Prague, famed for its cheap beer, the historic Charles Bridge, and the world’s oldest working astronomical clock. But I’ll be honest, it wasn’t high on my travel list. That all changed when I had a big golden birthday and one of my wishes was to dance to a DJ who just happened to be playing in Prague, at a rooftop nightclub. And so, we were off to Prague.
The more I learned about this gorgeous Gothic city, the more excited I became. And the fact that it’s known as the “Golden City” sealed the anticipation. I could suddenly see why so many people flock here for the Christmas markets, what a backdrop for festive magic. So whatever your reason or season for visiting, I hope this travel guide for 3 days in Prague, helps you choose what to see and do, eat and drink and gets you just as excited.
How to Get from the Airport to Prague City Centre
If you’re flying into Prague Airport, is refreshingly easy, as the city centre is relatively close – always a bonus when rooftop plans are involved. There are several ways to get from the airport into Prague, depending on time, budget.
Bolt or Uber: I took a Bolt taxi, mainly because time was not on our side and we had a rooftop sunset firmly in our sights. I’d read that the journey typically costs around £10–15 and takes about 20 minutes. However, we landed late, right in peak rush hour, demand was higher, and the trip ended up costing £25 and taking closer to 35 minutes. Still, we made sunset, and it was worth every extra penny. If you’re using app-based taxis like Bolt or Uber at Prague Airport, follow the signs for “app cabs” pick-ups. These lead you outside, opposite the terminal entrance, down to level minus one, where pick-ups are clearly signposted.
Public Transport: If you aren’t in a rush or fancy saving your pennies, you can buy a ticket from the yellow machines for around a pound! You’ll need to take the 119 bus (line 59), which runs every 15 minutes from outside the terminals – there are also signs for this. This will take you to Nádraží Veleslavín station in about 20 minutes. Then, take the green line metro to the city centre, nearest your accommodation. There are a couple of options. Or, there’s the airport bus for £3! Direct to the city every 30 minutes.
Top tip for Prague Airport: If you’re airside and meeting friends arriving on a different flight, Prague Airport is very easy to navigate and you can meet them directly at their gate. I’d usually head through to landside and wait there, but once I discovered a Prosecco bar, I was staying airside until my partner in crime arrived. It also made for a perfect last toast before boarding the flight home – proof that airport experiences are part of trips fun! .
How many days do you need in Prague?
If you’re coming to see the sights and enjoy the local cuisine, a weekend in Prague is usually enough to cover the highlights. You might want longer if you’re planning to dance till dawn and need some recovery time, or if you prefer taking it slow and soaking in the city’s rich history. I did three nights and caught the last flight home, so almost four days, with recovery time built in after our DJ-fuelled dancing night!
What I hadn’t factored in was the weather. I went in September, so it was cooling down and rained on and off. Thankfully, it didn’t stop or ruin too much, but there were definitely a few rooftops I didn’t get to this time. Always a good excuse to return!
What is the Best Area to Stay in Prague?
One of the great things about Prague is how walkable it is – even when it’s raining! There are also buses, taxis, and a metro if you prefer. Where to stay really depends on what you want from your trip. You could stay by the river for a quieter, slower pace, in the heart of the city around Old Town Square to be close to the main sights, or, like me, near the club that this trip was centred around – which, as a bonus, was also pretty central.
What Hotel to Stay in Prague
I stayed at the NYX Hotel purely for convenience, it was a three-minute walk from the club we were heading to, which at 5 a.m. felt like an excellent life choice. That said, it’s not somewhere I’d usually book. There’s no rooftop, it feels quite soulless, breakfast was limited and there’s no all-day bar, so it didn’t really deliver that “girls trip” energy. That said, it was one of the cheapest options in the area.
What I did like was the authentically gothic vibe, which felt very Prague. The staff were genuinely kind and helpful, and the beds were comfy too. If you’re planning to be out most of the time and just need a solid base, it does the job well.
If budget allows then I would highly recommend the W Prague instead. The rooftop alone makes it tempting, gorgeous views, a fantastic vibe, and it’s just a one-minute walk from the club, which feels like the best of both worlds.
Another great option is The Cloud One Prague. It felt slightly further out at first, but in reality it’s only about a 15-minute walk to the Old Town Clock, just five minutes more than where we stayed. I popped in to see the rooftop and it felt very luxe. Maybe a touch corporate, but again, the rooftop is fabulous and the indoor bar just as impressive.
How to Get Around Prague
Prague is perfect for exploring on foot – historic buildings and sights are around every corner. Walking really lets you soak in the city, which is exactly what we did. That said, if mobility is an issue, you’re tired, or short on time, there are plenty of other options. The local buses and metro are reliable and easy to use, and taxis or app-based rides like Bolt are convenient for getting around quickly.
When Is the Best Time to Visit Prague?
As someone who loves heat and sun, September was cooler than I like, at around 18°C, dropping when it rained. But when the sun was out, the jackets came off! This weather also drives me mad for packing, especially with hand luggage only, as it felt like four seasons in one day. If I wasn’t bound by the DJ I wanted to see, I would shoot for June or August for the warmth or Christmas for the markets, festive feel, and wrap up as it’s a the perfect match for their cuisine of choice – all the stodge!
That said, summer is renowned for an influx of students and interrailers, so if you want quieter evenings strolling through the city without needing a duvet for a coat, September is actually a pretty ideal time to visit. (Just avoid the weekend the students start university as their parents tend to stay for the weekend too )
Do I Need Cash in Prague and What is the currency?
The official currency in Prague is the Czech koruna (CZK). I was told we’d need cash, but we both forgot and never had to withdraw any, as most restaurants, bars, and shops, especially in tourist areas, accept cards. That said, it’s always handy to have a few Czech koruna notes or coins for smaller purchases, local markets, or cafés off the beaten path.
What to Eat and Drink – must try foods in Prague
If you are a foodie then be prepared to pig out in Prague washed down with beer! Yes, the big drink in Prague is beer, and for good reason. About a 90-minute drive from Prague is Pilsen, home of the first pale lager brewed in 1842, Pilsner Urquell. The Czechs are the biggest beer drinkers in Europe!
Nearly 2 hours south of Prague is the home of the much-disputed Budweiser beer – an ongoing battle over the name dating back to 1895! The Budweiser the Western world is more familiar with is the USA version, brewed with rice, not malt, and took its inspiration from the Czech town. The Budweiser from this country is a different beer. You could do a taste test! Or stick with Pilsner!
Another drink to try is Becherovka Original, a traditional Czech herbal liqueur, also made about 90 minutes from Prague. It’s known as the Eastern European version of Jäger! Perfect for sipping before or after a meal – not mixing with redbull and downing!
I was told to eat a chimney cake (trdelník), which I found strange, as they’re not traditionally from Prague, but Hungary! They looked fun, a gluten nightmare, and packed with calories! I even researched where I could get one GF free but as they aren’t traditional to this country I didn’t waste my calories!
Now, to meals… winter in Prague is a win for hearty, comforting food. Think Potato soup, dumplings, roasted pork or duck, fried cheese, potato pancakes – hangover food at its finest! More on where to eat below.
Being Gluten Free in Prague
I’m Gluten free (GF), but I’m not celiac; I have a wheat allergy, but it’s easier to say GF. So I don’t need specialized restaurants, as I can work around menus. Where I do get caught is with sauces and coming to Prague I was worried it would be more limited for me and it was – I was gutted about the dumplings! Only once have I found dumplings I can eat, and Melbourne is a long way to go back for those! Surprisingly, Prague wasn’t as restrictive as I feared. With a little menu navigation, it’s possible to enjoy traditional Czech cuisine without feeling completely restricted, and plenty of restaurants are happy to accommodate GF diners.
Where to Brunch, Lunch and Dine in Prague
I’m no foodie – it’s all about the vibe and view for me but my friend is, so these picks come with an extra rubber stamp of approval.
Restaurace Mincovna.
Restaurace Mincovna, is a local favourite, brassiere-style restaurant right in the heart of Old Town Square. I expected it to be a tourist trap, but it was far from it. The name comes from the building’s history – Czech coins were once minted here, so Mincovna literally means “mint.” And that’s exactly how I’d describe our dinner: mint! Perfectly executed, delicious and classic local food. Plus amazing local wine recommendations, and lovely staff. Do book, we wouldn’t have got a table as a walk in’s and and it was especially kind of them to hold our reservation when we were running late.
Kuchyn
Kuchyn is located up by Prague Castle and almost counts as a rooftop spot thanks to the epic views. Luckily, it was warm enough to eat on the balcony, which I had booked in advance, much to the relief of the host who was turning everyone away. Being so close to the castle, there was a line of hungry hopefuls waiting for tables who hadn’t booked! The food was hearty and satisfying, and the service was once again wonderful. I highly recommend Kuchyn if you’re after traditional Czech dishes with a side of one of the best views in the city.
Villa Richter
Drinking wine from the oldest Czech vineyard – it would almost be a wine crime not to! You can grab a wine from one of their trucks and soak up the vineyards along with sweeping city views for a relaxed Sunday afternoon vibe. Or, if you prefer, book a wine tasting and make it a proper event. I went for the former – a lovely afternoon in the sunshine with great local wine and even better with great company!
Terasa Prince
Terasa Prince Rooftop is one of the most popular photo spots in Prague, with mixed reviews about the service and food. I opted for coffee and bubbles and, of course, the photo! Read more on my rooftop review page.
Fly Vista
Fly Vista was a massive highlight of the trip. This isn’t just a great rooftop; it’s the perfect pre-party dinner venue before we went dancing! Waiters were up on the bar, the views were epic and the food, fantastic. Read my full review of Fly Vista and make sure to book – if you enjoy fun, surprises and free shots, you won’t be disappointed. And yes there is a champagne bath – well actually the largest champagne ice bucket! Plus it is on top of the ‘House of Fun‘, which says it all!
Cafe Savoy
Cafe Savoy is a popular Viennese-style brunch spot in Prague that saved our hangovers! There are a few tables outside, and inside is a traditional, elegant café setting. The menu has all the egg options you could want (and I definitely wanted eggs!). The service was incredibly kind, and they happily accommodated all our whims. This was a treat and highly recommend hungover or not!
Sweet and Pepper Days
Sweet and Pepper Days is a classic brunch go-to in Prague. As I had just kicked off my golden era, I had to try one of their golden lattes along with a classic brunch – utterly delicious! The café is on a street in a quieter area of the city which made a nice break from the hordes of tourists (yes, I know, I was one of them).
Mad Rabbit Macaron Bar
I found the second-best macarons here (first place still goes to Armand in France, of course!). This isn’t just a counter – it’s a full Alice in Wonderland inspired café, with whimsical décor that’s very Instagrammable and macaron flavours like bubble gum and piña colada. A perfect stop for a sweet treat and some photo worthy fun during your Prague wanderings. Oh and there is more than one – I may have gone back to get more! Those saved Chimney Cake calories were very well spent.
Bars Not to Miss in Prague
Most of the bars I went to were rooftops so be sure to read my reviews of them, but due to the rain a few that weren’t!
Hemingway Bar
One very chic speakeasy we visited was Hemingway Bar. (Inspired not connected to Ernest Hemmingway) It’s a bit of a walk from the main square, and we took a risk without a reservation, but we managed to snag a table (but I would advise to book). The cocktails were fabulous – we simply described what we fancied, and voilà! I went for the absinthe, and it did not disappoint. Highly recommend for anyone looking for a stylish, intimate bar experience in Prague.
Anonymous Shrinks Office Bar
The Anonymous Shrinks Office Bar is an unusual bar where cocktails tailored to your choices based on your personality profile as it’s where Freud was born! As an old psychology student, this was a great unique concept but I wasn’t a fan of the bar staff wearing scary masks. Am sure Freud would have a hypothesis on that!
Lot of Wine
Lot of Wine was a rain hideaway when the heavens opened – and what a find! Whether you fancy a full wine tasting or just a carefully chosen glass, the incredible wine experts here make it well worth a pit stop in Prague.
Duplex Night Club
For dancing, Duplex Rooftop was my destination. I’m not usually a fan of indoor clubs, so I was a bit disappointed the dance floor was inside. Luckily, the rooftop bar offered fresh air and plenty of photo-worthy moments!
The Glass House
Set on top of the Dancing House or as I like to call it the ‘Wonky’ Hotel this is a tourist trap rooftop bar but one I would still recommend! Read my full review to decide if its worth it for you.
Restaurace Čertovka
I loved sipping rosé by the river with views of Charles Bridge, reward for making my way through the narrowest alley (claustrophobic!)! It could have felt like a tourist trap, but the drinks were a bargain and the atmosphere was perfect for a relaxed Prague riverside bar experience. A lovely stop for anyone wanting a drink with a view in Prague but I can’t recommend as restaurant as I didn’t eat here.
Why you need to book in advance – Even Bars!
One thing to note is how busy Prague can get on weekends. Just two hours from London, it’s a very popular weekend break destination – especially at Christmas. Summer sees an influx of students and interrailers, and as a major university city, term time brings another surge of visitors (best to avoid weekends when parents are dropping off students!).
If there are bars, restaurants, or rooftop spots you really want to experience, book ahead. I saw so many queues, missed one item on my list, and felt so glad I’d pre booked other places. Planning ahead really pays off when visiting Prague, particularly for popular bars and dining spots.
Is Prague Good for a Stag or Hen?
Or should I say lads’ trip or girls’ trip? Beer spas & drag shows, vintage cars and unusual bars – this city attracts a lot of stags and lads. I didn’t see many “Brits abroad,” or hen’s but for a girls or guys break the city is full of fun, making it perfect for a short weekend getaway with friends. Whether you’re celebrating or just fancy somewhere new, Prague delivers plenty of unusual experiences perfect for this remit.
Must-See and Do’s in Prague
Admire the Astronomical Clock
Admire the oldest working astronomical clock – it’s an architectural marvel. On the hour, crowds gather to watch the little figures pop out, though the show is over in a flash! You can climb the tower to learn more about its clever mechanics, and there is a whole shop dedicated to it. But for me, the photo was enough. A must see for anyone ticking off Prague sightseeing or looking for iconic things to do in Prague.
Prague Dolls Shop
Yes, this is a quirky one, but if you’re a football fan or looking for a unique gift, you’ll find every team in the world represented as five-player Russian dolls! The shop is small but packed, right by the bridge. If you’re keen on a specific team, it’s worth emailing ahead to reserve it. A fun and unusual stop for Prague shopping or picking up one-of-a-kind gifts in Prague.
Walk over Charles Bridge
Prague has several beautiful bridges, but Charles Bridge is the iconic one, linking Old Town and New Town. Don’t miss the “gold priest touch” tradition – people rub the bronze plaque beneath the statue of St. John of Nepomuk, especially the glowing dog at the plaque’s base, for luck. A stroll across Charles Bridge is a must for Prague sightseeing and one of the top things to do in Prague, offering history, stunning statues, and views of the Vltava River.
Visit Prague Castle
Prague Castle: what princess doesn’t love to see where fellow royalty once lived 😉 This i actually the largest ancient castle complex in the world, making it well worth a wander. If you’re visiting in peak season, definitely book ahead for tours or entry to the main buildings. Otherwise, you can freely explore the castle grounds, soak in the views, and enjoy the historic atmosphere – a must for things to do in Prague.
Admire the John Lennon Tribute Wall
Despite the legend himself never having visited Prague, this wall was created after his death as a symbol of peace and an expression of opposition, where thoughts would be added and expressed. Over the years, it’s been refreshed, and there’s a souvenir shop and museum located just in behind.
Amble Down the Narrowest Alley
Amble down Prague’s narrowest alley! As a claustrophobic, I wasn’t doing this, but actually, it was fine as there is a traffic system! Very civilized. But led down to a gorgeous little out door patio restaurant with view over Charles Bridge and Little Venise. We obviously had to rose reward ourselves for making it through the alley!
Boat round Little Venice
Who knew Prague had its very own Little Venice? Not me! After navigating the narrow alley to the riverside bar, we were treated not just to rosé, but also to views of this beautifully charming area. A boat ride through Little Venice is a peaceful way to see Prague from the water, offering a different perspective on historic buildings, quiet canals, and hidden corners of the city. I’d had more time, I would have taken a canal boat trip, not just the night one – it looks like an even lovelier way to explore this area.
Take Prosecco River Vltava Cruise
There’s something magical about Prague’s buildings lit up at night, and I knew it would feel like a fairytale to see them from the water – very golden era! A glass of bubbles was included, though there’s also a bar on board if you want to purchase drinks. The cruise periodically highlighted landmarks, but sadly it fell short on blankets for colder nights (ours was chilly!) and a full audio guide. Still, gliding along the river beside these golden buildings is a unique way to experience the city and a must for things to do in Prague at night or for a romantic evening on a Prague river cruise. Top tip there is a rooftop bar a few minutes from the boarding for the boats, so if you are early head there for views and vino before! (Or after!)
Shop!
Prague is full of shopping malls and streets lined with stores. Like many major cities, it was a bit disheartening to see some of the same high-street brands, there was even a Marks and Spencer and Tesco! Which is actually good if you forget any staples! There are also plenty of local and unique finds to discover. Shopping is always a great option if the weather turns wet, not one I needed this trip!
Have a Spa Day – in Beer!
Fancy sinking into warm, yeast-infused water while sipping unlimited beer? Then a Prague beer spa might be for you. (Yes, it’s yeast – part of what makes it, well, a beer spa!) I’m not really a spa person and as being gluten free I skipped this. But it’s a unique and quirky experience, so I’m including it for anyone who fancies something different while visiting Prague. A must-try for fans of unusual things to do in Prague!
Prague Municipal Library Book Installation
If you love books and art, don’t miss the impressive installation at Prague’s Municipal Library. That I still only have seen online as I didn’t go early enough and the queues were long. So don’t be me if you want to see 8,000 books stacked in a mirrored tower. It creates the illusion there are a lot more than 8000. A perfect photo opportunity for anyone who loves quirky, unusual sights or book lovers. I’d hoped to snap a picture for my book-loving niece and Dad but as entry is free, and you can’t reserve in advance, you need time to wait which I didn’t have.
Travel in a Vintage Car
Forget the usual walking tours – why not see Prague from a vintage car? Sit back as you’re driven around the city, learning about its stunning buildings, fascinating history, and hidden corners. It’s not only a comfortable and stylish way to explore, but also makes for the perfect photo opportunity in Prague. Ideal for anyone wanting a unique twist on classic sightseeing and a bit of golden-era glamour.
Enjoy the Maj – House of Fun
Open almost 18 hours a day in this recently renovated building you will find Maj – the House of Fun and everything you could need for kids and for big kids! From arcade games to bumper cars. Themed bars to funnest rooftop – Fly Vista! But take a moment to admire the butterfly art instillation on the side of the building: a symbol of peace, hope, freedom and democracy. Designed by a Czech artist, David Černý who used Spitfires as the body of the butterfly to show the thin line between war and peace. It also honours the fighter pilots that dies in the second world war.
Listen to Vivaldi in church
Listen to an hour of live classical Vivaldi in a church, 7:30 p.m. every night. The was an experience I had on my wet weather plan but happily I was on a rooftop at this time each night but one if I was there longer would have done., so including in case you do too!
Avoid the Nutria!
Lastly, a thing not to do in Prague! The river is full of nutria – large water rats and I saw some people trying to pet and feed them. Please don’t do this: they can carry diseases and have surprisingly sharp front teeth apparently! Take your photos from a safe distance, and watch carefully – these critters do like to chase curious onlookers! Yes that was me! I squealed as they moved surprisingly fast!
Final Thoughts on Prague
When I first booked this trip, I did wonder what I’d done…
Yes, I wanted to see this particular DJ who was only playing one night here, but with bars advertising bar staff in scary masks, home to the narrowest street (when I’m claustrophobic), beer, dumplings for someone who doesn’t eat wheat, rumoured to have rude people, and colder weather than my usual destinations, I was a bit apprehensive at first. But after hours of research, that nervousness quickly turned into excitement. Prague is a stunning Gothic city, full of character, history, and importantly rooftops. Plus the rumours were anything but true – the people were so lovely and helpful. Plus it also delivered one of my big birthday wishes, which made the whole trip feel even more golden. Highly recommend to all!
