Prague in 5 days

A fairy-tale capital where beer is cheaper than water and the architecture tells 1,000 years of story. Best time to visit: April-June and September-October. Average daily budget: $50 to $90 USD.

Day 1, Get oriented

Base: Old Town (Staré Město), Astronomical Clock, Týn Church, medieval lanes. Tourist central but unmissable.

Morning: Charles Bridge at 6am. Before the tour groups arrive. The statues, the mist, the silence.

Afternoon: Explore Old Town (Staré Město), Astronomical Clock, Týn Church, medieval lanes. Tourist central but unmissable.

Evening: Sunset at Letná Park beer garden. Overlooking the river and the old town. Best view in the city, cheap beer.

Eat: Svíčková (braised beef in cream sauce) at Lokál

Day 2, Iconic sights

Base: Lesser Town (Malá Strana), Baroque palaces, gardens, the climb to the castle. Quieter, prettier, more locals.

Morning: Cross Charles Bridge at dawn. The baroque statues and castle backdrop are unbeatable, but only before 8am, after that it's shoulder-to-shoulder. Set an alarm, walk it empty, and have the photo to yourself.

Afternoon: Explore Lesser Town (Malá Strana), Baroque palaces, gardens, the climb to the castle. Quieter, prettier, more locals.

Evening: Prague Castle complex (weekday morning). St Vitus Cathedral, Golden Lane, the views. Book the circuit B ticket.

Eat: Trdelník is for tourists - eat a proper chlebíček (open sandwich) instead

Day 3, Local neighbourhoods

Base: Žižkov, The most pubs per capita in Europe. Cheap, local, slightly edgy.

Morning: Petrin Tower and the mirror maze. A mini Eiffel Tower in a rose garden. Less crowded, great panoramas.

Afternoon: Explore Žižkov, The most pubs per capita in Europe. Cheap, local, slightly edgy.

Evening: Drink in a traditional Czech beer hall. Pilsner is a religion here. Skip the tourist spots for a local pivnice like U Zlatého Tygra, where the waiter just keeps bringing fresh half-litres until you signal stop.

Eat: Pilsner Urquell straight from the tank at one of the tank pubs

Day 4, Day trip or nature

Base: Vinohrady, Beautiful residential area with art nouveau buildings, cafés, and a relaxed vibe.

Morning: The Baroque Library at Strahov Monastery - one of the most beautiful rooms in Europe.. A local favourite most visitors miss, worth the detour.

Afternoon: Explore Vinohrady, Beautiful residential area with art nouveau buildings, cafés, and a relaxed vibe.

Evening: Vyšehrad fortress - the city's original settlement, almost no tourists, stunning cemetery.. A local favourite most visitors miss, worth the detour.

Eat: chimney cake from a street vendor is fine, just know it's not traditional

Day 5, Slow finish

Base: Karlín, The city's coolest food neighbourhood - post-industrial gentrification done right.

Morning: Lennon Wall - constantly repainted graffiti tribute, best visited early morning.. A local favourite most visitors miss, worth the detour.

Afternoon: Explore Karlín, The city's coolest food neighbourhood - post-industrial gentrification done right.

Evening: Kavárna Co Hledá Jméno - hipster café in a converted car workshop in Vršovice.. A local favourite most visitors miss, worth the detour.

Eat: Svíčková (braised beef in cream sauce) at Lokál

Hidden gems

The Baroque Library at Strahov Monastery - one of the most beautiful rooms in Europe.
Vyšehrad fortress - the city's original settlement, almost no tourists, stunning cemetery.
Lennon Wall - constantly repainted graffiti tribute, best visited early morning.
Kavárna Co Hledá Jméno - hipster café in a converted car workshop in Vršovice.

Getting around

Walk the centre - it's compact and gorgeous. Buy a 24-hour transit pass for tram rides up the hills. The metro is fast but you'll miss the city above ground.

Safety

Very safe. Pickpockets operate on Charles Bridge and in the Old Town Square. Avoid dodgy exchange booths - use ATMs or reputable exchange offices. Solo travellers are common and comfortable.

Prague in 3 days | Prague in 7 days | Full Prague guide