7 Day Prague Itinerary: The Ultimate Guide to the Czech Capital
Prague is compact, walkable, and dense with history. While most tourists crash through the Old Town in 48 hours, a full week allows you to see the city like a local. This 7 day Prague itinerary balances the iconic landmarks with residential neighborhoods and excursions deep into Bohemia.
Day 1: Old Town and the Medieval Pulse
Your first day focuses on Staré Město (Old Town). This is the busiest part of the city. Start early to avoid the worst of the crowds.
Morning
Begin at Old Town Square. Stand in front of the Astronomical Clock (Orloj) on the hour to see the figures move. Avoid the overpriced cafes on the square itself. Instead, walk two minutes into the side streets for coffee. Visit the Church of Our Lady before Týn. Its gothic spires dominate the skyline.
Afternoon
Walk toward the Vltava River to find the Jewish Quarter (Josefov). Purchase a combined ticket for the Jewish Museum. This includes the Old Jewish Cemetery, the Spanish Synagogue, and the Pinkas Synagogue. The history here is heavy but essential for understanding Prague’s identity.
Evening
Cross the Charles Bridge just before sunset. The statues are more dramatic in the fading light. For dinner, head back into the Old Town alleys. Look for Lokál Dlouhááá for high-quality, traditional Czech food and fresh Pilsner Urquell served from tanks.
Day 2: The Castle and Lesser Town
Today is about the left bank of the river. It involves hills, so wear comfortable shoes.
Morning
Take the Tram 22 up to the Prague Castle gates. This is the largest ancient castle complex in the world. Target St. Vitus Cathedral first. The stained glass, particularly the window by Alfons Mucha, is the highlight. Walk through the Golden Lane, but skip it if the crowds are claustrophobic.
Afternoon
Walk down through the Castle Vineyards for a view over the red rooftops of Malá Strana (Lesser Town). Stop at the Wallenstein Garden. It’s a quiet, baroque space with roaming peacocks and an imposing dripstone wall. Explore the Church of St. Nicholas, a masterpiece of High Baroque architecture.
Evening
Stay in Malá Strana for the evening. The crowds thin out after 6:00 PM. Find a basement tavern for a quiet meal. If you want a view, the riverside parks near Kampa Island offer a silhouette of the Charles Bridge without the noise.
Day 3: New Town and Modern History
"New Town" (Nové Město) was founded in 1348. It isn't actually new, but it represents the city's commercial and political heart.
Morning
Start at Wenceslas Square. This was the site of the Velvet Revolution in 1989. At the top of the square sits the National Museum. Even if you don't go inside, the building's architecture is worth the climb.
Afternoon
Walk toward the river to find the Dancing House (Tančící dům). It’s a sharp contrast to the gothic architecture elsewhere. From there, stroll along the Náplavka embankment. If it’s a Saturday, there will be a massive farmers' market. If not, the "cells" built into the river walls house small cafes and bars.
Evening
Head to the National Theatre for an opera or ballet. If you prefer something more casual, the area around Karlovo Náměstí has plenty of craft beer bars. Prague has moved beyond just pilsner; the local microbrew scene is thriving.
Day 4: Neighborhood Exploration: Vinohrady and Žižkov
This is your slow day. You are leaving the tourist designated areas to see where the locals live.
Morning
Start in Vinohrady, a 19th-century neighborhood known for its Art Nouveau architecture and leafy streets. Visit Náměstí Míru and the Church of Saint Ludmila. Grab breakfast at one of the many specialty coffee shops on Polská or Mánesova street.
Afternoon
Walk through Riegrovy Sady park. It has one of the best beer gardens in the city and an unmatched view of Prague Castle. Cross over into Žižkov, a grittier, more bohemian district. Look up at the Žižkov Television Tower. It is decorated with giant crawling babies by artist David Černý. You can go up the tower for a 360-degree view, but the best angle is from the ground looking up.
Evening
Žižkov is rumored to have the highest density of pubs per capita in Europe. It’s the place for a pub crawl that feels authentic. Eat at a local hospoda (pub) where the menus are only in Czech. Use a translation app and order the Svíčková (beef in cream sauce).
Day 5: Day Trip to Kutná Hora
Kutná Hora is an hour away by train and is a UNESCO World Heritage site. It was once a silver mining powerhouse that rivaled Prague in wealth.
Morning
Take the train from Praha Hlavní Nádraží (Main Station). Your first stop should be the Sedlec Ossuary, better known as the Bone Church. It is decorated with the remains of over 40,000 people. It is eerie, fascinating, and small.
Afternoon
Head into the town center to visit St. Barbara’s Cathedral. This massive gothic church was funded by the silver miners. Walk through the historic center, which feels like a smaller, quieter version of Prague’s Old Town. Visit the Czech Museum of Silver if you want to go into the medieval mines.
Evening
Return to Prague in the late afternoon. Since you've had a long day, keep it simple. Find a quiet bistro in the Karlín district—a former industrial zone that is now a culinary hub.
Day 6: Day Trip to Konopiště or Karlštejn
You have two choices for your second day trip, depending on your interest in history.
Morning
Option A: Karlštejn Castle. This is the quintessential Czech castle. It was built by Charles IV to house the Imperial Crown Jewels. It’s a steep uphill walk from the train station, but the fortress views are iconic. Option B: Konopiště Castle. This was the residence of Archduke Franz Ferdinand. It’s unique because it looks like a lived-in home rather than a cold museum. It houses an massive collection of hunting trophies and medieval armor.
Afternoon
Most visitors spend the afternoon hiking the trails around these castles. In Karlštejn, you can hike toward the "Velká Amerika" quarry—the Czech version of the Grand Canyon. If you chose Konopiště, explore the sprawling rose gardens and the surrounding forest trails.
Evening
Head back to Prague. This is a good night to catch a "Black Light Theatre" show. It’s a Prague specialty—a silent performance using ultraviolet lights and fluorescent costumes. It’s a unique way to spend a final busy evening.
Day 7: Leisure and Reflection
Your final day on this 7 day Prague itinerary should be unstructured to allow for souvenir shopping and revisiting your favorite spots.
Morning
Head to Vyšehrad fortress. Most tourists miss this. It’s a hilltop fort containing the Vyšehrad Cemetery, where the most famous Czechs (like Dvořák and Smetana) are buried. The park offers some of the best river views without any of the crowds you found on Day 2.
Afternoon
Walk back toward the center along the river. This is your time to buy glass, marionettes, or garnets. Avoid the generic souvenir shops on the Royal Way. Look for "Lípa" for modern Czech design or "Manufaktura" for traditional soaps and crafts. Have one last Trdelník (chimney cake) on the street. It’s more of a tourist invention than a Czech tradition, but it tastes good.
Evening
End your week with a high-end meal. Prague’s fine dining scene is punching above its weight. Book a table at a restaurant like Field or La Degustation Bohême Bourgeoise for a modern take on Czech ingredients. Alternatively, head to Letná Park Beer Garden for one last drink overlooking the bridges of the Vltava.
Where to stay for a week in Prague
Choosing the right neighborhood is the difference between a restful trip and a noisy one.
- Old Town (Staré Město): Stay here if you want to be in the center of everything. You will pay a premium and it will be loud. Best for first-timers who want to walk everywhere.
- Malá Strana: More romantic and quieter than Old Town. It feels like a village. Great for couples, but be prepared for steep hills.
- Vinohrady: The best choice for a 7-day stay. It’s well-connected by the Green Metro line, filled with the city's best restaurants, and away from the tourist traps. You get more space for your money.
- Karlín: Perfect if you prefer a modern, industrial-chic vibe. It’s flat, easy to navigate, and has a great coffee culture. It's only two stops on the metro from the center.
- Holešovice: The "coolest" neighborhood. Home to the National Gallery and many creative spaces. Stay here if you want an edgy, artsy atmosphere and don't mind a 15-minute tram ride to the sights.