Prague in 3 days: What to see, eat and know before you go!

I've heard of Prague for a very long time, finally made it there during a weekend trip with friends. From the moment I arrived, the city felt magical, like I was immersing into the Game of Thrones or stepping into the board game. In this post, I will share with you what you can do during 3 days in Prague and also some practical tips to make your travel more enjoyable.

Where is it located?

Prague sits in Central–Eastern Europe, in a country that has quietly transformed itself over time. Once part of Czechoslovakia under communism, Czechia became its own nation in 1993.

Walking through Prague, you feel the history everywhere. Not in a heavy way, but like a presence that follows you. In the stone streets. In the silence of old churches. In the way the city seems to move a little slower than others.

Getting there and around

We flew from Amsterdam to Václav Havel Airport Prague. Getting into the city was super easy. From airport, we took the bus 191 then transfered to a tram. The trip took about an hour, but it was easy, affordable and efficient. A single ticket costs around 40 CZK (about €2). The public transport system is well developed and connected. You can buy the day pass at a yellow machine at almost any public transport station.

Prague is a city made for walking. The historic center is compact, and wandering on foot is the best way to experience it. Getting lost just enough to stumble upon quiet streets and hidden corners.

Tips: Most places accept cards. We only needed cash when visiting Sapa Trade Center later in the trip.

Our 3-day itenerary

Day 1: Prague Castle Complex

Litterally a castle on the hill...

Any Ed Sheeran fan here?

The castle complex is vast. It is made up of palaces, courtyards, churches, museums, and the charming Golden Lane. It feels like a small medival city sitting above the city.

Don’t miss St. Vitus Cathedral, the largest and most important cathedral in Prague. Built in Gothic style and rich in intricate details, it’s impossible not to be impressed. We visited around sunset. When the light shone through the stained-glass windows, the whole space felt incredibly sacred, spiritual, and peaceful.

Golden Lane was another highlight. A row of tiny, colorful houses once rented to goldsmiths and workers. The rooms were small, with barely basic hygiene. Today, they’ve been turned into small museums, offering a glimpse into what daily life once looked like. Humbling, and slightly haunting.

The castle gardens are closed during the winter months… so I guess I’ll save those for next time.

All in all, we spent around three hours there, which felt just right to see the highlights without rushing.

Day 2: Charles Bridge, Lesser Town and Upper Town

Day 2 was slower. Less planning, more wandering. We crossed Charles Bridge, stretching over the Vltava River, connecting Lesser Town and Old Town. It's just over 500 meters long, but it took us nearly an hour to cross. We kept stopping. Every angle on the bridge is so instagrammable. Sometimes we didn’t even take photos. We just stood still, watching the river and the city in the distance. There’s a vintage, cinematic feeling here that’s hard to explain.

Charles Bridge gets very busy during the day, so try to visit early in the morning or closer to sunset. We came back in the evening too. The lights were beautiful, though some details disappeared into the dark.

After the bridge, we wandered through Old Town. No plan. Just turning corners and letting the city guide us. Of course we made sure to see the Astronomical Clock. It was packed. As a short girl, I mostly relied on my zoom lens later to catch the details.

Day 3: Prague food tour: Sapa Trade Center and Christmas Market

We started our last day at Sapa Trade Center. Located in Prague’s Libuš district, it’s one of the largest and most important Vietnamese market and cultural complexes in Europe. The complex is huge, with Vietnamese restaurants, grocery stores, wholesalers, food stalls, cafés, legal and financial services, and even a Buddhist temple.

Compared to Dong Xuan Center in Berlin, Sapa felt less polished. We talked to a few people and followed their food tips (and our hungry stomachs).

What we ate (and loved) & where:

Bánh mì	Try Banh Mi Ma Lum. The best banh mi I've had since I left Vietnam 10 years ago.
Phở	Pho Thien Hanh. They have northern Pho style with savory churros. Number one breakfast dish!
Dessert	Get Vietnamese coffee and sweet desserts at Ngọt
Streetfood	Try Chi Hai. A diverse streetfood menu for you to choose from.

I wish we had more time to explore and talk to people there. Sapa isn’t just about food. It reflects the deep root of Vietnamese community in Czechia.

We made our way back to the city to visit 2 largest Christmas markets: At Old Town Square and Wenceslas Square. Both markets were beautifully decorated with lights, and the smell of food lingered in the cold air. We wandered between stalls with hot glühwein in hand, tried roasted ham and sausages, and the famous chimney cakes to satisfy our sweet tooth.

Then came the moment: the giant Christmas tree lighting up with music. The whole square seemed to pause. I got goosebumps. It felt cozy, magical and unforgettable. A perfect way to wrap up our girls’ trip.

We ended the evening with traditional Czech food at a local favorite:

Lokál Dlouhááá. We ordered beef goulash with bread dumplings, schnitzel, roasted duck, and of course, a cold Czech beer. The best kind of comfort after a long day of walking. This restaurant is packed, so don't forget to book in advance to reduce waiting time.

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Would I go back to Prague? A big yes.

This city is beautiful and has so much to offer. It’s lively but not rushed. Somehow, even in the crowds, I felt peaceful. Every building is unique, and everywhere you look there’s history or details waiting to be uncovered. Prague is the kind of place that invites you to take your time, look closer, and come back for more.

The one downside? The city center is overloaded with souvenir shops - copy-paste stores selling the same magnets and “I ❤️ Prague” merch on every street :(.