One day in Prague: What to do and what to see in 24 hours

Old Time Square, Prague, Czech Republic Photo by Kevin Andre on Unsplash

One day in Prague is not enough. We all know that. But sometimes you’re strapped for time, you have a layover, and you want to be able to see as much of the city as you possibly can. That is why we have put together a 24-hour itinerary for the bustling capital city of the Czech Republic. Instead of just heading to your airport hotel room, ordering room service, and gorging on Schnitzel, we have a better idea.

Get outside and explore the city! Prague is home to tons of things you can do on a cold winter day, rainy spring afternoon, or hot summer morning. With tons of outdoor beer gardens, cultural attractions, historical architecture, and cool restaurants and cafes, there is no shortage of things to do during one day in this magical city. 

Old Town Square

If you only have one day in Prague, we recommend staying close to the heart of the city — Old Town Prague. This historical mecca of the capital city is home to some of the best cultural sights, historical buildings, and tourist hot spots — but the proximity to everything is worth the extra people you will encounter during your adventures. 

Although there will be more people in your immediate vicinity, you can walk everywhere that you want to see within one day. Although a cooler neighborhood may be ideal for longer stays, like Vinohrady, this is a little bit harder to get out and requires more public transportation than the heart of the town. For just 24 hours, staying central is key — in Old Town you can explore Old Town Square, Old Town Hall, Church of Our Lady before Tyn, and the Astronomical Clock. 

Just sitting and having a quick espresso in Old Town Square is the best way to start your day. You can gaze at the astronomical clock and watch it perform its show on the hour, google at the remarkable church, and watch locals head to work. 

Tip: We recommend getting a quick breakfast or espresso at Pauseteria right around the corner from the Astronomical Clock — or Starbucks in the square, if you are having a bit of homesickness. But with the abundance of local coffee shops, maybe branch out and try some authentic Czech coffee and pastries. 

Charles Bridge

Charles Bridge View from Petrinska Tower – By A.Savin (WikiCommons) – Own work, FAL, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=54173840

After a nice breakfast, walk across Charles Bridge. Charles Bridge is the connecting structure that forms the bridge over the Vltava between Old Town and the Castle complex. If you have ever seen a photo of Prague before heading here, chances are Charles Bridge was in the forefront. Not only will you get extensive views of both sides of the city, but the Vltava at all points of the day is a shining and glistening waterway that makes the city look incredibly beautiful — well because it is.

Mala Strana

John Lennon Wall 30 Years of Freedom – By Nostrifikator – Nostrifikator [CC BY-SA 3.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0)]

Prague Castle

Prague Castle
Image- Pixabay

No visit to Prague is complete without heading to the Prague Castle. Sure, it may be a bit of a trek up a hill to get here — but the views and the interior are more than worth it. In fact, people head to Prague JUST to visit the sprawling castle complex — it IS the largest in the world! Plus, when you are in here, you can check out the St. Vitus Cathedral and Golden Lane, making it a 3 or 4-hour excursion.

Letna Park

Jorge Láscar from Australia [CC BY 2.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0)]

I mean, you can’t come to Prague and not have a pint of hte Czech beer. Czechs are known for their beer — and their beer consumption! So if you want to be like a local, you need to have at least one (or two, or three…) pins before you continue on your journey. 

Jewish Quarter

Ceremonial Hall in Prague Jewish Museum – By By Chmee2 – Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=2088871

After a nice beverage, head to the Prague Jewish Quarter to continue learning about the historical importance and influence of the city. The Jewish people played a huge role in the history of the country and the city today contains the Franz Kafka Monument, the Jewish Cemetery, and the Jewish Museum of Prague. 

Food!

Czech fried cheese – By By Qwerty Binary – Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=30835709

You are almost done with your lady — and now it is time to get some food, a drink, or head out to one of the many bars and clubs for your only night in Prague! If you would like a relaxed dinner, you can eat at one of the quintessential Czech restaurants outside of the tourist center. We recommend trying La Degustation for a fine dining meal, Restaurant Mlynec for a true Czech experience, or Restaurant Pod Vezi for Czech grub on the New Town side of the city.