How many days are enough for Prague? And what to see here?

If you ask me how many days are enough for Prague, I always say that 3 full days for a Prague first-timer are the minimum, 5 days are great, and a whole week is absolutely ideal, allowing for potential day trips outside the city. Maybe now I have answered all your questions. But if you wish to learn more about what to see here and why I think 5-7 days are a better choice, please keep on reading.

Who is writing this blog for you?

I’m not a journalist or a travel blogger who visited Prague for just a weekend and claims to know it all 🙂 My name is Dana, and I have lived here my whole life. In addition to writing this blog, I also work as a tour guide and manage my own small business called Prague Behind The Scenes – Small Group Tours and Experiences.

Dana, owner and the only guide for Prague Behind The Scenes tours. Yes, my business is small 🙂

What if you only have 3 days in Prague?

No worries at all! I didn’t want to add any pressure in the opening paragraph. Exploring Prague within three full days is definitely doable.

I just personally feels that this may be a little too hurried. What makes me feel this way?

Because after the three days you become familiar with the city and more confident to explore it a bit deeper; for example, return to a cozy café you saw on the tour, climb the medieval tower for fantastic views, eat a warm koláč pastry from the local bakery, and enjoy a lovely sunset drink without rushing somewhere else.

You know what I mean…it´s a vacation, not a race.   

3 days in prague
This delightful pastry known as koláč comes from Torto, a family-owned bakery located in the Prague´s Lesser Town. It’s my favorite breakfast, especially when enjoyed with a beautiful view!

3 days in Prague: key tips to know before your visit

Each week in Prague has its specifics. If you are coming for three days, don´t forget to plan your itineraries around it.

  • Saturdays are not good for visitig Jewish Quarter – the synagogues and cemetery will be closed (Sabbath).
  • Mondays are closing days in city museums and national galleries.
  • The best farmers markets on Náplavka are only open on Saturdays. They are completely closed during the cold months in winter (January, February…). But stay open during the Christmas time when people go shopping for Christmas presents.
  • On December 25, 26 and January 1, most of the good restaurants and cafés are closed or have different / shorter opening hours or they are fully booked. Smaller shops, boutique shops, pharmacies, supermarkets are closed. We celebrate Christmas on the evening of December 24. The two following days are holidays and people stay home with families. Many tour guides are not working these days. I always say that the best time to visit Prague is before Christmas, not during Christmas because the Christmas holiday is always a bit chaotic here.  
3 days in prague
Way up to Prague Castle (number 1 highlight of Prague). If climbing the stairs isn’t your cup of tea, you can opt for tram numbers 22 or 23. The tram stop is called Pražský hrad, and it’s the only one announced in English: “Exit here for Prague Castle.”

What to see in Prague in 3 days?

Here are my recommendations for what you can easily explore in Prague during three days. I’ve hopefully organized the list logically to help you avoid zigzagging through the city and wasting time. Bolded are the TOP highligts.

  • Prague Castle and St. Vitus Cathedral
  • Stroll through the beautiful southern gardens of Prague Castle for breathtaking views over the city center (best in spring, summer, and early autumn; closed in winter)
  • Loreta
  • Strahov Monastery and its stunning Baroque libraries
  • Kampa Island
  • John Lennon Wall
  • Charles Bridge
  • Klementinum
  • Rudolfinum
  • Jewish Quarter, including visits to the synagogues and the Jewish cemetery
  • Old Town Square and the Astronomical Clock (don’t forget to climb the Astronomical Clock tower)
  • Powder Tower
  • Municipal House (try to catch a concert)
  • Wenceslas Square
  • National Theatre
3 days in prague
Charles Bridge ranks among the top 3 highlights of Prague. Together with Prague Castle and Astronomical Clock.

How can I help you…

If your time is limited and you still would like to see Prague in a more authentic way with a local, I will be happy to take you on a friendly, 3-hour private introduction tour. My clients say it’s best to do it on the first day but I will leave the decision to you:-)

It’s not the classic umbrella tour. I am focusing on the highlights but also on the fantastic hidden gems located in Prague´s back alleys.

My tours are not leading through the stereotypical routes. I am taking my clients via hidden, quiet back alleyes for a more authentic experience.

I am also always flexible for my clients – beer stops? Sure! Fresh pastry from a local bakery – let’s go! Vacation is not only about sights, following the umbrella and strict itinerary.

I want my clients to experience Prague in a relaxed and welcoming way, free from the stress of rushing. Or competing for space in crowded squares and streets.

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Why not to stop for a beer if you are thirsty along the way. Cheers!

So, how many days are enough for Prague? 5 – 7 days are ideal.

I know, I know. This is just my subjective opinion, you say. But honestly, after all the years working in the travel industry, I believe that 5 days in Prague are really the perfect length.

Besides the major and less known Prague sights, you will also have enough time for a trip outside of the capital. You can visit Terezín, Loket, Kutná Hora, Nelahozeves, Karlštejn, Křivoklát, Zbiroh, Český Šternberk to name a few.

You’ll also have ample opportunities to enjoy cultural experiences, attend local events, sample craft beers, or indulge in shopping some original gifts. 

How many days are enough for Prague
5 – 7 days in Prague are absolutely ideal.

What to see in Prague during 5 days?

During your five-day visit, you’ll have a chance to explore numerous sights and their interiors. Below, I’ve outlined my top recommendations for must-see highlights, as well as suggestions for hidden gems. You’ll have plenty of time to discover some lesser-known and often overlooked sights and neighborhoods! The most important highlights are bolded for your convenience.

  • Prague Castle and St. Vitus Cathedral (interiors)
  • Stroll through the Prague Castle gardens for breathtaking views (best in spring, summer, and early autumn; closed in winter)
  • Tour the Baroque libraries of Strahov Monastery
  • Loreta
  • Petřín Tower
  • John Lennon Wall
  • Charles Bridge + climb one of its towers for stunning views
  • Kampa Island + Giant Babies by David Černý
  • Old Town Square and the Astronomical Clock
  • Jewish Quarter, including interiors of synagogues and Jewish cemetery
  • Rudolfinum
  • Book a tour of Klementinum
  • Powder Tower
  • Enjoy a concert or exhibition at the Municipal House
  • Wenceslas Square
  • Rotating head of Franz Kafka
  • Admire the colorful Jerusalem Synagogue
  • Enjoy a full day trip outside of Prague: e.g. Kutná Hora, Nelahozeves, Loket Castle, Karlovy Vary.
5 days in prague
Jerusalem synagogue. The most beautiful synagogue in Prague.

Less visited places

  • Picturesque hidden neighborhood Nový Svět located 5 minutes from Prague Castle, stop for a coffee at Kavárna Nový Svět.
  • Visit the National Museum (see the interiors + expositions) and also visit the art expositions in Schwarzenberg Palace (old masters).
  • Troja Botanical Garden with local vineyards and taste the Prague wines; then stop for a lunch or drink at a hidden bistro called Karel.
  • Visit Vyšehrad and Gorlice hall to see the original sculptures from Charles bridge hidden it the original Prague fortification walls.
  • For architecture lovers – visit bars on Náplavka – for example my favourite Lab Space – zero waste bar and bistro. It´s inbuilt into the river embankment.
5 days in prague
LabSpace – a nice bar and zero waste bistro inbuilt in the river enbankment. Great for a sunset drink. Photo: LabSpace
3 days in prague
Picturesque New World (Nový Svět), only 5 minutes walk from Prague Castle.

7 days in Prague are a luxury but fantastic

I understand that having an abundance of time is truly a luxury. However, if you find yourself with a week to spare, you’ll be able to explore so much here.

In one week, you can experience all the Prague attractions and exhibitions mentioned above, as well as enjoy one or two relaxing trips from the city. For example Kutná Hora, Zbiroh, Karlštejn, Loket Castle, Nelahozeves Castle…but also Český Krumlov. People often go to Český Krumlov just for a day trip, spending most of their time traveling back and forth. Staying overnight allows for a much richer relaxed experience.

Prague
Winter sunrise at Prague Castle. This is my favourite spot for watching it (New Castle Stairs / Hradčany Square).

Wish you a lovely stay, no matter how long it will be!

If you find my content valuable, you can support my writings by buying me a virtual coffee. Thank you so much for your kindness and support!


Dana, owner and guide for Prague Behind The Scenes | small-group tours and experiences.

Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions or want to tour with me in a less touristy way. I am a tiny business and you will always communicate directly with me: dana@praguebehindthescenes.com

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