What’s not to love about the stunning capital of Czech Republic? It has everything you need for an unforgettable vacation, from museums and historic sites all the way down to restaurants with world class cuisine. Here’s everything you need to know to have the time of your life during your one day in Prague!
Prague is one of the most popular cities to visit for architecture lovers and night owls. Its city center is a real UNESCO World Heritage site and it has many museums of all kinds.
For the nightlife, Prague is a bit similar to Budapest. It has its own ruin bars and provides many opportunities to party or to have a cheap beer with friends. If you’re looking for an European capital to have a break during a road trip, then a day in Prague is exactly what you need.
We hear you; isn’t one day too short? What to see in Prague in one day? With its many narrow streets, impressive buildings, beautiful bridges and meaningful walls, we guarantee Prague will be worth every penny.
Here’s how and why you should visit Prague in one day.
Why visit Prague?
When it comes to history and architecture, Czech Republic is above any other European country. It basically has the largest castle complex in the world : 753,000 square feet! Yes, you read that correctly.
Aside from the castles, Prague is known as the city of a hundred spires. It has one stunning cathedral and two amazing churches of all kinds : gothic, baroque, renaissance and even art nouveau. You’ll also find tons of museums, very narrow streets, a canal and splendid bridges, but also cool industrial bars with live music.
How many days in Prague?
Prague is a small European city that’s very easy to visit. Pretty much everything is at walking distance and you can use the tram as well. One or two days in Prague are enough to get a good glimpse of the city.
Where to stay in Prague?
Before getting right into the must visit landmarks of the beautiful Prague, here are three great hotels you can book with your eyes closed.
Prague on a budget – Hostel Franz Kafka is not your average hostel. It has 6-bed dorm rooms (mixed or female only), but the rooms are well decorated, cozy, clean, modern and… green! If you already slept in hostels, you know how unlikely it is to have plants in a hostel dorm. Note that it’s also located in the city center. In other words, it’s a bargain.
Prague mid-budget – Gorgeous Prague Rooms really live up to its name. The rooms are spacious, with great interior design, in a beautiful historic building. Like all the hotels listed here, it’s located in the very heart of Prague, 200 meters from the Old Town Square.
Prague luxury – Questenberg Hotel is the best hotel in Prague for many reasons. This 400 year-old hotel is almost a monument to visit. It’s located 500 meters from Prague Castle, on top of a mountain and offers a panoramic view of the city. The rooms and breakfast are everything you could expect from a world-class hotel.
One day in Prague: what to see in Prague?
There are so many fun and crazy things to do in Prague, you will have to make choices! To make sure this Prague 1 day itinerary please everyone, we mixed the architecture gems with the cathedrals, old city, meaningful street art and cool bars.
We hope you packed good shoes for this first day in Prague (and last if you’re only staying one day!), because there are plenty of sites to visit.
Old Town Square
The best place to start your day in Prague is the Old Town Square. It’s impossible to visit Prague and not go there at least once – it’s one place you’ll want to see with your own eyes! The Old Town Square is the beating heart of historical Prague.
It has been a part of the city since the 10th century, and hasn’t been destroyed by wars, unlike many other European cities of the area. The Old Town is a square surrounded by picturesque buildings from another time with magical history behind them.
You can admire many different architectural styles there, with the Gothic Church Our Lady before Tyn and its 80 meters high towers for instance. Another popular spot located nearby is the St Nicholas Baroque Church.
Prague Astronomical Clock
Right at the entrance of the Old Town Square, there is a landmark that truly deserves its paragraph on its own. The medieval clock, known as Prague Orloj, is located in the Old Town Hall and was installed back in 1410.
It still operates today, making it one of only three functioning astronomical clocks on Earth! Hundreds of people gather in front of it every day to see it strike an hour, and you should be one of them.
It’s definitely a tourist thing, but also one of the funniest things to do in Prague in one day.
Charles Bridge
From the clock, you can head to the neighborhood of Malá Strana, on the other shore of Prague by the famous Charles Bridge. This bridge is more than just a historical landmark, it’s also an iconic symbol of Prague.
It’s an essential part of Czech history and culture as it connects the two banks of Prague. Charles Bridge is a stunning and unique example of Baroque architecture, with its sandstone blocks aligned to form an aesthetically pleasing side view.
It has 30 carved statues of saints and two fortified towers at each end, making the whole construction look timeless.
John Lennon Wall
The first sight you should visit on this other side of the Vltava River is the Lennon Wall. This wall first became a mourning place for fans of John Lennon after he was killed in 1980. Since then, it has evolved into something much greater.
It became a silent protest against the communist government and a call for greater freedom, peace and love. The giant scribbles and doodles that cover the wall were left by visitors to commemorate their beloved Beatles, but also to support the freedom movement.
In a few words, the John Lennon Wall is a powerful piece of art and an emotional reminder of how we can be united in our grief.
Vinarna Certovka Street
After eating lunch in the neighborhood of the John Lennon Wall, you can walk five minutes to Vinarna Certovka Street. It’s not the typical tourist thing, but it is still very special because… That’s the narrowest street in Prague, and probably something you’ve never seen before!
This 19.6-inch-wide walkway can only welcome one person at a time. It literally has pedestrian traffic lights, so people from opposite sides do not go at the same time. As long as you’re not claustrophobic, this path is very fun to walk down!
Then, keep walking and admire the river from this side of the bank. The Vltava River offers beautiful viewpoints, and the pretty bridges add to the fairytale atmosphere. If you have more time in the city, one other fun thing to do is a river cruise in Prague.
Prague Castle
Prague is known as the city of castles. The castle of Prague is located on top of a hill and can be seen throughout the entire city. It’s home to many government offices, but also to one large cathedral, the famous St. Vitus Cathedral.
It is not the type of castle we’re used to as it’s very huge and has different kinds of stunning old buildings. It’s very easy to find your way in the complex.
You can get a full-guided tour of St. Vitus Cathedral, the Old Royal Palace, St. George’s Basilica, and the Golden Lane with Daliborka Tower for 630 CZK (28$ or 26€).
St Vitus Cathedral
The largest temple in Prague, St. Vitus Cathedral, mixes classic Gothic architecture with Neo-Gothic features. It creates a stunning sight for visitors from all over the world. It really is one of those places to visit in Prague in 1 day.
It’s an important place for religion and royalty, as it’s the most important church in all Czech Republic. Furthermore, it is also part of the Prague Castle complex. Definitely a must see!
Golden Lane
Golden Lane is an old street, located in the heart of Prague Castle. This road was built in the 16th century to house guard soldiers. Nowadays, it’s one of the prettiest streets of Prague. Its small houses, all painted in bright colors, win the hearts of all tourists.
Trdelnik Prague : try a local delicacy
After this visit, it’s time for a sweet break… If you’re a bit curious about Prague’s culinary specialities, we highly recommend trying a trdelnik roll as an afternoon snack.
Trdelník is a kind of spit cake that is made from rolled dough. Then, it’s wrapped around a stick, grilled to perfection before being topped off with sugar or other toppings like chocolate chips… Eating a trdelník is definitely among the top 10 must do in Prague!
Letna Park
Take your snack to the nearby Letna Park to chill a bit after all this walking… This huge green oasis in the city stretches along the left bank of the Vltava River, from Kinský garden to the Holešovic cave.
This area has been a popular destination for locals and tourists looking for a peaceful city break. It’s ideally located high up on the edge of the historic attractions. The Letna Park truly offers scenic views on the bustling city and the beautiful Vltava River.
Kasarna Karlín
To reach the Kasarna Karlín, you will need to cross the Vltava River again. In the past, this barrack was a military basement where battalions marched. Today, this is a cultural and alternative center.
This courtyard is now home to everything visitors could dream of : a bar, panoramic tower, campfire, beach volleyball court, art gallery… This former military pool is now a cafe and the garages have been transformed into a concert hall. Very dreamy, right?
One night in Prague
Where should you go when the night falls in the city of a hundred spires? The night and day in Prague are two very different city experiences. When the sun sets and the moon shows up, it feels like a new part of the city is awakening and revealing itself.
At nightfall, the illuminated bridges give off an atmosphere of serenity and relaxation while the many bars call for a party. This cheerful contrast attracts tourists from all over the world every year. To soak in this cool atmosphere, here are the best bars in Prague.
Bar Cobra
Cobra Bar is a trendy and fashionable spot in the Holešovice district. It’s located in an industrial neighborhood that is turning into a hot spot in town. Cobra used to be a gambling bar with slot machines but is now a well decorated bar where the youth meet!
Cobra is a place where you can have affordable cocktails as well as fresh beers. You can dance to the sounds of live DJ sets and eat delicious food until 10pm. Note that it’s only a nice place to have a cafe during the day, or a brunch on weekends 😉
T-Anker
Because you can’t visit a new city without seeing it from a rooftop at some point, here we go… T-Anker is the perfect spot for beer lovers and scenic view enthusiasts alike. It’s wonderfully located in Namesti Republiky, the Old Town of Prague.
Its terrace provides an unparalleled panoramic perspective of this vibrant city; you can even spot the Prague Castle from your seat! The drinking experience is also good as you can choose from over 40 different beers from around the world.
However, you should note that this is not a late night bar, but rather a sunset bar. It closes at 10 PM. But if you want to continue your evening, it won’t be too difficult to find another bar in the area. The next one on the list could definitely be the one…
Harley’s Prague
You’re looking for a place that serves up delicious cocktails and great rock music? Look no further than Harley’s Bar in central Prague. This bar has some of the best drinks around, as well as an awesome playlist to match every mood!
Harley’s really has everything you can expect from an underground bar : a dark but cool atmosphere, great drinks, alternative people and music that will keep you awake until the early morning. Or at least, until the bar closes at around 6 AM.
Prague Travel Tips
From where to eat to how to get around the city, when you should visit or how safe Prague really is… You will find everything you need to know for your one day in Prague in this section.
Where to eat in Prague?
Naplavka Farmers Market
The Naplavka Farmers Market has an amazing selection of food and drink for any mood. You can find local delicacies and fresh products, such as seasonal fruits, vegetables, bread, cheese…
It’s located right by the river, which means that when the weather permits, you can sit outside enjoying our meal while taking advantage of stunning views and live music!
Yes, this place has everything you could ask for a nice lunch. This market is only open on Saturdays, from 8 AM to 2 PM. If you happen to spend a Sunday in Prague, don’t worry, there are still plenty of other places to go to.
Restaurant Mlýnec
If you would like to treat yourself with a nice meal, this restaurant is considered by some people as the finest one in town. This contemporary decorated spot offers modern local dishes but also international cuisine.
It has large windows so you can admire the city while eating. If you’re a jazz lover, note that they host jazz live events pretty often!
U Fleku
U Fleku is much more than the most famous pub in Prague. Where to start? Well, it has eight separate dining halls slinging out traditional Czech dishes, Bohemian specialties and local beer.
The local beer comes from the U Fleku brewery, and has been brewed continuously for over 500 years! Pretty mad, right? But there is more… The place itself is an architectural marvel, with its arches and high ceilings. I think you got it by now, but you simply can’t leave Prague without having been to U Fleku.
How to get to Prague?
Spending a day in Prague is very accessible from a lot of big European cities as it’s very central. For instance, you can reach Prague from Brussels or Budapest in a few hours for as little as $18 USD (16€).
This proximity and cheap buses make a one day trip to Prague very accessible to anyone! You can also take trains or planes if you live further away.
How to get around Prague?
There are many ways to get around Prague, but the most popular one is… on foot. All the noteworthy attractions are within walking distance. Plus, there’s a certain beauty that cannot be seen from public transport.
To visit Prague in one day and have the most authentic experience possible, you should try to see all areas with your own two eyes. You’ll be able to create more memories of your trip this way.
However, there’s also a great public transport system with buses, tram and subway lines. The Metro A is the one used by most tourists. It stops in all the cool areas or attractions and a 24-hour pass costs as little as $4.90 USD. It operates from 5 AM to midnight.
To get to the city center from the airport of Prague, you will need to take bus 119 to Nádraží Veleslavín metro station and then the green line will take you straight to the city center.
Is Prague safe?
Prague is extremely safe, even for solo travelers. Most locals mind their business and don’t really care whether you’re a tourist or not. As in all cities, you should always be careful with your belongings in public transport and you shouldn’t go out alone at night in areas you have never been to.
When to visit Prague?
The best time to visit Prague is in the spring and early fall when you can enjoy warm weather, fewer crowds of tourists and cheaper hotel rates because there’s less demand. The summer months see higher room occupancy – meaning that hotels raise their prices accordingly!
But don’t worry too much about the time of your visit. Even if you have a rainy day in Prague, you will have a lot of fun as many activities happen indoors! There is a cute bar or coffee at every street corner.
Is Prague expensive?
Be reassured right away: you won’t need to break your wallet to have a nice day tour in Prague. The cost per day in Prague is low compared to most European capitals. The low average a backpacker would spend for a day in Prague is 900 CZK ($40 USD or 36€).
It includes approximately 400 CZK ($17 USD or 16€) for a dorm in a hostel, 160 CZK ($7 USD or 6.50€) per meal and 120 CZK ($5.30 USD or 4.90€) for an unlimited one day public transport pass.
Day trips near Prague
If you’re staying more than one day in Czech Republic and wish to visit other places near the capital, there are many easy day trips near Prague. You can travel in time and visit cities with amazing castles, but also take a breath of fresh air in stunning national parks.
Cesky Krumlov
The most famous one day trip from Prague is Cesky Krumlov. It is one of the most visited cities in the country and one of the most well preserved walled towns of Europe. One factor that doesn’t lie : its old town is a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Most buildings of Cesky Krumlov were built in the 14th century. Its castle complex includes 40 buildings of all kinds, all more beautiful than the others. You also have a very nice viewpoint on the river Vltava.
It’s most likely that you didn’t rent a car during your stay in Prague. But don’t worry about it : Cesky Krumlov is easily reachable by train or bus from the capital. There’s one direct train per day departing from Praha Hlavni Nadrazi and arriving at Cesky Krumlov.
The train journey lasts 2 hours and 47 minutes and costs around 300 CZK ($12,65 USD or 12€). However, the bus is quicker and cheaper. It takes 2 hours and a half and costs 200 CZK ($8.4 USD or 8€).
Bohemian and Saxon Switzerland National Parks
You’re looking for nature day trips from Prague? Prague’s surroundings are home to two stunning national parks called Bohemian and Saxon Switzerland national parks.
Their names are quite confusing, let us explain. The Bohemian Switzerland National Park is located in the north-west of Czech Republic. The Saxon Switzerland National Park is part of the eastern German state of Saxony.
None of those parks are located in Switzerland, but they reminded people of the Swiss Alps… And we totally get why! Those vast landscapes are very picturesque. It’s a real paradise for hikers, who will first be mesmerized by the wonderful natural shapes of big sandstone pillars.
But it doesn’t stop there! Those national parks have much more in store for curious visitors, such as waterfalls, gorges, scenic hiking paths and viewpoints. Both can be reached in around one hour and a half by car.
✔️ Those parks are big and having some guidance will save you lots of time. Viator has one excellent Bohemian and Saxon Switzerland National Park day trip from Prague. You’ll get to immerse yourself in nature fully, with a gondola boat trip on the river and a wonderful hike.
This tour is also very convenient as they come pick you up at your hotel and drop you off at the end of the day. Lunch is also included so you really have nothing else to worry about than to enjoy your day!
It’s up to you if you would rather learn more about the history or the nature of the country. In both ways, one thing is for sure: there are plenty of amazing day trips around Prague.
One day in Prague: the wrap up
Did we convince you to take a one way ticket to Prague? Haha, that’s the Prague effect! The city itself is an amazing playground for history and architecture lovers. And if you wish to reconnect with nature, there are huge national parks only a few miles away.
If you liked Prague, you must also visit the fascinating nearby city of Budapest, the capital of Hungary. You’ll need 2 days in Budapest to visit it all, but only two minutes to fall in love with the city.
