Prague is just a short flight away from most of Europe's major cities, making it a popular mini-break destination. If you only have three days to spend in Prague, you can still see the city's major sights.
Day 1: Prague City Tour, Old Town, Jewish Quarter
A city tour is a great way to start your trip to Prague. Several companies offer bus tours, boat tours, and walking tours of Prague. A tour will give you a good overview of Prague and ensure that you see all of its main sights.
Once you've familiarized yourself with Prague, head over to Old Town Square, which is the heart of the city. This expansive square is surrounded by buildings from a variety of architectural eras, including Boroque, Rococo, Gothic, and Romanesque. Old Town Square is home to some of Prague's top tourist attractions, such as the Church of St. Nicholas; the Church of Our Lady before Týn; and the Old Town Hall with its famous Astronomical Clock. Traditional Czech restaurants and shops selling Czech crystal and marionettes line the periphery of the square. If you're looking to purchase some of these quintessential Czech souvenirs, however, head away from Old Town; prices tend to be much higher in this tourist zone.
Next to Old Town is the Jewish Quarter. Sights worth visiting here include the Old Jewish Cemetery, where an estimated 100,000 people are buried within a small walled area; the Old-New Synagogue, the oldest synagogue in Europe (built in the 13th century); St. Agnes's Convent, one of Bohemia's first Gothic buildings; and the Museum of Decorative Arts, which houses one of the world's largest collections of stained glass.
Day 2: Little Quarter, Prague Castle
Across the Vltava River from Old Town lies the Little Quarter and Prague Castle. A whole day can easily be spent in this picturesque part of the city, which is characterized by narrow, cobblestone streets, grand squares, and quaint shops and cafés. Notable sights within the Little Quarter include the Church of St. Nicholas (not to be confused the Church of St. Nicholas in Old Town); Wallenstein Palace, Prague's first Baroque building; and Petrin Park, whose observation tower offers stunning views of the city. Literary enthusiasts will enjoy a visit to the Kafka Museum.
From the Little Quarter, it's a short walk uphill to Prague Castle, located in the Hradcany district. The castle complex, dominated by St. Vitus's Cathedral, is Prague's crown jewel. The view from the castle gardens makes it easy to see why Prague is often referred to as "the city of one hundred spires."
The view from the castle gardens makes it is easy to see why Prague is often referred to as "the city of one hundred spires."
Day 3: New Town, Evening Concert
A third day in Prague can be spent in New Town, which, as its name would suggest, is more modern than its neighbor Old Town. New Town is full of well-known department stores and lively clubs and bars, but there are also some historic gems worth exploring. The National Museum, the State Opera, the Hotel Europa, the Mucha Museum, and several historic churches are just a few of New Town's notable sights. For dinner, head to U Fleku, Prague's best-known beer hall.
Prague is famous for its musical heritage, and there is no better way to cap off a short trip to the city than with a musical performance at the State Opera or one of its other music venues. For a truly unique experience, check out the National Marionette Theatre's version of Don Giovanni.
Prague is a compact city that is easily navigable on foot, but the city also has a good public transport network of buses, trams, and a metro.
For more short city break ideas, see A Day Trip to Paris and A Weekend in London.
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