The Perfect 3 Days in Prague
Whenever I’m abroad, and I’m meeting people from around the world – they inevitably hear of my extensive travels and ask me what my favorite place has been.
That’s a very difficult question, because it depends on different things.
If it’s in terms of raw, scenic beauty: it’s Ireland, Switzerland, and New Zealand.
If it’s in terms of environment and the people: it’s Australia.
If it’s in terms of cities: it’s Paris, Barcelona, Budapest…
… and Prague.
It took me until my very last night, but I figured out the word for that city as I twirled around the Old Town Square with the street lights against the dark winter sky – I figured it out.
Prague is magical.
There’s no doubt that it’s one of the most charming, captivating places I’ve ever been, and not to mention… it’s completely walkable. Their metro is excellent (like many other European cities), but it’s not even necessary.
You can see the whole city on foot.
You can see the city in less than 3 days, but I’d recommend adding that extra day to just do whatever. Don’t be fooled by the city’s seemingly small size – there’s a lot to do here.
Let me break down what I did in my 3 days in Prague for you:
Day 1:
I arrived in Prague midday from Berlin. It was a stunning train ride; it passed through Dresden and the German-Czech Republic border was breath taking – the muted winter green of the grass was somehow still eye catching.
The views while on the train from Berlin to Prague; January 2018.
When I got there, the first thing I wanted to do was live out my Jason Mraz and Colbie Caillat, “Lucky” dreams…
… don’t judge, because if you know what song I’m talking about, I know you’d want to do the same thing too.
I quickly realized that this city was different than the others I had been to. The cobblestone streets and independently owned stores set off an authentic type of charm that the others hadn’t.
Its beauty is unique, and genuine – and you feel it immediately once you set foot in it.
Walking the streets of Prague in January 2018.
I also quickly realized how many jewelry stores there were; how many were centered around diamonds… I’ve been to Antwerp, and I think it’s safe to say that there are more jewelry stores everywhere you turn in Prague than in Antwerp.
If you’re into jewelry, you’re in luck - because Prague has an infinite amount of jewelry stores.
There’s a diamond museum that’s highly rated; I didn’t have to time to check it out, but when I go back one day – I’ll giving it a go (and I’m not a museum person!).
When I got to the Old Town Square, I was convinced I was in a dream…
Marveling Old Town Square in Prague; January 2018.
… and “Lucky” was most certainly, still stuck in my head.
There’s a lot souvenir shopping and side streets to snap artsy pictures of while you explore.
There are several shops & restaurants on the streets near the Old Town Square.
The astronomical clock is nearby. Unfortunately, when I went, it was under construction – but it’s still quite the architectural sight to be seen.
The Astronomical Clock in Prague; under construction in January 2018.
You can spend a couple of hours lingering the streets near the Old Town Square; there are dozens of trinket shops and insanely cute places to eat… but alas, in true Stephanie nature, I got bored, so I started making my way towards the Charles Bridge.
Approaching the Charles Bridge in Prague; January 2018.
Like I mentioned earlier, everything in this city is within walking distance – so take advantage.
This was the moment I immediately fell in love…
The view of Prague near the Charles Bridge; January 2018.
… and walking the bridge only made me fall harder. The pigeons oscillating in the white winter sky, the jazz musicians joyfully playing their saxophones…
… I knew right away I was in for a treat with this city.
Day 2:
I went to Prague on a guided tour company, meaning they had pre-booked all of my tickets beforehand. If you decide to go in the winter like I did, I wouldn’t be too worried about tickets selling out like they do in places like Rome and Barcelona year-round – but don’t expect it to be empty.
Many of the people I met in Prague were Europeans or college-aged Aussies who were done with their semester and traveling on their summer holiday. Rest assured; you’re not bound to see any American families with young kids during this time of year.
Anyways, if you have Prague Castle on your list, here’s what you should know: it’s free to walk around the general castle grounds, but if you want to see the other, well-know and Instagram-able buildings in the vicinity – you have to pay an entry fee.
My tour started us at St. Vitus Cathedral. It was the most impressive cathedral I had ever seen on the outside… until I saw the one in Strasbourg.
St. Vitus Cathedral in January 2018.
This is very much like a minuscule version of that: similar wooden carved detailing’s, woven gold accents, surreal, powerful in its massive presence…
… you can walk inside, but if you’ve seen things like The Sistine Chapel or Sainte-Chapelle in Paris, it’s not going to impress you all that much – but they do have a couple of gorgeous stained-glass windows to see.
The stained glass windows inside St. Vitus Cathedral are worth a quick peak inside.
We then got the chance for a panoramic view of the city. If you’re looking for a free option; this is a good one.
The panoramic view outside of Prague Castle; January 2018.
The Jewish Quarter is nearby; there is shockingly a (relatively) active Jewish community in Prague. They have some picturesque synagogues to see, but to go inside – you need to pay.
Pinkasova synogauge in Prague; January 2018.
My guided tour then took us on a Vltava (direct translation = “wild”, as the currents of the river are strong) river cruise. It reminded me of the seine river cruise I took in Paris. It’s slow, but it’s good for when you want a break from walking or the extreme temperatures outside.
View of the Charles Bridge from a Vltava river cruise; January 2018.
The John Lennon Wall in Prague; January 2018.
By this point it was nearing four o’clock, and I had learned from my tour guide earlier that If you wait until five – you can gain free entry to the other places around Prague Castle.
I was early, and I was craving one of their hot drinks due to the frozen air I had subjected myself to all day. I don’t really drink, but I was eager to try a cider – so I ordered one in hot pear because it was something new.
However, if you drink – by all means, try the hot mulled wine.
the Czech Republic is really into drinking warm alcoholic drinks in the winter time.
When it was five, I ran in to take my shot of The Golden Lane… where I may or may not have made all of the people behind me wait to walk past me so I could get a person-less shot.
The Golden Lane at Prague Castle; January 2018.
I knew I wanted to end my day going up the dancing tower. It was quite a walk (1.9 miles, or 3 kilometers) from Prague Castle, but I didn’t mind it.
Yes, even in the winter… I’m crazy, I know.
Don’t worry – if you’re sane (unlike me) you can hop on a train or a tram and be there in no time.
You won’t miss this Dancing House as you approach it; it’s for sure the most squiggle-like building I’ve ever seen!
On my way walking, I found myself in a real-life story book when I turned to my left…
… the sun was setting, the castle was glowing, and the water was the most mysterious of blues…
Watching the sun set in Prague; January 2018.
… like I said, Prague is magical.
Like many other viewing towers, there’s a bar/restaurant at the top where you can order a drink and see the view for free.
I don’t drink, but they did have vegan cookies at the cashier so…
… long story short, I found a way to pay my way in.
Day 3:
On my last day in Prague I still had much to see, do… and eat.
My day started with me subjecting myself to an early morning workout: climbing up Petrin Hill.
It’s quite the steep walk up, but the views are incredible.
The view as I tracked up Petrin Hill; January 2018.
The actual tower mimics the Eiffel Tower, which… irked me, to say the least. We all know how I feel about Paris, and this was not the Eiffel Tower…
When I realized the Look out tower was trying to evoke the essence of Paris, I was laughing and shaking my head back and forth.
… but it was cute, for trying.
If you’re a student, you can get a ticket at a discount – so have I.D. handy. The view of the tower is great while walking up the tower…
Walking up Petrin Hill Lookout Tower; January 2018.
… but from the tower itself, the glare of the windows will keep you from getting a good shot.
It took several tries before I could get this glare-free shot.
I did go to Prague in January, and it was already foggy – but in my opinion, viewing towers should do something for people who are interested in taking pictures.
All was well though, because my search for the best top-of-the-world-view wasn’t over yet.
It was midday by the time I was finished at Petrin Hill Lookout Tower, so I headed to one (of the many)vegan places I had bookmarked on my phone.
Vegetarians and Vegans, I have some thrilling news for you: everywhere you turn in Prague, is another vegetarian or vegan restaurant… I’m so ecstatic to be able to write to you that I’m not joking in the slightest bit.
And let me tell you… in all of the plant-based food I have eaten around the world…
… this city takes the cake.
I dream of going back to Prague just to eat. There are so many places to choose from, but if you only have time for one… I highly suggest you check out “Moments” café near the Zizkov Television Tower.
I had the seitan bagel sandwich with chipotle mayo and oh… my… lord…
The seitan bagel from Moments cafe; January 2018.
… it’s still one of the best things I’ve ever eaten.
I washed it down with a hot apple cider, and then a piece of chocolate peanut butter fudge that was eyeing me at the checkout counter.
Hot apple cider from Moments cafe; January 2018.
It’s the best meal I’ve ever had in my life; hands down. I was re-energized and ready for the Zizkov T.V. Tower.
It was empty when I went inside – and its view is nearly identical to the one in Berlin.
View from the Zizkov T.V. Tower in Prague; January 2018.
I realized though that these T.V. towers weren’t meant to show you the charm of the streets you find down below… but to show you to appreciate the view from the top when you finally get there.
I then walked to the National Monument of Vitkov.
The National Monument of Vitkov in Prague; January 2018
The view here is good as well, but hard to capture in a photograph.
View of Prague from the National Monument of Vitkov; January 2018.
In all, the best free view I saw was outside of Prague Castle, and the best paid for one was at the top of the Dancing Tower.
I went back to my hotel for a breather, because I still had an adventurous night ahead of me – one that started with vegan goulash.
Maitrea is an outstanding vegetarian restaurant located in the heart of the Old Squared. It’s romantic, cozy, candle-lit, and atmospheric.
If you’re vegetarian or vegan and looking for a meat-free version of this classic dish, MAITREA is the place to try it.
I was ready for some warm, savory food after eating dark-chocolate hazelnut bars from the bio market down the street from my hotel for dinner for two nights.
You think I’m kidding… I’m not.
The Split-pea soup hit the spot as I started to journal about my day.
I somehow managed to finish the whole plate of goulash. The waiter later commended me, saying he was shocked that I was able to eat it all.
I told him,
“Hey, I mean – I’m here, I got to do!”
Afterwards, I walked back through the Old Town Square - now lit up at night.
You need to see the Old Town Square lit up at night at least once before you leave Prague.
My organized vacation tour including a ticket to see a show at the Black Box theater. It was okay – it wouldn’t be something I would have done if I had to pay for it myself, but if you’re into cultural productions – then I would say you should try it.
And there you have it! I had a jam-packed three days in Prague – and I hope this helps you figure out what you do and don’t want to see. If you’re looking for other things to do in Europe, click here.