Last updated: May 24, 2023

24 Hours in Prague!

Can it be done? Yes.

But can it be done well? Surprisingly, also yes!

After visiting four times, I can say with confidence that Prague is a city that can be appreciated in a short and sweet overnight trip, as long as you do a little planning beforehand. However, you will of course need to add a few extra days if you want to have a more in depth visit enjoying all that Prague has to offer, one night in Prague is totally doable.

This guide takes you through a 24 hour tour of Prague, and is full of recommendations for exploring the best of Prague, as well as options for where you can take a little extra time to get a more immersed experience. Make it your own by prioritizing your interests. You’ll also find plenty of options for what to do in Prague if you decide to extend your stay (the sweet spot is two to three days, especially if you’re interested in a day trip), plus a map highlighting all the spots mentioned in this article.

Prague is a very walkable city, but public transit is also quite accessible and affordable. 30 minute tickets are 30CZK (€1.25/$1.30) and 24 hour tickets are 120CZK (€5/$5.30).

Arrive in Prague

Aim for a train / bus / flight that arrives early in the day to get in as much as you can of the city. When visiting, I normally take the earliest Deutsche Bahn train of the day from Berlin to Prague, which allows me to arrive at about 11:30AM.

Prague is a relatively safe city, especially the most central districts, so you don’t have to necessarily stick to certain neighborhoods. Simply cater to what fits with your schedule, preferences, and budget best. For example if you have an early train ride the next morning you might want to stay near Prague HI.N. or if you want to enjoy the bar scene then staying in the Old Town district could be good for you.

I’ve stayed at the Historic Centre Aparthotel X twice and wholeheartedly recommend them. The room decor is pretty modest, but the location is within walking distance of so much, each room comes with less common accommodations like a kitchen and air conditioning, and the price was very reasonable! The nightly rate was less than €60/$65 for each of my stays, although I did visit during off season. They also exchanged both Euros and US Dollars for us into Czech Korunas at a great rate. For longer stays this hotel is especially nice since you can make some of your own meals and wash your clothing here.

Daytime Sightseeing

Start your day at the iconic Charles Bridge

After you’ve checked into your hotel or at least dropped off your luggage, make your way to the Charles Bridge. The majority of your day is going to involve a loop of the central city so you’ll start and end around the Charles Bridge.

Walk away from Old Town to the western end of the bridge. The Charles Bridge is a medieval stone bridge from the 1300’s, and one of 18 bridges to connect Prague over the Vltava River. The Charles Bridge is the oldest of the bunch, and until 1841 it was the only one in Prague crossing this river. Before visiting, definitely give this article a read to get some insight on the bridge’s interesting birth and history.

Floods of tourists, locals, street vendors, and artists share this bridge. Despite its busyness, it is unskippable! You can always come back early morning if you’d like to enjoy the bridge in a quieter environment.

Continue on to one of Prague’s oldest taverns through ‘Lesser Town’

Walk through the hillside neighborhood Malá Strana or ‘Lesser Town’ to get to your first food stop. You’ll be back in this neighborhood later in the day, but you can make a stop at St. Nicholas Church at this point. This church has been described as the greatest example of Prague’s famous baroque architecture, and was built in the 1700’s after a Gothic church created for St. Nicolas burnt down in the same spot. The domed structure of the building is nice enough on its own, but if you’d like to see the ceiling paintings inside the entrance fees are 100Kč (€4.10 / $4.40) for adults, and less for children and students.

Continuing on, whether it’s for a midday beer or a cheese board snack, U krále Brabantského, nowadays more commonly referred to as Prague Medieval Tavern, is a must.

This tavern would be cool just for its ancient history, but they go above and beyond to keep their medieval roots alive. Opened in 1375, kings and smugglers alike would drink here, with hidden passageways under the bar existing for Czech kings to sneak in to discreetly drink among their people and forget their royal duties for a few hours. From the pure candle and torch lighting to the dungeon-like atmosphere on the underground floor, walking into this bar feels like stepping back in time.

I’d recommend getting a seat underground, because the atmosphere there feels especially medieval, although the ambiance throughout is a great experience. Also the waiters might be a little brash (you will probably get your bill delivered in an unconventional way), but they took good care of us. They also put on a medieval show at 7PM most evenings, which honestly seems pretty fun, but it’s pricier and probably more touristic than just popping in for a drink and snack.

Make your way to Prague’s Castle District, Hradčany

Turn left out of the tavern and head up the stairs to get to Prague’s Castle District, Hradčany. Be sure to turn around at the top of the stairs to get a stellar view of the street and neighborhood below. Before you head over to the castle and church, take in the view of the neighborhood, and snap a photo or two.

Head to the Matthias Gate for a quick security check before walking deeper into the grounds. If you arrive on the hour you’ll be privy to observing the sentries at the gate change, and if you get there at noon you can watch the changing of the guard in the first courtyard, right by the gate.

After making your way through the security check, the first thing you’ll see is the St. Vitus Cathedral (Katedrála Sv. Víta). I’ve visited Notre Dame and the Cologne Cathedral, but nothing makes my breath catch quite like this cathedral. Pictures simply don’t do it justice. Entry is free, and although there is a typically a line to enter, it passes very quickly from my experience.

At this point you can explore whatever parts of the castle grounds you’re interested in. There’s multiple cafés, courtyards, gardens, an observation deck, tower, museums, a park, a historic alley, Queen Anne’s Summer Palace, and the 10th-century basilica, St. George’s Basilica. Some of these are free to visit, but if you’re interested in seeing everything then you might want to get a circuit ticket for 250Kč (€10 / $11) per adult. During Christmas market season, you’ll be treated to delightful and festive stalls selling very tasty goods.

View before entering through Matthias Gate

Head northeast to Prague’s Letna Park for views of the city

This can be skipped depending on timing, but if you’d like a panoramic view of Prague, look no further than the neighboring Letna Park. It’s built on a plateau above the city, and the area carries a very youthful vibe. In the summer there are plenty of locals and tourists alike sitting near the Metronome and around the park enjoying a beer and taking in the city views after the light trek up.

Make your way to the Jewish Quarter after a Trdelník snack

Cross the Čech Bridge (or Manes Bridge if you skipped Letna) and enter the historic Jewish Quarter or Josefov.

This is a good time for a quick snack of Trdelník! Trdelník has mixed roots (Hungarian-Transylvanian-Slovak), and these days they are quite popular in Prague, and often referred to as chimney cakes by English speakers. They’re made by wrapping dough around a wooden spool, cooking over an open fire, then coating in sugar, with optional additional toppings. Any place where Trdelník are being freshly made and served should be good, but I like Trdelník & Coffee in the Jewish Quarter, and it has consistently great reviews.

After your chimney cake snack, you can continue to explore the quarter. This Jewish Quarter is one of the most well-sustained in Europe, perhaps because the city of Prague was spared during the Holocaust. Hitler proposed that the ‘Museum of the Extinct Race’ be built in Prague, making it so that the largest collection of Jewish items in Europe found a home here.

There’s a lot to take in from just admiring the outside of these buildings, but if you’re interested in a more immersed experience consider buying a ‘Prague Jewish Town’ ticket, which allows you to enter the quarter’s five synagogues, ceremonial hall, and cemetery for 500 Kč (€20 / $22). There’s also a limited ticket offered for 350Kč.

Each building in the Jewish Quarter has its own notable history and even just a stroll through the streets tells a strong story. Here are a few of the most memorable places:

The Pinkas Synagogue lists the names of about 78,000 Czech Jewish victims of the Holocaust, making this the longest list of victims’ names in one place.
The Staronová or Old New Synagogue gets its contradictory name from being the oldest active synagogue in Europe, but the newest synagogue in Prague at the time of its completion in 1270.
The Old Jewish Cemetery also has a complex history, and is one of the largest in the world.

Although Prague was spared from much of the violence throughout WWII, their history has still been heavily affected by Antisemitism and atrocities, and there’s much to learn from the history in this quarter.

The Old New Synagogue | Image Credits: Prague City Tourism

Head to Old Town (Staromák) next

Old Town’s rich history and popularity can be overwhelming, but you’ll soon find that most of the hectic nature remains in the square.

In the Old Town Square, the most well-known sight is likely the Astronomical Clock. The clock was placed on the Old Town Hall Tower in 1410. On the hour, every hour from 9AM to 11PM crowds gather to watch the procession of the twelve apostles. Although this display is short, it’s worth sticking around to see if you’re nearing the hour mark. While you’re in the square you’ll also find the Old Town Hall, St. Nicholas Church (different from the Malá Strana one), and Church of Our Lady before Tyn. The Old Town Square originally came to be in the 10th century as a place where exotic goods from ‘faraway lands’ were sold.

The usage of the square has evolved over the years and you can learn more about the history here. Find a more extensive Old Town guide here.

After a romp around the square I recommend heading to the rooftop at Terasa U Prince for a drink and great views of the Old Town Square in a lovely environment. To get there enter Hotel U Prince, walk through the hotel lobby, take the glass elevator up, then head up the final steps. Be sure to ask for a table on the rooftop patio (say you’re just there for drinks) and enjoy the picturesque surroundings. The atmosphere is cozy and warm at night (they have heaters and offer blankets) and bright and airy in the daytime.

I also find the prices to be pretty fair for being a rooftop establishment in the city center. They have some lower reviews, but it seems to mainly be for their main courses and service. I’ve always skipped the entrees, and I’ve personally always had great experiences here. I’ve sent a few friends here for drinks and they’ve all loved it, so I hope you will too. From what I’ve seen, kids are also welcomed during daytime, so if you’re traveling with family you’re still welcome to enjoy the rooftop.

If you’re more in the mood for something savory you can always skip Terasa and head to Sisters Bistro v Dlouhé to try Chlebicek, or Czechia’s version of an open-faced sandwich. It’s the perfect snack! Just around the corner is Perníčkův sen, a cute little gingerbread bakery. Another fantastic dessert spot is Cukrarna Mysak, which first opened in 1911 and continues to sell traditional Czech pastries today.

Before completely leaving the Old Town area you can optionally make a few last stops:

The Powder Gate was built in the 1400’s and once acted as the gate to the city. It was partially destroyed in the 1648 Battle of Prague, but has since been restored.
The Havelské tržiště is a market that’s been taking place in Prague since the 1200’s. Although there are better markets in Prague, this one is located in such an opportune location so it’s worth the visit to find a couple souvenirs.
The Jerusalem Synagogue is aesthetically my favorite synagogue in Prague. I’ve never been inside, but the colorful art nouveau design is just beautiful.

Walk back to Lesser Town to complete your loop

Cross the Legion Bridge to head back to Prague’s western side. On your way walk down the stairs leading to Střelecký Island. These little islands are a nice pocket of peace in the middle of a busy city. There’s a café, a bar, and plenty of green space. There are also two nearby islets that can be visited, one is called Children’s Island for its well-maintained playground.

Once you’re back on the western side of Prague you can spend a bit more time exploring Malá Strana or Lesser Town. The Memorial to the Victims of Communism is a small, but impactful monument.

At this point you can head back to your accommodation, but if you’re in the mood for a drink or pre-dinner snack Mlýnská kavárna is a good option, especially in the warmer months. Their outdoor seating is very cute, and along a little canal that streams in from the river.

If you have a little more daylight and energy then I wholeheartedly recommend exploring the Petřín Gardens. In the warmer months there’ll be roses in full bloom, along with fruit trees. The Petrin Tower is a popular sight, and you’ll find plenty of benches to sit at to enjoy the hillside views of Prague. The Our Lady of Exile monument is also known for being a great place to get a view of the city at sunset and night.

Evening Plans

Enjoy a traditional Czech dinner and get a taste for Prague’s cocktail scene

Head back to your hotel to freshen up before heading out for dinner. This is around the time I’d get a nap in too. When you’re ready head out and enjoy a traditional Czech dinner. Pair your meal with a Pilsner Urquell, the world’s first pale lager, invented in Czechia. If you’re planning on dining between 7 and 9 PM, it’s typically worth making a reservation.

There is so much great food in Prague, but here are a few spots you might especially enjoy:

Restaurace Mincovna is one of the best places in Prague to try traditional Czech food. Don’t skip on the goulash, and order a nice mix of plates to share like the pickled cheese, tartar, cabbage soup, dumplings- you name it! The vaulted ceilings and traditional interior make it all the more memorable.
Pivovarský klub Benedict a fantastic gem for beer lovers! With over 240 bottled beers and 6 on tap, plus hearty Czech food. What’s not to like?
I’ve been recommended U Matěje enough that I feel inclined to include them. Away from the city center, this eatery is popular among locals for their carp and divine mushroom goulash. Definitely on my to-visit list! Also I adore their interior, simple and unique all at once.

Vegan & Vegetarian Friendly:

I visited Prague with a vegetarian relative and went to Maitrea Restaurace. They serve a mix of traditional Czech dishes veganized, and international cuisine. We ordered the goulash and roast and were very happy with both!
A vegan friend recommended Vegan’s Prague has a minimalist interior with simple yet stylish wood paneling. The view from their terrace also looks just lovely. They also serve a mix of Czech specialties and international food.

Dinner with Kids

If you’re traveling with kids Výtopna is a place adults and children love. Toy trains deliver drinks and delicacies to customers on an elaborate railway built inside this eatery. The train-delivered beer comes with a rotating tasting set of four beers from regional breweries, and sets you back 149Kč (around €6/$7) for all four.
Also I’m sure the evening show at Prague Medieval Tavern is great for kids and adults, if you didn’t get the chance to visit earlier.

After dinner if you’re game head to a bar or two (or three) of your choice. I have a whole post dedicated to the coolest bars in Prague so I recommend heading there for the full guide, but I’ll say that Terasa U Prince is a safe bet if you’re looking for a relaxed and cozy night and didn’t get the chance to stop by earlier, and Harley’s is the place to be if you’re looking for the opposite of a relaxed night.

Next Day

Finish off your 24 hours with brunch

Before you take off, enjoy one final meal in Prague. Here are a few suggestions:

La Bottega Linka has amazing brunch! They’re an Italian spot that serves classic Western dishes with Italian touches. We ordered their Eggs Benedict which is served with focaccia and prosciutto, and their house breakfast which comes with fixings like Asiago cheese and homemade pate. There are a few ‘La Bottega’ restaurants in Prague, each specializing in something different.
EMA Espresso Bar is a great place to have a few more Czech treats before you leave Prague. Come here for a simple and pleasant breakfast of coffee and Buchta, which are Czech rolls filled with a sweet filling like plum jam or curd. Their main location is just around the corner from La Bottega Linka so you could totally enjoy both!
Café Louvre makes the top of most Prague breakfast lists. This café opened in 1902 and has since been serving hungry tourists and locals. I haven’t tried their food, but their interior is lovely! I recommend making a reservation if you visit.

Have a little extra time?

Make the most of your trip by extending your stay or adding more to your itinerary.

Museums: I’ve only visited one museum in Prague years ago, and I think it was one at Prague’s castle, but I really can’t remember. I want to prioritize visiting more museums my next visit.
Quirky attractions: Prague is full of unusual and fun attractions. Fans of John Lennon can visit the Lennon Wall for a community graffiti wall that began after Lennon’s death. It’s also been used since Communist days to share political messages. Architecture aficionados can visit the Dancing House, given its nickname for its unique modern architecture. If you visit this one, stop at the neighboring (A)void Café for more distinctive design. There’s also Prague’s Narrowest Street, which requires a traffic light at each end for pedestrians to cross.
Islets: There’s more to islands in Prague than just Střelecký Island and Children’s Island. Travel along the river to discover them all.
Markets: If you’re around on a Saturday morning definitely make your way to the Farmers’ Saturday Market. It’s a great place to pick up a few jams, spreads, and cookies as souvenirs and try fresh Czech breads and pastries.
Vysehrad: The Vyšehrad area is nice if you have more than a day in Prague! On the grounds you can find a historical fort, castle, basilica, columns, a burial ground, anthropological museum, and more landmarks. Built in the 10th century, about 100 years after Prague castle, there’s much to discover here, especially for history lovers. You could easily spend a full day exploring the grounds.
Anywhere else included in this guide that you might not have had time for beforehand like the Petrin Tower or a specific restaurant.

Bookmark this page for later.

Make this guide your own! Let me know if you tried one of these suggestions, or have further questions about your trip to Prague.

Happy travels!

Find a map with all locations from this article mentioned here.

Want more Prague tips? Read 13 of the Coolest Bars in Prague next.

First Timer’s Guide to Prague: A Complete 1 to 3 Day Itinerary