Only have one day in Prague? Don’t worry – you can still see the best of this storybook city without rushing.
Cobbled streets, colourful buildings, the river winding through the heart of the city – Prague grabs you from the moment you arrive.
There’s no shortage of things to do in Prague. This guide will help you make the most of your day – sightseeing, hidden gems, food and just a touch of magic.
By the end, you’ll have ticked off the highlights and stumbled across a few surprises. Trust me, you’ll probably leave having fallen in love with the city.
And if you have a bit more time, you can explore Prague over a weekend for an even fuller experience.
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Booked It, Loved It: My Prague Picks
Where To Stay: The Julius or NYX
Highlights: Prague Castle, Evening Cruise and Walking Tour
Explore More: Prague City Pass
Travel Insurance: Safety Wing
Stay Connected: Esim
Weather & What to Wear
Prague’s weather can be a bit unpredictable, so here’s the lowdown.
Summer: Warm (20–25°C) and perfect for wandering around in a T-shirt and comfy shoes.
Spring & Autumn: Mild, but mornings and evenings can be chilly—layers are your friend.
Winter: Cold, often below zero, and streets can be snowy and slippery. Bring a warm coat, scarf and sturdy shoes.
Whatever the season, comfortable walking shoes are a must. The cobbled streets are gorgeous but not kind to heels or flimsy sandals.
Sunglasses and a light jacket are handy in spring/summer, and an umbrella is a lifesaver for sudden showers.
Getting From Václav Havel Airport
Getting to the city centre is simple.
AE (Airport Express) bus: Around 35 minutes to the main train station (Hlavní Nádraží).
Taxi or Uber: Usually 25–30 minutes, depending on traffic.
Once you’re in Prague, you’ll find it easy to get around – on foot or using public transport.
Getting Around Prague
Prague is super compact. Most of the sights are walkable if you stay central.
Walking: Old Town, Mala Strana, and the castle are all 15–20 minutes apart. Walking is the easiest way to explore.
Trams & Metro: Reliable and cover the main areas. A 24-hour ticket costs around 120 CZK (£4–5) and gives you flexibility if you want to save time or go further.
Budget & Costs
Prague won’t break the bank, especially compared to other European cities. Here’s what you can expect:
Coffee & pastries: 60–120 CZK (£2–4)
Lunch in a local spot: 250–400 CZK (£10–15)
Dinner with drinks: 400–600 CZK (£15–22)
Beer: 40–70 CZK (£1.50–3) for a half-litre in a pub
River cruise: 250–350 CZK (£10–13)
Prague Castle entrance: 350 CZK (£13–14)
For one day in Prague, budget around £60–70 per person to cover meals, a river cruise and castle entry.
Want to splurge on food or souvenirs? Then the total will, of course, go up.
Can You Walk Around Prague in One Day?
Totally! Prague’s city centre is super compact. Most of the big sights – Old Town Square, Charles Bridge, Prague Castle, Mala Strana and the Jewish Quarter – are within walking distance.
You’ll be on your feet a lot if you’re exploring the city in one day, so comfy shoes are a must.
Take short breaks at cafés or parks – they’re perfect for people-watching and catching your breath.
You can cover most attractions on foot, but trams or the metro are handy for longer stretches, like getting from Old Town to Letná Park.
Walking is the best way to really soak up Prague’s storybook streets and hidden corners.
Timing Your One Day in Prague
Breaking your day into timings makes it easy to hit all the highlights without feeling rushed.
This itinerary shows you what to do in Prague in just one day.
Morning (9:00–12:00)
Start in Old Town Square, the beating heart of Prague.
Grab a coffee and a pastry at a nearby café and watch the Astronomical Clock strike the hour. The square is buzzing with street performers, souvenir stalls, and colourful façades perfect for photos.
Around 10:00, wander across Charles Bridge. Mornings are best – fewer crowds, more space for photos. Stop to admire the baroque statues, soak in the views of the Vltava River and gaze up at Prague Castle perched on the hill.
By 11:30, explore Mala Strana. Quiet in the morning, this area is full of hidden gems – tiny gardens, local artisan shops, and picture-perfect corners.
Lunch (12:30–13:30)
Time to refuel.
Head to a traditional Czech restaurant in Old Town or Mala Strana. Goulash, schnitzel, or svíčková (beef in creamy sauce with dumplings).
Pair it with a local beer or soft drink. Lunch in Prague is hearty, affordable and gives you the energy for an afternoon of sightseeing
Afternoon (14:00–17:00)
After lunch, make your way to Prague Castle – a 15–20 minute walk from Old Town.
Explore St. Vitus Cathedral, the Old Royal Palace and Golden Lane. Take your time; the castle complex is massive, and the views over the city are stunning.
If you’re feeling adventurous, wander the quieter corners of Mala Strana or Nový Svět, a hidden lane near the castle that feels like stepping back in time.
Late Afternoon (17:00–18:30)
From the castle, head to Josefov, Prague’s Jewish Quarter.
Even if you skip the synagogues, the cobbled streets and Art Nouveau buildings are fascinating.
Stop at a tucked-away café for a coffee, then stroll to Wenceslas Square for some people-watching.
Grab a trdelník, the rolled sweet pastry dusted with sugar and cinnamon, or a savoury Czech sausage from a street vendor. Quick, tasty and keeps you fuelled for the rest of the day.
Evening (18:30–21:00)
Evening is perfect for a new perspective.
Hop on a Vltava River cruise and watch Prague glow as the sun sets.
Afterward, enjoy dinner at U Fleků, one of the city’s oldest breweries, or a smaller craft beer bar like Lokal.
Hearty Czech dishes – roast pork with dumplings or goulash – hit the spot.
End your day with a gentle stroll across Charles Bridge.
Seeing the city lit up at night is magical and a perfect way to wrap up your one day in Prague.
Optional Early Morning Before Departure
If you have a bit of time before your flight or train:
Grab coffee and pastries at Café Savoy or Můj šálek kávy.
Stroll through Letná Park for sweeping city, river and castle views.
Pick up a few souvenirs – Bohemian crystal, garnet jewellery or Becherovka.
Do’s and Don’ts in Prague
Prague is friendly and welcoming, but a few tips will make your day smoother.
Do:
Try the local food and drinks – Czech cuisine is hearty and the beer scene is legendary.
Snap photos of the city’s architecture and bridges
Use official taxis or Uber for airport transfers.
Carry some cash (Czech Koruna) for small purchases; some cafés don’t take cards.
Don’t:
Don’t feed pigeons in Old Town Square.
Don’t stop abruptly on Charles Bridge for photos – it’s narrow and crowds get frustrated. (Take it from me!)
Don’t only stick to tourist restaurants; side streets often hide the best meals.
Don’t underestimate the cobbled streets – heels and slippery shoes are a hazard.
Is One Day in Prague Worth It?
Absolutely! Even with just one day in Prague, you can hit the highlights, uncover hidden gems and really feel the city’s charm.
Sure, more time means museums and day trips, but a well-planned day lets you wander the cobbles, enjoy a river cruise, taste local food and soak in castle views – all in 24 hours.
Think of it as a taster of Prague – perfect for first-timers or anyone on a tight schedule.
You’ll probably fall in love – and if you do, there’s always next time for a longer stay.
Where to Stay for One Day in Prague
If you’ve only got 24 hours, staying central is key. The Julius ticks all the boxes:
Just a 10-minute stroll to Old Town
Spacious, apartment-style suites with kitchenettes
A cosy lounge for coffee, breakfast, or a wind-down after sightseeing
It’s stylish, comfortable, and works for couples, families, or solo travellers who want everything within easy reach. In short: The Julius Hotel is the perfect base for your one day in Prague.
Wrapping Up Your One Day in Prague
One day might sound short, but it’s enough to see the highlights, discover some of the best things to do in Prague and soak up the city’s atmosphere.
This itinerary balances sightseeing, food, and a touch of local life, so you won’t feel rushed.
First trip or tenth, Prague has a way of pulling you in.
Planning something special? Have a look at my guide to a romantic weekend in Prague for more ideas.
