How to Spend 1 Day in Prague, Czech Republic

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Last Updated on September 30, 2025 by sydabroad

If you are looking for the perfect 1 day in Prague itinerary (and more), then keep reading! 

Welcome to Prague, a fairytale city with charming cobblestone streets, Gothic cathedrals, and where beer is literally cheaper than water (yes, really). 

In this guide, I’m breaking down the best things to do in Prague, where to eat, where to stay, and everything you need to know to make the most of your 1 day in Prague. (Though trust me, you’ll want to stay longer). 

During my 4-month backpacking trip through Europe, I visited Prague not once, but twice, and it quickly became one of my favorite European cities. The architecture is breathtaking, and the city is filled with so much history. 

The iconic Charles Bridge alone is reason enough to fall in love with this city, but there’s so much more to experience, like the buzzing nightlife and the friendly locals. So, whether you’re in Prague for 24 hours or a long weekend, get ready to fall in love with this lovely place.

Looking for more Eastern European guides? 

• Is Bratislava Worth Visiting? + a 1 Day Itinerary
• How to Spend 3 Days in Split
• 15 Best Things to Do in Dubrovnik
• 16 Best Things to Do in Budapest, Hungary

Keep reading to discover how to spend 1 day in Prague, Czech Republic. 

1 Day in Prague | The Basics 

Currency = Czech Koruna 

The currency in the Czech Republic is the Czech Koruna (CZK)

1 USD = 21 CZK

You’ll find that almost everywhere in Prague accepts card payments. I always suggest having cash in the local currency for small purchases or tips, but you’ll more than likely not need much cash when visiting Prague. 

There are plenty of ATMs around the city center to grab cash. You’ll also find currency exchange booths around the city. Make sure to avoid the exchange booths at the airport because the fees are always way too high; they rip you off. 

Language = Czech 

The official language in the Czech Republic is, of course, Czech! Czech is heavily influenced by Latin and German, and can be quite hard to learn if you’re an English speaker. But don’t worry, because English is widely spoken in Prague.

Many signs and menus are translated into English, and you’ll notice that most locals speak English. I always suggest learning a few phrases in the local language to be polite. I love using Duolingo and Rosetta Stone to learn languages. 

Phone & Internet in Prague 

I found the cell service in Prague to be great. I had service just about everywhere with my Airlao eSIM, and a majority of places had free wifi available. 

While traveling internationally, I suggest using an eSIM for affordable cellular data. Airalo makes it easy to purchase and install an eSIM suitable for the destination you are visiting. Purchase data with Airalo here.

Daily Budget 

Eastern Europe is a very affordable region to travel to. And this is another reason why I love Prague. Whether you’re traveling on a backpacker budget or splurging, every traveler can enjoy this city, no matter the budget. 

If you’re a budget traveler, expect to pay anywhere from $40 to $60 USD (900-1,400 CZK)  per day, which includes your accommodation, cheap eats, public transport, and free & low-cost attractions. Mid-range travelers expect to pay anywhere from $80 to $120 USD per day, and Luxury travelers should plan to budget for $150+ per day. 

Pro-tip: There are a lot of charming areas to explore and sites to see for free in Prague! 

Tipping in Prague 

Tipping in Prague is customary. A tip of about 5 to 10% is typical when dining out at restaurants or going to bars and pubs. 

Can you drink the tap water? 

Yes! The tap water in Prague and all of the Czech Republic is safe to drink. No need to buy bottled water, bring a reusable bottle with you. 

How to Spend One Day in Prague, Czech Republic 

Visit the Charles Bridge

Begin your 24 hours in Prague at the iconic Charles Bridge. This is one of Prague’s most popular landmarks and is packed with history. The bridge was built in 1357 under the rule of King Charles IV. It took nearly 50 years to complete, and for centurie, it was the only bridge connecting Old Town and Lesser Town. 

I suggest visiting first thing because it gets super busy throughout the day (especially for photos). It’s nice to experience the quiet atmosphere in the morning before the bridge comes to life with tourists, street vendors, and musicians. However, you should try to experience the Charles Bridge in the afternoon as well. 

Pro-tip: For some fuel this morning, stop at Kolacherie Celetná and pick up a coffee and a traditional kolache. Know that Czech kolachies are traditionally sweet pastries! I found this interesting because in Texas, kolachies are very common; however, they are savory. It’s actually funny because the Kolacherie in Prague started serving savory kolachies because of all the Texans that had come to the shop!

Explore Prague on a Walking Tour 

One of the best things to do in Prague (and one of my favorites!) is a walking tour of the city. It’s the perfect way to get your bearings while learning all about the city’s fascinating history. 

On the tour, we saw highlights like the Charles Bridge, Lesser Town, Old Town Square, the Astronomical Clock, the Hanging Man, Josefov (Prague’s Jewish Quarter), and Old Town Hall. We explored the city and the medieval underground passages — it was an incredible tour.  

I did this experience with GetYourGuide, and it was great. The tour started in the morning at Charles Bridge and ended with a tour of the Prague Underground and Astronomical Clock Tower. The tour even included tickets to climb to the top afterward for panoramic views over the city! 

Our guide was incredibly knowledgeable, the group size was perfect — not too large, and we got some amazing local recommendations. It was the perfect intro to Prague! 

This is the walking tour that I did! Click here to book it.

Climb the Astronomical Clock Tower

As mentioned above, the walking tour in Prague that I booked included tickets to climb the clock tower. Whether you’re on a tour that includes this or not, you need to do this activity! The views make it so worth it, this is definitely one of the best things to do in Prague! 

The views over the Old Town are stunning, and the climb itself is much easier than I expected. You can purchase tickets to climb the clock tower here. 

The clock actually puts on a little show every hour that lasts about 1 to 2 minutes. Lots of people gather around to see this mechanical show, so if this is something you’re interested in, don’t miss it! 

To be honest, there are hundreds of people who gather around the clock, and I just didn’t get the hype. It’s a couple of little figurines dancing on a clock for a minute or so. 

Going to Vienna? Read more about the best things to do in Vienna, Austria, here! 🇦🇹

Lunch in town

After all of the sightseeing this morning, head to lunch in the Old Town or Lesser Town. If you’re looking for brunch food, check out Venue or Bistro Monk. For traditional Czech food, stop by a Lokál. 

I’ve listed out some other great dining options in Prague later in this guide.

The Lennon Wall 

If you are into art or The Beatles, you’ll want to stop by the John Lennon Wall in Prague, which is a colorful tribute to John Lennon. It’s now evolved into a symbol of freedom, peace, and creative expression. The wall is located near Kampa Island in the heart of the city. 

Havelsky (Havel’s Market) 

If you’re looking to pick up some souvenirs in Prague, stop by Havelské tržiště, also known as Havel’s Market. It’s one of the oldest markets in the city and is located right in Prague’s city center. 

The market is filled with booths and stalls selling everything from handmade crafts and local artwork to jewelry, flowers, and fresh fruits. It’s a great place to find authentic Czech-made products. 

If you’re heading to Germany as well, make sure to check out my Berlin travel guide here! 🇩🇪

Prague Castle

Next, head to Prague Castle. You can walk up the hill or take Tram 22 to explore the castle complex, including St. Vitus Cathedral, Old Royal Palace, and the Golden Lane. 

This is one of the most iconic landmarks in the city — it’s an architectural masterpiece. You can also find some of the best views of the city here from the Castle viewpoint. If you look closely, you’ll spot the “mini Eiffel Tower,” aka Petřín Lookout Tower, on Petřín Hill. 

If you’d like to learn more about Prague Castle from a local guide, check out this guided tour that includes a ticket to St. Vitus Cathedral, the Old Royal Palace, St. George’s Basilica, the Golden Lane, and, of course, a local guide.

Relax at Letńa Park

You can’t visit Prague without trying a beer. Letná Beer Garden is a short walk from Prague Castle and is the perfect place to enjoy a drink with a view. It’s also such a great sunset spot with views of the Vltava River and the bridges below. 

After the beer garden, head into town to grab a traditional Czech meal or something else at one of the many delicious restaurants in the city. I found that Prague had so many amazing cuisines, such as Vietnamese, Thai, Georgian food, Steakhouses, and obviously traditional Eastern European cuisine. 

Where to eat in Prague? 

• Nam Viet Kitchen: This is a delicious Vietnamese spot.  
• Bistro Monk: So good for brunch. 
• Venue: An amazing breakfast or brunch spot. 
• Kolacherie: For traditional kolachies in Prague!  
• El Gaucho Argentinian Steakhouse: One of my favorite meals, the steak was great. 
• Baraqa Georgian restaurant: This was my first time having Georgian cuisine, and it was absolutely incredible! 
• Lokál for local food: If you are looking for a hearty traditional Czech meal, head to a Lokál. There are a few locations around the city. 
• Grab a Prague hot dog in the Old Town

Night out in Prague

If you have the time during your 1 day in Prague, you’ll want to experience the city’s iconic nightlife. Here are some recs: 

• Terasa U Prince: For a pretty rooftop view over the city (a great sunset spot).
• Vinarna U Sudu: A cool underground pub vibe. Perfect for a pint of beer.
• Anonymous Shrink’s Office: For the most unique cocktails and a show. Try to make a booking because this place fills up.
• Harley’s Bar: A chaotic place for a fun night out.
• Vinárna Vínečko: A cute spot for wine and light bites near the water.  
• Groove Bar: A cool ambiance with delicious cocktails and a DJ. 
• DupleX: A popular nightclub in Prague. (They will likely have a cover charge)

Want to join a pub crawl in Prague? Check out this pub crawl with unlimited drinks!🍻

Other things to do in Prague

• National Museum Prague: This is a stunning museum. Book tickets here. 
• Visit the Narrowest street in Prague, which is also called Vinárna Čertovka  
• Vintage car tour: This was such a fun and unique way to see Prague! It was the nicest day out, and we saw these fun cars around the city, so we decided to book a tour! Split between the 5 of us, it was pretty affordable and a fun way to see the city. Check pricing and availability here!
• Visit the Dancing House — a unique building in Prague. We drove by the Dancing House during our vintage car tour.
• Take a river cruise on the Vltava to see Prague from a different perspective. Book an evening cruise here.
• Ride the Funicular to Petřín Hill for scenic views.
• Visit a Beer spa! You can literally bathe in beer. Click here to check it out! 

Did you know? The Czech Republic is one of the most atheistic countries in the world. A large percentage of Prague’s population is non-religious, so many churches are now used for concerts and cultural events rather than religious services. 

1 Day in Prague | FAQs

Is 1 day enough in Prague?

No — ideally, you’ll want more time to explore Prague. That said, if you’re short on time and trying to squeeze in as much as possible, one day is enough to see the city’s major highlights. 

The key is to plan, start early, and focus on the must-sees. Prague is relatively small and very walkable, so you can cover a lot in just 24 hours. 

Wondering if Budapest is worth visiting? Read more here!

Is Prague a good day trip? 

Prague can be a good day trip, it depends on what you’re looking for. If you’re nearby (like Vienna) and want a taste of Prague’s charm, it’s possible to spend a day exploring the highlights of the city. 

However, to truly experience the city and all its hidden gems, you’ll want to stay at least 1 to 2 nights. So yes, it works as a day trip, but it’s even better with more time. 

Is Prague a walkable city?

Yes, Prague is a very walkable city! Most of the main attractions, including Old Town Square, the Charles Bridge, and Prague Castle, are within walking distance of each other. If you stay in the Old Town, you’ll be very close to just about everything. And because you may be tight on time during your 1 day in Prague, I suggest staying either in the Old Town or very close to it. 

Prague also has a great public transportation system if your feet need a break. Use Google Maps to navigate the trams and metros. They are affordable, clean, and very efficient. 

If you plan on visiting Budapest as well while traveling around Eastern Europe, check out my Budapest travel guide with everything you need to know before visiting!

What not to miss in Prague?

If it’s your first time visiting Prague, you can’t miss Prague Castle, St. Vitus Cathedral, Charles Bridge, Old Town Square, John Lennon Wall, and the Astronomical Clock Tower. 

Where to stay in Prague?

Budget Hotels 

I always suggest using Hostelworld to look for hostels while traveling. The Hostel ELF, The Clock Inn, and Prague Dream Hostel all have great reviews. I suggest comparing locations, prices, and amenities depending on what you are looking for. 

Boutique Hotels in Prague 

There are so many wonderful boutique hotels in Prague. If you can, I suggest staying in the Old Town or as close to the Old Town as you can. This way, you’ll be walking distance to just about everything. MOODs Charles Bridge Hotel and Hotel Clementin Old Town are great options.  

Luxury Hotels 

If you are looking for a luxury hotel in Prague, check out The Julius Prague and the Mandarin Oriental. Both properties have luxurious rooms and top-tier amenities. 

Browse hotels in Prague here! 🏠

How to make the most of your one day in Prague? 

To make the most out of your one day in Prague, follow this guide, start your day bright and early, and have a plan as to what exactly you want to do during your day. You’ll have the best time!

Map of the best things to do in Prague

And that wraps up this guide about how to spend 1 day in Prague! Check out my other European travel guides, and if you have any questions, feel free to DM me on Instagram or comment below.

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