Czech Republic’s largest city and capital, this alluring city can be compared with Paris in terms of beauty, with history so rich and deep it is on a par with Rome. With urban explorations that will always keep you guessing, go on a little adventure and hit the cobblestones. Who knows, you might even run into an unexpected cafe or chapel just lurking around the corner; a tourist hardly in sight. Three days is the ideal number for a magical expedition, so head out, get excited and soak in the charming and charismatic atmosphere, the overflowing beauty of Prague a to-die-for experience.
Day 1: top tourist attractions you must see!
First timers in Prague will have to visit these top tourist attractions on the first day, for it is not counted if you have not seen such beauties!
1. The beauty of the Old Town Square
Founded in the 12th century and home to many historic events, the Old Town Square has been one of the most significant attractions in Prague. Go back in time 600 years ago, and experience the wonder and splendour of this beautifully restored square. With the famous gothic spires of the Týn Church towering over the square and the statue of reformer Jan Hus, be sure to feast your eyes on the Astronomical Clock in the Town Hall just opposite the Old Town Square. Climbing up the Old Town Hall Tower may seem like a big mistake at first, but remember that all good things come to those who wait! The magnificent view on top of the Old Town Hall Tower is truly a stunning sight, a captivating reminder that Prague never disappoints when one decides to admire its charms.
Read more about travels on the Old Town Square here and here.
Old Town Square
Address: Staroměstské nám., 110 00 Praha 1-Staré Město, Czech Republic
Opening Hours: Monday, 11 am - 6 pm; Tuesday - Sunday 9 am - 6 pm
Access: closest subway stations are Namesti Republiky (yellow line B) or Staromestska (green line A)
Contact: +420 221 714 444
Website: Old Town Square
2. Try the famous Czech pork knuckles
Located down a small alley off Prague’s Old Town Square sits a vintage and cosy restaurant that serves authentic Czech food. The interior of the restaurant is decked with contemporary peasant tools, hardwood polished floors and rustic beam ceilings, the complete experience for a bucolic and countryside experience. The food here is mouth-watering, and Mlejnice is truly the place to be if you are craving for something that is authentic Czech. Indulge in some classic Czech dishes such as the garlic pork and cabbage pancakes, the potatoes together with the roasted pork knee, the quintessential pork knuckle (a must try), and probably the best goulash-in-a-bread-bowl that the city has to offer. The servings are huge, so don’t be afraid if you think you are going to get ripped off. Always packed with a crowd (mostly locals), be sure to get there early in order to get a comfortable seat.
Mlejnice Restaurant
Address: Kožná 488/14, 110 00 Praha-Praha 1, Česká republika
Price: Food and drinks from 6.36 USD
Opening Hours: 11 am - 11 pm daily
Access: 5 minutes’ walk from Old Town Square
Contact: +420 224 228 635
Website: Mlejnice Restaurant
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3. Unveil the stories of the Jewish Ghetto in Prague
Have a quick history lesson about the Jews in Prague from the 13th century, when they were forced to leave their homes and only settle in one area. Over the centuries, the Jews were banned from living anywhere else except for their own quarters, an act of ill-treatment and distaste, something we hope that the world never has to see again. It is a relief that many of the Jewish monuments were restored and not destroyed, a testimony to the ill-fate the Jews had to face in the past. They form the best preserved complex of historical Jewish monuments in the whole of Europe, and are definitely worth a visit. The Jewish Museum is a complex of buildings from the former Jewish Ghetto, and includes 6 synagogues, a Jewish Town Hall, and a thought-provoking Jewish cemetery. Pay a price of one but get to learn so much more; we also recommend you sign up for the 2½ - 3 hours Jewish Walking Tour as it is easier to understand the rich history with a tour guide to explain and take questions.
Jewish Quarter
Address: Josefov, 110 00 Prague 1, Czech Republic
Price: from 8 USD for an adult ticket. Price varies depending on the attraction and the promotions
Opening Hours: 9 am - 4.30 pm daily. Different seasons have different opening hours, check the website for more info
Access: Located between the Old Town Square and the Vltava River
Contact: +420 224 819 456
Website: Jewish Quarter
4. A stroll on Charles Bridge
The most famous bridge in Prague dates back to 1357, a historic pathway that crosses the Vltava River in Prague. Commissioned by King Charles IV, Prague’s most stunning architecture spans 16 arches and is lined with 30 Baroque statues of religious figures. As it is, after all, Prague’s number one tourist spot, visiting the bridge at commercial timings may prove to be a little too squeezy and rush, as everyone tends to push to get a good view of the Vltava River, as well as snap a few pictures of them on the bridge (which sometimes can be more of a hindrance when a crowd is trying to pass through). Painters and hot dog vendors also fight hard to reserve a space on the bridge to do business, a busy sight indeed.
We recommend visiting at night, when the scenery is fantastic and the bridge has lost it’s bustle; a quiet and tranquil oasis in which you can just enjoy and admire as you slowing stroll this historic landmark. Most things look better at night, and the Charles Bridge isn’t an exception.
More travels on the Charles Bridge here.
Charles Bridge
Address: Karlův most, 110 00 Praha 1, Czech Republic
Opening Hours: Open 24/7
Access: Malostranské náměstí tram stop (tram 12, 20, 22)
Website: Charles Bridge
5. Cheers! Have some beer at the Lokal U Bile Kuzelky Pub
You can’t visit Prague without tasting some good beer, so how about a pint to set you off the right track? Located right at the foot of Charles Bridge is popular bar Lokal U Bile Kuzelky, with some of the best Pilsen in town. Their taps have always been in perfect conditions, and they have been serving countless mugs upon mugs of Pilsen to happy locals and tourists alike. Enter the simple and neat interior of the pub, well decorated to give this place a 1960s-70s kind of vibe. Drinks aside, indulge in the delicious authentic home-cooked Czech dishes. We recommend the smoked tongue ‘uzeny hovezi jazyk’ or young beef cheek ‘hovezi licka’. Their rizek (schnitzel) is great, and their tatarsky biftek (tartar steak) is one of the best in Prague. Accommodations are also available at Lokal if you are too lazy to go back home, and we strongly advise you to make a reservation before coming as this place is quite a hit.
Lokal U Bile Kuzelky
Address: Míšeňská 12, 118 00 Prague 1
Price: Beer from 1.39 USD
Opening Hours: Monday - Thursday & Sunday 11.30 am - 12 am, Friday - Saturday 11.30 am - 1 am
Access: Located almost at the foot of the Charles Bridge in Mala Strana
Contact: +420 257 212 014
Website: Lokal U Bile Kuzelky
Day 2: explore royalty in Prague!
One of the largest castles in the world, be prepared to do some walking as the Prague castle is huge. A UNESCO world heritage site and an ancient symbol of the Czech islands, be sure to check out some of the highlights in Prague Castle (and its vicinity):
1. Prague Castle: castle grounds & changing of guards ceremony
In fact, exploring and learning more about this elegant place can take one whole day, as there is just so much to see and do in this wonderful castle. Feel free to wander around the courtyards, palaces, museums and gardens all day long as you admire this overwhelmingly beautiful place emperors and presidents reside in. Arrive at midday to ensure a good view of the changing of the guards ceremony. The guards protect the president of the Czech Republic and there are strict requirements and training in order to hold such a noble job. The changeover of the guards is a must see - it happens every hour - which is hard to miss.
Prague Castle
Address: Pražský hrad 119 08 Praha 1
Price: free admission
Opening Hours: 9 am - 5 pm daily
Access: Use the tram No. 22 and stop at Pražský hrad, turn left and in 5 minutes you reach the 2nd Courtyard of Prague Castle
Contact: +420 224 372 423
Website: Prague Castle
2. Prague Castle: St. Vitus Cathedral
Located in the castle grounds, the St. Vitus Cathedral is one of the top and most beautiful gothic churches in Prague. Whenever you are in the city, don’t be surprised to see the St. Vitus Cathedral dominating Prague’s vast skyline. Although the cathedral may look really old, it has actually only been built in 1929. With massive pillars that support magnificent vaulting, everything is illuminated by the sun’s rays glinting through the beautifully decorated stained glass windows. The highlight of the cathedral would have to be the exquisite St. Wenceslas Chapel, where the priceless Bohemian coronation jewels are stored behind seven locks. In the cathedral you will also find the tombs of saints, kings, princes and archbishops, the most important of which are the resting places of St. John of Nepomuk and King Charles IV. You can conclude your visit to the cathedral with an ascent of the top of the south tower, where you will be rewarded with an amazing panorama of one of the most beautiful cities in the world. Do note that entry to the castle grounds is free, but you only have to purchase one ticket to view all the different exhibitions and buildings in the Prague Castle (for example the St. Vitus Cathedral).
St. Vitus Cathedral
Address: Located in the Prague Castle
Price: from 12 USD for adults, 6 USD for visitors below 26 years with a valid school ID & senior citizens 65 years and above
Opening Hours: Summer season 9 am - 5 pm daily, winter season 9 am - 4 pm daily
Contact: +420 224 373 584
Website: St. Vitus Cathedral
3. Prague Castle: Queen Anne's Summer Palace
The Royal Summer Palace, also known as the Queen Anne’s Summer Palace, was a building made due to love. A prime example of Italian Renaissance, the Summer Palace is now a frequent place for couples and families, simply because of its beauty and fine architecture. Its decorations contain themes from Ancient Mythology, and are the work of well-known Italian stone carvers. There are also interesting mural paintings on the hall at the first floor that show some scenes of Czech history. The famous singing fountain in Prague can be found in the garden of the Summer Palace. The creator, Jaros, was also the one who made the biggest bell in the castle located at the St. Vitus Cathedral. Talk about talented!
Queen Anne's Summer Palace
Address: Mariánské hradby 1, Praha 1 - Hradčany, 119 08
Price: from 12 USD for adults, 6 USD for visitors below 26 years with a valid school ID & senior citizens 65 years and above
Opening Hours: 9 am - 6 pm. Closed on public holidays.
Contact: +420 224 372 327
Website: Queen Anne’s Summer Palace
4. Prague Castle: Golden Lane
Located within the castle grounds is the mysterious Golden Lane, lined with picturesque and quaint little houses that sometimes people mistake for doll houses. Dating back to the 15th century, legend has it that Emperor Rudolph II had some of his court alchemists reside in the Golden Lane, where they tried to turn metal into gold. Since the 19th century, the houses that line the Golden Lane were usually up for rent. Some important Prague writers were inhabitants of these cute little houses, including prominent writer Franz Kafka. The Golden Lane was his main inspiration for one of his books,The Castle. Other writers include Nobel prize winner Jaroslav Seifert who lived there in the 1930s. For now, the quaint little houses are usually souvenir or book shops in which tourists can visit and explore. The houses have been restored and freshly painted, so that they can be preserved for future use.
Golden Lane
Address: Zlatá ulička, 110 00 Praha 1 - Hradčany, Czech Republic
Price: from 12 USD for adults, 6 USD for visitors below 26 years with a valid school ID & senior citizens 65 years and above
Opening Hours: 9 am - 5 pm daily
Contact: +420 224 373 368
Website: Golden Lane
5. High-class dining at Villa Richter
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Villa Richter a Svatováclavská vinice, více na https://www.svatebnimistoroku.cz/
Posted by Svět Svateb on Sunday, November 4, 2018
All that walking has definitely got you tired, so how about an upscale dining feast at the Villa Richer just steps away from Prague Castle? Part of the St Wenceslas Vineyard complex at Prague Castle, this luxurious and elegant restaurant serves authentic Czech cuisine with ingredients that are of the finest quality. During the summer, feel free to sit at the summer terrace overlooking the St. Wenceslas Vineyards, which is said to be one of the oldest in Bohemia. Some must-trys include the confit of duck with cabbage, beef tenderloin with Carlsbad dumplings and the Wiener schnitzel. Be sure to pair them up with a glass of wine for the ultimate fine dining experience. The wine selection are all choice bottles from the vineyards, and hence taste really good. If you are not looking for something too fancy, the menu also includes simple dishes such as antipasti, pasta, grill meats, and desserts. Reservations are recommended as it is usually quite packed during dining hours.
Villa Richter
Address: Staré zámecké schody 6/251, 118 00 Praha 1, Czech Republic
Price: Main dishes from 18 USD
Opening Hours: 11 am - 11 pm daily
Access: southern slope of Prague Castle
Contact: +420 702 205 108
Website: Villa Richter
Day 3: food, shopping and more food!
It’s your last day in this soulful city, so it’s time for you to drop the sightseeing (or maybe just visit one attraction) and do the things almost everyone likes to do: shopping and eating!
1. Shop and eat at Jirak Farmers Market
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
Located at the Vinohrady district, Jirak Farmers Market is less crowded and more easy going compared with the other major markets. Enjoy some of the traditional Czech dishes without getting pushed around, or if you are already sick of the Czech cuisine, there are many others that will delight your tastebuds too. Most stop by for breakfast or lunch, but some come to buy the daily produce and groceries too. It is also one of the few places that sell freshwater fish as well as a variety of seasonal ingredients like asparagus or strawberries. Enjoy the music of a live band playing in the background while you shop or eat, a definitely pleasurable shopping experience.
Some of the must-trys include coffee from Kavovy Klub, along with Czech kolachees and other cakes and buns by one of the bakeries on site. Cheeses by Gran Moravia is also mouth-watering; a stand that is present every day so long as the market is open.
Jirak Farmers Market
Address: nám. J. z Poděbrad, 130 00 Praha 3, Czech Republic
Opening Hours: Wednesday & Friday 8 am - 6 pm, Saturday 8 am - 2 pm
Access: Located right outside the Jiriho z Podebrad stop
Website: Jirak Farmers Market
2. Visit the Church of the Most Sacred Heart of Our Lord
One of the most famous buildings in Vinohrady, the church was completed in 1932 using a design by Slovenian-born Joze Plecnik, famous for his work at the Prague Castle. It was considered as one of the most significant buildings of religious history in the 20th century, with surprisingly sombre interiors. Enter the elegant sheltering walls, the flat wooden ceilings of an intricate structure, and the light arrangement a fascinating sight. The church really dominates Jiriho z Podebrad Square and includes a clock face with a 7.6-metre (25 feet) diameter dial on the 42-metre (138 feet) high flat tower. It is said that this is the biggest clock face in all of Central Europe.
Church of the Most Sacred Heart of Our Lord
Address: Nám. Jiřího z Poděbrad, 130 00 Praha 3, Czech Republic
Price: free admission
Opening Hours: sightseeing is allowed 40 minutes before each mass
Access: tram number 11 at Jiřího z Poděbrad station
Contact: +420 222 727 713
3. Vietnamese food at Mr Banh Mi
Vinohrady district is also home to many Vietnamese restaurants, one of them is Mr Banh Mi, a small eatery that serves Vietnamese sandwiches. Also known as one of the best budget dining spots in Prague, Mr Banh Mi serves its food fast and flavourful, a big reason why many choose to have their meals there. Bite into the tasty fluffy pieces of bread and let the explosion of flavour take place depending on the type of filling you prefer. For vegetarians, be sure to try the vegetarian tofu.
Mr Banh Mi
Address: Rumunská 23/30, 120 00 Praha 2, Czech Republic
Price: Main courses from 3 USD
Opening Hours: 11 am - 9 pm daily
Access: 3 minutes’ walk from Náměstí Míru
Contact: +420 775 150 429
Website: Mr Banh Mi
4. Impress your mum with souvenirs from Dům Porcelánu
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Posted by Dům porcelánu s modrou krví - Městské informační centrum Dubí on Tuesday, November 26, 2019
How about an authentic porcelain souvenir for your mum eagerly waiting for you to get back from your holiday? Take a look at Dům Porcelánu, the classic factory store of a traditional Czech manufacturer. Located on three floors of a stunning palace, this factory outlet contains extensive range and variety of (primarily) porcelain items. Check out the famous blue onion, a very popular design imprinted on cups, plates and bowls that almost every Czech family uses for dining purposes. Also keep a lookout for Bohemian crystal bowls, vases and wine glasses.
Dům Porcelánu
Address: Jugoslávská 567/16, 120 00 Praha 2-Vinohrady, Czech Republic
Opening Hours: Monday - Friday 9 am - 7 pm, Saturday 9 am - 5 pm & Sunday 2 pm - 5 pm
Access: 2 minutes’ walk from Náměstí Míru
Contact: +420 221 505 320
Website: Dům Porcelánu
5. Coffee break at the Coffee Room
Pleasantly located right off the tram stop, the Coffee Room is a fairly small cafe that probably only 12-15 people can visit at a time. The atmosphere is laid-back and friendly, and the staff are always polite and cheery, a sight any customer would be happy to see. There are quite a few reasons why you should come to this hipster cafe. Number one, the coffee is really good; good coffee from selected European micro-roasters. Two, the sandwiches and cookies by the bar are to-die-for, and the portion is pretty filling for a grown man too. Lastly, they serve good tea from the Tea Mountain and natural wine from Veltlin; a great place to relax and chill at if you are craving for a drink.
The Coffee Room
Address: Korunní 1208/74, 101 00 Praha 10, Czech Republic
Opening Hours: Monday – Friday: 8 am – 16.30 pm, Saturday: 9 am – 6 pm, Closed on Sundays
Access: Take tram number 10 or 16 and stop at Vinohradske Vodarna
Contact: +420 736 171 990
Website: The Coffee Room
It's not the end of Pretty Prague
Like every good thing that comes to an end, your magical stay in pretty Prague has to come to a stop too. We hoped you have learnt enough about Prague’s rich history and have tried some great Czech cuisine! Whether it is the sunrise or the sunset, you can not count on Prague to not give you a good time.
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