Prague is a European city with an incredibly magical atmosphere and gorgeous medieval architecture. The Czech Republic’s capital city is one of the most popular cities for tourists to visit in Eastern Europe, and it is surely on many people’s bucket lists!
Nicknamed “the City of a Hundred Spires,” Prague is known for its Old Town Square, the heart of its historic core, with colorful baroque buildings, Gothic churches, the Vltava River, and the medieval Astronomical Clock, which gives an animated hourly show. Prague has an epic history that has produced a city full of beauty, stunning Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque era buildings, and majestic squares.
To really see this amazing city, it’s best to plan to visit for four to five days. This will allow you to see all the main sites and get a sense of the city’s culture. Plus you’ll have time to go on a day trip or two since there are many amazing cities close to Prague!
Are you ready to plan a trip to Prague? Don’t forget to contact your TierOne Travel Consultant!
Read on to learn about our Prague itinerary that has the must-visit places, top activities, and other tips for your travels in the capital of the Czech Republic, as well as where to explore outside of the city!
Getting to Prague
Most major airlines can get you from Canada to Prague. Usually, you will have to put up with a layover, but the long flights will be so worth it to be able to explore Prague. You will most likely fly into Václav Havel Airport, the international airport of Prague.
These long flights also give you more of an excuse to extend your holiday to explore more of Europe!
Entry Requirements for Canadians
Canadians don’t need a visa to visit the Czech Republic for stays up to 90 days in any 180-day period.
COVID-19 Requirements
There are no longer any coronavirus restrictions for entry into the Czech Republic, but make sure you are aware of the COVID-19 requirements for the airline you fly with.
Getting Around
It is very easy and affordable to get around Prague, with the metro and trams being some of your best methods of transportation.
Metro
Getting around Prague by public transport is very affordable. Tourists in Prague will most likely use normal paper tickets, which must be validated before you enter public transport. The price of tickets depends on how long you plan on using public transport. The options are :
- 30-minute ticket
- 90-minute ticket
- 24-hour ticket
- 72-hour ticket
Trams
The tram network within Prague city center is excellent, and once you are in the historical part, we recommend you to travel between top sights by tram. The most touristy trams which will take you to Prague’s highlights are tram numbers 9 and 22, and they run very frequently.
Weather
Spring
Spring is beautiful in Prague! The weather is mild and the summer tourists have yet to arrive, making it one of the best times to visit. In the months of March and April, Prague is covered in a spectacle of beautiful pink and white hues of cherry blossom and magnolia trees!
Summer
In summer the weather is dry and sunny, which makes for a great sightseeing atmosphere. But this is also the busiest time for tourists, so book in advance!
Fall
Autumn is another desirable time to visit Prague. The weather isn’t too hot or too cold, but plan to pack warmer clothes just in case. Autumn is not nearly as popular as summer, but it is still a great time to visit. During September, October, and November, Prague becomes more colorful with the leaves on the trees turning beautiful shades of yellow, orange, and red.
Winter
If you don’t mind colder weather, then Prague in the wintertime is a beautiful time to visit. However, there are perks since the city is practically free of tourists! Winter weather in Prague is cold, often below freezing. Snow is possible in the months of December, January, and February.
Note that December is one of Prague’s busier months thanks to the holiday decor and celebrations.
Must-See Landmarks in Prague
Prague Castle
As an ancient symbol of the Czech State and the most significant Czech monument, Prague Castle is a must-visit for any traveler who finds themself in Prague. This UNESCO World Heritage site is open to the public, and its architectural marvels and historical importance attract over a million visitors annually. According to the Guinness Book of World Records, Prague Castle is the largest coherent castle complex in the world!
This is a super popular attraction in Prague, so make sure to book your tickets online in advance!
Walk Across The Charles Bridge
Charles Bridge is one of the most famous sights in Prague, and rightfully so. Not only is this medieval building one of the most beautiful bridges in the world, but it is a charming historical sight full of not only tourists but also various artists, painters, and musicians. You can’t say you’ve been to Prague without walking across this iconic bridge!
Old Town Square
The most significant square of historical Prague, the Old Town Square was founded in the 12th century and has been witness to many historical events. The tower of the Old Town Hall was completed in 1364, and at that time it was the tallest structure in the city. The tower is open to the public and its observation deck offers amazing views of Old Town Square. The square is one of the greatest tourist attractions in the Czech capital. It is almost impossible to miss it while visiting Prague.
Here are some other sights to see in the square:
- The Old Town Hall
- The Church of Our Lady before Týn
- The Baroque Church of St Nicholas
- The Rococo Kinský Palace
- The Gothic House at the Stone Bell
- A monument to Jan Hus
- The highlight of the square is the famous Prague Astronomical Clock
Astronomical Clock
The famous Prague Astronomical Clock, (a.k.a. Orloj) is a medieval astronomical clock mounted on the Old Town Hall and shows the current position of selected celestial objects. The lower part of the Orloj is a calendar dial and shows the current day on a beautiful dial.
Jewish Quarter
The Jewish Quarter in Prague is located between Old Town Square and the Vltava River. The Jewish quarter is the best-preserved complex of historical Jewish monuments in the whole of Europe. The area has a fascinating and tragic history that is worth learning about. Today, the must-see historical monuments in the Jewish Quarter include the Old-New Synagogue, the Jewish Museum and the Old Jewish Cemetery.
St. Vitus Cathedral
St. Vitus Cathedral is the largest and the most important church in Prague. Take a self-guided tour inside the most incredible cathedral in Prague and discover all its hidden secrets! St. Vitus Cathedral is enormous and exploring it in its entirety might seem overwhelming to first-time visitors. To make it easier to get around and learn about the building you can book guided tours or an audio guide tour.
Wenceslas Square
Wenceslas Square is the main square in Prague. However, it is not a typical square you would expect to find in the Czech capital. Instead of a square shape, Wenceslas Square is more of a boulevard full of shops, focusing on various products from fashion to technologies. Find stores alongside the whole square, including a couple of bookstores, souvenir shops, coffee shops, fast food, and restaurants.
National Museum
The National Museum is the largest museum in the Czech Republic. It covers a range of artifacts from natural science to social sciences. Visit one of the most modern natural history exhibitions in Europe with the National Museum’s most famous exhibit, the skeleton of a fin whale, and other 1,500 unique objects.
The museum brings together collections of materials documenting the development of nature, and the history of both Czech and foreign origins. The museum’s exhibits are located in a number of buildings around Prague. The National Museum also offers a range of cultural and educational programs.
Malá Strana
The Malá Strana, or Little Quarter, is one of the most enchanting areas in the capital of the Czech Republic. Explore hidden streets and cobblestone squares, ancient churches, and other unforgettable sights! This area is full of interesting activities and cultural experiences. You’ll most likely walk through this area while walking to Prague Castle.
Powder Tower
The Powder Tower or Powder Gate is a Gothic tower in Prague, Czech Republic. It is one of the original city gates and it separates the Old Town from the New Town. So you will likely pass through it while exploring the city!
Church of our Lady
The Church of Mother of God before Týn, often translated as Church of Our Lady before Týn, is a gorgeous Gothic church and a must-see in the Old Town of Prague, Czech Republic. It has been the main church in this area of the city since the 14th century!
John Lennon Wall
The Lennon Wall or John Lennon Wall is a wall in Prague, Czech Republic. Since the 1980s this wall has been covered with John Lennon-inspired graffiti, lyrics from Beatles’ songs, and other art referencing local and global causes.
Golden Lane
Prague’s Golden Lane is a picturesque street of colorful houses inside the grounds of the Prague Castle, the houses originally served as housing for the castle guards. So if you are visiting the castle you should make time to check out Golden Lane. This cute little lane full of old small houses has now turned into shops and exhibits.
Day Trips From Prague
There are amazing places all over the Czech Republic and a couple of these places are the perfect day trip from Prague.
Kutna Hora
The tiny town of Kutna Hora offers a relaxing experience away from the fast-paced hustle and bustle of Prague. There’s a lot to do here, but thankfully the town is small enough that you can explore it completely on foot.
How to Get There
Some of the best options for getting from Prague to Kutna Hora include guided trips, trains, and buses.
Things To Do
St. Barbara’s Church
Saint Barbara’s Church was under construction for over 500 years and is now a UNESCO World Heritage site. The church offers religious services on Sundays and special holidays, but it’s also open to visitors daily and is a popular venue for concerts and cultural events.
Sedlec Ossuary
While most visitors arrive in Kutna Hora to visit the Sedlec Ossuary, it is better known to locals as “the bone church”. This tiny Catholic chapel is best known for being the final resting place for the bones of somewhere between 40,000 and 70,000 people! One of the most memorable pieces of art inside the Sedlec Ossuary is the big chandelier of bones that lies in the center of the Church of Bones. The huge chandelier contains at least one of every human bone.
Czech Museum of Silver and Medieval Silver Mine
The discovery of silver transformed the little town of Kutna Hora into one of the richest cities in Europe. Explore the rich history of mining and silver minting at this museum. A visit to the Czech Museum of Silver involves two very different experiences.
First, visitors can see exhibits explaining medieval mining techniques and showcasing replicas of original machinery and equipment. Next, you can wear a helmet and headlamp to walk 33 meters down into the Earth to reach an authentic medieval drainage gallery that once led to the now flooded silver mine!
Historic Center
Once you’ve seen the main landmarks in Kutná Hora, spend some time exploring the maze of cobblestone streets that make up the historic center of town. Eat, shop and explore this quaint little town.
Karlovy Vary
Karlovy Vary is a town in Bohemia, in the west of the Czech Republic. It is a very famous spa resort, visited by many celebrities from all over the world. It is also known for the Karlovy Vary International Film Festival, held there every year. Karlovy Vary is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the Czech Republic.
How to Get There
Karlovy Vary is the most famous Czech spa town located only a bit over 120 km away from Prague. It’s easy to get to however you decide to get there. Private cars, trains, buses, some people even bike or walk (if you have the time)!
Things To Do
Karlovy Vary numerous thermal springs have made it a popular resort since the 19th century. The riverside spa district is home to several colonnades with columned walkways. Many visitors come to the town to enjoy wellness treatments or to attend the famous film festival, but fans of regular sightseeing shouldn’t be disappointed, either. The town has quite a few remarkable landmarks and sights.
Spa and Wellness
From thermal baths to The Castle Spa (one of the most beautiful spa centers in Europe) to a Beer Spa. Enjoy unlimited beer during your stay and bath in actual beer! There are many amazing and unique spas to experience here and spending time in one is totally doable during a day trip.
Colonnades
Colonnades are a unique element that is seen throughout the cityscape of Karlovy Vary. Colonnades are a series of columns set at regular intervals and usually supporting the base of a roof structure.
Arbors and Gazebos
Another feature of the cityscape of Karlovy Vary is arbors and gazebos. Several of them are located on the nearby hills and serve as lookouts offering great panoramic views of the town and the region
Diana Observation Tower
Diana Observation Tower is very close to the town center, it is easily accessible by funicular from Grandhotel Pupp. If you would like a workout instead, there are several hiking trails leading there.
The Castle Tower
The Castle Tower is located in the center of the town, not far from the Market Colonnade. The tower is the last remnant of the castle that Charles IV built there in the 14th century. The castle burned down in the 17th century, but the tower survived. Visitors can climb the tower and enjoy a spectacular view of the downtown.
Prague 5-Day Itinerary
The days in this itinerary can be done in any order.
Day One
Start your day on Wenceslas Square, then walk via Na Prikopech Street to Powder Tower and Namesti Republiky (a city square located at the boundary of the Old Town and New Town). From here, head to Old Town Square.
Once you have explored the atmosphere and have seen the Astronomical Clock in action (the clock chimes in every hour and the statues are set in motion in a 45-second show), check out the Church of our Lady which is also in the old town square.
Continue via Parizska Street and eventually, you will come across the old Jewish Quarter, keep an eye out for the statue of Franz Kafka. After you’re done exploring on your own or with a tour, go to the Vltava River waterfront
Here, admire Rudolfinum(a 19th-century venue with concert halls, art gallery, and exhibition spaces), then continue to Klementinum (do a guided tour to see the Baroque library hall, the Meridian Hall, and the Astronomical tower), the National Theatre, and then return back to Wenceslas Square.
Last but not least: in the evening, embark on an unforgettable boat trip while enjoying dinner on board and reminisce about your first day in the city of a hundred spires.
Day Two
Head to the Charles Bridge to beat the crowds and take awesome sunrise pictures. Leave the bridge and turn to Kampa, an island with a museum, a beautiful park, the Lennon Wall, and statues of famous Czech artists.
Once you’re done, walk back, and follow the picturesque Nerudova Street to Prague’s most well-known sights, Prague Castle and Saint Vitus Cathedral. If you plan on going inside and want to see the whole complex, including Golden Lane, and a museum or two, spare at least a couple of hours to enjoy this place to the maximum.
After leaving Prague Castle, head uphill to Strahov Monastery (you can, but don’t have to, go inside), and from here, take a scenic walk via Petrin Hill to Petrin Tower from where you will get lovely views of Prague. After taking in all the views, walk down either on foot or take the cable car.
If you still have time or energy, get from Ujezd (the tram stop at Petrin Hill) to one of the many Prague museums. Take your pick from the Museum of Communism, the Jewish Museum, the Franz Kafka Museum, the National Gallery, the Kampa Museum, or the Beer Museum!
Day Three
Your last full day in Prague! This day will require public transit, so it is a good idea to get a metro pass for this day.
Take this day to either go back to things you might have missed or things you’d love to do again, or simply to just relax! But if you want to see it all, take the time to do some of the things we suggest below.
First, head to Vitkov Hill in the Zizkov area, where you can navigate a network of walking trails, which offers a unique view of almost the entire city. Also, admire the National Monument- a bronze equestrian statue of Jan Žižka.
Keep an eye out for the Zizkov Television Tower. This tower has been called “the second-ugliest building in the world”! For such a beautiful city, it is weird to see the juxtaposition of this odd-looking tower sticking out of gorgeous historic buildings.
Make your way to the Vinohrady area where you will find Riegrovy Sady a gorgeous park. If visiting in the summer, stop at the beer garden for some drinks. In Jiřího z Poděbrad Square you will see one of Prague’s most iconic churches, the Art Nouveau Church of the Most Sacred Heart of Our Lord, which has the largest clock face in the Czech Republic. If you aren’t churched out already, check out Náměstí Míru to admire the neo-Gothic Church of St Ludmila, which hosts some of the city’s best Christmas and Easter markets. This area boasts a great selection of coffee shops and restaurants, so take a break and enjoy your lunch or snack here.
Take the time to visit one of the must-visit places in Prague, Czechia. Vysehrad is an ancient fortification that looms over the Vltava river. Walk around the shady area, with amazing views of the river, beautiful buildings, and old graveyards. Once you have explored Vysehrad, jump on the tram, and get off at the nearby Dancing House, a unique building along the river.
Take a break and later in the afternoon take a metro to Malostranska Station where you can relax for a while in the attached gardens. Walk up Zamecke Schody to enjoy views over Prague and enjoy what is left of your time in this gorgeous city.
Day Four
Day Trip to Karlovy Vary
Arrive early in the morning in Karlovy Vary; it is recommended to arrive at 9 am.
Try to book a spa treatment for some time during this day – we recommend the unique beer bath! Soak in hand-made oak tubs and drink an unlimited amount of beer and homemade bread. What more do you need? Enjoy fun and relaxation for 2 or with a group of friends. Book a time slot will give you an hour to enjoy the bath, beer, and bread.
Time for museums: the Moser Museum of Glass and the Becherovka Museum are great to explore.
Make your way to the Karlovy Vary old city center, and pass by the beautiful Park Colonnade located in a beautiful park. The Park Colonnade is one of this city’s symbols and is an important piece of the city’s history. During summer, the park is filled with flowers and tourists looking for shade.
Walk through the stunning Mill Colonnade; you can even drink water from one of the 5 springs inside Mill Colonnade (be careful, the water is super-hot!) Since you’re only spending one day in Karlovy Vary, we would recommend admiring all of the fabulous colonnades in the town including the beautiful and delicate Market Colonnade.
One of the most interesting attractions that you can visit in Karlovy Vary is the beautiful church of St. Mary Magdalene, located across the river from the Market Colonnade.
For the best views of Karlovy Vary, take the funicular to the sensational Diana Observation Tower. The funicular is located right behind Grand Hotel Pupp. Follow the river until you reach the beautiful Grand Hotel Pupp. For a sweet snack, stop at the restaurant Karlovarske and try a delicious chimney cake.
When heading back to the city, follow the path to the Deer Jump viewpoint. one of the oldest viewpoints in the city. Take a calming walk through the forest and once you reach the Chamois Statue, you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking views of the quaint city you’ve been exploring all day.
To end your day at Karlovy Vary follow the road to St. Peter and Paul Cathedral, the biggest and most important orthodox church in the entire Czech Republic. After this make your way back to the bus or train station and head back to Prague (if you’re using Prague as your home base).
Day Five
Day Trip to Kutna Hora
A day trip from Prague to Kutna Hora is ideal to explore this mining town and its history as one of Europe’s richest towns in the medieval ages. Located about 80 km away from Prague, it takes about an hour and a half to reach the city of Kutná Hora.
The city’s main attractions are the two UNESCO sites that put Kutná Hora on the tourist map – St. Barbara’s Church and the Cathedral of our Lady at Sedlec and the famous Kutna Hora Bone Church (Sedlec Ossuary) all of which are very close to each other.
After the churches, visit the Italian Court and the Czech Silver Museum, which will take you about 3 hours to completely explore. Walk down the main square and find the famous Stone Fountain. If you are on a quick schedule you could easily make this a half-day trip to Kutná Hora, and you will still be able to witness all the major sights in the city.
Prague is an amazing and unforgettable city to visit. You could find something new to discover every single day but we think three full days in Prague is a perfect amount of time to see all the memorable sights plus a couple of extra days for day trips make this a perfect itinerary to explore a lot of what the Czech Republic has to offer.
Must-Have Prague Travel Guides
The Rough Guide to Prague
Experience Prague with the most insightful and enjoyable travel guide available. The Rough Guide to Prague will show you the best places to sleep, dine, drink, relax, and shop along the route, whether you plan to discover the Old Town’s hidden gems, sightsee by tram, or simply sip the best beer in the world. Inside Prague’s Rough Guide – Independent, dependable reviews with options for every budget, written with the signature Rough Guides blend of humor, sincerity, and insight, to help you make the most of your visit.
Get the travel guide here.
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