre and along the river to the Dancing House. With kids, I’d leave time for Žofín island too.

Route: Old Town Square → Wenceslas Square → Kafka’s Head at Quadrio → National Theatre → Dancing House. Open walking route.

Astronomical Clock and Old Town Hall

You don’t need a ticket to enjoy Old Town Square and watch the Astronomical Clock from outside. If you’d like to see the square and rooftops from above, the Town Hall tower costs CZK 350, plus CZK 100 if you want the lift. Tours of the historic rooms and underground areas cost extra. I’d choose based on what you actually want to see, rather than paying for everything. The Old Town Hall page breaks down the options.

Right opposite the Astronomical Clock, I recommend 420. It’s a lovely surprise to find such good food and a fairly affordable weekday lunch in a spot this touristy. The published October menu had mains for CZK 285 to 295, with weekday lunch served from 11:30 to 15:00. I love the space too. The covered courtyard lets in daylight, so it doesn’t feel like you’ve been tucked into a dark back room.

Josefov and the Klementinum

If history’s your thing, set aside a few hours for Josefov, Prague’s Jewish Quarter. The combined Jewish Museum ticket is CZK 600 per adult and covers the synagogues, including the Old-New Synagogue, and the Old Jewish Cemetery. I’d give the whole lot around two to three hours. The main thing to watch is the day: they’re closed on Saturdays and selected Jewish holidays. Don’t leave this one for Saturday morning.

The Klementinum is another option if a Baroque library and a tower view sound good to you. It’s CZK 380 per adult, and you book a time for a guided tour. You look into the library hall rather than walk around among the books, and there are stairs up to the tower. Check the tour language before booking too. You can find the booking details on the Klementinum page.

Prague’s narrow house on Anežská street

On the way to the Convent of St Agnes, have a look at Anežská 1043/4, just off Haštalské náměstí. The front of the house is only about 2.25 metres wide, and you’ll see it called Prague’s smallest or narrowest house. It costs nothing to have a look, and you only need a few minutes. I’d stop after Josefov, before coffee at Anežka. Don’t mix it up with the narrow alley with traffic lights in Malá Strana, that’s across the river.

Anežka: food, coffee and a garden with a children’s playhouse

For food, coffee or a drink, I’d stop at Anežka, a bistro, café and bar at the Convent of St Agnes. It’s close to Josefov and the river, so it’s an easy addition to day two. They do weekday lunches and weekend brunch, and you can sit outside when the weather’s good. I love these slightly tucked-away spots in the centre, where you can sit down for a bit without staying right around Old Town Square.

The convent gardens next door are lovely and free all year. There’s a little wooden playhouse called Přístěnek by František Skála for the kids, and it’s easy to miss if you don’t know it’s there. The gardens open every day, even Mondays: 10:00 to 18:00 in March to May and September to October, 10:00 to 20:00 in June to August, and 10:00 to 16:00 in November to February. Bad weather can close them. Going into the gallery is a separate visit.

Hidden passages and gardens along the way

In the Old Town, duck into Ungelt, the old merchants’ courtyard just behind the Church of Our Lady before Týn. Go through the gate by Granovský Palace on Týnská street and come out on Malá Štupartská. It’s a quick, free detour from the square, with lovely Renaissance façades to look at. Over by Wenceslas Square, you can walk through the Lucerna passage between Štěpánská and Vodičkova, cross to the Světozor passage and carry on into the Franciscan Garden. You’ll need the gates to be open, of course.

The Franciscan Garden is a nice free breather between Wenceslas Square and Národní třída, with benches, roses and a playground. It’s open 07:00 to 22:00 from 15 April to 14 September, 07:00 to 20:00 from 15 September to 14 October, and 08:00 to 19:00 from 15 October to 14 April. On the Malá Strana side, try the Wallenstein Garden by the Senate for a similar break. That’s free too, with peacocks, a pond and an artificial grotto wall, although it opens seasonally. I’d use it as an alternative to the paid Palace Gardens on day one.

Kafka’s Head and coffee above Wenceslas Square

You’ll find David Černý’s moving Head of Franz Kafka by Quadrio, near Národní třída metro station, in the square between Spálená and Vladislavova streets. It moves for the first 15 minutes of each hour from 09:00 to 23:00, and you don’t pay anything to watch. I’d get there a few minutes before the hour, rather than turn up just after it’s stopped. Quadrio has the current timings.

One of my favourite little coffee stops on Wenceslas Square is hidden in a bookshop: Academia café, at Václavské náměstí 34. There’s a tiny balcony overlooking the square, which makes a nice change from sitting right beside the pavement. There aren’t many seats out there, so don’t bank on getting one. Still, it’s worth knowing about when you’re in the area. You’ll often hear locals call the square Václavák.

National Theatre, Dancing House and the riverside

From Národní třída, walk over to the National Theatre and follow the river to the Dancing House, or Tančící dům. You can have a good look at the building from outside for free. I’d carry on down to the lower riverside walkway, which we call the náplavka, find somewhere to sit by the water and perhaps keep going towards Výtoň. The National Theatre is beautiful inside too. Check its programme if you fancy a show or a tour.

Žofín and Children’s Island: a break with children

Žofín, also called Slovanský ostrov, is the island by the National Theatre with a playground and a little children’s train, Český lvíček. It’s a handy place to let the kids play while you’re walking along the river, although the train won’t necessarily be running whenever you turn up. Across the river, Dětský ostrov, literally Children’s Island, has more playgrounds and sports areas. I’d pick whichever fits your walk, you don’t need to do both.

Day 3: Žižkov, Karlín and HolKa footbridge

For day three, I’d get out of the historic centre and see a different side of Prague. Have breakfast in the Žižkov Television Tower, walk towards the path below Vítkov and take the pedestrian tunnel into Karlín. From there, cross HolKa to Štvanice island or keep going to Holešovice. It’s another walk from the tower to Vítkov, so with little kids you might want to take public transport and start at Tachovské náměstí instead.

Route: Žižkov Television Tower → Tachovské náměstí → Žižkov pedestrian tunnel → Kasárna Karlín → HolKa footbridge. Open walking route.

Breakfast in the Žižkov Television Tower

I like the idea of starting the day with breakfast up in the Žižkov Television Tower. Bistro 66 is 66 metres above the ground, so you get a view with your breakfast, and you can book directly through Tower Park. Just check what’s included. Having breakfast doesn’t automatically get you into the observatory higher up at 93 metres. If you want both, choose a booking that covers both.

The path below Vítkov and the Neboj tunnel

In Žižkov, I’d walk along the cycle path below Vítkov. It follows an old railway line, including a former railway bridge as you come from Seifertova street, so it’s a nice way to get away from the main roads. For Karlín, turn towards Tachovské náměstí and the pedestrian tunnel with Neboj written above it. That means “Don’t be afraid”. This isn’t the same tunnel as the old railway one along the cycle path.

I’d use this route to walk from Žižkov to Karlín, then on to Štvanice and maybe Holešovice. You don’t have to walk the whole cycle path there and back, just pick up the bit that works for where you’re starting. Leave time for coffee or lunch too. There can be local closures while the park around Vítkov is being worked on, and Prague 3 has the details.

Kasárna Karlín and HolKa footbridge

Kasárna Karlín is an old barracks turned into a space for food, drinks and cultural events. It’s a great place to hang out, and the courtyard gives the kids somewhere to play too. At the moment, it’s the outdoor courtyard that’s open in good weather, with the indoor spaces closed. Check what’s happening on the day you want to go, especially if you’re heading there for an event or it’s getting chilly outside.

I’d definitely walk across HolKa, the modern footbridge linking Karlín, Štvanice island and Holešovice. You can head down onto the island for a break by the river or carry on to the other side. It’s free to cross, and both walkers and cyclists use it. If you want to see something beyond old buildings and cobbled streets, Karlín and HolKa are a good choice. The name comes from Holešovice and Karlín.

Holešovice: brunch or a walk in Stromovka

Once you’re in Holešovice, you could go for brunch at Mama Shelter or stretch out the walk in Stromovka park. Pick what you fancy, rather than trying to fit both into the afternoon. If you’re going for Sunday brunch, check the timing against the rest of your day. For views over the bridges, I’d choose Letná park instead of a longer wander in Stromovka. You don’t need to add a whole extra day for these stops.

Mama Shelter on Veletržní street does Sunday brunch from 12:00 to 15:00 for CZK 990. This is one for when you fancy a long, lazy meal, rather than a cheap lunch between sights. I’d book ahead and give it some time instead of rushing straight off afterwards. You can combine it with a walk in Stromovka or a look around Holešovice.

A quieter third day: Vyšehrad, Bastion and the riverside

If you’d rather have more greenery and views, swap the Žižkov and Karlín day for Vyšehrad. Wander around in the morning, walk down towards Výtoň and add the Bastion in Karlov later if you feel like it. On a weekday, stop for a lunch menu. On Saturday, eat at the market. Just bear in mind you’ll be walking uphill again to reach the Bastion. For a slower day, especially with a pushchair, I’d happily stay down by the river after lunch.

Route: Vyšehrad → Výtoň → Rašínova náplavka. Open walking route.

Vyšehrad and TA KAVÁRNA

I really recommend a wander around Vyšehrad, the old fortified hill above the river. Take your time with the views from the walls, the park and the little paths off to the side. You don’t have to stick to the main route. Walking around outside is free, with tickets needed for some of the buildings and exhibitions. It’s a lovely change when you’ve had enough of the crowds between the Castle and Old Town Square.

Near the Jedlička Institute, I’d stop at TA KAVÁRNA, which employs people with physical disabilities. It’s a good one with kids too, with a lovely play corner and prices I find reasonable. You’ll usually find soup, baked goods and cakes, so it works well for a bite to eat. It’s at Na Topolce 1b. If you’re after a full lunch, have a look at what they’re serving that day.

Bastion U Božích muk

Bastion U Božích muk on Horská street in Karlov is a less obvious spot for a view. I’d combine it with a walk around Albertov if you’ve got the time and fancy somewhere quieter. It isn’t actually inside Vyšehrad, so there’s another walk involved. Keep it as an extra stop in this part of Prague, rather than assuming you’ll stumble across it while walking around the Vyšehrad grounds.

Saturday market and lunch near Výtoň

The farmers’ market on Rašínova náplavka runs on Saturdays, 08:00 to 14:00, during the season. I’d go for breakfast, coffee or a bite from the stalls, then have a wander by the river. It isn’t there every day, so check the market programme for your Saturday. If you’re here at the weekend, eating at the stalls makes sense. The cheap lunch menus at AdAstra and Plavecká polévka below are for weekdays.

Near Výtoň, I like Café AdAstra at Podskalská 8. The lunches are really good, and it’s easy to pop in from the riverside or on your way to Vyšehrad. It’s a social enterprise employing people with disabilities. The lunch menu is weekdays only. They’re open on Saturdays from 10:00 to 23:00, so you can still stop for coffee, cake or something from the regular menu after the market. Just don’t go expecting the weekday lunch deal. Sundays are closed.

Another place I like for lunch near AdAstra is Plavecká polévka at Plavecká 4. I’d go for soup and a main if you’re walking along the river or around Výtoň. It’s only open Monday to Friday, 09:00 to 15:00, and closed at weekends. So save this one for a weekday, rather than turning up after the Saturday market. Have a look at the day’s menu and pick what sounds good.

What I’d change if it rains or you’re bringing kids

If it rains, swap a longer walk for a museum or gallery nearby. There’s Kunsthalle at Klárov, the National Museum up by Wenceslas Square, or a booked Klementinum tour in the Old Town. I’d use them instead of part of the walk, rather than try to do everything anyway. With kids, I’d keep indoor visits shorter and leave more time for playgrounds, a park, a ferry ride and something to eat.

If you fancy an exhibition, try Kunsthalle Praha at Klárov, which is easy to combine with Malá Strana. A standard ticket is CZK 160 and gets you into all the current exhibitions. Book online and there’s an extra CZK 15 fee, or buy at the desk without it. Kids under 15 go free, and if you’re 15 to 26, have a look at the free junior membership.

The National Museum is right at the top of Wenceslas Square. It’s CZK 360 for the Museum Complex, and kids under 15 go free with an adult. That covers the regular exhibitions in the Historical and New Buildings, but the Children’s Museum and Czech Press Photo are separate. If it’s the Children’s Museum you’re after, book a timed ticket for that specifically. It’s a handy rainy-day plan with kids.

National Museum of Agriculture: ride-on toys and a pretend shop

With younger kids, I’d go to the National Museum of Agriculture at Kostelní 44 in Letná. Downstairs in the tractor exhibition, they can zoom around on ride-on toys along a little road with a petrol station. Up on the third floor, the Gastronomy exhibition has a pretend shop where they can pick out groceries and scan them at the till. Those are the bits I’d come for with little ones. Give it about two hours, then head out for a walk in Letná park.

It’s CZK 250 for adults, and under-18s get into the regular exhibitions for free. Special events can cost extra. They’re open Tuesday to Sunday, 09:00 to 17:00, and closed on Mondays. If your kids are particularly excited about playing shop, check the Gastronomy exhibition before you go. That area sometimes closes for activities, and it’s better to know before you get there.

National Technical Museum: transport and technology in Letná

Next door at Kostelní 42 is the National Technical Museum. If you or your kids are into cars, planes and how things work, I’d pick this one. The big transport hall is the main draw, but there’s plenty more to look at, so give it a few hours. On a three-day trip, I’d choose one of these two museums in place of part of the outdoor plan, then walk over to the views in Letná park.

It’s CZK 330 for adults, CZK 80 for kids aged 6 to 15, and free for under-6s. A family ticket for up to two adults and four children aged up to 15 is CZK 680. They’re normally open Tuesday to Sunday, 09:00 to 18:00, and closed on Mondays unless it’s a public holiday. Entry is free on the first Sunday of the month, with 1 November and 6 December still to come in Prague in 2026. Just know that the Ore and Coal Mine and Television Studio exhibitions are shut on those free days.

Petřín as an alternative for day one

You can take the funicular up Petřín from Újezd or walk over from Strahov. It’s running again, and if you’ve got a valid 24-hour or 72-hour Prague transport ticket, you don’t pay anything extra for the ride. Otherwise, a separate ride is CZK 100, or CZK 90 in the PID Lítačka app. You’ll still need separate tickets if you want to go up the lookout tower or into the Mirror Maze.

The lookout tower is CZK 250 if you take the stairs. The lift is another CZK 150 per adult, or you can get the tower and Mirror Maze together for CZK 300 without the lift. Here’s a useful little saving: go in the first hour after opening and the admission discount is 50%. It doesn’t normally apply to extras like the lift. The tower website has the latest hours and exceptions.

I’d do Petřín instead of part of the Malá Strana walk or a longer visit inside the Castle. If the kids would much rather go to the zoo, give it most of day three and skip Karlín and Vyšehrad. Prague Zoo is CZK 330 per adult at the desk or CZK 300 online. With just three days, I wouldn’t add a day trip to another city as well. There’s plenty to keep you busy here.

Grébovka: a vineyard, grotto and quieter walk

For another nice walk, there’s Grébovka, also called Havlíčkovy sady, in Vinohrady. You’ll find a vineyard, Gröbe Villa, a grotto and views towards the south of Prague. The park is free, so you can just wander around and take a break from the centre. I’d give it about an hour, or longer if you fancy sitting down for coffee. It’s a good spot when you want a bit of greenery between sights.

I’d swap Grébovka for another park or save it for a longer stay. It’s out of the way if you’re doing the Karlín and Holešovice route, so I wouldn’t squeeze it into an already busy third day. Go when you’ve got time to look around Vinohrady too. It’s a residential neighbourhood whose name comes from the vineyards that used to be here, so the vineyard in Grébovka makes a bit more sense once you know that.

What to eat and drink in Prague

For proper Czech food, these are the names I’d look for on a pub or restaurant menu. You don’t need a special tasting menu, just pick whatever sounds good when you spot it. I’ve kept the Czech names because an English menu saying “dumplings” or “pickled cheese” can leave you wondering what you’re actually ordering. And leave a bit of room for something sweet, or a couple of chlebíčky, while you’re walking around.

Roast pork, dumplings and crispy potato pancakes

Vepřo knedlo zelo is a Czech classic: roast pork, dumplings and cabbage, often sauerkraut. The knedlíky you’ll get with meat and sauce are usually big dumplings cut into slices, not little parcels with filling. You’ll see bread ones (houskové knedlíky) and potato ones (bramborové knedlíky). Sweet fruit-filled dumplings are a different dish again. And if you spot bramboráky, those are crispy grated-potato pancakes with garlic and marjoram. A good one to try if that sounds like your kind of thing.

Czech beer and the pub snacks that go with it

If you like beer, do have a Czech lager while you’re here. Pivo is the word you’re looking for, and I’d head to Lokál U Bílé kuželky near Charles Bridge, as mentioned on day one. For something to eat with it, look for utopenci, sausages pickled with onions in a vinegary brine, or nakládaný hermelín, a Camembert-style Czech cheese marinated in oil with spices, often garlic and onion. Both are classic cold pub snacks, usually with bread. The cheese sometimes gets translated as “pickled cheese”, but it’s marinated in oil, not sitting in vinegar.

Chlebíčky, Czech cakes and a quick párek v rohlíku

Chlebíčky are little open-faced sandwiches, usually on soft white bread, with things like potato salad, ham, egg or cheese piled on top. For these and zákusky, the little cakes and pastries you see in Czech cake shops, I’d send you to Ovocný Světozor at Vodičkova 39, just off Wenceslas Square. It’s right by the Světozor passage and Franciscan Garden on day two. Pick a sandwich and whichever cake catches your eye. For a quick snack on the go, try párek v rohlíku: a hot sausage tucked into a hollowed-out bread roll, usually with mustard or ketchup.

Trdelník: a tourist favourite, not an old Prague tradition

You’ll see trdelník, or “chimney cake”, everywhere in the tourist centre, often stuffed with ice cream and toppings. Just don’t buy the story that it’s some ancient Prague tradition. There are similar spit-roasted pastries elsewhere in Central Europe, but selling this version as an old Czech speciality is mostly modern tourist marketing. I’d call that a tourist trap. Have one if you fancy it, of course, but for a more typical Czech sweet treat, I’d go for zákusky at Světozor. Radio Prague has more on the “Old Bohemian” story.

Where I’d go for a cheaper lunch

Hybernská, Spálená and U Rozvařilů

For a cheap lunch in the centre, try Hybernská on Hybernská street. It gets packed at lunchtime, so I’d go a little early. The published lunch menus have mains around CZK 150 to 180, with different dishes each day. It’s a good place for a proper hot meal away from the restaurants right beside the sights. Look for polední menu or denní menu, meaning the lunch or daily menu. These cheaper menus are usually for weekdays.

I also eat at the self-service canteen in the Municipal Polyclinic at Spálená 12. It’s called a dietní jídelna in Czech because it caters for different dietary needs, but it’s also useful when you just want a quick, affordable lunch. The price list has a meat dish for CZK 140 and soup for CZK 29. Lunch runs on weekdays from 11:00 to 14:00. Think a daytime canteen, somewhere to grab lunch and carry on with your day.

The well-known canteen in the Bílá labuť department store is U Rozvařilů. It’s back open after a refurbishment, up on the fifth floor of the store on Na Poříčí. You still get Czech food and a self-service setup, so it’s another handy lunch option while you’re in the centre. If you’d rather eat somewhere other than the obvious tourist restaurants, keep this one in mind. Bílá labuť means “White Swan”, which is the name to look for on the building.

Nesnězeno

If you’re watching your budget, have a look at Nesnězeno. The name means “uneaten”, and the app lets you buy unsold food, pastries and cakes for less. You book a bag, pay and collect it in the time slot shown. You won’t always know exactly what’s inside, and pickup isn’t necessarily after dinner, some are ready in the afternoon. I’d choose somewhere you’re passing anyway, so you don’t spend ages crossing town just to save a bit on lunch.

Fancy a show? Theatre and festivals in Prague

If you fancy a show, I like Divadlo pod Palmovkou and Jatka78. At Jatka78, you’ll find contemporary circus, dance and other performances, so have a browse and see what appeals. I’d go to the National Theatre for the building as well as the show, it’s beautiful inside. Tickets depend on what’s on during your trip and where you sit. Just check the language before you book, especially if you’re choosing a play.

If you don’t speak Czech, a whole evening of Czech dialogue might be hard work. Dance, contemporary circus or opera with English surtitles can be a better bet. That doesn’t mean everything at Jatka78 is wordless, so read the description of the show you’re booking. At Divadlo pod Palmovkou, check whether the performance has any English surtitles too. It’s a small thing to check now that makes a big difference once you’re in your seat.

I’d happily plan a trip around an event I wanted to see. Dyzajn market is good for browsing and buying work by independent designers, and entry is free. If you like design and architecture, look into Designblok too, checking the venues and tickets for that year’s event. It’s a nice excuse to get beyond the usual sights. And if you’re here during Advent, add some Christmas markets to your walk. I’ve got dates and tips for smaller markets away from Old Town Square in that guide.

Signal Festival fills parts of Prague with light and digital art, so your evening walk can look pretty different from the usual one. Some installations are free, while the premium indoor programme needs a ticket. I’d open the map before going out and pick a few things you want to see, otherwise you can spend the evening getting from one end of town to the other. Check the current programme for dates and locations.

Public transport for three days, airport connections and hotels

I’d definitely use public transport in Prague. It’s really good, and the metro, trams, trolleybuses, buses and trains included in the network will get you well beyond the centre. You’ll see MHD used for city public transport and PID for the wider integrated network. If you’ll be hopping on and off over a weekend, get a timed pass. It covers the PID ferries across the Vltava too, so you can work a little boat ride into an ordinary trip.

The 24-hour and 72-hour tickets cover the Petřín funicular too. The shorter 30-minute and 90-minute tickets don’t. And a 72-hour ticket really does mean 72 hours from when it starts, rather than running out at midnight on your third calendar day. The table shows full prices. If you’re travelling with kids or you’re eligible for an age discount, check the PID fare rules before buying.

Validity	PID Lítačka app	Paper ticket	Petřín funicular
30 minutes	CZK 36	CZK 39	No
90 minutes	CZK 46	CZK 50	No
24 hours	CZK 140	CZK 150	Yes
72 hours	CZK 340	CZK 350	Yes

If your paper ticket isn’t already stamped, stamp it when you start your first journey. Don’t stamp it again when you change trams or buses. For the metro, do it before you go into the paid area. With the app, remember that buying a ticket and activating it are two different things. You need to activate it and wait for it to become valid, normally after a one-minute delay. Don’t leave that until the tram’s pulling in or you’re already inside the metro. PID Lítačka explains how it works.

When the kids’ legs have had enough, even a short tram ride helps. Children under 15 can travel free within Prague under the fare rules, with proof of age needed from age 10. People aged 65 and over can also travel free in Prague with the right proof. Check the requirements for the service you’re taking, especially trains, rather than assuming they’re all the same. With a pushchair, have a look at metro station accessibility when planning your route.

Tram 23: sightseeing with an ordinary transport ticket

For a ride on one of Prague’s old trams, take tram 23. It uses the classic T3 cars, and your ordinary transport ticket works, including the 24-hour and 72-hour passes. So if you’ve already got a pass, you can just use that rather than buying a special sightseeing ticket. It’s a nice cheaper alternative to heritage tram 42, which has its own fare.

Tram 23 goes between Královka and Bílá labuť, passing the Castle, Malostranské náměstí, Újezd, the National Theatre and Wenceslas Square. For this itinerary, I’d use the bit from the Castle through Malá Strana to the National Theatre if you fancy a break from walking. Check the route and departures with DPP, Prague’s transport operator, before you go. Diversions can change where it runs.

Just landed? Getting from Prague Airport to town

From Václav Havel Airport, take trolleybus 59 to Nádraží Veleslavín, then change to the green metro line A towards the centre. The stops are outside both terminals. You’ll need a 90-minute ticket for CZK 50 (about €2), which covers the trolleybus and your onward metro or tram ride within those 90 minutes. There’s no extra airport fare on this route. Bus 100 to Zličín and metro B is another option if it works better for your hotel. You can check the routes on the airport website.

The easiest way to get that ticket? Use the contactless ticket machine by the second door inside the trolleybus. Choose the 90-minute ticket, pay by card and keep the printed ticket. It’s valid straight away, so don’t stamp it again when you change to the metro. If you buy an unstamped paper ticket from a machine at the airport instead, stamp it once in the yellow validator when you first board. You don’t need a new ticket for each transfer. The ticket guide shows the different machines.

If you’re going to use public transport throughout your stay, you can start a 72-hour pass at the airport too. A paper one costs CZK 350 (roughly €14), or CZK 340 in the PID Lítačka app. The onboard machine doesn’t sell the 72-hour pass, so get it from an airport ticket machine or use the app and wait until it shows the ticket as valid before boarding. Airport Express is a separate service with its own fare, so regular Prague tickets don’t cover it.

Prefer a car? Book Uber or Bolt

If you don’t fancy dealing with a change of transport and your bags, order a car through Uber Airport or Bolt. Check the fare in the app and follow its pickup instructions, as the meeting point depends on the service you’ve booked. I’d skip random taxi offers outside arrivals and anyone approaching you in the terminal. Uber Airport is the airport’s official taxi service, so booking that through the app or an official kiosk is a perfectly normal option.

Cash, cards and ATMs

I wouldn’t bother changing money at an exchange office. If you need cash, withdraw Czech crowns from a bank ATM instead, check any fee before confirming and choose CZK without the ATM’s currency conversion. Do the same when a card terminal offers to charge you in euros or your home currency. A bank ATM isn’t automatically free, so don’t accept a hefty fee just because you’ve already put your card in. You can cancel and try another machine.

You can pay by card in most places in Prague, and you might get through the whole weekend without needing cash. I still wouldn’t count on every little café, pub or stall taking cards, though. Keep a small amount of Czech cash as backup, or ask before ordering if you’ve only got your card. There’s no need to withdraw a big pile of money as soon as you land. You can buy your public transport ticket and book an app ride by card.

Arriving by train, coach or car

Arriving by train? Praha hlavní nádraží, the main station, is on metro C and a short walk from Wenceslas Square. Masarykovo nádraží is near náměstí Republiky, and Florenc coach station is on metro B and C. Once you’re here, I’d leave the car parked. If you’re driving in, sort out parking with your hotel or use a suitable P+R, short for park and ride. Prague parking has the rules for each car park.

My hotel tip: OREA Pyramida

My hotel pick is OREA Hotel Pyramida. It’s a good hotel, and the breakfast is a big part of why I like it. If you enjoy a proper breakfast before heading out, I’d keep it on your shortlist. It’s by Malovanka, uphill from Pohořelec, which works well for Strahov, Hradčany and Petřín. Hop on tram 22 towards the centre and Pohořelec is just one stop away.

For a first trip, staying right in the centre or near a metro station can make life easier too. I’d choose around what you want to do, rather than the address alone. If you’re going to a concert or the theatre, check how you’ll get back afterwards. The centre is handy for walking between sights, while a less central hotel can work well with a good tram or metro link. For the O2 arena, pay attention to the journey after the event.

Free Prague: museums, galleries and viewpoints

You don’t need to spend much to enjoy Prague. Between walks, you can fit in a free museum, just check whether it’s always free or only on certain dates. The museum at Florenc and the Army Museum work well with the Žižkov and Karlín day. I’d pick somewhere near the route you’re already doing, rather than spend half the afternoon crossing town because something happens to be free.

Free hotel lift to Mrázovka

Over in Smíchov, you can take a short ride up to Mrázovka on the hotel’s inclined lift. It links NH Prague City at Mozartova 1 with NH Collection Prague up the hill. It’s free for the public too, during these time slots: 10:30 to 11:30, 15:00 to 18:00 and 22:00 to midnight. You go through the lower hotel’s reception to reach it. With kids, I’d choose the afternoon slot and have a walk in the park at the top.

The public time slots are listed by Prague 5 and in this outing guide. I’d still check with hotel reception before making a trip over, as it’s mainly there for hotel guests and public access can be limited. You don’t need a transport ticket for this one. Keep it in mind if you’re already in Smíchov, rather than adding another trip across town to an already packed day.

Ferries and other rides included in your transport ticket

If you’ve got a valid Prague transport ticket, you can take the PID ferries across the Vltava without paying extra. So with a 24-hour or 72-hour pass, there’s no separate ferry ticket to buy. You’ll still need a valid ticket as a regular adult passenger, though. The same passes cover tram 23 and the Petřín funicular too. Check the ferry route before going, as some only run seasonally and high water can stop them.

Which Prague museums are free, and when

Museum or gallery	When entry is free	What to know
Prague City Museum, main building at Florenc	Currently free during normal opening hours	Applies to the main building with Langweil’s model of Prague, not automatically every Prague City Museum site
Army Museum Žižkov	Regular admission is free	U Památníku 2. Tuesday to Sunday 10:00 to 18:00, closed Monday
National Gallery Prague	Permanent collections on the first Sunday of each month	For example, the Trade Fair Palace, Convent of St Agnes and Schwarzenberg Palace. Temporary exhibitions may charge separately
National Museum	Announced Sundays. Remaining dates in 2026: 1 November and 6 December	Children’s Museum and Czech Press Photo excluded
National Technical Museum in Letná	First Sunday of each month	No reservations. The Ore and Coal Mine and Television Studio are closed on free-entry days
National Museum of Agriculture	Under-18s normally free. Free admission on 18 May	Free child entry covers regular exhibitions, not automatically special events

You can’t reserve tickets for the National Museum’s free days, so I’d turn up early. If it’s full, they can stop letting people in until there’s room. Check the linked calendar for dates, rather than assuming the same Sunday works every month. Kids under 15 normally get into the Museum Complex free on other days too, but the Children’s Museum and separately ticketed exhibitions have their own rules.

The best free views of Prague

You don’t have to pay for a tower to get a lovely view of Prague. These are the outdoor spots I’d work into a walk, depending on where you already are. They’re all free, so you can just stop, enjoy the view and carry on without booking another visit. Pick the one that fits your day rather than trying to collect every viewpoint.

Free viewpoint	What you’ll see and where it fits
Letná park near Hanavský Pavilion	The Vltava and a succession of Prague bridges. View from a public park path without buying anything at the restaurant. Fits after Holešovice
Hradčanské náměstí	Views from the southern edge of the square towards Malá Strana and the centre. On the way to the Castle on day one
Vyšehrad ramparts	The Vltava, riverbanks and city from several angles. Part of the quieter alternative for day three
Bastion U Božích muk	Views towards Vyšehrad and over the Nusle valley. Combine with a walk from Vyšehrad
Petřín gardens	Views from garden paths above Malá Strana, including the Seminary Garden. Fits when replacing part of day one with Petřín

Everything in the table is a free outdoor viewpoint. Going up Petřín Lookout Tower or Old Town Bridge Tower costs extra, and the Petřín funicular has a fare too. The funicular is included if you’ve got a 24-hour or 72-hour transport ticket, though. That’s worth keeping in mind when you’re deciding what you want to pay for and what you can enjoy for free.

Is the Prague Visitor Pass worth it?

The adult Prague Visitor Pass is CZK 2,700 for 48 hours, CZK 3,300 for 72 hours or CZK 3,900 for 120 hours. You get public transport, including the airport journey, plus a selection of sights and activities, some of which need booking. If you’re mainly here to wander around, I’d get an ordinary transport pass. I’d only look at the tourist card once you’ve worked out which paid sights you actually want to do.

To give you an idea, a 72-hour app transport ticket, the Castle’s main route, the Town Hall and Petřín towers without lifts, the Klementinum and the Jewish Museum come to CZK 2,370 at full prices. That’s less than the 72-hour pass at CZK 3,300. Add more activities covered by the pass and the maths might work out differently. Morning discounts and family tickets can bring the separate-ticket total down too, so work it out for your own plans.

For a cheaper take on this itinerary, you’re looking at CZK 790 for transport and tickets: CZK 340 for the 72-hour app pass and CZK 450 for the Castle’s main route. Keep the rest to free walks. Skip the paid Castle visit and stick to the courtyards and evening Golden Lane, and it’s just CZK 340 for transport. Food, your hotel, breakfast in the tower and any other extras aren’t included in those totals.

What to book ahead

I’d book the Klementinum, any guided tour you want to do, breakfast in the tower and an evening show ahead of time. I’d reserve Kuchyň and 420 too if you want a table at a specific time. And if you want to go right inside Strahov’s library halls, arrange that special tour, the normal ticket doesn’t get you in among the books. Kampa, Charles Bridge and HolKa are places you can just turn up and walk around.

What to pack, and what to skip if you’re short on time

Bring comfy shoes. Even with trams and the metro, you’ll spend plenty of time walking on cobblestones. I’d have water, something light and waterproof if the forecast calls for it, and a charged phone. If you’re using tickets, maps and bookings on your phone all day, a little Canyon power bank from Alza, a Czech retailer, can be handy. It has 10,000 mAh capacity, weighs 180 g and supports up to 20 W USB-C charging. You can use a suitable USB-C cable, so you don’t have to rely on wireless charging.

We use Czech crowns here, written CZK or Kč, rather than euros. If you’re paying with a foreign card and the machine asks which currency you want, choose CZK. Have a look before accepting an offer to convert it into your home currency. At an ATM, check the fee before you confirm. Around the busy sights, keep an eye on your phone and wallet, and try to group your plans so you’re not forever criss-crossing the city.

Only got two days? I’d use days one and two, then pick one local extra if there’s room, maybe Vyšehrad instead of a paid visit in the centre. Save the rest for another trip. With just one day, I’d walk from Pohořelec to the Castle, down through Malá Strana and across Charles Bridge to Old Town Square. The food stops still work on a shorter trip, so you don’t need a separate plan just to reach them.

A few Czech words, and why we might seem a bit quiet

We Czechs can come across as a bit cold at first. Don’t take it personally. We’re often just more reserved, and we don’t tend to chat to strangers for the sake of making conversation. Someone being quiet on the tram or matter-of-fact in a shop doesn’t mean they’re unfriendly or that you’ve done anything wrong. Say hello, be polite, and you’ll often find people warm up once you get talking. That’s my take as a local, anyway, everyone’s different.

You don’t need to learn loads of Czech for a few days here, but a few words go a long way. Dobrý den is the hello I’d use in a shop or when speaking to someone I don’t know. Prosím means please, děkuji means thank you, and na shledanou is goodbye. For “Do you speak English?”, try Mluvíte anglicky? At the pub, jedno pivo, prosím gets you “one beer, please”, účet, prosím is “the bill, please”, and na zdraví! is cheers. You’ll hear ahoj too, but that’s a more informal hello or goodbye you’d use with friends.

FAQ: 3 days in Prague

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