One day in Prague itinerary: See Prague in a day

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Want to explore Prague in a day? We got you covered! A short trip to Prague, for those who are pressed for time or as a part of a larger Central Europe itinerary, will enthrall visitors with the rich history and beauty of this beautiful Czech city. In this jam-packed one day in Prague itinerary, we will share all the iconic spots and more. 

From stunning architecture to cheap beer, there are many things to do in Prague which can be covered in twenty-four hours. However, for first-time visitors and those with a short layover, this may become overwhelming.

This specially crafted one-day itinerary will help you chalk out a perfect time in the capital of the Czech Republic, in an easy and efficient manner. So let’s get going.

One day in Prague Itinerary: Prague in a day

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Prague is the capital city of the Czech Republic, and it is full of history and culture. The city is situated on the Vltava River, and it is home to an estimated 1.3 million people. 

Visitors to Prague can enjoy a variety of activities, including sightseeing, shopping, and dining – it is one of the most affordable cities to visit in Europe. 

Things to see in Prague in a day: Prague Itinerary one day

• Walk the Charles Bridge
• Go on a guided tour of the Prague Castle complex
• See the John Lennon Wall
• Wander the Old Town Square
• Enjoy a traditional Czech lunch
• Hang out at the Wenceslas Square
• Visit the Jewish Quarter
• Hike up to Letna Park for sunset views
• Go on an evening cruise on the Vltava 

If you are super tight on time, then consider booking these two tours:

• Prague in 4 hours: This city highlights tour is perfect to check off the primary attractions in Prague with a local expert. Curated by GetYourGuide, this excursion includes sightseeing on a bus, boat, and on foot. Book it here
• Evening cruise: Take in the beauty of Prague at night with this 3 hour evening cruise and dinner. Admire the city’s iconic landmarks under the night lights!  Book this Vltava River Night Cruise with Buffet here

Prague Trip planning

Prague is a city for all seasons, but the best time to visit the place would be around spring, with flowers in full bloom and longer visiting hours to the major attractions.

The winters are cold but the tourists and prices are three times less, so if you are willing to brave the weather, you will be greeted with stunning views of Prague under a carpet of snow. 

But December in particular is a wonderful time to visit the Christmas markets. 

Top tours in Prague: 

• Old town & Jewish Quarter: Old town and Jewish Quater walking tour
• Entry ticket to Astronomical Clock: Old Town Hall & Astronomical Clock Entrance Ticket
• Saver ticket to Prague Castle, Jewish Quarter, and Clock Tower: Buy it here

Where to stay in Prague

Since you will be in Prague only for the day, it is highly advisable to stay as close to the city center as possible. This will allow you to save extra time in the city for morning and evening sightseeing.

Mandarin Oriental Hotel: Luxury

Located on the left bank of the Vltava River in the Mala Strana district, the Mandarin Oriental Hotel is one of the finest places to stay in Prague. The hotel is housed in a restored monastery dating back to the 14th century. 

The hotel is in a quiet neighborhood welcoming you to a tranquil space, away from the hustle and bustle of the old town. Rooms are decorated with luxe furniture and linens. You can book a room with views of the city’s landmarks. Check out availability here

Jalta Boutique Hotel: Luxury

Only 800 yards away from the historic city center on Wenceslas Square, the Jalta Boutique Hotel comes with air-conditioned rooms offering great views of the town. 

If you are ready to shell out about €100+ per night (still far cheaper than other European hotels) you will get five star comfort, world-class cuisine, and a stay in a glamourous and tranquil environment. Book your stay here

Hotel Leonardo Prague: Mid-range

This is another lovely hotel situated in the Old Town which provides great views of the river as well as Prague Castle. 

Rooms come with free WiFi and have an open-air courtyard where guests can relax and enjoy a drink. Check out current prices here

Hotel U Zlateho Stromu: Budget

Located steps away from the Charles Bridge, in the heart of Prague, Hotel U Zlateho Stromu offers double rooms at just €26 per night, with a view of the bridge thrown in for good measure. 

Probably the best location for your first day in Prague. Book your stay here

Read: 2 days in Prague itinerary

Prague one day itinerary

Assuming you have arrived the day before, or early for your one day Prague itinerary, as always it is best to fuel up for the long hours lying ahead and at the same time sample some local food.

Breakfast at a central cafe (8: 00 am to 9:00 am)

It is necessary to have a good breakfast, especially with a full day of sightseeing ahead of you. 

Cafe Savoy is one of the finest outlets in Prague where you can sample the most delicious cakes and pastries. A must try is their signature offering Vetrnik, a pastry stuffed with whipped cream with a topping of caramel fondant.

Tip: While walking around the city streets, you will come across vendors selling Trdelnik, a dough cake with a caramelized crust that tastes pretty good. No harm in trying it, if you are interested! 

Charles Bridge (9:00 am to 10:00 am)

The iconic structure over the Vltava River is located within walking distance of Cafe Savoy and is the perfect place to kickstart your one day Prague tour. 

Walk the bridge midway to the Lorraine Cross to make a wish. 

The Gothic bridge is adorned with statues of saints and religious leaders. It occupies the pride of place with the locals and no wonder that it is packed with hawkers and visitors throughout the day.

Tip: The huge crowds can act as a damper, especially for those wanting good pictures. For this reason, we made this the first stop on the itinerary as early in the day there are much fewer people present. 

Prague Castle (10:00 am to 12:30 pm)

Continue your way over Charles Bridge till you reach Klarov Street and follow the road around the gardens where you will come across the impressive Prague Castle.

Dating back to the 9th century, this castle is one of the oldest in Europe and it served as a seat of power for many different rulers over the years. 

Today, visitors can explore the castle grounds, which include several palaces, churches, gardens, and museums. 

The castle complex covers an area of almost 70 hectares (about 170 acres), so there’s plenty to see!

Now, make your way to the top, a bit laboriously, to enjoy an excellent view of the city and the Old Town. 

Apart from the scenery, other things to discover on castle grounds are St Vitus Cathedral, the Old Royal Palace which was home to Franz Kafka, the celebrated short story writer and a figure in 20th-century literature.

Note that the Palace grounds are open from 6:00 am to 10:00 pm and entry is free. However, to go inside the castle you need to pay $16 for entry, apart from various private guided tours which are priced differently. 

We booked a guided Prague Castle tour where we explored the castle complex. 

Tip: Purchase a license to take photos inside the castle, especially in the stunning Vitus Cathedral. You will be thoroughly disappointed if you were unable to take pictures while there. Make the cathedral your first stop before anything else. 

John Lennon Wall (12:45 pm to 1:15 pm)

Take a quick side trip from the castle to the John Lennon Wall on Velkoprevorsky Namesti till you reach a wall covered with an incredibly vivid piece of graffiti, a tribute to the legendary John Lennon. 

While it is a nice place to visit at any time of the day, try and return to the Lennon Wall in the evening when the city is all lit up which adds a mysterious atmosphere to the place.

Prague Old Town Square (1:15 pm to 2:00 pm)

The Old Town Square is the beating heart of Prague and the moment you set your eyes on it you will be mesmerized by the centuries-old architecture of the two most prominent buildings on the square namely Old Town Hall and Church of our Lady before Tyn. 

So don’t forget to peek at the 15th century Prague astronomical clock, the third oldest astronomical clock of its kind in the world and the only working one. 

End your visit to the Old Town square with a quick trip to the top of the Old Town tower to enjoy epic views of Prague.

Tip: Between 9:00 am and 11:00 pm, every hour, look up at the clock and watch the parade of the twelve apostles, but do not forget to keep an eye on your belongings.

Traditional Czech lunch (2:00 pm to 3:00 pm)

The Old Town is a perfect place to rest your weary feet and grab a drink and a bite to eat. 

Make sure to try some of the local food! 

Czech specialties include svíčková (beef in cream sauce), goulash, and knedlíky (dumplings). And of course, don’t forget to wash it down with a pint of Czech beer. 

There are plenty of options for restaurants here, especially for Czech entrees and pairings at Bellevue or at Kampa Park situated right on the river for seafood. 

For hearty pasta offerings and rooftop views head to Coda, another nice spot for lunch.

Wenceslas Square (3:00 pm to 3:30 pm)

In general, this is not only the main square in Prague but in the entire Czech Republic. This is the place where locals gather for any event. 

The square is lined with bars, hotels, shops, and buildings and is also home to the National Museum. 

Climb a couple of steps to enjoy amazing views of Wenceslas Square and the statue of St Wenceslas, the patron saint of the Czech people.

Jewish Quarter (3:30 pm to 5:00 pm)

If you are a history buff, this is where you will learn about the history of the city and when it was separated from the non-Jewish part of Prague by a royal decree in the 13th century. You also learn about the events leading up to WWII. 

Since you are short on time, take the guided tour to view the former Jewish Quarters from outside, the Jewish cemetery, and other locations related to Jewish history in the city. 

Six synagogues, including the most active synagogue in Europe, stand here in addition to the historic Jewish Town Hall.

Tip: To make the most of your limited time in Prague, take a good in-depth tour of the Jewish Quarter for €50. Not only do you hear interesting anecdotes, but it also allows you to skip the ticket queues and save valuable time as well. Check out this guided tour with admission tickets here

Letna Park (5:30 pm to 6:30 pm)

Make your way to the most popular green belt in the city, Letna Park, situated on the west bank of the Vltava River.

The park enjoys a strategic location up a hill, on the fringes of the historical city center, and has become a popular destination for both locals and tourists.

The park is home to a beer garden (remember beer is cheaper than water in Prague), so sit down at the Stalin Bar and watch the sunset and the world go by.

Vltava River Cruise (7:00 pm to 10:00 pm)

Now that you are done with your one day of sightseeing in Prague, we suggest you treat yourself to something special for dinner. 

Prague has some excellent restaurants, but the best way to soak in the atmosphere is by taking the Prague sightseeing dinner cruise. 

Not only will you enjoy the hard-to-beat atmosphere as you feast on local and international dishes, but you will also get to see some of the most amazing views of Prague by night in an open-top glass boat for the ultimate photo opportunities.

Book this Vltava River Night Cruise with Buffet here

Alternate tour recommendations for exploring Prague in 24 hours

In case you are not intrigued by some of the above places, we can recommend some other spots to visit:

Hop on hop off the bus & boat tour: 

For just 22€, you can explore the attractions of the city without burning a hole in your pocket. 

The 24 hour variant, comes with unlimited bus travel and an optional boat tour that allows you to cruise along the scenic Vltava river at no extra cost. 

This will allow you to witness a different side of Prague from the serene waters of the Vltava.

Book this sightseeing bus tour here

Petrin Hill: 

Towering 130m above the Vltava River, Petrin Hill is an unmissable landmark in Prague. 

The hill lies close to Prague Castle and provides great views of the city of hundred spires from another perspective. A maze of well-laid-out paths leads to the top or one can use the funicular. 

Before climbing up to the top, make a brief halt at the memorial to Victims of Communism which depicts the horrors the communist regime inflicted for over forty years. 

Petrin Hill is open around the year and is free to visit. 

Next to the tower is Mirror Maze, a great activity for young and old alike.

Shopping in Prague

If you’re looking for some retail therapy during your trip, Old Town Square is the place to go. This square is located in Prague’s Old Town district and it is home to plenty of shops and restaurants. 

You can find everything from souvenirs to clothing to jewelry in Old Town Square. 

There’s also a farmers market held in the square every day where you can buy fresh produce and other goods. 

Sightseeing map of one day in Prague itinerary

Day trips from Prague Czech Republic

While Prague is known for its attractions, there is no end to the possibilities for day trips from Prague to add to your experience in the visit to this city of the Czech Republic.

Kutna Hora

The old town of Kutna Hora lies just 80 km (50 miles) east of Prague and is home to some of the most spectacular architecture one can ever come across.

The highlight here is the 1338 UNESCO World Heritage St Barbara’s Cathedral, with its extravagantly adorned interiors and unique frescoes featuring silver metallic mining, which happened to be the largest in Europe at that time. 

Another institution worth seeing is the Italian Court, home of the former Bohemian King, Vaclav V. 

On the outskirts of Kutna Hora is the country’s most unusual attraction, the Bone Church, where the remains of over 70,000 people who perished in the 1380 plague are said to be buried.

Check out this half-day tour here from Prague

Dresden, Germany

The magnificent Baroque churches of Dresden have been meticulously restored after WWII and again after years and years of neglect when the city remained behind the Iron Curtain. 

As a result, the stunning Dresden Royal Palace has once again opened up to display its famous Green Room and the many art treasures in the Dresden State Art Collection. 

On a Dresden day trip from Prague, you can travel across the picturesque countryside and visit other attractions such as the Zwinger Palace, Semper Opera House, and the beautiful Bruhl’s Terrace for surreal views of the river Elbe and the boats docked in the harbor.

Karlovy Vary

This is a famous health resort for many centuries, known for its more than a dozen hot water springs, which at times shoot water 14m into the air. 

Discovered by Emperor Karl IV in 1358, these impressive springs with their famed healing waters have been a source of wellness for millions.

The place is also famous for the Karlovy Vary International Film Festival, one of the oldest in Europe.

There is an active arts center here, as well as numerous museums and art galleries. 

Additionally, the Moser glass factory in Karlovy makes some of the finest art objects in Bohemian crystal. Karlovy Vary can be better accessed by a conducted 10-hour day trip from Prague. 

Terezin Concentration Camp

Founded initially to serve as a protection for the city of Prague, Tenzin was converted into a Jewish ghetto in WWII. Sadly, thousands perished here at the hands of Nazis during the German occupation. 

A guided tour from Prague is the best way to understand how the prisoners lived there and the tragedies that took place from time to time. 

The Tenzin Memorial is the only one of its kind in the country where you can gain in-depth knowledge of the Holocaust and other chilling experiences from Tenzin’s grim history.

Book this guided day tour from Prague here

Additional Prague travel tips 

Prague is a beautiful city with so much to see and do. Here are a few more travel tips to help you out.

Travel Documents

Prague is the capital city of the Czech Republic. It is a member country of the EU. The official language is Czech.

To enter Prague, you will need a Schengen tourist visa. 

Visitors with US and Canadian passports do not require a visa to enter the country and stay for 90 days; however from 2023, an online authorization – ETIAS – is required prior to travel. 

Tip: Do remember to get travel insurance for all of your trips overseas. Get free travel insurance quotes from World Nomads here

Getting to Prague

If traveling by plane to Prague, the airport is just over 15 km (9 miles) away from the city center. 

You can hop on an express bus that goes from the airport to downtown Prague. The AE bus line operates daily at regular 30-minute intervals. 

To get from Prague airport to the main railway station you can also use the Airport Express buses which stop directly outside the station. 

You can get tickets from the bus driver, online, or at the airport terminal. The one-way trip starts at 100 CHK. 

Getting around Prague

To get around Prague, there is an extensive public transportation system including buses, trams, and the metro. Tickets can be purchased at kiosks or online. 

Tip: When using public transportation always watch your volume in public places as Czechs get annoyed by loudspeakers. 

You can also book a private ride or a taxi to get around. Taxi rates are not super pricey as compared to other European cities, but if you are on a budget confirm or agree on the price before getting into the cab. 

When is the best time to visit Prague?

Prague is a city that can be enjoyed any time of year, but the best time to visit is during the shoulder seasons of spring and fall. Read about visiting Prague in March and April

The weather is generally milder during these times and there are fewer tourists than in the summer months. However, if you enjoy Christmas markets, note that many of them open in late November and run through December. 

So if you’re planning a trip for that time of year, make sure to book your hotel early as rooms fill up fast.

Budget

For budget travelers, it is suggested to leave aside $50 per day for a visit to Prague in a comfortable manner. This will cover attractions, food, transportation, and hostel accommodation.

However, if you wish to spend one night in the city, you can add an extra $50-$80 depending on your place of stay. Some budget-friendly lunch and dinner spots in Prague are Johnny Pizza and Ferdinand for translation of Czech dishes.

Safety 

The Czech Republic is known for its low crime rates and Prague is no exception. In fact, this is one of the safest cities in Europe to travel to as the local police are well-equipped to handle any situation a visitor may encounter. 

In addition, a strong local community ensures that concerns are quickly addressed before they develop into any serious offenses.

Was one day in Prague enough?

Spending a day fruitfully in any large city requires a bit of planning, especially when you are short on time. While spending more than a day in Prague will be best, one day is still better than nothing.

Prague has a lot of museums, and it is impossible to fit them all, so if you stick to the schedule above, you will return home with a wonderful impression of Prague and at the same time tick off most of the bucket list attractions off your list.

Prague is an amazing city with something for everyone. Whether you’re looking to explore historic landmarks or just enjoy a few drinks in a local bar, you’ll have a great time. 

Keep these tips in mind when planning your trip, and you’re sure to have an unforgettable experience.

Other Czech Republic resources:

• 10-day Prague Vienna Budapest itinerary
• Prague Vienna Budapest tours

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