Prague, the charming capital of the Czechia (the Czech Republic), is brimming with history, culture, and magnificent architecture. From medieval castles to vibrant neighborhoods, Prague, known as the city of a hundred spires, offers something for every traveler. With one week to explore Prague, you’ll have ample time to dive deep into the city’s rich heritage, visit its iconic landmarks, and uncover its hidden gems. Here’s how to make the most of your adventure in this breathtaking city.
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Day 1: Arrive & Get Acquainted with Old Town
Unless you are transferring from another European city, you will likely arrive in the morning hours. It will be oh-so-tempting to pray for an early check-in and take a long nap, but that is the worst thing you can do if you just arrived from the states! Instead, stash your luggage at the hotel, grab a bite to eat and perhaps freshen up, and then hit the road! You need to stay active until early evening (at least 7:00 or so) to get a jump on that jet-lag!
Begin your one week in Prague by getting acquainted with Old Town (Staré Město), the heart and soul of the city. Start at the Old Town Square, surrounded by colorful buildings, cobblestone streets, and the iconic Astronomical Clock. Time your visit to catch the clock’s hourly show, where apostles appear in the windows. This wonderful show is the perfect introduction to your one week in Prague.
Afterward, wander through the narrow lanes. Explore the charm of the Church of Our Lady Before Týn, a Gothic masterpiece that dominates the square. This impressive site dates from the mid-14th to the early 16th centuries. At the end of the 17th century, the interior was reworked in Baroque style. The cathedral houses a gallery of Gothic, Renaissance and Early Baroque works, and the oldest organ in Prague, dating from 1673.
Take a leisurely stroll to Charles Bridge, a pedestrian bridge lined with statues of saints. It offers panoramic views of the Vltava River. Enjoy some quiet moments as you admire the river and the Prague Castle looming in the distance. If you have time, you might also want to take a look at Prague from a different perspective with this Old Town Medieval Underground and Dungeon Historical Tour!
Take time to enjoy a nice dinner before heading to your hotel to unpack and call it an early evening. After all, this is just day one of your week in Prague!
Day 2: Discover the Majestic Prague Castle
Your second day is dedicated to exploring Prague Castle, one of the largest and most impressive castle complexes in the world. Start your visit with St. Vitus Cathedral, an architectural wonder with stunning stained-glass windows. After marveling at the cathedral, head to the Royal Palace, where Bohemian kings once resided.
Be sure to explore the Golden Lane, a quaint street within the castle walls that once housed soldiers, alchemists, and craftspeople. The cute little alley with its tiny colorful houses attracted numerous artists and writers including Franz Kafka. Today, several of the houses are open to the public so you can see how people lived over its 500-year history.
Spend some time wandering through the Castle Gardens, offering tranquil spots and breathtaking views of the city below. Don’t rush—this is one of the most iconic parts of Prague, and it’s worth savoring every moment.
Enjoy a relaxing Vltava River Dinner Cruise this evening. Enjoy the stunning views of Prague’s historic landmarks while indulging in delicious Czech cuisine. From the water, you’ll get a unique perspective of the city’s many bridges, including the famous Charles Bridge and the magnificent Prague Castle.
Day 3: Dive into Art & History
Start the day with a visit to the Jewish Quarter (Josefov). Here, you can explore the Old Jewish Cemetery, one of the oldest and most atmospheric cemeteries in Europe, and the Jewish Museum, which offers fascinating insight into the history of Prague’s Jewish community. Spend some time wandering the narrow, charming streets of Josefov, home to beautiful synagogues. Enjoy a wonderful kosher lunch as one of the many quaint cafes.
Spend the afternoon diving deeper into Prague’s cultural scene. Check out the National Gallery Prague, which houses an extensive collection of Czech and international art, including works by renowned artists like Klimt, Picasso, and Van Gogh. Head to the DOX Centre for Contemporary Art, a modern gallery that showcases thought-provoking exhibitions and cutting-edge art.
This evening, check out a Black light Theatre production. Black Light Theatre takes you on a fascinating journey by capturing a mixture of classical fairy tales and fables along with up-to-date stories. They are a unique and fun experience. Just one caveat – make sure you know what you are signing up to see.
We bought tickets to a version of Alice in Wonderland thinking we would be able to easily follow the story line. Little did we know there would be a bit of a garden of Eden after the fall scene (yes, they got naked). With the black lights and strobe lighting we were literally glued to our seats and unable to leave. Fortunately, the blacklight also hid most of the details.
Nudity is not viewed the same in European cultures as it is in the U.S. and this was considered an artistic presentation rather than pornography. But it still made our U.S. sensibilities go all a quiver! In hindsight, Alice in Wonderland might have been a naïve choice on our part.
Day 4: Explore Lesser Town (Malá Strana)
On day four of your one week in Prague, head to Malá Strana (Lesser Town), one of Prague’s most picturesque districts. Nestled in the foothills of Prague Castle and on the opposite side of the Vltava Rivee to Old Town, Malá Strana is one of five central areas of Prague. Founded in 1257, it is a picturesque part of the city and boasts many majestic buildings.
Start with St. Nicholas Church, an impressive baroque church with a stunning dome and intricate frescoes. Construction of the church began in 1703. Visitors can climb the 216 steps to the 65 m high gallery of the tower for views of Lesser Town and across the river to Old Town.
Take a peek at Liechtenstein Palace, located at the Lesser Town Square, is Prague’s first large Baroque building. Today the palace serves as the Academy of Musical Arts music conservatory and as a venue for classical concerts.
Kampa Island
Take a picnic and find a grassy spot on Kampa Island for lunch. The island is a peaceful spot with charming canals and quirky art installations. For instance, don’t miss the famous David Černý’s babies sculptures. These creepy bronze crawling babies (Miminka) with bar-coded faces are located near the Museum for Modern Art on the island. They are replicas of the (much lighter weight) ones you can see crawling up and down the Prague Television Tower.
For a unique experience, visit the John Lennon Wall, a constantly evolving mural that pays tribute to the legendary musician. Shortly after the death of John Lennon, this stone wall was transformed into an impromptu memorial. Lighted candles accompanied quotes from John’s songs about world peace and freedom, and soon slogans criticizing the totalitarian regime appeared. Remember, Prague was behind the Iron Curtain at the time. With the arrival of democracy, the wall lost some of its significance. Now it is mainly a cool photo-op where everyone can express his/her opinion.
End day four of your one week in Prague with a relaxing dinner in Malá Strana, where you’ll find a variety of restaurants serving traditional Czech dishes and local specialties.
Andrew Shiva / Wikipedia
Day 5: Day Trip to Terezín to Remember Those Lost
Take a day trip to Terezín, for a sobering and enlightening look at Nazi atrocities during World War II. Located about an hour outside the city, this Nazi concentration camp and ghetto stands as a memorial to those lost. The site includes a Small Fortress, the Ghetto Museum, a database of former prisoners, and the Cemetery of the Victims. The memorial offers powerful insights into the harsh realities of life during the Holocaust.
A visit to Terezín provides an important historical perspective. It is a deeply moving experience that sheds light on the resilience of the human spirit during a dark period of history. Check out these day trips to Terezín from Prague for an easy way to make your way to the camp.
Day 6: Take a Day Trip to Kutná Hora
On day six of your one week in Prague, take a day trip to Kutná Hora. This UNESCO World Heritage site is located about an hour outside Prague and offers an amazing look into Central Europe’s medieval past.
Once a booming silver mining town, the city dazzles visitors with its architectural treasures. The highlight is the breathtaking Gothic masterpiece, St. Barbara’s Cathedral, with its intricate flying buttresses and stunning frescoes.
The most compelling site in Kutná Hora is the eerie Sedlec Ossuary, a chapel adorned with the bones of over 40,000 people, arranged in artistic, haunting patterns. The bones came from victim of the black death in the 14th century and the Hussite wars in the 15th century. When the cemetery became overcrowded, the bones were exhumed and stored in the ossuary.
A local woodcarver was commissioned to organize the bones in the 19th century and he created the striking displays we see today. One can’t help but wonder if they really intended more of a filing system, but I love the result of this artistic soul’s work!
Kutná Hora also offers a beautiful historic town center with colorful buildings, charming squares, and quiet streets. After exploring the town, enjoy lunch at a local restaurant, sampling some regional specialties before heading back to Prague. Check here to find the best day trips to Kutná Hora from Prague!
Day 7: Explore More of Prague’s Hidden Gems
With only one day left of your week in Prague, be sure check out as many of the remaining sites as you possibly can. Truth be told, one week in Prague isn’t nearly enough to see and do it all, so you will have to pick and choose!
Soak in Prague’s natural beauty at one of the city’s parks! Letná Park, offers magnificent views of the city and the Vltava River. It’s a great spot for a walk or picnic, with plenty of green space to relax. Don’t miss the Metronome located within Letna Park. This giant kinetic sculpture marks the site of a former monument to Stalin. Or head to Stromovka Park, one of Prague’s largest green spaces. This park is perfect for a peaceful walk or a bike ride and offers a great escape from the hustle and bustle of the city.
Check out the Vyšehrad Fortress, a historic site offering sweeping views of the city and the Vltava River. The fortress grounds also house a peaceful cemetery where notable Czech figures are buried, including composers and writers.
Or you might want to get a up close view of the Miminkas on the Zizkov Televsion Tower. This unconventional and modern landmark offers a viewing platform with panoramic views of Prague. Take the elevator to the top and enjoy a coffee or cocktail in the rotating restaurant.
End your week in Prague with a relaxed walk along Wenceslas Square, one of Prague’s main shopping and cultural hubs. This is a great spot to pick up souvenirs, grab a bite to eat, and soak in the lively atmosphere of the city.
Where to Stay & Getting Around
There are many fabulous places to stay in Prague! One of my favorite places is the Iron Gate Hotel and Suites by BHG. It is a unique and historic hotel with rooms of all shapes and sizes making it a great choice for families. For a more economical options, the Hotel Rott Prague is a good choice. It is a bit less plush but it is clean and a good value. Both hotels are in great locations in Old Town near the Astrological Clock.
Prague is a very walkable city, despite it’s somewhat hilly terrain. I walked all over the city and never took a taxi or Uber. Uber is available in Prague but locals often use Bolt due to cheaper prices. The public transportation network is extensive and reliable. But again, most places are very walkable.
How Will You Spend Your One Week in Prague?
Prague will leave you with lasting memories. Ready for the adventure? The City of a Hundred Spires is waiting to welcome you!
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