Czech Republic · Trip plan
4 days in Prague
A fairy-tale old town, Christmas markets and the best beer in Europe.
- Best time
- Nov – Dec, Apr – May, Sep – Oct
- Ideal length
- 4 days
- A day, mid-range
- $150 per person
- Trip for two
- about $1,200
Planning a 4-day trip to Prague? Here's a day-by-day Prague itinerary with what it costs, where to stay and how to get there, ready to follow or make your own.
Why go now
From late November, the Old Town Square Christmas market fills Prague with lights, carols and mulled wine.
Prague survived the 20th century almost intact: a city of spires, cobbled squares and Gothic and Baroque architecture on the Vltava river.
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr: a good time to go
- May: a good time to go
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep: a good time to go
- Oct: a good time to go
- Nov: a good time to go
- Dec: a good time to go
December: -2 to 4°C; Christmas markets run from late November to early January.
Don't miss
Best things to do in Prague
- 01
Old Town Square
The Astronomical Clock and the Christmas market.
- 02
Charles Bridge
A medieval stone bridge lined with statues.
- 03
Prague Castle
The largest ancient castle complex in the world.
- 04
Malá Strana
Baroque lanes below the castle.
Day by day
Prague itinerary for 4 days
- D1
Day 1: Old Town
- Morning
- Watch the Astronomical Clock strike the hour in Old Town Square, then climb the Old Town Hall tower.
- Afternoon
- Walk the Jewish Quarter's synagogues and the Old Jewish Cemetery.
- Evening
- Christmas market on Old Town Square: svařák (mulled wine), trdelník and carols beneath the tree.
The clock show draws crowds; stand by the Town Hall.
- D2
Day 2: Castle district
- Morning
- Cross to Prague Castle at opening to see St Vitus Cathedral and the Old Royal Palace.
- Afternoon
- Walk Golden Lane's tiny houses, then down through Malá Strana's baroque streets to St Nicholas Church.
- Evening
- Dinner of svíčková and pilsner in a traditional beer hall.
Arrive early; the castle is busy by 11 AM.
- D3
Day 3: Charles Bridge and the river
- Morning
- Cross Charles Bridge at dawn, when it's empty and misty.
- Afternoon
- River cruise on the Vltava and coffee at the Café Louvre, where Kafka once drank.
- Evening
- A classical concert in a candlelit church.
Book concert tickets in advance.
- D4
Day 4: Vyšehrad and home
- Morning
- Visit Vyšehrad fortress and its cemetery for river views few tourists see.
- Afternoon
- Lunch and last markets at Wenceslas Square.
- Evening
- Fly home.
The airport bus from Veleslavín is quick and cheap.
Shorter or longer
Prague in 3, 4 or 6 days
3 days in Prague
Follow days 1 to 3 above and leave out “Vyšehrad and home”. Start early each day and book the main sights ahead.
6 days in Prague
Slow down with a free day for a spa, a cooking class or simply wandering.
What it costs
Prague trip budget
| Style | Per person, a day | 4 days for two |
|---|---|---|
| Budget | $70 | $560 |
| Mid-range | $150 | $1,200 |
| Luxury | $350+ | $2,800 |
Stay, food, local transport and entry fees; travel to Prague is extra. Rough guides from recent prices, so check before you book.
Where to stay
Best hotels in Prague for every budget
What to eat
Food to try in Prague
Svíčková
Beef in a creamy vegetable sauce with dumplings.
Trdelník
Sweet rolled pastry from the markets.
Pilsner
Fresh from the tank.
Getting there
How to reach Prague
- Travel
- Václav Havel Airport, 30 minutes from the centre; trains from Berlin, Vienna and Budapest.
- Getting around
- Walk; trams and metro for longer hops.
- Cross Charles Bridge at dawn to have it to yourself.
- Use Czech koruna; avoid airport exchange.
Before you go
What to pack for Prague
- Power bank and charging cables
- Passport and visa printouts
- Clothes that cover shoulders and knees for temples
- A forex card or some local cash
- Travel insurance
Good questions
Prague trip FAQs
How many days are enough for Prague?
4 days are enough to see the highlights: Old Town Square, Charles Bridge, Prague Castle. Add a day or two if you like a slower pace.
How much does a 4-day Prague trip cost?
Roughly $70 a day per person on a budget, $150 mid-range and $350+ for luxury, not counting travel to get there. For two people mid-range, that's about $1,200 for 4 days.
What is the best time to visit Prague?
Nov – Dec, Apr – May, Sep – Oct. From late November, the Old Town Square Christmas market fills Prague with lights, carols and mulled wine.
Where should I stay in Prague?
Budget: Hostels in the Old Town (Staré Město), from about $50 a night. Mid-range: Hotel U Prince (Old Town Square), from about $200 a night. Luxury: Four Seasons Hotel Prague (Riverside), from about $500 a night.
How do I reach Prague?
Václav Havel Airport, 30 minutes from the centre; trains from Berlin, Vienna and Budapest.
Is 3 days enough for Prague?
Yes, if you focus: follow days 1 to 3 of the itinerary above and skip "Vyšehrad and home". 4 days is the comfortable length.
What is the weather like in Prague?
December: -2 to 4°C; Christmas markets run from late November to early January.
What food should I try in Prague?
Svíčková: Beef in a creamy vegetable sauce with dumplings. Trdelník: Sweet rolled pastry from the markets. Pilsner: Fresh from the tank.
How do I get around Prague?
Walk; trams and metro for longer hops.
You might also like
More trips like Prague
- AustriaVienna
Christmas markets, palaces and the coffee-house life.
Nov – Dec4 days · from ₹7,000/day - HungaryBudapest
Thermal baths, ruin bars and Christmas markets on the Danube.
Nov – Dec, Apr – May, Sep – Oct4 days · from $60/day - Alsace, FranceStrasbourg
The Capital of Christmas: half-timbered houses and France's oldest Christmas market.
Nov – Dec3 days · from $90/day