Prague will always be a bit of home for me. I enjoyed living here from late 2018 to mid-2021. It’s about time to share more about it, starting with a perfect day in Prague. Prague is a fairly small city, but has more than enough to offer. I would recommend spending at least 3 days there, to get a bit of the local experience as well. But if you only have 1 day, here are the highlights for a day in Prague. Stay tuned, because a city guide with many more tips will follow soon!

Late morning: explore Prague’s old town

After breakfast and possibly a visit to the towers of Charles Bridge, it’s time to explore Prague’s Old Town. Stroll through the narrow streets and enjoy the beautiful buildings.

The highlight of the Old Town is undoubtedly Old Town Square (Staroměstské náměstí), with its famous Astronomical Clock. The clock was installed in 1410, making it the 3rd oldest astronomical clock in the world but the oldest astronomical clock still in operation. Every hour, the clock goes off, and some puppets (the apostles) dance around. Hordes of tourists gather in front of the clock for this, but I don’t recommend waiting in line for too long, the clock itself is more impressive than the show. You can climb the tower again, for around €12. And again, you get 50% discount between 9 and 10 in the morning.

There’s plenty to see in this square, including 2 churches, the famous viewpoint from U Prince roof top bar (provided you order an incredibly overpriced drink, though) and a wide collection of museums. If the weather is bad, I can definitely recommend the illusion museum!

Continue walking around Prague’s Old Town streets, with coloured houses and many more impressive buildings. For example, you will also come across the famous Strahof Library, which many say is one of the most beautiful libraries in the world.

Bad weather options:

Is the weather bad? Then, of course, you just want to go somewhere inside. In addition to the towers and library, there are more than enough museums, including the National Museum, where you can spend hours wandering around. But there are also more unique experiences, like a famous beer spa. This is something you’ll only find in the Czech Republic. Beer is incredibly healthy for your skin and hair, and you get your own tap next to your beer bath, which also allows you to drink some delicious beers. A beer spa in Prague is a unique local experience. 

Afternoon: Prague castle

After lunch, it’s time to head higher up. Prague is built on hills, which makes for a whole collection of beautiful viewpoints. Several of these can be found around Prague Castle, which is of course built on the highest hill. For that alone, a visit to the castle is worthwhile. But the castle itself in of course also one of the highlights in Prague.

You can see the surroundings for free. You do have to go through a check, but to get to the castle you don’t have to pay anything yet. Entrance to Prague Castle is about €10 (+ €2 if you want to take photos inside) which also allows you to visit the Golden Lane. An old street where castle guards and goldsmiths used to live, hence the name. It is a cute little street with coloured houses, but inside it is a museum with mostly weapons and the history of castle guards. You can also check out some of the old houses and see how these people used to live.

Dinner

For dinner, I would again recommend leaving the city centre if you want to keep it cheap. But there are plenty of options around the castle, of course. For typical Czech food, you can go to Kuchyň, one of the most popular restaurants in the city, with views over Prague.

For vegetarian Czech food, Vegan’s Prague is the place to be. In a normal Czech restaurant, you won’t be happy as a vegetarian. They often think chicken is vegetarian and your only other option is fried cheese. At this restaurant, you’ll find the classics, like goulash, but vegetarian.

Outside the city centre you will find Narodni Pivovar, one of my favourites. This is a local brewery with Czech restaurant. Or go for an American-style burger restaurant at Sad Man’s Tongue, with delicious cocktails and the biggest selection of veg burgers I’ve ever seen.

Evening: sunset in Letna

My favourite place in Prague is Letna park and then specifically all the viewpoints. You can walk along the edge of the park, which of course is again on a hill. This will take you past several viewpoints for a beautiful sunset over the river. Eventually, you’ll end up at the cosiest beer garden in Prague, Letna beergarden. Especially on a nice summer evening, the place is packed, especially with locals and expats. A drink and the fantastic view are a perfect end to a day in Prague.