| July 1st, 2023 | No comments

If you’re planning a tour of central Europe with your significant other or a group of friends, a 3 day weekend in Prague should be at the top of your itinerary.

Aside from being the largest and most populated city in the Czech Republic, Prague has fascinating history. It’s home to medieval castles, underground pubs, hearty cuisine and windy cobblestone streets.

There is also a lot to see and do in Prague all year round. Wander through twinkling Christmas Markets in December or relax at an outdoor beer garden in summer. See the sun rise and set over the Charles Bridge or enjoy a cocktail at a chic café or lounge. Winter or summer, the season in Prague it doesn’t matter – you’re bound to fall in love with this romantic city.

How to spend a weekend in prague - charles bridge at night

There is SO much to do, in fact, that we think a weekend in Prague is the absolute minimal amount of time you should spend in this amazing city.

You probably don’t need any more convincing, but Prague is also one of the most affordable destinations in Europe, which means you can vacation lavishly for less. We LOVE that a pint of beer at a typical pub costs less than bottle of water.

Anyway, if you are in a rush and only have 3 days in Prague before it’s time to move on, we constructed a perfect guide for you. Check out our recommendations for lodging, dining, and all the sites you should not miss during your getaway.

We hope you enjoy your weekend in Prague as much as we have enjoyed living here for the past three years. Let us know if you have any questions in the comments section!

Some of our selections contain affiliate links. These allow us to earn a small percentage every time you make a booking. Using our links enables us to provide all the information found on this site free of charge.

How to Spend a Weekend in Prague 

A Free Walking Tour of Old Town & New Town

things to do in Prague Explore Mala Strana

Did we mention that Prague is heavy on history? Seriously, there is so much to see around both Old Town and New Town. That’s why we recommend a 3 or 4 hour walking tour as the best way to cover ground and learn about the history and local legends surrounding the sites, landmarks, and architecture.

Some of the most notable attractions in Prague’s Old Town include the astronomical clock, Old Town Square, the Estates Theater, and the Jewish Quarter. Make sure to visit them all!

Tip: There are plenty of free walking tours in Prague, but it’s encouraged to tip the guide at the end of the tour. Not sure what to give? We recommend giving as much as you feel the tour was worth. Don’t forget to adjust for the number of people in your party.

If you rather do a more comprehensive and private tour check out this option!

Walk Across the Charles Bridge

things to do in prague - things to do in prague for a first time visitor

It’s not a trip to Prague unless you’ve walked along the Medieval bridge that crosses the Vltava river. Built in 1357, the Charles Bridge is flanked by two Gothic bridge towers and lined with stunning sculptures, each with their own unique history and symbolism. The oldest statue is of the martyr Saint John of Nepomuk, who was thrown off the bridge in 1393 by King Wenceslas IV.

The Charles Bridge can get pretty crowded with tourists and street vendors so if you want to take some beautiful photos, it’s best to head over there early in the morning at sunrise or in the late hours of the night.

Explore Prague Castle

travel guides Czech Republic

According to the Guinness Book of World Records, Prague Castle is the world’s biggest Medieval castle complex. A trip to Prague castle should be at the top of your Prague bucket list for a million and one reasons. Aside from marveling at one of the most historically significant structures in the country (there are layers upon layers of history to explore here).

The most remarkable structure on the grounds is St. Vitus Cathedral. You can spend days gazing upon this cathedral and still not be able to take in every single detail in the ornate carvings and rich stained glass windows. Head to Prague Castle in the morning and plan to spend at least three hours there.

If you want more details, check out our comprehensive guide to visiting Prague Castle.

Climb to the Top of Petrin Tower

how to spend a weekend in prague - petrin park in spring

For the most stunning views of Prague, we highly recommend Petrin Tower. Built in 1891 as part of the Jubilee Exhibition, it was designed to be Prague’s mini version of the Eiffel Tower.

The tower is situated on Petrin Hill, an open park with romantic rose gardens, lush greenery, and benches that are perfect for people watching.

You can hike up the hill to reach Petrin Tower or take the funicular. Either route offers incredible views, but you should consider taking the funicular up and hiking down. Once you get there, you can pay a small entrance fee of 150 Kč to climb the 299 steps to the top of the lookout tower.

Escape the Crowds at Vysehrad

When it’s time to escape the masses of tourists, make a stop at Vyšehrad, which literally translates to “high castle” in Czech. Founded in the 10th century, this magnificent fortress was once home to Bohemian princes and kings. Nowadays, it’s a beautiful park that overlooks the Vltava river, where locals come to picnic, relax and enjoy the wonderful views.

On the complex, you can visit the Basilica of St. Peter and St. Paul, a neo-Gothic church with double spires, vaulted ceilings and stained glass. The most striking aspect of the church is its interior. The walls, pillars and ceilings are decorated with Gothic and art nouveau ornamental paintings

Enjoy a Beer at Letná Beer Garden

letna beer garden prague

You don’t need to be a connoisseur to enjoy a refreshing Pilsner at the best beer garden in Prague. Overlooking Old Town and the Vltava river, Letná Beer Garden in Prague 7 is a hot destination for both locals and tourists.

Choose from a variety of great Czech beers (like Pilsner, Gambrinus, and Kozel) and grab a seat at one of the hundreds of picnic tables shaded by leafy chestnut trees. If you’re hungry, you can also purchase light snacks or a heavy (and deliciously greasy) Czech klobása.

Letná is open throughout the summer and most of autumn depending on the weather. If you managed to hit all the major spots in Prague and have time to spend, we recommend strolling through the park to take in your surroundings.

Catch a Show at the National Theater

Prague National Theater

The National Theater is one of the most important cultural and historical monuments in Prague. Built in the 19th-century, the neo-Renaissance structure is as exquisite on the inside as it is on the outside, with ornate gold embellishments and painted ceilings.

If you’re a lover of the performance arts or just want an excuse to dress up, we highly recommend buying tickets to one of the many famous operas, ballets or plays. The prices are really affordable and the shows offer subtitles in English and Czech. You can also schedule a guided tour of the theater to learn more about its architecture and history.

Visit One of Prague’s Great Museums

Prague has a bunch of great museums that will surely keep you busy for hours, if not days. Have a look at our article on some of the best museums in Prague to find the perfect museums to visit during your weekend in this beautiful city!

Where to Eat in Prague

vegan food in Prague

Café Savoy

Café Savoy is the perfect place for brunch, lunch or dinner. Housed in a grand art nouveau building, this classy restaurant/café is famous for its restored high ornate ceilings and charming wood interior. If you want a French culinary experience in Prague, this is the spot. The menu offers a fusion of gourmet Czech and French cuisine with an excellent wine menu for pairing. If you’re really hungry or don’t know what to choose (because everything looks amazing!), opt for the chef’s tasting menu.

Ginger & Fred Restaurant

Overlooking the Vltava River is the Dancing House, a twirling glass and concrete structure with a deconstructivist style. At the top of this unique building, you’ll find the Ginger & Fred restaurant (named after Fred Astair & Ginger Rogers- the famous dancing duo). It has a modern interior, panoramic views of the city, and a crystal chandelier hanging above the dining room. The menu is creative international cuisine, with an emphasis on French dishes and fresh local ingredients.

If you’re planning to dine on a Friday or Saturday night, it’s best to make a reservation ahead of time. You can call the restaurant or make an online booking.

Lokal

Lokal is one of the most popular gastropubs in Prague among locals and tourists. With five locations spread out across the city, you don’t have to travel far to enjoy their creative spin on traditional Czech cuisine. The long dining halls are often rumbling with conversation and the traditional menu features everything from pickled camembert cheese to beef tartar and goulash.

Eska

Located in the hipster Karlin neighborhood, Eska is a restaurant and bakery with an industrial-vibe and a modern take on Czech gastronomy. On weekend mornings, you can enjoy an incredible brunch with fresh baked bread, and in the evenings it’s the perfect spot to enjoy a creative spin on classic Czech dishes like roasted duck and red cabbage. And unlike other traditional Czech eateries, it places an emphasis on vegetable dishes.

Where to Stay in Prague

Alchymist Luxury Hotel in Prague

There is no shortage of beautiful hotels in Prague. Whether you prefer to stay in the historic district of Old Town or the trendy Vinohrady neighborhood, you can find countless hotels with amenities ranging from gorgeous views to restaurants and wellness spas.

Golden Star Hotel

Housed in a beautiful Baroque building, Golden Star Hotel is one of the best boutique hotels in Prague. The gorgeous interior features a 270-year old staircase, vaulted ceilings, and panoramic views of the breathtaking historic area. All of the sophisticated rooms have hardwood floors, flat-screen TVs and designer furnishings. There’s also a chic restaurant serving traditional Czech and international cuisines. Click here for more info.

Pytloun Boutique Hotel Prague

Situated in Wenceslas Square, Pytloun Boutique Hotel is a modern boutique hotel with an industrial vibe. If you’re looking to be in the center of the shopping district, this accommodation is the best choice. The sleek rooms come with flat-screen TVs, Nespresso machines, and en-suite bathrooms. They also have luxury touches such as whirlpool tubs and marble counters for ultimate relaxation. On the third floor, there’s a chic restaurant with wood-beamed ceilings, serving tapas and Czech cuisine. You can also enjoy a tasty breakfast buffet included in the cost. Click here for more info.

Alchymist Grand Hotel & Spa

If you’re looking to splurge on a luxury accommodation, Alchymist Grand Hotel & Spa is one of the finest hotels in Prague. Situated in the historic area, this upscale hotel is housed in a 16th-century landmark Baroque building. All of the refined rooms are decorated with ornate furnishings, luxe bedding, and marble bathrooms. If you want an escape, look no further than the posh spa and health club located within the hotel’s 11th-century cellars. You can also indulge on complimentary wine and cheese tastings. Click here for more info.

For more Prague hotel options have a look at our guide to the best hotels in Prague.

If you are looking for hostels check out our huge guide to the best Prague hostels.

There you have it guys, our guide for a weekend in Prague, the Czech Republic’s most famous city. We hope your 3 days in Prague gives you a taste of all that this magical city has to offer- and give you a reason to come back for more.

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Weekend in Prague - Planning on spending the weekend in Prague? This 3 day Prague itinerary gives you the best things to do in Prague for a short trip. Click here to see the best of Prague Czech Republic! #prague #czechrepublic #europeantravel #travel #europe

 

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Written by Luke Van Moorleghem

Originally from a small town in Wisconsin, Luke has traveled extensively, using Central Europe as a base for the majority of the last decade. He prefers to spend his time teaching, writing, and performing comedy. He currently lives in Philadelphia.

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