3 days in Prague, a pretty little town will blow your mind away. You will feel like you’ve  jumped into a fairytale. ‘This pretty dear little mother has sharp claws,’ that’s how Franz Kafka described this small but treasured city, which is a fairy tale for some, a golden city for others, as such, it is one of the most romantic cities in Europe and a winter darling. Here’s a 3 days plan for Prague.

You can leave Prague, but it will never leave you.

Prague is Pretty. The locals believe it is a winter darling.  Prague is one of the cities where gloomy and cold weather of the winter suits it perfectly. The red roofs pop out more. The castle shines. If you can endure, winter is gorgeous but if not, early spring is just stunning.   Prague has something that appeals to every kind of travel lover. If you want magnificent views, you can’t get enough of sightseeing. If you are interested in different architectures, Prague may make you dizzy, if you are an art lover, the museums in this city will quench your thirst beautifully. The city’s old charm echoes from every bridge, spire, and hilltop castle. Its heart continues to be the spectacular Old Town but you’ll also find an impressive plethora of luxury hotels, fine dining restaurants, high-class boutiques, and contemporary entertainment. It is one of the most romantic cities in Europe with a historical city center that combines romanticism and history.

History buffs will love to spend their days discovering the traces of Prague’s royal past, Renaissance movements, but also of the dark times spent under Nazi occupation and Soviet control. The city’s medieval squares and streets have survived wars and time and are still there to greet you.

So let’s start our journey on the streets of Bohemia’s capital and discover why Prague is such a beautiful place.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:

Safety: Prague is one of the safest cities in Europe, with very little violent crime. Therefore, the likelihood that you’ll run into trouble is minimal, but not totally insignificant. As such, it pays to stay aware of ordinary crimes and scams to avoid them. The Czech Republic was ranked in the Top 10 in 2022 which means that you should feel pretty safe traveling there, and Prague in particular. The great news is that the rate of violent crime in the Czech Republic and Prague is low.

Best time to Visit Prague: March, April, May

• Busiest season with perfect weather is June to August
  This is the warm weather period in the Czech capital. This period of time also has generally longer daylight hours, making it ideal for sightseeing. However, the high season sees the most amount of tourists in Prague. You should abandon the idea of enjoying the Charles Bridge by yourself.
• Shoulder season in Prague: March to May & September to November
  This season in Prague lies on either side of the high season. It is the time that is known for mild weather and slightly less tourist crowd. You could roam around the city a bit more peacefully during this time. The weather is fickle during the shoulder season and can be considerably difficult to pack for. We went end of March, it was chilly but it was gorgeous.
• Low season in Prague: January to February
  These are the coldest months in the city. The holiday season is over by this time and tourists flee for the fear of the weather during the low season. If you are planning to visit Prague during this time, be prepared for the chilly climate. On the plus side, you are almost guaranteed the cheapest airfare and hotel rates in the low season.

Visa: Citizens of the U.S.A., Canada, and Mexico are not required to have a visa to visit the Czech Republic/Schengen area for a period of up to 90 days within a 180-day period (except profitable activities) – it is calculated from the date of first entry into any Schengen country.

How many days: I recommend spending at least 3 days in Prague if you are visiting Prague for the first time, but to really see the Golden City, it’s best to spend 4 to 5 days.

That time will allow you to see Prague’s top attractions such as the Charles Bridge, Astronomical Clock, Old Town Square, and Church of Our Lady before Týn, as well as enjoy local food and beer, and get a sense of local culture without rushing.

Getting around: Prague’s great public transportation system makes it easy to get around the city. While some of the routes may be time-consuming, visitors traveling around the city center will have good connections to the city’s main attractions. Most people use the metro, trams, and buses to get around the city. Prague is a walking city, you’ll mostly be on foot.

Currency: As the official currency, the Czech crown is the best and often the only possible currency to use when paying. Although the Czech Republic is part of the European Union, the euro is not widely accepted here. Some stores, restaurants and hotels accept payments in euros but the exchange rate may not be very favorable. You don’t need to get Czech currency before arriving in Prague. But if you prefer to carry some cash, then euros, US dollars and British pounds are the next best options. They are the easiest to exchange and euros can be used in some shops, which is helpful at the airport and main train station.

Phone: Czech Republic is a Go Roam in Europe destination which means you can use your data here at no extra cost. If you have an Add-on with a data allowance of 12GB or greater, a fair use limit applies, with use over 12GB subject to a surcharge .

Electric Plug: The type of plug you know best is the type C or sometimes called “Euro-plug”. This is the one used mainly in most  countries in Europe. Type C consists of two round parallel pins while the wall plug has two holes where it is connected.. This global adapter is perfect. Take your plugs.  Your hotel will be kind enough to give you one if you forget.

Weather: The best time to visit Prague are during the spring and fall months. Weather is pleasant and tourist numbers are low. The weather is still very pleasant during the summer months but these cities can get very crowded. The winter months have bitterly cold temperatures and snow but very few tourists. The weather in March will be in the 40’s to 50’s. July and August have their advantages, with the best weather, longer days (daylight until after 21:00), weather in 70’s, fewer tourists in Prague than in the peak months of May, June, and September, and busy festivals held in small towns around the country.

Language: About 45% of the population can communicate at some level of English: 14% at a basic level, 10% at a sufficient level, 15% at an intermediate level, and 7% very advanced, according to data from the Czech Statistical Office. The official language of the Czech Republic (and, of course, its capital), is Czech. You will not find many foreigners speaking the language, which is only spoken in Czechia and is very difficult to learn. Nevertheless, you do not need to worry about not being able to understand and make yourself understood during your visit to Prague, because you can easily communicate in English there.

Clothes: Prague is a cosmopolitan city that loves fashion. Decked in history and charm, Prague street style is a mixture of casual and formal. Feel free to express your fashion tastes in this stunning city. Always, always, always check the weather forecast before your trip. Nothing will ruin your trip faster than being unprepared with the wrong clothing for the weather.

Once you’ve researched the weather, you can focus on creating a capsule travel wardrobe.

T-shirts and jeans are seen everywhere, with many locals wearing dark or blue denim shades and there lacks any strict codes when hanging out at bars or restaurants. Definitely, don’t be shy to mix smart-casual looks during your trip!

When visiting one of the many spectacular churches or catching a free, open concert at a church, dress in modest attire.

As with most destinations, practical sense applies. Leave the beachwear on the beach because it doesn’t translate wthe ell to streetwear in the city. The same goes for gym wear; unless you’re actually headed to the gym, don’t dress in your gym attire.

Dress comfortably, the best walking shoes is a must.

Avoid reds and yellows if you love taking pictures in this beautiful historic town. You want to dress contrast: blues, whites, blacks, greens.

PLACES TO STAY:

Book in advance, Prague is the most visited city in Europe and if you want to get good deals and a nice hotel, book ahead. Of course we can’t stay in all the hotels, but, I did check out 4 of all these, stayed in two. When I did my research, these stood out.

Budget:$$

Alphons Boutique Hotel

Grand Hotel Bohemia

Corinthia Prague

Hermitage Hotel Prague

Mid range:$$$

The MOZART Prague – Stunning

Aria Hotel Prague –

Hotel Boho

Moods Charles Bridge

Hilton Prague

Buddha Bar Hotel

Splurge:$$$$

Four Seasons Hotel Prague- Elegant quarters in a refined hotel with a chic Italian restaurant/bar, plus a spa & a gym. In 3 Old Town buildings featuring Baroque and Renaissance styles, this refined, high-end hotel is less than a minute’s walk from a metro station and 5 minutes on foot from the Charles Bridge.

Mandarin Hotel Prague

THINGS TO DO PRAGUE/PLACES TO SEE:

• Prague Castle – The Largest Medieval Complex In Europe
• Charles Bridge – A Stone Gothic Bridge
• Old Town Square – The Historic Square
• Infinity Book Tower 
• The Lennon Wall – Colourful Graffiti, Lyrics And More
• Dancing House – Most Photographed Attractions Of Prague
• Oldest lift/Paternoster Lift
• Rotating head of Frank Kafka
• Strahov Monastery – For Art Lovers
• Illusion museum 
• The Clementinum And The National Library – Venue For Many Concerts And Events
• The Municipal House – Fine Example Of Nouveau Art
• The Church Of Our Lady Before Tyn – Tombs And Paintings Of Baroque Altarpieces
• The National Gallery – Features Famous Art Collections
• The National Museum – Most Significant Czech Museum Institution

1.Prague Castle

Dating back to the ninth century, Prague Castle is recognised by the Guinness Book of Records as the largest castle complex in the world, covering an impressive 70,000 square metres (17 acres). The castle complex comprises a number of buildings, which include the gothic St Vitus Cathedral, a number of defence towers, a few museums and churches, the presidential palace and Golden Lane, a 16th-century street that once housed the royal goldsmiths. Take a breathtaking journey to the top of the St. Vitus Cathedral tower, where the climb up its 297 steps will reward you with panoramic views of the city of Prague. Don’t miss this must-visit spot!

On the basis of archaeological research and the oldest written sources, it is thought that Prague Castle was founded around the year 880 by Prince Bořivoj of the house of Premyslides. The early medieval castle site was fortified with a moat and a rampart of clay and stones.

2. Charles Bridge

Charles Bridge is Prague’s oldest bridge, linking the Old Town (Staré Město) with the Malá Strana neighbourhood, where Prague Castle stands. It was built between 1357 and 1402, and was the only viaduct in the city which crossed the River Vltava. The most historic bridge of Prague, formerly known as the Prague Bridge, will surely transport you to a fairytale world with its beautiful baroque style architecture. Make sure to see the statue of St John of Neponmuk. In 1393, St John was thrown from the bridge into the river where he drowned. In modern times it has become a tradition to touch the dog and lady on the bridge here. It brings good luck.

3. See the Charm of Old Town Square

Prague’s astronomical clock, installed in 1410, is the oldest operating clock of its kind on the planet. Located in Old Town Square, the clock marks not only the time, but also the months and the astronomical position of the sun and moon, making it sort of a tiny planetarium.

A legend, recounted by Alois Jirásek, has it that the clockmaker Hanuš was blinded on the order of the Prague Councillors so that he could not repeat his work; in turn, he disabled the clock, and no one was able to repair it for the next hundred years. In Prague’s historic Old Town Square, you will find an intricate 600-year-old piece of machinery called the Orloj. The colorful medieval clock is one of the most famous sights in Prague, adorning every tourist guide and attracting large crowds who gather to watch it workStep back in time and experience the charm of the historic Old Town Square, a must-visit destination in Prague. Immerse yourself in the beauty of this bustling square, home to the world’s oldest operating astronomical clock, striking and playing a melodic tune every hour. Don’t miss out on this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to witness this marvel in action and soak up the vibrant energy of the square.

Immerse yourself in the captivating charm of the Medieval European era at Old Town Square. With its vibrant and colorful atmosphere, you won’t be able to resist the allure of this popular tourist destination.

To truly enjoy its beauty, be sure to arrive early and beat the crowds to capture stunning photos in peace!

4. Infinity Book tower

The tower is made with over 8,000 books with a mirror on top and bottom to create the “infinity effect”. Visiting the main city library normally doesn’t make anybody’s top ten list of things to do in Prague. That’s a shame because you will have missed out on seeing a quite bizarre yet striking piece of architectural art. It’s acquired the name of the Prague Book Tunnel but read on to find out some lesser known facts about it.

In the summer of 1998 the top of the entry stairs to the city library was covered in sheets and it wasn’t long before we got the unveiling of the Prague Book Tunnel or what some call the Column of Knowledge. Neither are correct. It’s actually called Idiom, a column of 8,000 books by Slovak artist Matej Krén. The books were either donated or saved from landfill.

The original “Idiom” appeared in 1995 in the Sao Paulo Biennial Exhibition. It looked quite similar and was also shorter given the constraint of the ceiling height.

5. Rotating head of Frank Kafka

Located in a busy shopping center in Prague, this twisting and reflective sculpture depicting the head of writer Franz Kafka is the latest kinetic artwork by controversial Czech artist David Cerny. Installed in 2014, the enormous mirrored bust is comprised of 42 independently driven layers of stainless steel and weighs in at some 45 tons. The piece brilliantly reveals Kafka’s tortured personality and unrelenting self doubt that plagued him his entire life. The layering of objects is a common motif for Cerny who built a similar rotating head that also functions as a fountain titled Metalmorphosis. (thnx, Chelsea & Diana!)

6. The oldest Lift

AN ELEVATOR WITH NO DOOR that doesn’t stop or slow down sounds like a sci-fi nightmare, but lifts like these were once common in many parts of Europe. The paternoster lifts are today a dying breed after safety norms banned their construction.

These once-ingenious creations were invented in the 1860s by Peter Ellis, an architect from Liverpool, England. They were the world’s only “continuously moving” elevators. Popularly used in government buildings and stores in Germany and parts of Eastern Europe, they captured the imagination of many, including writers and filmmakers who featured the contraption in their work. The most accessible and arguably the best maintained paternoster lift in Prague is located at the back of Prague City Hall, which is in and of itself a splendid example of Art Nouveau architecture. This model consists of 12 compartments and was designed by John Prokopec in the early 20th century.

7. John Lennon Wall

It’s a colourfully creative spectacle, covered in Beatles lyrics, symbols of peace and artistic flair. It started as just a humble wall, down a small street near the Charles Bridge. But since the 1980s, it has transformed into a cult classic of its streets! After John Lennon was tragically murdered, he became a symbol of pacifism and the Czech youths decided to commemorate him with this wall. The wall is now a symbol of peace and freedom. Despite numerous attempts to take it down, it doesn’t stay blank for long and the spray cans and marker pens will come back threefold!

8. Illusion Museum

Illusion Art Museum Prague is the Czech Republic’s first museum dedicated to illusion and trick art, conveniently located in the heart of Prague between Old Town Square and Wenceslas Square. You will encounter illusion art in many different styles, some rooted deep in history, others contemporary and cutting-edge, from anamorphic installations which render renowned historical figures in unexpected ways to metallurgical painting, trick art, spatial illusions, and more! See Czech history come alive. Play with interactive exhibits, make unforgettable memories, discover how perspective can open up new worlds, and capture photos that your friends and family will love.

9. The Clementinum And The National Library

The Clementinum is a set of historic Baroque buildings among which one is the National Library of the Czech Republic. It became a national library in 1782 after the Jesuits had been expelled. There are more than 6 million books here and a large collection of copies of each book that is published in the Republic of Czech. Artistically designed ceiling work, Astronomical Tower and the Mirror Chapel with exquisite decor are the main attractions of this Library Hall. The Clementinum is a venue for many classical concerts, jazz events, and festivals.

10. Ride the old tram NO41 –

The Historic Tram no. 41 (historická linka č. 41) is a Prague historic tram that runs on weekends and holidays from April through mid-November. The tram leaves from Vozovna Střešovice every hour from 12:00 noon until 5:30 p.m. and continues through the city center. OR Take a ride on historical tram cars that have been plying the streets of Prague since the time of Austria-Hungary! You’ll easily recognize the historical trams by their old-fashioned appearance and the route number 42.
During the operation of line 42, the traditional historical line 41 will not be operated, as the operation of both lines will largely overlap. Weekdays from 10:00 to 17:00 every 30 minutes, weekdays and holidays every 40 minutes. At the stops, the tram will have its own differently-colored timetable than the normal timetables.

Pay In cash or with a debit or credit card, even in the tram.

Please note that the Lítačka card is not valid on the tourist tram line.

As part of the At Home in Prague program, you can exchange your benefit points for a ticket in our tourist information centers at the Old Town Hall and at Můstek, or directly in the tram. The ticket is valid for 24 hours. You can take an unlimited number of rides with your ticket.

11. The Dancing House

The Dancing House is set on a plot of extreme historical significance. It was the location of a house that was demolished by a U.S. bombing in 1945, during the end of World War II, when the Allies bombed the city. During the Communist reign from 1948-1949, it remained decrepit and vacant. Milunic wanted a specific deconstructed shape, resembling leaning or moving of the building to metaphorically illustrate moving of the Czech nation from its communist past. Nowadays, Dancing House is a symbol of the arrival of democracy and freedom in the 90s.

WHAT TO EAT/WHERE TO EAT:

From traditional goulash to pickled cheese, this is what to eat in Prague! Prague has 7 Michellin Star restaurants and some other great ones, do try it out.

1. Trdelník (chimney cake)– Trdelník actually originates from Transylvania in Romania, but this traditional pastry can be found on every street corner in Prague. Honestly, I actually think it was on every street corner and it’s no surprise that this a firm favourite among locals and tourists alike. 

2. Grilované klobásy (grilled sausage) – No Prague food guide would be complete without mentioning the fabulous grilované klobásy. It’s basically grilled sausages which are placed inside a roll and served with a bunch of different sauces.

3. Goulash – There are many versions of goulash in this part of Europe and the dish itself probably originates from Hungary, Unlike the Hungarian version of Goulash where you have to eat it with a spoon because of its soupy texture, here in Prague they make it thicker, put fewer vegetable, and serve the dish with dumplings.

4.  Palačinky (Czech pancakes) –Thin Czech pancakes similar to the French crepes. They are usually served as a sweet dessert and topped with a variety of fillings like jam, ice cream, nuts, sweet cheese, whipped cream, and fruits. There is also the savory version of these pancakes which includes toppings such as spinach, meat, or cheese.

5. Hotel Teresa U – You can get the best view of the old town square. It’s got basic breakfast and the view is unbeatable.

Other restaurants:

• Mylnec – M star for dinner
• Mozart – Awesome vibe with great food
• Thai Station – Clean healthy food for lunch
• Old Noc
• Buddha Bar – Beautiful classy interiors for dinner
• Eska – Hipster cool vibe for brunch

These were all the restaurants we  went to and we LOVED IT. Highly recommend each one. 

 

**PIN THIS 3 DAY IN PRAGUE ITINERARY for later**

Day 1 – Wake up, have your breakfast at Teresa U, and soak in the views from above of the clock and the chapel It is stunning. Every hour the clock starts ringing, make sure to go stand there. Walk around the center, have their street food and soak it in.  Few minutes walk to the city hall to enjoy the Paternoster lift. Then go opposite to the book tower. After than have lunch and relax. If you have time which you will, checkout the illusion Museum. Wrap the day walking the streets and go out to dinner. Reserve places.

Day 2 Walk the beautiful charles bridge. If you go really early around 7, you might see less people. After strolling, go checkout the John Lennon wall which is to the other side of the bridge. While returning, ride the tram and explore that side of the bridge.

Day 3 Walk to go to Prague Castle. After that you can walk down to see the rotating head of Frank Kafka and wrap it with the dancing house.

Děkuji for reading. Happy Travelling!! If you've loved this three day itinerary, do comment below. 
Reach me on my instagram for any queries.  Stay in touch for more travel details, 
and food on  Instagram  and Pinterest for daily doses of food.** 

****Pin for later********

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