14 Prague Tips for the Perfect Weekend in Prague
Dramatic spires, café culture, riverside hangouts and a super-walkable core make Prague the perfect destination for a European city break.
I’ve been to Prague several times and it’s a wonderful city, but it can get overwhelming, especially if you only have a couple of days to explore.
With that in mind, I put together this list of 14 Prague tips and ideas that will ensure you have a fantastic weekend in Prague, without feeling like you’re on a box-ticking marathon.
Are you ready?
Then let’s get into it.
14 Prague Tips for the Perfect Weekend in Prague
If you’re planning Prague in two to three days – a classic Euro-weekend in Prague – you should base yourself near the centre (Old Town, Malá Strana or Vinohrady).
This way, you can do most of your sightseeing on foot, and use the tram/metro for the longer hops.
Pick up a 24- or 72-hour public-transport ticket (120 CZK/330 CZK) covering the metro, trams and buses; you just need to validate once and you’re set.
(Note that the Petřín funicular is undergoing a full rebuild until 2026, so reach the hill by tram/bus or on foot via Pohořelec/Strahov.)
1) Sunrise on Charles Bridge
Go at dawn for atmospheric photos minus the crowds; Charles Bridge is free and open 24/7.
Closest metros are Staroměstská (Old Town side) and Malostranská (Lesser Town side); it’s an easy 8-12 minute walk from either. If you fancy a paid viewpoint afterwards, the Old Town Bridge Tower (east end) has a small fee and superb vistas over the bridge and castle.
Tower admission is around 250 CZK (family and concessions available).
2) Wander Malá Strana & Kampa Island
After the bridge, drift the side streets of Malá Strana and drop to Kampa Island for mills, canals and park lawns.
This is totally free and great for a mid-morning coffee break. You could pair this with Museum Kampa (a contemporary art museum).
It’s a short walk from Malostranská metro or tram stops along Mostecká street.
3) Petřín Hill
The funicular is closed until summer 2026, but you can still reach the hill by tram/bus and a pleasant walk (e.g. tram to Pohořelec or bus to Strahov).
The hill itself is free; if you climb the Petřín Lookout Tower, budget roughly 225-250 CZK (first-hour ‘early bird’ discount often applies).
Allow 60–90 minutes for a loop through the pretty orchards and gardens.
4) Castle District without the crush
The Prague Castle grounds are free and typically open early till late (complex 06:00–22:00), so walk the courtyards and viewpoints at quieter times rather than trying to brave the midday hordes.
The interiors of the castle (St Vitus, Old Royal Palace, Golden Lane, etc.) are on paid circuits, generally 9:00–16:00/17:00 depending on season – check the day’s schedule before you commit.
A time-saving tactic is to enjoy exteriors/views and pick just one interior to explore.
Tram 22 to Pražský hrad/Pohořelec gets you close.
5) Letná Park for the big panorama (and a beer)
Cross to Letná (Letenské sady) for one of Prague’s best skyline views; it’s free, open all day and ideal at golden hour.
The popular Letná beer garden typically runs between spring and autumn with casual self-service taps. I came here on my first trip to Prague, back when I was a baby backpacker, and I loved it so much!
You can reach the beer garden on foot from the Čechův most (bridge) or by tram to Letenské náměstí/Chotkovy sady.
6) Vyšehrad: the quiet fortress
Escape the city centre with a loop around Vyšehrad’s ramparts for river panoramas, the St Peter & Paul basilica, and the national cemetery Slavín.
The park area is free; selected interiors have limited hours and small fees – aim to arrive in the late morning or late afternoon for a calmer atmosphere.
Take metro C to Vyšehrad (two stops from the centre) and walk 8–10 minutes.
7) Holešovice culture hit: DOX
Swap Gothic for galleries at DOX Centre for Contemporary Art. This is a former factory that is now formed of sleek white cubes and the rooftop ‘Gulliver’ airship.
It’s usually open Tue – Sun from 11:00–19:00 (closed on Mondays). Allow 60 – 90 minutes for your visit.
Exhibitions rotate, so be sure check what’s on before you go.
To get here, you can take the tram 6/12/14 to Ortenovo náměstí or walk 10 minutes from Nádraží Holešovice.
8) Classic Czech café culture
I love a bit of coffee tourism, and Czechia has some great coffee shops and cafés.
For a grand-café vibe and delectable pastries, Café Louvre has been open since 1902! This beautiful café is central and open from 08:00 on weekdays and 09:00 weekends (you’ll need to book or go off-peak).
Café Savoy across the river is another beauty with similar hours and a famous sweet counter. Expect a coffee and cake to set you back around 150–250 CZK; tipping is appreciated but optional.
9) Tram 22: a rolling city tour
Tram 22 strings together a greatest-hits route: New Town → Vinohrady → National Theatre → Malá Strana → up towards the Castle → Břevnov.
Ride a couple of stops, hop off for side streets, then hop back on, covered by your time ticket. Try it late morning or mid-afternoon to dodge rush-hour crush.
10) Old Town Hall and Astronomical Clock
The Astronomical Clock show (every hour, on the hour) is one of the most famous things to see in Prague, and a rite of passage for first-time visitors.
Watching the show from outside is free; if you want the tower view, the Old Town Hall ticket is around 350 CZK (lift +100 CZK) with a first-hour-of-the-day 50% discount on admission many days. Personally, I would recommend just standing outside and watching it for free.
Go early or late to avoid the densest crowds.
11) A riverside hour at Náplavka
When the sun’s out, join locals on the Náplavka embankment for floating bars, swans and castle views; it’s free and lively most evenings in the warmer months.
Saturdays host the Farmers’ Market (usually 08:00–14:00, Feb – Dec) with coffee, pastries and hot bites—arrive before 11:00 for the best pick.
It’s a short walk from metro B: Karlovo náměstí or Smíchovské nádraží (Smíchov side) or tram along Rašínovo nábřeží.
12) Microbrewery tasting (beyond the pilsner)
Czech lager is king, but Prague’s microbreweries pour fresh, unfiltered specials. I’ve been to so many breweries in Czechia, and they’re always a lot of fun.
Order a tasting flight and ask the staff what’s brewed on site. Ideally, visit in the late afternoon to snag a table before the dinner rush.
Many places do snacks and beer food – to be fair, Czech food is pretty much made to accompany beer!
13) An hour of music in a church or concert hall
Even if you’re not a classical music buff, short 60 – 90 min concerts run daily in several historic venues across the city, and going to one can be a really unique experience: St Nicholas (Malá Strana), Klementinum, and Municipal House (Smetana Hall) are some of the most popular venues for this.
Same-day tickets are common; arrive 15 – 20 minutes early for better seats. Check listings on the day you’re free.
14) Golden-hour views: Riegrovy Sady or Žižkov TV Tower
When it’s time for sunset, pack a picnic and watch the castle glow from Riegrovy Sady lawns – this is totally free, but there’s a seasonal beer garden nearby if you fancy a tipple.
If the weather turns, head up Žižkov TV Tower (observatory ticket around 350 CZK), which stays open into the evening with widescreen city views.
Both sit east of the centre; the tram or metro A/C gets you close, then a short walk.
The Perfect Weekend in Prague | Final Thoughts
To make the most of your weekend in Prague, keep it simple: one ‘wow’ viewpoint per day, one cultural stop, one café and one casual dinner – what more do you need?
With a 24/72-hour transport ticket in your pocket and a bit of smart timing around the Castle and the Clock, Prague feels fabulous rather than frantic.
Until next time!
XOXO
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