Prague Itinerary 5 Days: The Complete Day-by-Day Plan

Quick answer

This 5-day Prague itinerary covers the historic districts of Staré Město, Malá Strana, and Hradčany, with day trips to Kutná Hora or Karlštejn Castle. Budget approximately 2,500 CZK ($110) per person per day for mid-range dining and attractions. Visit in May, June, or September for temperatures between 15°C and 22°C and maximum daylight hours.

Trip Summary

• Duration: 5 Days
• Ideal Traveller: Culture enthusiasts, couples, and history buffs who prefer walkable cities.
• Pace: Moderate. Expect 12,000 to 18,000 steps daily.
• Approximate Daily Budget: 1,800–3,500 CZK ($80–$155) depending on dining choices.
• Best Season: Spring (late April to early June) and Autumn (September to early October).

Day 1: Old Town and Jewish Quarter

Morning: Start at Staroměstské náměstí (Old Town Square). Watch the Astronomical Clock strike on the hour, then climb the Old Town Hall Tower (250 CZK/ $11). Walk 5 minutes north to the Josefov district to visit the Maisel, Spanish, and Pinkas Synagogues. Afternoon: Visit the Old Jewish Cemetery and the Rudolfinum. Walk across Mánes Bridge for views of the Vltava. Eat a traditional lunch of Svíčková (beef in cream sauce) at Lokal Dlouhaaa. Evening: Walk through the Celetná street to the Powder Tower and Municipal House. Cross the Charles Bridge (Karlův most) at sunset to avoid the heaviest midday crowds.

• Transport: Entirely walkable. No public transport needed.
• Walking load: 6-8km.
• Logic: Starting in the geographic centre allows for orientation and covers the highest-density landmarks immediately.

Day 2: Hradčany and Malá Strana

Morning: Take Tram 22 to Pražský hrad (Prague Castle) to save the uphill walk. Purchase Circuit A tickets (approx. 450 CZK / $20) for St. Vitus Cathedral, Old Royal Palace, and Golden Lane. Afternoon: Walk down through the St. Wenceslas Vineyard to Malá Strana (Lesser Town). Visit St. Nicholas Church and the Lennon Wall. Relax in the Kampa Park area by the Vltava River. Evening: Take the Funicular (standard transit ticket) from Újezd up Petřín Hill. Climb the Petřín Lookout Tower for panoramic views before dinner in the Smíchov district.

• Transport: Tram 22 (15 mins), Funicular (5 mins).
• Walking load: 5-7km (mostly downhill).
• Logic: Using the tram to reach the castle height preserves energy for exploring the massive 70,000-square-metre castle complex.

Day 3: Art, Views, and Modern History

Morning: Visit the National Gallery in Veletržní palác (Holešovice) for 20th-century art. Take Tram 6 or 17 back towards the centre. Afternoon: Walk through Letná Park to the Metronome. Visit the Communism Museum (approx. 380 CZK / $17) near Republic Square to understand the 1948–1989 era. Evening: Head to Wenceslas Square (Václavské náměstí). Visit the National Museum at the top of the square, then walk to the Dancing House (Tančící dům) for a drink at the rooftop bar.

• Transport: Tram 17 (10 mins), Metro Line A (5 mins).
• Walking load: 7-9km.
• Logic: This route connects the artistic northern districts with the 20th-century political landmarks of the New Town.

Day 4: Day Trip to Kutná Hora

Morning: Take a train from Praha Hlavní Nádraží (Main Station) to Kutná Hora hl.n. (approx. 60 mins). Visit the Sedlec Ossuary (Bone Church). Afternoon: Take the local shuttle or walk 20 minutes to the town centre. Visit St. Barbara's Cathedral, a UNESCO site, and the Italian Court where silver coins were minted. Evening: Return to Prague by train. Dine in the Vinohrady neighbourhood, known for its diverse restaurant scene and local craft beer pubs (pivnice).

• Transport: R-line train (60 mins each way).
• Walking load: 5-6km.
• Logic: Kutná Hora provides a necessary break from Prague’s density while offering deep historical context regarding the Bohemian Kingdom's wealth.

Day 5: Vyšehrad and Riverside

Morning: Take Metro Line C to Vyšehrad station. Explore the 10th-century fortress, the Basilica of St. Peter and St. Paul, and the Vyšehrad Cemetery where Dvořák is buried. Afternoon: Walk down the stairs to the Naplavka riverbank. If it is Saturday, visit the farmers' market. Take a 20-minute walk north along the river to the Emmaus Monastery. Evening: Farewell dinner at a riverside restaurant or a jazz cruise on the Vltava. End the trip with a walk through the lit-up streets of Staré Město.

• Transport: Metro Line C (10 mins), Tram 17 (10 mins).
• Walking load: 6-8km.
• Logic: Vyšehrad is quieter than the Castle and offers a peaceful conclusion with views overlooking the entire city route covered in previous days.

Estimated costs

Prices are estimates; check official sites like Dopravní podnik (DPP) or National Heritage Institute for current rates.

Reservations to book ahead

• Prague Castle: Book online to skip the main ticket office queue, though security lines remain.
• State Opera or National Theatre: Performances sell out 2-4 weeks in advance.
• Fine Dining: Restaurants like Field or La Degustation require bookings 1-2 months ahead.
• Klementinum Library: Guided tours are mandatory and should be booked 48 hours in advance.

Common mistakes

• Exchanging money at street kiosks: Many in the Old Town charge high commissions or use poor rates. Use bank ATMs or trusted offices like 'Exchange' near Kaprova street.
• Buying tickets from individuals: Never exchange currency with people on the street; you will likely receive obsolete Belarusian rubles or counterfeit notes.
• Not validating transit tickets: If using paper tickets, you must stamp them in the yellow machines upon entering the station or boarding the tram. Fines are approximately 1,000 CZK ($44).
• Eating only on the Old Town Square: Prices are often double those found just three streets away in any direction.
• Tipping excessively: 10% is standard in restaurants. Check the bill to ensure 'service' hasn't already been added.

Plan your trip

Journey Planner transforms this 5-day itinerary into a dynamic schedule based on your specific travel dates. The tool calculates precise walking distances between venues like the Jewish Quarter and Charles Bridge, provides real-time tram schedules for Line 22, and adjusts recommendations based on local weather forecasts. You will receive a consolidated packing list and a breakdown of costs in CZK to help manage your budget effectively.

FAQ

Is the Prague Visitor Pass worth it? If you plan to visit more than four major sites (Castle, Jewish Museum, Petřín Tower, and Old Town Hall) and use public transport frequently, the 48h, 72h, or 120h pass usually saves 200-500 CZK compared to individual tickets.

How do I get from Prague Airport to the city centre? Take the Trolleybus 59 to Nádraží Veleslavín (Metro Line A) or the Airport Express (AE) bus to the Main Railway Station. A taxi or Uber typically costs 500-800 CZK ($22-$35).