Lucky me, I got to live and explore in Prague for four months! Although Prague has fantastic public transit, I believe the best (and cheapest) way to discover its charm is on foot. Put on your walking shoes and take in my favorite sites on this 6-mile trek.
Stop 1: Breakfast at Café Savoy
Start your day at the most elegant breakfast spot in Prague.
Cost:
Depends on what you order but plan on $10-$15 per person.
Tips:
Make reservations online, the restaurant is particularly busy on weekends.
Try the French toast with fresh fruit and maple syrup and the scrambled eggs with chives.
On Saturday, opt to go to the riverside farmer’s market (Naplavka) for breakfast instead. Beat the crowds by going early. It begins at 8am and offers a variety of local cuisine. Fresh food at affordable prices.
Stop 2: Petrin Tower AKA “The Prague Eiffel Tower”
Hike up Petrin Hill (or opt to ride the funicular) and climb the 299 steps to the top for an epic view of the city.
Cost:
Stop 3: Prague Castle & Vitus Cathedral
Visit what is considered the largest castle in the world and awe over the beautiful gothic architecture of the Vitus Cathedral.
Cost:
Free to enter the castle grounds, gardens and (most of) the cathedral. Cost varies for entrance and tours into the other buildings, galleries and museums.
Tips:
At 12pm the changing of the guard takes place at the exit gates, arrive early if you want a front row spot.
If you’re trying to complete this 24-hour guide there's no time to tour the castle. Honestly, the size and construction are a wonder but the interior is not as impressive as other European castles (medieval and mostly unfurnished).
Optional: Royal Gardens & Queen Anne’s Summer Palace
Northeast of Vitus Cathedral lies a relaxing park featuring lovely views of the city and the beautiful Renaissance Summer Palace.
Cost:
Free to roam
Optional: Wallenstein Garden
Stroll through the 17th century gardens on the grounds of the Senate palace. Admire the ornamental pools, baroque statues and if you’re lucky—a peacock or two!
Cost:
Free to roam
Optional: Trdelník Snack Break
Stop at one of the trdelník stands as you descend the castle grounds.Trdelniks are a common street food in Prague but they are uncommonly delicious! It’s a sweet pastry cooked on rods and dusted with sugar or other toppings.
Stop 4: St. Nicholas Church in the Lesser Town
Soak in the beauty of the most elegant Baroque church in Prague.
Cost:
70 CSK (basic), 50 CZK (reduced)
Stop 5: Charles Bridge & The Malá Strana Bridge Towers
Take a lap on the Charles Bridge and marvel over the historic statues dating back to the 17th century. Climb the Lesser Town Bridge Towers (on the castle side) for a stunning view of the bridge, Old Town and the Vltava river.
Cost:
Bridge: Free to roam
Towers: 100 CZK (basic), 70 CZK (reduced)
Tips:
Shop the artisans on the bridge for handmade souvenirs; only local venders are licensed to sell handcrafted goods.
Stop 6: Lennon Wall &
Kampa Park
Make your way to the infamous John Lennon Wall of Graffiti then stroll through Kampa Park to visit the giant babies.
Cost:
Free to roam
Stop 7: Mexican at Cantina for Lunch
Grab a late lunch at Cantina, a delicious Mexican restaurant with excellent fajitas, margaritas and delicious homemade lemonades.
Cost:
Depends on what you order. Reasonably priced.
Tips:
The restaurant only takes cash.
Skip the guacamole appetizer. Split the chicken fajitas, it's enough for two.
See other options for lunch here.
Optional: Relax on Střelecký Island
Escape the crowds by resting on a shady bench on Shooter’s Island (on the way to Stop 8) and take in the views of the Vtlava River.
Cost:
Free to roam
Stop 8: National Theatre and Dancing House
Walk by the stunning National Theatre (my favorite building in Prague) on your way to view the Dancing House.
Cost:
Free to view from the outside
Tips:
If you wish to purchase tickets to a show, the ticket office is located behind the theatre. They can also be purchased online here.
There is a museum as well as an extravagant restaurant and cocktail bar located within the dancing house. Drinks at the top for sunset is fabulous. If you have time, opt to do this another day.
Stop 9: Break
Head back to your hotel/airbnb to freshen up before dinner and drinks.
Tip:
I loved the location of my Airbnb in Prague, check it out here! The area highlighted in blue is a great location to find accommodations in Prague (the closer to Old Town the more expensive).
Stop 10: Old Town Square
This is where you’ll find the famous towers of the Church of Our Lady Before (AKA the signature postcard picture of Prague) and the astronomical clock dating back to the 14th century.
Cost:
Free to roam
Tip:
The clock moves every hour on the hour if you want to see the ancient clock “show."
Stop 11: Climb the Astronomical Clock Tower
Ride or climb to the top to experience magnificent views of Old Town.
Cost:
70 CSK (basic), 50 CZK (reduced)
Tip:
The best time to go up in the astronomical clock tower is at sunset when the buildings turn a brilliant orange and pink.
Alternatively, if you don’t want to wait in line head over to the Hotel U Prince rooftop bar (Terasa U Prince) to grab a drink and see an equally magical view.
Stop 12: Dinner at Restaurace Mlejnice
Experience traditional Czech food at Restuarance Mlejnice. Although it’s a little hidden, it’s only a short walk from Old Town Square. Be sure to try the goulash!
Cost:
Depends on what you order. Reasonably priced.
Tip:
The restaurant has two locations. The Konza location is the one closest to Old Town Square. Reservations can be made by phone at +420 224 228 635.
Try the marinated pork ribs or the beef goulash in loaf of bread.
See other options for dinner here.
Optional: Drinks at Hemingway Bar
Don’t want the fun to end? Choose from a variety of lavish cocktails at the romantic Hemingway bar.
Cost:
Depends on what you order.
Tip:
Reservations can be made by phone at +420 773 974 764.
Prague in a Day Video: