One Day Prague Itinerary You’ll Want To Fly
Last updated on August 2, 2022 by Sophie Nadeau
A bustling Czech capital, Prague is a city known for its medieval architecture and lively atmosphere. Popular with all kinds of travelers – young and old, budget and luxury – Prague truly has something for everyone. In this itinerary we suggest how to pass the perfect one day in prague itinerary.
The city is surprisingly walkable, so if you only have one day in the city, you should be able to see all of its highlights. Check out this guide to make the most of your day in Prague and see how much you can pack! For even more inspiration, be sure to check out our top Prague travel tips.
Suggested one-day itinerary in Prague
Take a morning walk in Letna Park
Letna Park (known in Czech as Letenské sady) is a popular place in Prague for tourists and locals, famous for its beautiful views of the city center and the Vltava River. It’s a great place for a morning stroll, before you start your exploration of Prague’s history and culture!
But for locals, Letna Park has a deeper meaning. The country was communist until 1989, when the Velvet Revolution took place throughout Czechoslovakia, which is now the Czech Republic and Slovakia. The largest demonstrations in the whole country took place in this park.
Additionally, there was once a huge statue of Stalin, the Soviet dictator, in Letna Park – it was unveiled in 1955 and was the largest group statue in Europe at the time – but was torn down shortly afterwards , in 1962! Today, the park’s attractions include some of the best views of Old Town Prague and a metronome.
Walk to Prague Castle
From Letna Park you can easily walk to Prague Castle. Dating from 9e century, it is the largest ancient castle in the world! Before leaving, know that you should not expect a Château in the traditional sense of the term. Instead, Prague Castle is a large open space that’s free to wander around, with a few closed spaces that are chargeable.
It has a long history as the seat of Bohemian kings and Holy Roman Emperors, and today it remains the office of the Czech President. This is also the location of the Bohemian Crown Jewels, but they are kept in a hidden chamber!
You can enter the castle and explore its interior (it is possible to pre-book your tickets here in advance to avoid the queues!)or if you don’t want to pay, just take a walk outside and admire incredible views of the city of Prague.
Alternatively, visit local favourite, Jelení Příkop, which is a small park just outside the castle. This is known as ‘Deer Moat’ in Znglish and is something of a hidden gem of Prague. A particular highlight includes a beautiful view of Prague Castle.
Explore the Mala Strana region
Also called Little Quarter, Mala Strana is an idyllic district of Prague. Located just below the palace, it’s famous for its Baroque and Renaissance architecture, and it’s a great place to have a coffee (Café Designum is always popular).
Here you can visit the Church of Saint Nicholas which dates from the beginning of the 18e century, the peaceful Wallenstein Garden and the John Lennon Wall created after his assassination.
Lennon became an inspiration to many young peace-loving Czechs and to this day remains covered in pacifist quotes, Beatles lyrics and graffiti referencing global causes.
There are a few bakeries in the Mala Strana area where you can grab a bite to eat, but St Martin’s is also a popular restaurant, serving tasty Mediterranean-inspired cuisine.
Cross Charles Bridge
Once you’ve fully savored this side of town, it’s time to cross over to see the rest! In Prague, even crossing the river is a unique experience. The historic Charles Bridge (known as ) dates back to 1357 – it was the only way for the people of Prague to cross the river until 1841!
The bridge offers incredible views of Prague Castle. Moreover, it has its own attractions – touching the statue of St. John of Nepomucene is believed to bring you good luck. It’s also usually full of buskers, caricature artists and souvenir vendors. There remains a hubbub of Prague life, just as it was in medieval times!
See the astronomical clock
Another medieval attraction in Prague is the Astronomical Clock in the Old Town Hall, which dates back to 1410 AD. Not only does it tell the time, but you can also see sunrise and sunset times, moon cycles, and old Czech time.
Plus, it’s a great clock to admire and photograph! The medieval Prague clock itself was installed as early as 1410, which means it is the oldest astronomical clock still in operation today and the third oldest such clock in the world. Buy your Prague Astronomy ticket in advance.
Prague Old Town Square
The Astronomical Clock is located in Prague’s Old Town Square, which is the oldest square in the city, dating back to the 12e century! Other spots worth seeing are:
The Church of Our Lady before Týn: One of the most striking Gothic churches in all of Prague. The church dates from the Middle Ages and has been one of the most important churches in Prague since the 14th century.
Rococo Kinsky Palace: Now an art museum, it was once one of Prague’s palaces. The history of the National Gallery building dates back to the mid-18th century and today houses over 13,000 works of art from around the world.
Commemorative stones of Czech lords: These lords were executed in 1621 and their memorial stones are in the center of the square. A total of 27 tombstones are visible in the town square.
Prague Meridian: It was noon when Prague was counting on its own time. Indeed, it was the case for most countries to have their own time and it can be seen in various cities today, notably in the form of the meridian of Paris today.
Explore Wenceslas Square
The heart of the “new” city of Prague (although it dates from the 14e century!) Wenceslas Square is not so much a square as a wide boulevard full of shops, restaurants and bars. Named after the statue of King Wenceslas on horseback, the boulevard was originally used as a horse market around 1348.
Since then it has been a site of protests and demonstrations and remains one of the main places where you can get a glimpse of traditional Czech local life. In Wenceslas Square you will find the National Museum, which is the perfect place to soak up some local history. Plus, the Prague Opera is just around the corner!
For dinner, go to the Francouzska restaurant, located in the municipal building and dating from the 14e century! It is a gourmet restaurant serving French and Czech cuisine. If you prefer to find specific diet options, be sure to check out our guide to the best vegan dishes in Prague.
Take an evening boat cruise
The best way to end your day in Prague is undoubtedly from the water. Prague is a beautiful city any time of the day, but many people think it’s at its best in the evening when it’s bathed in soft lights. And what better way to see a darkening Prague than from the Vltava River?
A variety of boat cruises cross the river every evening (and throughout the day too!). Bookable in advance, some of these cruises offer a one-hour scenic river tour and others offer a three-course dinner. Discover here a night dinner cruise in Prague.
Where to stay in Prague
Old Town Square apartments. If you want to have your own space, the Old Town Square apartments are perfect. Choose between a studio or an apartment that can accommodate up to 10 people and have your own kitchen, dining room and relaxation area! Check prices and availability here.
Hotel Mala Strana is a great accommodation option near Prague Castle. Enjoy perfectly furnished luxury rooms during your stay here! Check prices and availability here.
downtown hostel is a great option if you are looking for budget accommodation as it is very affordable and includes free breakfast. Check prices and availability here.
The medieval city of Prague is a delight for any type of travel style. If you only have one day in the city, you can still do a lot, although I’m sure you’ll be back for more!
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About the Author: Claire is a girl who takes life by the horns and whose travels have taken her all over the world. Favorite countries so far: New Zealand and Peru. When she’s not traveling, you’ll find her blogging about life as a millennial expat, working on her first novel, and dining through Strasbourg. Follow Claire on Instagram.
