24 Hours in Prague: Itinerary & Guide Map
This simple itenerary is perfect for hitting the highlights on a quick trip through Prague, or as an outline to build around the rest of your stay in the Golden City.
Two years ago, back in 2023, I planned an elaborate trip through Central Europe—12 days on trains, planes, and rental cars on the Autobahn. It truly was a dream trip, but the one thing that made it particularly stressful was… I was in charge.
I planned a girls trip to 3 countries I had never been before for 6 girls—2 of whom I had never even met before.
I was crazy.
But I would do it again in a heartbeat.
We toured castles and ate our weight in schnitzel. I navigated with my limited German and my limited phone data, and I am very proud that we never missed a train, never got lost, and—imperssively—even got along.
Prague was only a 24-hour stop for our little tour group.
Between Vienna and Berlin, Prague was situated directly on my train route, just begging to be explored. It hadn’t really been on my radar before, but in just 24 hours it became my favorite stop of the trip. It charmed me with its old world ambiance, and I found the architecture in particular romantic and fascinating. The food was some of the best I’ve had in Europe, and I don’t say that lightly.
Here is a full guide for a spectacular 24 hours in Prague.
1. Get a Day Ticket for Public Transit
Even if you’re only in Prague for one or two days, it’s worth going ahead and buying a “Day Ticket” for public transportation. These last 24 hours from when purchased and are valid for all means of public transport in Prague. Any number of trips and changes are allowed. The Day Ticket costs about $6, or you can get a 3-Day Ticket for about $15. Ticket machines are located at metro stations and aboard the trolleys, and take credit card.
This will give you the ability to see much more during your short stay in Prague! Click here for my guide on how to use your phone to navigate while in a foriegn country, including navigation on public transportation.
2. Tour Prague Castle
Kick off your visit to Prague by visiting its stunning castle on the hill. Double-check opening times in the season when you visit! Their winter or off-season hours will be shorter than their summer hours, and it’s definitely worth planning around no matter the season. The cost for castle admittance is $12/person.
This is also one of my favorite spots in Prague for photos and sightseeing. Its high perch on the hill make the stairs worth it! There are also a couple cafes up here where you can grab a snack or some coffee, and if you have the spare time, it would make a lovely spot for it. Here are some views from the top:
3. Dine in a Medieval Tavern
Only a few blocks from the Prague Castle, in a charming but unassuming hand-paved backstreet, sits one of the oldest continuously open Taverns in Europe. Since 1375, Tavern U Krale Brabantskeho has been serving homemade brews, stews, and more. This is more than a meal—it’s a really cool experience. And, you’ll have no trouble ordering; they get plenty of tourists from all around the world these days and can speak English, and several other languages, as well.
I ordered the soup of the day in a breadbowl, and I’m still thinking about it.
4. Walk Across Charles Bridge
You can take the trolley both ways across the bridge when you visit the Castle, but might as well walk one direction! You’ll often see vendors set up selling art and such on Charles Bridge. It can be fun to browse!
Pro Tip: Climb the Mala Strana Bridge Tower for the best view on the bridge!
5. Try Tredlnik
Once you’ve walked back across the bridge and your Medieval meal has settled, grab my favorite Chezch dessert, Tredlnik!
This is dough, shaped into a cone, then roasted over fire, and filled with your choice of delicious treats like ice cream, strawberries, nutella, or more. While it is readily available throughout Prague, my favorite Tredlnik shop that I personally have tried is called ‘Sweet Dreams’, and it’s conveniently located between Charles Bridge and our next stop, Old Town Square.
You have to try it!
6. Take in Old Town Square Prague
In my experience, this can be the busiest part of Prague, and is definitely where you are most likely to run into other tourists, but can still be so peaceful and charming. Per my limited experience, evenings seem to be less crowded than midday.
Enjoy some live street performers, some of the best potato pancakes and polish sausages you’ve ever had, and take in the Old World charm of Prague’s town square. The street food is elite.
Pro Tip: If you are averse to large crowds like I am, consider traveling through Prague during Shoulder Season! While Prague is lovely, it is a city. Summer and Christmas (for Christmas Markets) tend to be the busiest times to visit.
For Overnight Accommodations:
I found accommodations in Shoulder Season to be very affordable, and my friends and I split an Airbnb.
Note that Prague can be a bit hilly, and a lot of the roads and sidwalks are paved in stone, so be cautious about any rolling luggage that you need to walk from the train station or public transportation to your lodgings for the night. I saw more than one tourist struggling to drag oversized luggage up cobblestone hills in Prague.
While our Airbnb was only .8 miles from the train station, I would recommend trying to stay even closer, or hiring a taxi. Transporting the luggage both directions to and from the train station ate into our limited time that we were able to enjoy Prague.
On our “second” day, when we checked out of our Airbnb, we utilized the luggage lockers located at the train station to hold our stuff until our train later in the day, and that worked out well.
Guide Map
To wrap up this 24-Hour Guide to Prague, here is a Guide Map for everything listed!
1- Central Station Prague
2- Prague Castle
3- Tavern U Krale Brabantskeho
4- Charles Bridge
5- Sweet Dreams Tredlenik shop
6- Old Town Square Prague
Happy Travels!
