How to spend 3 days in Prague
Three days in Prague gives you time to explore Old Town and the castle, plus dig into neighborhoods like Lesser Town and Vinohrady. Focus Day 1 on Old Town Square and the Jewish Quarter, Day 2 on Prague Castle and Lesser Town, and Day 3 on local neighborhoods and hidden spots most tourists miss.
- Plan your base location. Stay in Old Town (Staré Město) or New Town (Nové Město) for easy walking access to major sights. Avoid tourist traps around Wenceslas Square for dining but the location works well for hotels.
- Get a Prague Castle ticket in advance. Book online at hrad.cz for 250-350 CZK depending on circuit choice. Castle tickets include St. Vitus Cathedral, Royal Palace, and Basilica. Skip the line with advance booking.
- Download offline maps. Prague's Old Town streets can confuse GPS. Download offline Google Maps or Maps.me before arrival. The metro system is simple with just 3 lines - green (A), yellow (B), and red (C).
- Budget for cash expenses. Many restaurants, pubs, and small shops still prefer Czech koruna cash. Get cash from ATMs rather than exchange bureaus which charge higher fees.
- Is 3 days enough for Prague?
- Yes, 3 days covers the main sights plus time to explore local neighborhoods. You'll see Old Town, the Castle, Charles Bridge, and get a feel for daily Prague life beyond the tourist centers.
- Should I buy a Prague tourist card?
- Generally no. Individual attraction tickets are more cost-effective for a 3-day visit. The Prague Castle ticket and public transport 3-day pass (310 CZK) are the only multi-attraction purchases worth making.
- How much should I tip in Prague restaurants?
- Round up to the nearest 10 or 20 koruna, or add 10% for good service. Tipping is appreciated but not expected at the American level. Hand the tip directly to your server rather than leaving it on the table.
- Is Prague safe for tourists?
- Very safe. Main concerns are pickpocketing in tourist areas and overcharging at restaurants near major attractions. Check prices before ordering and keep valuables secure in crowded areas like Charles Bridge.
- Do I need to speak Czech?
- No. English works at hotels, restaurants, and attractions in central Prague. Learn 'děkuji' (thank you) and 'prosím' (please/excuse me) for politeness, but you'll manage fine with English and pointing.