One Day in Prague: How to Spend 24 Hours in Prague

Prague is one of those cities. There’s something magical about the Czech capital. Maybe it’s the way it seems to be frozen in time, with its medieval castles and winding cobblestone streets. Or maybe it’s the rich history and culture, which you can see in everything from the gothic architecture to the art.

Whatever the reason, Prague is easily one of my favourite European cities to visit. I’ve spent one day in Prague, I’ve spent three days in Prague, and I’ve spent five days in Prague – the next time I visit it’ll likely be for a week!

Whether you’re a history buff, a foodie, or a lover of all things art and culture, you’ll find plenty to keep you busy during your stay. And even though it’s a large city, it’s easy to get around and see a lot in just one day.

But… first thing’s first. Some important stuff to cover. If you prefer to skip right to the one day in Prague itinerary, click here.

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Where exactly is Prague

Situated in central Europe, Prague is the capital of the Czech Republic. It’s located about halfway between Berlin and Vienna, making it a great city to add to your European bucket list if you’re already visiting other nearby destinations.

Prague is also quite easy to get to, with plenty of flight options from the Americas, Asia and Europe. You can check out various routes to Prague here.

If you’re already in Europe, however, I highly recommend taking a train. I’ve taken the train from Budapest to Prague, and it’s a beautiful journey through some stunning scenery.

Where to stay in Prague

If you want to be near the all the action, the Old Town is the best area to stay in Prague. This is where you’ll find most of the city’s historic landmarks and tourist attractions, as well as plenty of restaurants, cafes and bars.

For a bit of luxury: The Grand Mark Prague

Want to stay in a 17th century palace right in the heart of Old Town Prague? The Grand Mark Prague is a five star luxury hotel offering its guests nothing short of royal treatment.

From the moment you step into the lobby you’ll feel like royalty. The rooms are just as opulent, the gardens are beautiful (you might even spot some rabbits and peacocks roaming about), and the views of Prague are unbeatable.

Middle of the road: Miss Sophie’s Downtown

A quirky but modern hotel located right by Prague’s main train station, Miss Sophie’s Downtown is a great option for those who want to be centrally located without spending a fortune.

The rooms are simple but stylish, and some even come with balconies or terraces overlooking the busy streets below. This hotel is just 15 minutes’ walk from Old Town and 25 minutes’ walk to Prague Castle.

To save the pennies: The Roadhouse Hostel

Perfect for solo travellers on a budget looking for a fun and social place to stay, The Roadhouse is located right in the city center.

This hostel is all about giving its guests an authentic experience. Hang out in the shared lounge or outdoor terrace, and enjoy game night in the evenings. The rooms are clean and comfortable, and you’ll make plenty of friends here.

When to visit Prague

There is no bad time to visit Prague really – the city is beautiful in every season.

My last visit was during autumn and while we did have a few days of sunshine, when it rained, it rained heavily! It didn’t really matter to us but we planned around the wetter days.

Spring and summer are obviously the best times to visit Prague if you want to enjoy the city’s many parks and outdoor attractions. However, these are also the busiest times of year so accommodation prices will be higher and popular attractions will have longer lines.

But, if you don’t mind the cold you should visit Prague in December. Wintertime in Prague is truly magical. The air is crisp and cold, the Christmas markets are in full swing and the mulled wine and gingerbread fills the air. It’s literally a fairytale come to life.

How to get around Prague

Prague is an incredibly walkable city, and there’s no better way to explore than on foot. The city is relatively small and compact, and most major attractions are within walking distance of each other (so make sure you’ve got your comfortable shoes!).

If you prefer not to walk, there are plenty public transport options – the tram is the most common in Prague (be careful… they stop for no-one!).

The trams also go to the outer areas of Prague. We headed out of Prague to do an incredible segway tour (fyi segways are no longer allowed in the city centre).

Uber is also used a lot in Prague and we found them to be cheaper than taxis (or at least the taxi who brought us from the airport who charged us around $45 (instead of $20 which is what it cost going back to the airport).

Prague: Need to know

• Make sure you have travel insurance before you go. I can’t stress this enough. I actually had a fall while in Prague (a pretty funny one but it still hurt!). Get a free quote here.
• The currency used in the Czech Republic is the Czech Koruna. I suggest having a little currency with you for tips, etc, but for the most part I just used by Revolute App to pay for everything (no fees whoop!)
• Bring a power adaptor with you if you’re not coming from Europe – they use the three pin adapter there. I always just carry a universal power adapter so I’m covered everywhere I go.
• If you’re staying in Prague for more than a day and want to see a lot of the sights, pre-book a Prague City Card for discounts and skip the queues

Ready to spend one day in Prague? Feel free to use my one day Prague itinerary to give you a little inspiration.

One Day In Prague Map

Old Town Square (Staromestske Namesti)

Many of Prague’s must see attractions are located in Old Town Square, making it the perfect place to start your day.

The first thing you’ll notice when you arrive is the stunning Astronomical Clock, which has been ticking since 1410. Every hour on the hour, a crowd gathers to watch as the clock comes to life and chimes. This 15th century clock is the oldest astronomical clock still in operation.

Nearby, you’ll find the Old Town Hall. The hall was built in the 14th century and is one of the oldest gothic buildings in Prague. You can take a tour of the hall to learn more about Czech history, or simply admire its beautiful exterior.

In the centre of the square, you’ll see a monument to Jan Hus, a 15th century religious reformer who was burned at the stake for his beliefs. The statue, which dates back to 1915, is a tribute to Hus and all of those who have fought for religious freedom.

Other notable landmarks in Old Town Square include Church of Our Lady Before Tyn, St. Nicholas’ Church, the Stone Bell House and Kinsky Palace.

Grab a Chimney Cake for Breakfast

Chimney cake, or trdelnik, is a traditional Czech pastry that’s made by wrapping dough around a stick, then roasting it over an open flame. The pastry is then rolled in sugar and cinnamon, and served warm with ice cream, chocolate sauce, fruit – basically anything your heart desires!

They even have savoury options now, which are equally as delicious (there’s even a mac & cheese chimney!). Trust me, you’ll want to start your day with one of these!

I was incredibly excited to find Good Food Coffee & Bakery near Charles Bridge because they had GLUTEN FREE chimney cakes!! Honestly I was jumping around like a little kid in excitement… They even had lactose free sorbet me.

I may or may not have have more than one. Oops!

If you’re not gluten free, or simply don’t fancy a chimney cake for breakfast (weirdo!), grab yourself a coffee and get ready for our next stop…

Stroll over Charles Bridge

After you’ve had your fill of chimney cake, it’s time to walk off those calories with a stroll across Charles Bridge. This bridge, named after the emperor Charles IV, is one of Prague’s most famous attractions and iconic landmarks, and is always bustling with tourists and locals alike.

You’ll find stalls selling paintings, jewellery, caricatures (I sooo wanted one!) and other souvenirs along the way. And if you’re feeling energetic, climb up to the top of the bridge tower for a birds eye view of the bridge in all its glory.

Make sure to take your time crossing the bridge so that you can admire the 30 statues that line it, as well as the stunning views of Prague Castle and the Vltava River.

A night stroll will give you an entirely different perspective, with everything lit up like a fairytale.

John Lennon Wall

Love is all you need, right?

The John Lennon Wall is located in the Mala Strana district of Prague and is a must see for anyone, especially if you’re a Beatles fan. This wall started out as an anti-communism symbol during the 1980s, but has since become a symbol of peace and love.

It’s covered in graffiti, paintings and beautiful quotes, making for some great photo opportunities. The wall is constantly changing, so you never know what you’ll find when you visit.

Take a wander into the Artiseme behind the wall and browse for souvenirs. If you buy something there you get a free coffee! I’m not a coffee drinker but my friend said it was the best coffee she had while in Prague!

Prague Castle

The Prague Castle complex is made up of a number of buildings, including St. Vitus Cathedral, Old Royal Palace, Golden Lane, as well as numerous gardens. It’s the largest coherent castle complex in the world and is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

If you want to explore the ancient castle complex in depth, I recommend buying a ticket that includes a guided tour. This will give you access to all of the buildings and gardens, as well as providing you with a wealth of information about the history of Prague Castle.

Check out this Prague castle tour with a local guide which allows you to skip the line.

If you don’t have time for a guided tour, or simply want to explore at your own pace, you can still wander around the complex and admire the stunning medieval architecture and gardens. Just note that some of the buildings will require a separate ticket for entry.

Letna Park

If you need a break from all the sightseeing, Letna Park is the perfect place to relax. This park offers sweeping views of Prague, as well as plenty of green space to lie down in and soak up the sun (if you’re lucky enough to visit on a sunny day!).

There’s also an outdoor beer garden under the shade of a canopy of trees if you fancy grabbing a refreshing Czech beer (FYI there’s a massive beer culture in Prague!). 

Take this opportunity to take some photos of the Vltava River, its many bridges and the city skyline.

Taste local cuisine

Prague is famous for its traditional Czech food, so if you’re a foodie, you’ll want to make sure you try some while you’re there.

I recommend heading back to the Old Town Square for dinner, as there are plenty of restaurants to choose from. If you want something quick and easy, stop by one of the many fast food stands selling sausages and other traditional snacks.

For a sit-down meal, I recommend Lokál, which is a chain of Czech restaurants located across the city. The food is delicious and reasonably priced, and you can wash it down with a pint of Czech beer.

Ghost Tour

Finish the evening with a walking tour around Prague’s Old Town, which is said to be one of the most haunted places in Europe.

You’ll learn about Prague’s dark history from a theatrical guide (if you’re lucky, you’ll get the same guide we had – Gordon!) as you make your way around the Old Town Square and Jewish Quarter.

I can’t recommend this tour enough – it was the highlight of my last visit to Prague.

Got extra time to spend in Prague?

If you’ve got longer than a day in Prague to spend exploring, check out some of these other things to keep you entertained.

• The Dancing House: This unusual shaped building along the Vltava River is one of Prague’s most iconic buildings. It was designed by Frank Gehry and resembles two dancers – which is why it’s also known as Fred & Ginger!
• Wenceslas Square (Vaclavske namesti): This is the main square in Prague and is always a bustling hub of activity. It’s home to some of the cities most popular museums, including the National Museum and the Museum of Communism, as well as the Franz Kafka monument. And if you happen to be there around Christmas, you’ll find one of Prague’s best Christmas markets!
• Municipal House: This is one of Prague’s most beautiful Art Nouveau buildings, and is definitely worth a visit. Take a tour of the interior to see the stunning mosaics, paintings and sculptures, then enjoy a coffee or cake in the café afterwards.
• Day trip to Cesky Krumlov: Located just a couple of hours south of Prague, Cesky Krumlov is a gorgeous medieval town that’s definitely worth a visit if you have more time. You can either get the train from Prague and explore at your own pace, or book a guided tour from Prague (this way you don’t have to organise anything).
• Petrin Hill: For the best views of Prague, head to Petrin Hill. You can either walk or take the funicular railway to the top. Once you’re there, you’ll find a 63 metre tall replica of the Eiffel Tower (Petrin Tower), as well as an observation deck with panoramic views of the city.

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FAQ’s about spending one day in Prague

Ready to spend one day in Prague?

Whether you’re in it for the beautiful architecture, the historical sites or the delicious food and drink, this one day Prague itinerary will help you make the most of your time in this wonderful city.

Have any questions about spending 1 day in Prague? Let me know in the comments below!