1-Day Prague Itinerary: The Best of Prague in 24 Hours by Locals
What can you do in Prague in one day? Although having only 24 hours to explore the capital of the Czech Republic seems like a short time, it is still possible to visit most of the top attractions. Read our travel guide, including must-visit places, and tips on how to get around, and where to stay.
We always knew that Prague, the capital of the Czech Republic, was exceptional. We've been living in the city on and off for the past decade, and even though we already know almost every nook and we walked almost every street in the historical center, we are still constantly amazed by the beauty of the city of hundred spires.
Medieval architecture, river slithering through the city, churches, cobblestone streets, Prague Castle, Charles Bridge, parks, museums, and great food.
No wonder that Prague recently became one of the most popular travel destinations in Europe and no wonder that the word about its top attractions has spread, and Prague is nowadays a must-visit place.
The great thing about visiting Prague is that travelers can either plan the trip solely around the capital of Czechia and stay here for several days, but it is also possible to make a short trip to Prague as a part of the bigger journey around Europe and head to cities such as Vienna or Budapest the next day.
Although it is for sure better to have several days for exploring Prague, we know it is not often possible. But even a short time spent in this beautiful city is better than nothing.
That's why we have decided to create this travel guide for those of you pressed for time.
For those of you, who have only 24 hours to see the best Prague has to offer, and for all of you who are looking for an answer on what are the best things to do in Prague in one day.
Thankfully, Prague, especially the historical part which features the top sights and must-see attractions, is very compact, and it is easy to get around on foot or by using convenient public transport.
If you are looking for a piece of advice from locals and want to know how to spend 24 hours in Prague, you've come to the right place.
In only one day we will show you the best of Prague, all must-visit Prague’s attractions, and we will make sure you won't miss a thing.
WHERE TO STAY IN PRAGUE
But first things first. If you have only one day for exploring Prague, you should choose your accommodation for a night carefully.
Even though the city has a very reliable public transport, having only 24 hours means one thing.
You should spend commuting as little time as possible.
Therefore we recommend you to find a hostel or hotel in the city center as even here you have a chance to find a place which suits every budget, plus you will have all the must-see things in walking distance.
We've handpicked the best three hotels in the center of Prague for every type of traveler.
Budget | Miss Sophie's Downtown - This stylish hotel has a perfect location, clean and well-furnished rooms, and the price-quality ratio is hard to beat. If this hotel is available for your dates, do not hesitate and make a booking.
Mid-range | Motel One Prague - Florentinum - Design hotel in the center features comfortable rooms and tasty breakfast. It is a chain, so if you travel extensively, you might know what to expect when choosing this brand.
Luxury | Four Seasons Hotel Prague - You will hardly find a hotel with a more prestigious location. Sitting on a riverbank, overlooking Charles Bridge and Prague Castle, this hotel is for sure the best place to stay, in case you have enough cash in your pocket.
HOW TO GET AROUND PRAGUE
As you have only one day for exploring Prague, your time management must be as effective as possible.
Luckily, getting around Prague is easy, and public transport is intuitive enough.
The most important thing is to stay close to either metro or tram lines, and then it is only up to you whether you will decide to use it or you will get everywhere on foot.
All three metro lines, A, B, and C run through the city center, and there is also a large selection of tram lines as well (the most popular tourist tram line is number 22, which will take you to most of the major sights).
To get around Prague efficiently, we recommend you to read our post How to get around Prague or How to use the metro in Prague, and for sure do not forget to download IDOS App (free), where you will find all connections and timetables.
Travel Insurance
We never leave home without travel insurance that was designed to cover our expenses if something goes wrong during the trip.
Travel insurance protects against theft, flight delays, injury, illness, cancellations, and much more.
World Nomads provides travel insurance for travelers to cover their trip essentials, including sports and adventure activities.
SafetyWing is affordable travel insurance for backpackers, long-term travelers, and digital nomads.
Travel smarter and safer!
PRAGUE IN ONE DAY - WHAT TO SEE AND DO
In our travel guide, we will show you the best of Prague in only one day. Be ready that this 24-hour itinerary is pretty packed but perfectly doable, though 3-Day Prague itinerary would be definitely more relaxed.
We've created this travel guide according to our travel style, which means that usually when pressed for time, we want to see as much as we can, and we do not sit in the restaurants for long.
To be honest, we usually just grab some meal on the go as we do not want to miss anything out.
One day is for sure not enough to visit Prague's museums, but unless you are a huge museum fan, we promise you, that you will have a great time. But in case you want to experience Prague more leisurely, no worries.
Just choose attractions which interest you the most out of the list, and spend the rest of your day in one of Prague's top restaurants or coffee houses.
PRAGUE ONE DAY ITINERARY
We guess you would have done it anyway, but we will rather write it down. As you have only one day in Prague, get up as early as you can to start the sightseeing.
WENCESLAS SQUARE
Start your day at Wenceslas Square.
This is the main square in Prague, and in general in the Czech Republic. Also, this is a place where locals gather when something is going on (either like protests or celebrations).
Surprisingly, Wenceslas Square does not look like a typical Czech square (like the one you find for example in Ostrava) at all, it is rather a huge boulevard.
NATIONAL MUSEUM
The square is lined with hotels, restaurants, buildings, and shops, but the top sight here is at the top of the square.
You will find here the National Museum where the major renovation just finished, so you can go inside, see exhibitions, and even buy a ticket to a cupola, from where you will have an amazing view over Wenceslas Square.
Even though you do not want to go inside the museum, climb a couple of stairs as from the entrance you will have perfect views as well.
Also, when you will be in this part of the square, you will notice an equestrian statue of St. Wenceslas, a patron of Czech lands.
HEAD OF FRANZ KAFKA
Then go down to the bottom of Wenceslas Square, and while walking, notice small architectural details on the buildings.
When at the bottom of Wenceslas Square, turn left and walk 400 meters to Head of Franz Kafka which is a rotating sculpture, and one of a few examples of modern architecture in Prague.
This attraction has been pretty popular recently, so all day long you will meet here tourists waiting for the statue to move.
Head of Franz Kafka is only a few steps away from Narodni (a street known for protests against the communist regime in 1989), and shopping mall My.
REPUBLIC SQUARE
From here, walk back to the Wenceslas Square (you can walk via Charvatova Street around Skoda Palace and via Franciscan Gardens), and via street Na Prikope (a large shopping boulevard), you will get to Republic Square.
This square is home to iconic Powder Gate, Municipal House, National Bank, and a famous shopping mall with tourists, Palladium.
You do not need to spend here much time unless you want to go inside go inside Municipal House and explore its interiors.
During Easter and Christmas, Republic Square is one of those places where you can find markets.
From Republic Square continue via Celetna Street to Old Town Square.
OLD TOWN SQUARE
Old Town Square is one of Prague's true gems, and it is a place you unmistakably have to visit, no matter how much time you have. The square is famous for several things.
ASTRONOMICAL CLOCK
First, there is the Astronomical Clock, a medieval marvel, the oldest still working astronomical clock in the world.
Between 9 AM and 11 PM, every hour on an hour, you can watch the parade of twelve apostles - when looking up, do not forget to watch your belongings.
Except for the Astronomical Clock, do not miss Old Town Hall, St. Nicholas Church, Church of our Lady Before Tyn, Jan Hus Memorial or Kinsky Palace.
Old Town Square is also a place where the famous Prague Christmas Markets take place from the end of November till the beginning of January.
PARIZSKA STREET
Furthermore, Old Town Square mouth into Parizska Street, which is the most expensive street in Prague.
And even if you travel on a budget or just do not plan on spending thousands of dollars, walk this way to get to Prague Jewish Quarter.
PRAGUE JEWISH QUARTER
Prague Jewish Quarter feature synagogues, cemeteries, and you will learn here more about the history when this part of the city was separated from the un-Jewish part of Prague.
There are several ticket options to choose from, and it is only up to you how long you would like to spend here. One of the best ways to learn more about this place is to go on a Prague Jewish Quarter Tour.
CHARLES BRIDGE
From Jewish Quarter carry on for a few minutes, and you will finally get to the water.
Vltava River is slithering through the city and is for sure one of the reasons why is Prague so picturesque and photogenic.
Turn left, and soon you will see the jewel crown of Prague, Charles Bridge.
This iconic bridge is also a must-visit sight, so you cannot expect to be here just by yourself - read avoid crowds while traveling.
But to be honest, we were quite surprised how the bridge was crowded during the summer and even winter after we returned from our travels around South America and Canada.
The only time when Charles Bridge is somewhat empty is before sunrise, and then later at night.
But if you are well prepared and know what to expect, we are sure you will enjoy the walk across the bridge.
Charles Bridge has two towers at each side and is lined with statues. Take your time and enjoy the iconic views of Vltava River, architecture, and Prague Castle perched on the top of the hill.
PRAGUE CASTLE
It is easy to get to Prague Castle after you cross Charles Bridge. We've written a post on How to get to Prague Castle, but if you follow our itinerary, it is quite straightforward.
The cobblestone streets will lead you uphill, and shortly you will arrive in front of the Prague Castle area.
ST. VITUS CATHEDRAL
The dominant here is St. Vitus Cathedral, but the Prague Castle has much more to offer, and according to our experience, we would reserve at least two hours for exploring this beautiful place.
The views from Prague Castle are breathtaking, and we love coming here later in the evening during winter when there are not that many people around, and just wait for the city to lit up.
Prague in winter is wonderful, and there are fewer tourists, so it's not a bad time to arrive here at all.
If you like guided tours, you can consider taking a Prague Castle Tour with a local guide.
After visiting Prague Castle you have two options on how to carry on.
PRAGUE'S PARKS
In case you are in shape or want to stay fit while traveling, you might squeeze both places in your itinerary, but on the other hand, we want to make sure, that you will make it through, so this is totally up to you.
Both the following suggestions are parks, and we believe you will appreciate spending some time surrounded by greenery.
First, you can head to Letna Park, one of the most popular parks among locals in Prague who come here to leisurely walk around, jog, or have a picnic. And why is this place worth visiting?
LETNA PARK
Well, from Letna Park you can take that iconic photo of Vltava River and several bridges over the river. It is definitely one of our favorite viewpoints in Prague.
If you've decided to visit Letna Park, then later walk down the hill in the direction to the river, and it would be best if you could get to tram stop Cechuv Most as from here you can catch a tram number 17 which goes to Vyton, a jumping off point for visiting Vysehrad.
NATIONAL THEATRE
On the way we recommend you to break the journey, get off at Narodni station, and take a quick photo of National Theatre which is significant for Czech history, and apart from that is absolutely breathtaking.
PETRIN HILL
In case you are not intrigued by Letna Park, another place to visit we can recommend you is Petrin Hill.
On the top of Petrin Hill is sitting Petrin Tower resembling Eiffel Tower in an only much smaller scale.
It is a short walk from Prague Castle to get to the tower, and from here you can either walk down on foot downhill or take a cable car which is integrated into the Prague public transport system.
DANCING HOUSE
Either way, you will get to Ujezd, where you should catch tram number 9 going to Narodni Station.
Get off here, enjoy the views of National Theatre, and once done, continue your journey by tram number 17 to Vyton, from where it is easy enough to visit Vysehrad.
Of course, it is possible to walk along the waterfront, walk past the famous Dancing House, and get to Vysehrad on foot, but you will see how you feel and what time it is.
VYSEHRAD
Vysehrad is one of our favorite places in Prague as we live nearby, and we often come to jog here.
The former fortress is nowadays a pretty park featuring Basilica of St. Peter and St. Paul, many statues, Rotunda of St. Martin, vineyards, cemetery, but the main reason to come here are the wonderful views of Prague.
We also like that Vysehrad is very rarely crowded in winter, so it will give you a break from the busy city, and it’s pleasant to visit in summer (and have a picnic or just sit on a bench with a book).
And on top of that, there is no entrance fee to Vysehrad. By the way, here is the list of 15 Free Things to Do in Prague.
VLTAVA RIVER CRUISE
Now, you are almost done with your one-day Prague itinerary. If you still have some energy left, we believe you must be quite hungry.
Even though Prague has many great restaurants, taking into account that you did not have that much time to soak the atmosphere, we think we might have one more ace in the sleeve.
In the evening we recommend you to join a Prague Sightseeing Dinner Cruise, which is among the most popular activities in Prague with travelers.
And if you want to celebrate the day with dinner AND music, look at this super popular Prague Jazz Boat.
First of all the tour includes dinner, and second of all, you will enjoy the hard to beat atmosphere and wonderful views of Prague at night.
And that's it. Even though it might seem there is a lot to see and do in one day (and we agree), you will see yourself that Prague is very compact and visitors-friendly.
So don't worry; you will have plenty of time to see the best attractions in less than 24 hours.
However, if you have only 24-hours for exploring Prague, we think it is better to plan your visit for summer months, as you will have plenty of daylight as the days are longer than in winter.
If you are still looking for more inspiration, you may explore some amazing places in Czechia with this guide on 9 best day trips from Prague.
Travel Resources
Here you can find links to all the travel resources we use and which you might find helpful when planning your next holiday.
Accommodation: When looking for accommodation, we usually search hotels via Booking.com or Hostelworld.
Tours: Although we love to travel independently, some places are better to visit with a guided tour.
We prefer GetYourGuide for its easy-to-use interface and solid reputation. Another great alternative is Viator.
Rental Cars: When going on a road trip, we always use Rentalcars.com, a reliable site for booking a rental car in advance.
Get Around: Buses and trains are an affordable way to get around the Czech Republic. Regiojet offers clean and modern buses and trains with all the amenities.
Flight Tickets: When looking for flight tickets, you can search Skyscanner to find the best price.
Travel Insurance: World Nomads and SafetyWing cover against risks of travel.
