3 Days in Prague: Itinerary and Travel Guide
After spending some time in Togo, Ghana, and Rwanda, I spotted a super cheap flight from Rwanda to Prague. It was the perfect opportunity to squeeze in a European stop before heading to Paris. It was one of those spontaneous travel detours that just worked out.
Table of Summary
Arrival & First Impressions
Where to Stay in Prague
Day 1: Old Town & Charles Bridge
Day 2: Exploring Beyond the Center
Day 3: Modern Meets Classic
Food & Drinks to Try
Fun Facts About Prague
Things I Wish I Did
Final Thoughts
Travel Resources for Prague
Arrival & First Impressions
Getting into Prague was a breeze. The airport had an Uber kiosk where you just type in your info, and minutes later, your ride is waiting right outside the door. Probably one of the smoothest airport arrivals I’ve ever had.
After checking into our Airbnb and changing, we went for a downtown stroll to get our bearings. My first impression? Colorful, vibrant, and very walkable. Every corner felt like it could be on a postcard.
Where to Stay in Prague
One of the best things about Prague is how walkable it is, so no matter where you stay, you’ll likely be within easy reach of the main attractions.
Prague Neighborhood Map
Here are a few areas to consider:
Old Town (Staré Město): Perfect if it’s your first time in Prague and you want to be in the middle of the action. You’ll be steps away from the Astronomical Clock, Charles Bridge, and lots of cafés. (Note: it can get busy and a bit noisy at night.)
Lesser Town (Mala Strana): A quieter, more charming neighborhood just across the river. Great for cobblestone streets, Baroque buildings, and easy access to Prague Castle and Wallenstein Garden.
New Town (Nové Město): Trendier and more modern, with lots of restaurants, shopping, and nightlife around Wenceslas Square. Still walkable to Old Town.
Vinohrady: A little outside the tourist center, but popular with locals and expats. Known for leafy streets, wine bars, and a more relaxed vibe.
A lil tip: I stayed in an Airbnb during my trip, which made it easy to explore different parts of the city. But if I go back, I’d probably try a boutique hotel in Lesser Town for that fairy-tale vibe.
Day 1: Old Town & Charles Bridge
The next morning started on a sweeter note: coffee and pastries at Paul, my favorite French bakery chain that somehow finds its way into every European city I visit.
We started in Old Town Square, the heart of Prague, where Gothic and Baroque buildings surround you on all sides. The star of the show definitely was the Astronomical Clock. Installed in 1410, it’s the oldest working clock of its kind in the world. Every hour, hundreds of people (tourists like me) gather to watch the “Walk of the Apostles”, a short performance that once served as the city’s main form of entertainment. Today, it’s less of a grand spectacle and more of a fun tradition, but still one of those must-see moments as you wander the square and soak in the architecture.
After a peaceful early brunch at Les Gourmands, we joined a guided walking tour via Viator, which was the perfect way to explore Prague’s layered history without having to plan out every stop myself.
The route took us through Old Town and into the Jewish Quarter, with highlights like the Old-New Synagogue (Europe’s oldest active synagogue). This is also the neighborhood where Franz Kafka, Prague’s most famous writer, grew up, and his presence is still felt in the small plaques and statues tucked around the streets.
From there, we crossed the iconic Charles Bridge, lined with baroque statues and alive with artists and musicians. The view from the bridge might just be one of Prague’s best—the skyline of pastel buildings reflecting over the Vltava River is straight out of a painting.
The tour wrapped up at the vibrant John Lennon Wall, where locals began painting peace messages after Lennon’s death in 1980. The wall is constantly changing with new graffiti but always represents freedom, peace, and youthful expression.
Some other honorable mentions worth calling out:
The Estates Theatre – where Mozart himself conducted the premiere of Don Giovanni in 1787 (ICONIC).
Charles University – founded in 1348, making it the oldest university in Central Europe. Famous alumni include Franz Kafka, and even Albert Einstein lectured here in the early 1900s.
We ended the night with traditional Czech cuisine at Lokál and, naturally, a pint of Czech beer. If there’s one thing to know about Prague, it’s that every meal comes with beer on the side. 🍺
Day 2: Exploring Beyond the Center
For our second day, we slowed the pace and explored Lesser Town (Mala Strana). We began at St. Nicholas Church, a Baroque masterpiece with an interior that’s as grand as it gets. The best part? You can climb the 215 steps up its bell tower for sweeping views over Lesser Town’s red rooftops, Prague Castle, and even the Charles Bridge in the distance. It’s a climb worth making for one of the best panoramas in the city.
The next stop was Prague Castle, one of the city’s most iconic landmarks. The complex is massive, with palaces, courtyards, and gardens that spill beyond the castle walls. It’s also one of the busiest spots in Prague, so expect big crowds and long wait times. My tip: wear your comfiest walking shoes—the cobblestone paths are gorgeous but unforgiving.
You could easily spend an entire day here if you want to explore every corner in detail. Even if you don’t, the mix of history, architecture, and sweeping views makes it clear why this place gets so much praise.
Day 3: Modern Meets Classic
For our last full day in Prague, we leaned into the city’s modern side while still soaking up a few timeless classics.
We began at the Waldstein Garden, home to sculptures, grotto walls, and plenty of free-roaming peacocks. I felt like a kid watching them strut around, and spotting the elusive albino peacock (said to bring good luck) made the visit even more magical.
From there, we headed to Manifesto Market, one of Prague’s coolest food hubs. The vibe is trendy yet relaxed, with diverse cuisines from all over the world. We shared Brazilian steak and sipped on Aperol spritzes on the rooftop terrace, exactly the kind of place that makes you want to linger.
Next was the striking Kafka Head sculpture, a massive mirrored bust that rotates in sections, reflecting Prague’s mix of history and futurism. Just a short walk away, the iconic Dancing House awaited—Prague’s “building mid-twirl.” Its rooftop bar is worth the stop for panoramic views over the Vltava River.
To balance all that modern energy, we slipped into the Klementinum Library, often called one of the most beautiful libraries in the world. For a bookworm like me, stepping inside felt like a dream. Right nearby, we found a cozy beer garden for a little “tappy moment” (tipsy + happy), the perfect Prague pause.
As the sun set, we took the funicular up to Petřín Hill. At the top, we climbed the Petřín Tower for sweeping city views before wandering into the whimsical Grotta cave. Our final cultural stop was the Strahov Library & Monastery, a space so ornate it felt like stepping straight into a Renaissance painting. Between the frescoed ceilings, gilded details, and shelves stacked with centuries-old books, it was nothing short of breathtaking.
We closed the trip with one last dinner and drinks, soaking in Prague’s lively yet laid-back atmosphere. It was the perfect way to wrap up three unforgettable days in the city.
Food & Drinks to Try in Prague
Pilsner, Czech beer is practically a cultural institution.
Dumplings with meat, hearty and filling, best paired with beer.
Trdelník, a rolled pastry that is touristy, but fun to try.
Perníčkův Sen (Gingerbread shop), for something sweet and traditional.
Bars to check out: Green Devil’s Bar, Anonymous Shrink’s Office (a speakeasy), Terasa U Prince (rooftop sunset views).
Fun Facts About Sprague
Beer is cheaper than water. The Czech Republic has the highest beer consumption per person in the world.
The Astronomical Clock in Old Town Square has been ticking since 1410, making it one of the oldest working clocks in the world.
Prague Castle holds the title of the largest ancient castle complex in the world.
You can spot a giant rotating Franz Kafka (often called the father of modern fiction) head sculpture made of shiny layers that move independently.
If you want to get extra quirky, Prague even has a beer spa, where you literally soak in beer while sipping a pint.
Nicknamed the “City of a Hundred Spires.”
The Strahov Library is often called one of the most beautiful libraries in the world.
Things I Wish I Did, but could not fit it in my itinerary.
Relax at a beer spa.
Do a river cruise at sunset.
Explore the Municipal Library more thoroughly.
Try Kellyxír, a cocktail bar with a chemistry theme.
Final Thoughts
Prague is one of those cities that feels both timeless and alive. Between the Gothic churches, peaceful gardens, quirky modern art, and flowing beer, it is a destination that really does have a little bit of everything.
Would I go back? Most likely not. While i enjoyed taking cute pictures in the Prague streets, I’m not sure I felt comfortable as a black person there and unfortunatley, Prague is officially entering the list of my least favorite countries. That beer spa is definitely calling my name, so i hope to find a different european country that offers that.
Travel Resources for Prague
Planning your own trip to Prague? Here are some helpful resources I recommend:
Where to Stay: Browse boutique hotels or Airbnbs in Old Town or Lesser Town for the best mix of charm and convenience.
Flights: I use tools like Skyscanner and Google Flights to find affordable routes into Prague.
Tours & Experiences: Book walking tours, food tastings, or even the famous beer spa through GetYourGuide or Viator.
Food & Drink Tours: Explore Prague’s food culture with a guided beer-and-dumpling tasting or rooftop bar crawl.
Getting Around: Rideshares like Uber work really well from the airport to the city center.