There are so many stunning cities in Europe, but sometimes so little time! If you plan on exploring Budapest, Vienna, and Prague all in one trip, then you make have to squeeze in as much as possible. Recently, my brother was looking to travel to do this particular trip, and was wondering - can you do Prague in 1 day?
While you can certainly spend a few days in Prague, you can do Prague in 1 day if you'd like to do the highlights. We actually just went back to visit Prague for 1 day, and are now sharing with you what our itinerary was.
Not only are we going to share all of the fun things you can do while visiting Prague in 1 day, but we'll also share some helpful tips like the different ways to get there, how to get around, and all the other info you may be wondering about while visiting.
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Where is Prague?
Prague is the capital and biggest city of the country Czechia, formally known as the Czech Republic. It is situated in the middle of the country, along the Vlatva River that runs through the Czech Republic from top to bottom.
Prague is located in the middle of the Czech Republic, in Central Europe.
How is Best to Get to Prague?
Being such a popular European city, Prague is pretty easily accessible. You can reach Prague by flight, train, car, and plenty of other transportation options.
Where Do You Fly Into to Go to Prague?
Prague has its own international airport, which is just 17 km away from the city center, or a bit under a half hour drive away. The formal name of the airport is the Vaclav Havel Airport, and it has plenty of connections within Europe, as well of other international destinations.
Cities within Europe that fly direct to Prague include Alicante, Almeria, Amsterdam, Athens, Auxerre, Baku, Barcelona, Bari, Basel, Belgrade, Bilbao, Birmingham, Bol, Bologna, Bordeaux, Bratislava, Braunschweig, Bresso, Bristol, Brno, Brussels, Bucharest, Budapest, Burgas, Cagliari, Catania. Ceske Budejovice, Chania, Cologne, Copenhagen, Corfu, Dublin, Dusseldorf, Edinburgh, Eindhoven, Faro, Frankfurt, Fuerteventura, Funchal, Geneva, Gothenburg, Gran Canaria, Helsinki, Heraklion, Ibiza, Istanbul, Kalamata, Kavala, Kefalonia, Kos, Kosice, Krakow, Kutaisi, Larnaca, Leeds, Lisbon, London, Lucca, Luxembourg, Lyon, Madrid, Malaga, Malta, Manchester, Milan, Monastir, Munich, Murcia, Nador, Nantes, Naples, Nice, Olbia, Oslo, Palma de Mallorca, Mannheim, Marseille, Pardubice, Paris, Paros, Pescara, Pisa, Porto, Preveza, Pula, Reykjavik, Rhodes, Riga, Rimini, Rome, Roskilde, Sevilla, Shannon, Sofia, Split, Stockholm, Thessaloniki, Tirana, Tivat, Turin, Venice, Vienna, Vilnius, Warsaw, Zadar, Zakynthos, and Zurich.
Cities outside Europe that fly direct to Prague include Agadir, Algiers, Aqaba, Antalya, Atlanta, Beijing, Bodrum, Chengdu, Dalaman, Denver, Djerba, Doha, Dubai, El Alamein, Enfidha, Hurghada, Izmir, Kuala Lumpur, Kuwait City, Marsa Alam, Mersa Matruh, New York. Ra'sal-Khaymah, Seoul, Taba, Taipei, Tashkent, Tel Aviv, Xi'an. and Yerevan.
Flight Tip: Using Skyscanner you can put from "your city" to "Everywhere". This way you can see which is the cheapest airport in the area to fly (some close airports are Bratislava, Budapest, and Vienna). Also, with the calendar option you can check which are the cheapest dates to fly direct to Prague!
Search for a flight to Prague or nearby:
Taking a Bus or Train to Prague
If there aren't affordable flights, or any that particularly work with your schedule, you can also find plenty of other ways to get to Prague. There is a main train station, as well as bus station that connect Prague with a ton of other nearby cities.
Here are a few common bus/train tickets that you can find going to Prague:
- Berlin to Prague
- Bratislava to Prague
- Brno to Prague
- Budapest to Prague
- Český Krumlov to Prague
- Dresden to Prague
- Innsbruck to Prague
- Krakow to Prague
- Munich to Prague
- Nuremberg to Prague
- Salzburg to Prague
- Vienna to Prague
- Warsaw to Prague
Taking a Bla Bla Car to Prague
If you can't find a bus or train that works with your schedule, then another option is Bla Bla Car. This is a carpooling app where people upload the trips that they are doing so that you can join them. This is a great option that can save you money, as well as adding comfort to your trip, while helping the other person pay for their gas.
Entry Requirements for the Czech Republic
Even if you plan on just seeing Prague in one day, it's still important to make sure you comply with any kind of entry requirements there are. Here is everything you need to know for the entry requirements of the Czech Republic.
Visa Entry Requirements for Visiting the Czech Republic
The Czech Republic is part of the EU and the Schengen Zone. This means that if you are visiting from one of the neighboring countries (Germany, Poland, or Slovakia) or any of the other countries in the Schengen Zone, you will have free travel. However, this means you need to keep the 90/180 rule in mind!
The 90/180 Rule
The 90/180 Rule applies to all countries that are in the Schengen Zone in Europe. You can only spend up to 90 days within a 180-day period inside the Schengen Zone. These 90 days are valid for all countries in the Schengen area, which means if you spend 40 days in Spain (also part of the Schengen Zone), you will then only be able to spend a total of 50 days in the Czech Republic within that 180-day period.
We use the Schengen visa calculator, which is super helpful for those who are planning on traveling in and out of Europe for a long period of time.
Covid Entry Requirements to Visit the Czech Republic
Covid is finally a thing of the past in Europe, so you won't have to worry about any Covid tests or vaccinations in order to enter the Czech Republic, or any other countries within in the EU.
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Local Adjustments in Prague
Whenever visiting somewhere new there are certain things that you may have to adjust to. These are what we like to refer to as local adjustments. Here are some of the local adjustments to keep in mind if you plan on visiting.
What Language Do They Speak in Prague?
The official language in Prague is Czech. The level of English by those living and working in the city is very good though, so it is super easy to get around if you speak English.
Currency in Prague: Does Prague Use Euros?
Despite being part of the EU, the currency used in the Czech Republic is not the Euro. The Czech Republic has its own currency, which is the Koruna. 1 USD is equivalent to about 22 Czech Koruna, 1 Euro is equal to 24 Koruna, and 1 British pound is equal to 28 Koruna.
Is Prague a Cheap City to Visit?
Prague is overall a pretty cheap city. Although it is not the "dirt cheap" country it used to be, it is still very affordable compared to many of the the other nearby European countries.
What Plug Adapter Do I Need for Prague?
Prague uses the same plug types as the rest of Europe, which are plug types C & F. The standard voltage in Prague is 230 V with a standard frequency of 50 Hz.
Can You Drink Tap Water in Prague?
The tap water in Prague is perfectly safe to drink! So you an skip ordering bottled water and ask for tap water instead. (PS- did you know in some places the beer is cheaper than the bottled water?) We suggest bringing a reusable water bottle and filling it at the tap, and saving your money for the amazing beer instead.
Tipping Culture: Do You Tip Waiters in Prague?
The tipping culture in Prague is very similar to many other cities in Europe. Tips are never included in the bill, but it is customary to leave between a 10-15% tip if the service is good.
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Prague in 1 Day: The Best Things to Do in Prague
Now you know almost everything you need to know for visiting Prague in 1 day. Here are the best things to do in Prague!
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The Best Things to Do in Prague #1: Take a Free Walking Tour
One of the best ways to see the highlights in any city is by taking a tour with a local guide.
We tend to think the paid guided tours can be a bit of a waste, and love the free walking tours as they are based upon tips. They are always guided by locals, and they share hidden gems, inside tips, and usually have great recommendations overall.
We use GuruWalk pretty much every time, as they are an excellent platform for free walking tours in Europe. If you are visiting Prague in 1 day, then this is definitely a great way to see a lot in a little time.
Free walking tours are the best way to see a city, especially when you're short on time.
The Best Things to Do in Prague #2: Visit the Astronomical Clock
If you have one image in your mind of Prague, then it's probably of the iconic Astronomical Clock. Located in the heart of the old town, it is attached to the town hall in the main square. It dates back to 1410, making it the third oldest astronomical clock in the world!
The Best Things to Do in Prague #3: Roam the Old Town
One of the best things to do in Prague is to simply walk around the streets and enjoy the charming atmosphere of the city.
The winding alleyways, medieval architecture, and pastel facades will have you falling in love with Prague. So go on and get lost, simply enjoying the city center's beauty.
Prague is a full of colorful buildings.
The Best Things to Do in Prague #4: Check Out Prague Castle
Right across the river from the old town lies another one of the best things to do in Prague, which is to visit Prague Castle. Rather than simply one building, Prague castle is a whole complex of beautiful buildings and churches to discover.
Built in the 9th century, you can appreciate the stunning medieval architecture of the area, as well as the incredible views of the other side of Prague.
Prague Castle is one of the top sights in the city.
The Best Things to Do in Prague #5: Walk Across Charles Bridge
Charles Bridge is definitely one of the most iconic landmarks, and stunning areas to photograph in Prague. It connects the old town and the castle district, so it is pretty inevitable that you will walk across it actually.
We suggest going early in the morning to see it without the crowds, and if you're up for waking up super early you can experience the sunrise there like we did.
Charles Bridge has stunning views of both sides of the city.
The Best Things to Do in Prague #6: Relax at a Beer Spa
When it comes to unique and fun things to do in Prague, this is definitely it!
The Czech Republic is known for their beer, and they were the original creators of the beer spa. Imagine bathing in beer while having an open tap of unlimited beer to pair with it! Well, it's not actually beer, but it does hold the same properties that make beer such as malt and barley, which are incredibly good for your skin.
We rented a double tub for an hour, pairing our beer with bread and local cheese. There was also a sauna in our room, as well as a bed! The spa we chose was Bernard beer spa, and we seriously can't recommend it enough.
Bernard Beer Spa is a super unique experience in Prague.
The Best Things to Do in Prague #7: Watch the Sunset at Novotneho Iavka
The only thing more magical than the pastel colored buildings around the center of Prague is seeing the golden light reflect off of them. Watching the sunset is a must in Prague, and Novotneho Lavka is certainly an incredible spot to witness it.
The Best Things to Do in Prague #8: Get a Picture at the Dancing House
You may have seen this peculiar building posted on Instagram. The Dancing House is an iconic architectural piece known for its style of looking as if its been dented in. Check out its unique design, and take a fun photo next to it.
The Best Things to Do in Prague #9: Explore Petrin Gardens
Want to get outside the busyness of the city center? Just across the bridge from the old town you can find a giant park to enjoy a large green space that Prague has to offer.
Petrin Gardens are free of charge to visit, and also have a funicular, viewing tower, and mirror maze to check out as well.
The Best Things to Do in Prague #10: Climb the Petrin Tower
Looking for one of the best views of Prague? Located right inside Petrin Gardens is the Petrin Tower, which is 63.5 meters tall, and gives stunning panoramic views of the entire city.
Tickets are 220 CZK, or you can get a combo ticket with the Mirror Maze (keep reading) for 260 CZK.
Here are the opening hours throughout the year:
January – March: 10:00 am – 6:00 pm
April – May: 9:00 am – 8:00 pm
June – September: 9:00 am – 9:00 pm
October – December: 10:00 am – 8:00 pm
Petrin tower gives the best views of Prague.
The Best Things to Do in Prague #11: Get Lost in the Mirror Maze
Right next to the Petrin Tower is another unique place to check out in Prague, which is a full maze of mirrors!
The mirror maze tickets are 120 CZK, or can be combined with the Petrin tower for 260 CZK.
Here are the opening hours throughout the year:
October – March: 10:00 am - 6:00 pm
April - May: 9:00 am - 7:00 pm
June - August: 9:00 am - 8:00 pm
September: 9:00 am - 7:00 pm
The Best Things to Do in Prague #12: Go on a Boat Tour
Want to see the sights of Prague from a different point of view? Sailing down the river is a great way to see some of the best spots in the city, especially at night when everything starts to light up.
Our personal favorite is the tour that includes dinner, as it makes for the perfect date night!
Prague has a ton of great boat tours that you can do.
The Best Things to Do in Prague #13: Have Fun at the Illusion Art Museum
The Illusion Art Museum is a museum unlike most others. It's great for all ages, as it has various optical illusions, and is super fun to take pictures in. We didn't have time to visit the one in Prague, but got to experience a similar one in Belgrade, and had such a good time.
The Best Things to Do in Prague #14: Experience the Nightlife
The Czech Republic seriously knows how to party, so you definitely don't want to miss out on all of the good bars and nightclubs! To start off the night we suggest doing a pub crawl, as this is a great way to meet other people, and kick off a super fun night out.
Local Food & Drink
Now that you know the best things to do in Prague for one day, let's talk about food!
What is Prague's Typical Food?
The cuisine of the Czech Republic has a lot of similarities with the countries surrounding it such as Germany, Hungary, and Austria. It is primarily meat and potato based, with a lot of hearty and flavorful dishes. In addition, Prague is known for its incredible beer (and prices for it!). It's oftentimes as cheap or even cheaper than water!
Other than the beer though, here are a few of Prague's typical foods that you should try:
- Vepro-knedlo-zelo: the national dish of the Czech Republic - pork with cabbage and dumplings
- Goulash: paprika-based beef stew that is served typically with dumplings (rather than a soup)
- Rizek: thinly pounded meat that is breaded and fried
- Picena Kachna: roasted duck that is typically eaten for special occasions
- Kulajda: mushroom and potato soup
- Cesnecka: garlic soup often used to cure hangovers
- Chlebicky: open-faced sandwiches with a number of different ingredients
- Tarak: Beef tartar - minced beef that is seasoned and typically has an egg on top
- Grilovane Klobasy: grilled sausages served inside a bun (like a better version of a hot dog)
- Smazeny Syr: fried cheese typically found as a street food
- Chimney Cake: cinnamon-sugar coated dough rolled into a cylinder, with sweet toppings
- Kolache: a sweet pastry filled with fruit
Beef tartar is one of our favorite meals in Prague.
Where to Eat in Prague
With just having visited Prague in one day, we didn't get a lot of time to explore all of the great options that the city has. However, we did go to one place that we have heard to be one of the best restaurants the city, and it definitely held up to its title in our opinion!
Kantyna has a unique concept, where they give you a piece of paper and you can go to various counters to order what you want. The servers mark your paper with what you've ordered and at the end you go to the cashier to pay for everything you've gotten.
What we loved is that you can choose to get things by weight, allowing you to try various foods without having to get full plates of everything. They have excellent local food options, as well as great beer (a must while in Prague).
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What is the Best Way to Get Around Prague?
Now that you know the best way to enjoy Prague in 1 day, let's talk about how to most efficiently get from one spot to another. Here are the answers to a few things that we have been asked, as well as some helpful info that we tot from the locals.
Is Prague a Walkable City?
Being that Prague isn't such a huge city, it is actually very walkable! We had rented a car, as we also were doing a two month road trip, and while it did help us get places faster, it certainly wasn't necessary.
If you do have a car, we would suggest finding a place outside the middle of the center to park it, s that you don't have to pay a ton for parking.
Prague is a very pedestrian-friendly city.
What is the Cheapest Way to Travel in Prague?
The cheapest way to get around Prague is definitely doing it on foot. However, if you are going to places a bit further outside the city center, or aren't a big walker, then you can certainly rely on their amazing public transportation!
Public Transportation in Prague
Prague has an excellent transportation system which includes a metro, trams, trains, and buses. You can either pay per ride with a contactless card, or you can purchase one of the transportation packages. Rather than paying per ride, Prague runs on a system where you can pay for an amount of time with unlimited transfers.
Here are a few of the different ticket prices:
If you'd like more informations about the public transportation in Prague, you can check our their official Prague transportation page with all of the details.
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Where to Stay in Prague
Now that you know the best things to do in Prague in 1 day, let's look at where to stay!
What is the Best Part of Prague to Stay in?
If we were to suggest one area to stay, it would be around Stare Mesto, which is the old town of Prague. By staying here you will be able to walk to almost all of the main attractions, as well as some of the best nightlife in the city. If you are going to be in Prague for one day, then having a good location is key.
Hotel Recommendations in Prague
There are tons of options for accommodation in Prague for every budget! Here are some of our top picks:
Budget Options:
- Best Spot Hostel: This is one of the most affordable options, and is centrally located
- Ahoy! Hostel: A super fun hostel that is also pretty centrally located
Mid-Range Options:
- General Boutique Health & Wellness: offers a welcome drink, elegant restaurant, wine bar, and breakfast included, with the option to add on their spa
- Iron Gate Hotel & Suites: an UNESCO protected building with its own courtyard
High-End Options:
- The Mozart Prague: An elegant hotel in the heart of the city with a wellness center and upscale restaurant
- Art Deco Imperial Hotel: Has stunning decor, heated floors, and beautiful views
- Hotel Kings Court: Has an incredible spa and a great restaurant
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Is it Safe to Travel in Prague Now?
Prague is a pretty safe city to be in, and the people are extremely warm and welcoming. The vibe in Prague is great, and there is nothing to worry about in regards to safety if you are traveling solo.
Is it Safe to Walk in Prague at Night?
We walked around the center of Prague at night and felt completely safe. There is a pretty low crime rate, and the streets are well lit with plenty of police, so you can safely walk around when it's dark out.
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Prague in 1 Day: Other Things to Know About Visiting
Now that you know the best ways to enjoy Prague for 1 day, we have a few last details to share with you.
Weather in Prague
Prague experience four different seasons, with very cold and snowy winters, and mild and warm summers. We visited in the summer time, and it was perfect weather during the day, but definitely cooled down a bit at night.
What is the Best Month to Visit Prague?
In our opinion, the two best times of the year to visit Prague are during the shoulder season, and right before Christmas.
The best months to visit Prague are in September, right after the summer has finished, and in May, right before the summer has started. This is when the temperatures are the most ideal, but the city isn't as crowded, since it is right after schools start (September), and right before they finish (May).
Another one of the best months to visit Prague is December. This is because Prague is known for its incredible Christmas Market, which goes the whole month of December until the end of the month.
Packing For a Trip to Prague
When it comes to packing for a trip to Prague, it really depends on what time of year you plan on going. However, here is our list of some of the things that you should consider bringing:
- Reusable Water Bottle (we use this water bottle from Cafago because it holds the temperature)
- Umbrella (In case it rains)
- Comfortable shoes for exploring the city
- Trendy clothing to wear out at night
- Zippered Bag or Backpack (to secure your belongings) - take a look at these backpacks for travelers!
- Power Bank (we use Anker power banks, as they are super long lasting and sturdy)
- Bathing Suit for the beer spa
- Travel Adapter (we use Insignia travel adapters as they are affordable and reliable)
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Can You Do Prague in 1 Day?
You can definitely do the highlights of Prague in 1 day, but we really suggest doing full weekend to experience all It has to offer, and if you have a couple of extra days you could always do a day trip or two to the beautiful points of interest nearby the city.
Travel Planning Tools
Here are some useful tools that you can use for planning your upcoming trip!
So are you ready for an incredible trip to Prague? We know you'll love this charming city, and are happy to help if you need help organizing your stay.
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