Congratulations, you’re planning a trip to Prague, the best city in the world! I’m Taylor, your friendly American in Prague, and I’m here to share with you precisely how to spend 3 days in Prague this Spring.
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Background on Prague
Prague is the capital of the Czech Republic and is an incredibly unique city. With its fairytale-like architecture, it has charm and authenticity like no other! Having been occupied by both Nazi Germany and Soviet Russia, Prague has an interesting and unique history that contributes to its character.
One of the reasons Prague’s architecture is so well-preserved is that it was mostly untouched during World War II, unlike some cities in nearby countries which faced considerable destruction. This means you can see many distinct styles of architecture throughout Prague such as Romanesque, Gothic, and Renaissance, and truly feel transported back in time. At the same time, Prague is also a very modern city with a lot of museums, restaurants, cafes, bars, and so much more.
Prague is an attractive destination to travelers because it is less expensive compared to many other European cities. So, things like accommodation, activities, and food are more budget-friendly. Even in the tourist center, a classic Czech meal with a beer will only cost you about $13 USD. And don’t even get me started on Czech food!
Where to stay in Prague
If you haven’t already booked your accommodation, let me give you some recommendations for where to stay during your 3 days in Prague this Spring. Prague is divided into districts, with the lower numbers being closest to the city center. For this reason, I recommend staying in Prague 1 so you are close to the primary attractions you will want to visit. There are two main areas in Prague 1, Staré Město (Old Town) and Malá Strana (Lesser Town). In my opinion, Malá Strana feels more authentic.
Hotel Paris Prague⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
- Gorgeous hotel built in the early 1900s in Neo-Gothic style with an unbeatable location
Hotel Pod Věží⭐⭐⭐⭐
- Lovely hotel ideally located right at the end of Charles Bridge offering delicious breakfast
- My mom and stepdad stayed here when they visited me a few years ago and loved it
Majestic Plaza Hotel Prague⭐⭐⭐⭐
- Elegant hotel in a quieter area near Wenceslas Square with two restaurants
- Trendy hotel a few minutes walk from Old Town Square and right by a metro station
- A women’s-only hostel with dormitory and double rooms
How to get around Prague
The best way to get around Prague is by using the super well-connected public transport system. I recommend downloading the app PID Lítačka and purchasing tickets there, just be sure to click ‘activate’ before getting on your ride. Otherwise, you can buy tickets in stations or on most trams and buses. Bolt (and Uber, but Bolt is better) are also available in the city.
Is Spring a good time to visit Prague?
Spring is truly a wonderful time to visit Prague! The weather is getting warmer (between high 40s to high 60s) and the crowds are smaller. There generally isn’t that much rain in Prague, but the weather during Spring can be somewhat unpredictable so be sure to pack layers and an umbrella. Prague has a great balance of indoor and outdoor sites, so whatever the weather you will have plenty to do. You can count on me that 3 days in Prague this Spring will your a dream trip.
Is 3 days enough time in Prague?
Three days is an ideal amount of time to visit and get a taste of Prague, especially if it’s your first time. Prague is a relatively small city with reliable public transport, so tourists are able to see a lot in just a few days. Many people visit Prague while on a longer Europe trip, but if you are taking a dedicated trip to Prague there is plenty to do for a week or more. You can also consider taking a day trip to nearby towns such as Karlovy Vary or Český Krumlov!
How to spend 3 days in Prague this Spring
Day 1
It’s time to spend 3 days in Prague this Spring! Arrive in Prague either by plane at Václav Havel Airport or train at Praha hlavní nádraží in the morning and drop off your luggage at your hotel. Now it’s time to kick things off, and be sure to wear comfortable shoes because you are going to be doing a lot of walking! Also, make sure to grab a quick bite to eat somewhere like Bageterie Boulevard, a fast-food sandwich shop all over Prague.
Head over to Prague’s Old Town Square (staroměstské náměstí), the jewel of the city. The square and its surrounding maze-like streets are the city’s historical center and a bustling hub of activity, so you definitely don’t want to miss it. It’s a place to sightsee and soak in the atmosphere! While in Old Town Square, be sure to see the famous Astronomical Clock, however the procession which occurs every hour from 9AM to 11PM is kind of meh.
Next, head to the Klemintinum. The Klemintinum is a historical building which hosts the Czech National Library including the stunning Baroque library hall. This place isn’t commonly on Prague 3-day itineraries, but as someone who lives in the city I can tell you it’s so worth it. The one thing you need to know, though, is that it’s absolutely essential to book tickets in advance.
After an hour-long tour of the Klemintinum, it’s time to cross Charles Bridge into Malá Strana, also known as Lesser Town. Malá Strana is probably my favorite of Prague because it has such an authentic feel. During the Middle Ages it was the center of ethnic Germans living in Prague. While in Malá Strana be sure to stop at the Lennon Wall, a famous and colorful wall dating back to the 1980s, originally used as a place to express dissatisfaction with the communist regime.
For your final activity of the day, head up Petřín Hill to Petřín Lookout Tower, a structure based on the Eiffel Tower in Paris. The primary ways to get up the hill are to walk (but it’s quite tiring), to take a bus, or to take an Uber/Bolt. There used to be a funicular as well, but it’s under construction until 2026. I definitely recommend getting a ticket to go up Petřín Lookout Tower for an incredible view of Prague.
Last but not least, head to your accommodation to freshen up and grab some dinner at one of these Czech eateries: Obecní Dům, U Medvídků, U Parlamentu.
Day 2
Wake up bright and early to get a head start on your first full day in Prague! This morning will be spent exploring the Prague Castle complex. Prague Castle is the largest coherent castle complex in the world, and no visit to Prague is complete without spending a few hours there. It’s not essential that you buy tickets in advance but definitely make sure that you won’t have to wait in a long line when you arrive. If you’re a history buff like me, even consider going on a few hour tour. Otherwise, be sure to hit these hot spots: St. Vitus Cathedral, Old Royal Palace, Basilic of St. George and Golden Lane.
After you’ve gotten your castle fix, have lunch at Lore Malastrana and head to Waldstein Garden (open April-October). Arguably my favorite outdoor area in Prague, this gorgeous baroque garden connected to Waldstein Palace, which today is the seat of the Czech Senate. This garden boasts gorgeous fountains and statues, as well as a large pond with koi. And don’t forget to keep an eye out for the white peacocks! I hope you’re ready for a drink, because next up is to take a tour of the Staropramen Brewery. Beer is a huge part of Czech culture, and this interactive brewery tour will teach you all about the history of Staropramen, a traditional Czech beer. At the end of the tour you will also be provided with four different types of beer to taste!
Before dinner, you will go to see one of Prague’s highlights: the Dancing House (Tančící dům). The Dancing House is a hotel, restaurant, and bar, but attracts tourists for its unique exterior and terrace. To go on to the terrace you need to purchase a drink (alcoholic or non-alcoholic) or pay a 100 CZK ($4.20 USD) entrance fee. For dinner I recommend Kantyna (if you eat meat) and if you’re feeling up for it afterward you should consider enjoying Prague’s arts scene and catch a show! Here are some I recommend: The Best of Swan Lake Ballet, Classical Concert at Mirror Chapel, and Classical Concert in the Spanish Synagogue.
Day 3
It’s your last day in Prague, but you still need to make the most of it! This morning you will head to my favorite building, the Žižkov TV Tower, an incredibly distinctive building towering over Prague. It’s actually known as one of the ugliest buildings in the world!
It was first built in the 1980s as a communist broadcasting tower, but wasn’t ever used for that purpose. In 2000, the Czech sculptor David Černý added 10 six-foot baby sculptures on the side of the tower. I highly recommend going up the tower if you have the time (300 CZK or $12.60 USD entry fee), but it’s worth it even just to see.
🧳If you need somewhere to drop your bags for the day after checking out of your accommodation, consider Radical Storage. Radical Storage has locations all over Prague and is a safe and affordable way to store your bags so you don’t have to lug them around with you. It only costs €5/bag per day!
Afterwards you should explore one of the city’s most beautiful parks, Grébovka (Havlíčkovy sady). One of the reasons I love living in Prague so much is because it’s such a green city! In Grébovka be sure to spot the Grotta Cave, a manmade, three-story cave first built in the 1800s. Within the park there is also a vineyard attached to a gazebo wine bar and restaurant, however I haven’t tried it (yet).
Have some lunch at one of my favorite spots, Červený Jelen, then make your way to the Museum of Communism. After World War II, Czechoslovakia was part of the communist regime, only breaking away in 1989. The Museum of Communism details this history and what life was like in the country during this time. If you have any extra time before your flight, I recommend visiting Na Příkopě and Pařížská Street, two of the best shopping streets in the city.
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There you have it! Now you know exactly how to spend 3 days in Prague this Spring. Have a wonderful time, and be sure to check out my other Prague articles for even more things to do:
Rainy Day in Prague? Here Are 15 Dry Activities (From an American Living in Prague)
16 Best FREE Things To Do in Prague (Plus Insights From A Local)