Prague's historic centre is compact, beautiful and best seen on foot. With a single day you can see the castle, cross the Charles Bridge and be in the Old Town Square for sunset.
Morning: Prague Castle
Prague Castle is the largest ancient castle complex in the world, with St Vitus Cathedral, the Old Royal Palace and Golden Lane. Arrive when it opens, because tour groups arrive by mid-morning. A Circuit ticket covers the main buildings, and a basic ticket costs less if you only want the grounds and cathedral.
- Time at the castle
- 2–3 hours
- Best time
- At opening
- Ticket types
- Basic and full
- Dress
- Modest in the cathedral
- Walk
- Uphill
- Evening
- Charles Bridge at dusk
Midday: the Charles Bridge and Lesser Town
Walk down through the Lesser Town and cross the Charles Bridge. In the morning it is lined with statues, and by midday with crowds. For the best light and fewest people, return at sunrise or after dark.
Insider tip: Cross the bridge early in the morning or late at night. Midday is shoulder-to-shoulder in summer.
Afternoon: the Old Town and Jewish Quarter
The Old Town Square has the astronomical clock, which performs on the hour, and the Gothic Týn Church. Walk through the narrow lanes to the Jewish Quarter, with its six synagogues, the Old Jewish Cemetery and the museum. A guided tour helps tie the history together.
Evening: the river and beer
End the day with a Vltava river cruise, with the castle lit up above, or a Czech beer hall dinner. Czech beer is among the best in the world, and a pint costs less than a bottle of water in many European cities. Try goulash, roast duck or svíčková.
St Vitus Cathedral and the castle courtyards
St Vitus Cathedral is the spiritual centre of the Czech state and took nearly 600 years to complete. Inside, the stained glass by Alphonse Mucha, the golden St Wenceslas Chapel and the royal tombs are highlights. You can climb the Great South Tower for a view of Prague, but it is a steep climb of nearly 300 steps.
Elsewhere in the complex, the Old Royal Palace has the Vladislav Hall, a vast Gothic space, and Golden Lane is a row of tiny, colourful houses once home to goldsmiths and later writers. The changing of the guard takes place at noon in the first courtyard, a fun show if you happen to be there.
Where to eat and drink in Prague
Away from the main squares, prices fall and quality rises. Look for places where locals eat, and consider booking dinner for weekends. Tipping of about 10% is standard.
- Traditional pubs: pork knuckle, goulash, dumplings and svíčková (beef in cream sauce).
- Beer halls: Pilsner Urquell, Staropramen and craft beers at excellent prices.
- Cafés: coffee and cake in historic venues such as the Municipal House.
- Trdelník: a sweet rolled pastry sold in the Old Town, popular but not traditionally Czech.
- Markets: Náplavka's riverbank market on Saturdays for local food.
When to go and how to avoid the crowds
Prague is busy from May to September, with peaks in July and August and at Christmas. Spring and autumn offer pleasant weather and thinner crowds, while winter is cold but atmospheric, with Christmas markets in December. Visit the Charles Bridge at dawn, and the castle first thing in the morning.
Many visitors stay in the Old Town, but you can find better prices and quieter streets in Vinohrady, Žižkov or Karlín, all with good tram links. Read about Budapest's baths, the Vienna guide and the Prague guide for a Central European trip.
Plan more of Prague
Take a day trip to Kutná Hora or Český Krumlov, join a beer tour or read our Budapest baths guide for the next stop. See the full Prague guide.
Ready to go?
Book Prague tours
Prague: your questions answered
How many days do I need in Prague?
Two days is comfortable. One covers the main sights.
Is Prague Castle worth the ticket?
Yes, especially St Vitus Cathedral.
What is the best time of year?
April to June and September to October.
Get new travel guides in your inbox
One useful email now and then: new guides, deals worth knowing about and nothing else.
