3 Days In Prague, Czechia
If you’re looking to get your steps in, look no further, Prague is the city for you. The capital city is at a crossroads between preserving its history and becoming more appealing to tourists but whether you visit the old city or a newer sight, it’s clear that Prague is entering a new era. And I’m here for it. Spoiler alert: my real exploring starts on Friday.
Itinerary
Thursday
2 PM: Arrival
I arrived at Prague Dream Hostel a little worse for wear. As soon as my train pulled into the station, it immediately started pouring. Thus, I began my trek through the cobbled streets of Prague with my battered carry-on. Then due to the number of confusing side streets, I found myself ten minutes in the opposite direction and had to backtrack. Feeling defeated, I decided that after a week and a half of travel, and my soaked clothes from the day’s journey, laundry was in order.
4 PM: Get Cozy at McDonald’s
While my laundry was spinning at the hostel, I was in desperate need of a hoodie. Rookie move: always bring a hoodie. So I hauled on over to the nearest Primark and bought the first zip-up I could find. It’s fleece-lined and I still cherish it to this day. The Primark was conveniently located a few stores down from a McDonald’s. I make it a mission to try McDonald’s in every country I visit so I took this as a sign. After the day I had, this was some of the most delicious McDonald’s I’ve had in my life.
St. Vitus Cathedral
Friday
11 AM: Check the time at Old Town Hall
Established in 1338, the Old Town Hall has become an icon of the Czechia. At the end of WWII, the majority of the hall was destroyed but has since been restored and houses a unique astronomical clock. The clock shows four times: central European time, Babylonian time which is the time between sunrise and sunset, star time, and a calendar date. Make sure to get there right before the hour because every hour, between 9 am and 11 pm, 12 apostles appear in the two windows below the roof. Or take a ride to the top of the town hall tower to get a view of the city!
12 PM: Explore Prague Castle
I would have never believed that the largest castle complex in the world is in Czechia, but with over 17 acres of land, Prague Castle has rightly earned the title. The area is free to enter but most historical buildings require an entry ticket. I would recommend purchasing a ticket that allows access to everything. Here you’ll find St. Vitus Cathedral, the Old Royal Palace, Golden Lane, St. George’s Basilica, Rosenberg Palace, and more. If there is one stop you need on your Prague list, I’d make it here.
3:30 PM: Roam with peacocks at Wallenstein Gardens
From April 1st to October 31st, the gardens at Wallenstein Palace are free to visitors. Built in 1630, the garden has everything from Greek statues to a thriving fish pond, and even free-roaming peacocks. Most visitors stumble onto the gardens by accident but I think it’s worth an intentional visit.
4 PM: Vrtba Garden
Nearby is another one of Prague’s beautiful Baroque-style gardens, The Vrtba Garden. The garden has multiple levels, each leading to the highest level which provides a wonderful view of the city. Like the Wallenstein Garden, it is only open from April to the end of October, so make sure to plan accordingly!
Wallenstein Garden
Saturday
12 PM: See the view from the Old Town Bridge Tower
Prague is a city where you walk from place to place just to see different views of the city and this stop is no different. On the Charles Bridge, linking old town Prague to the Malá Strana neighborhood, the Old Town Bridge Tower hosts an unforgettable view. There is a spiral staircase with 138 steps to the top but the effort is well worth the reward.
National Museum
1 PM: John Lennon Wall
Following the death of John Lennon, the stone wall by the Maltese Garden became a memorial with the former Beatle’s face. With art by thirty artists from five countries, the John Lennon Wall is an impromptu symbol of freedom and peace.
1:30 PM: Treat yourself to a chimney cake
Although they come from Hungary, chimney cakes can be found on almost every corner in Prague. And if you have no plan to visit Hungary any time soon, you may as well indulge. A chimney cake, or trdelník, is dough that has been spit-roasted, topped with sugar, and often filled with various treats like fruit, whipped cream, or ice cream. They are admittedly delicious but certainly not Czech.
2 PM: Explore wonders at the National Museum
Like with any good museum, you’re gonna need a few hours. I spent almost an entire hour simply looking at the museum’s crystal collection. The National Museum sits prominently at the head of Wenceslas Square. The architecture alone is breathtaking but the contents and exhibits are, of course, the real attraction. If you have the time, I’d explore it all.
6 PM: Grab a beer
Fun fact, Czechia is the home of the original Pilsner and the first Budweiser. The city is home to over 50 breweries and the country consumes more beer per capita than anywhere else in the world. So find a brewery or pub to round off a quick and thorough trip to Prague.
