Image: Prague’s Old Town Square.
Highlights
– What to see and do in Prague, Czech Republic if you have a day.
Time of Visit: August 2025
Duration of Visit: Two Nights
Description
Prague, the capital of the Czech Republic, is a city rich in history and architectural splendor. Tourists are drawn to Prague because of its Old Town. Its main square reminds us of Brussel’s Grote Markt except it is larger. The buildings around the square and all throughout Old Town exhibit lovely architecture that are just pleasing to the eye.
Known as the “City of a Hundred Spires,” Prague boasts an enchanting blend of Gothic, Renaissance, Baroque, and Art Nouveau architecture that creates a fairy-tale-like atmosphere. Landmarks such as St. Vitus Cathedral, the Astronomical Clock, and the Charles Bridge reflect the city’s rich past, while cobbled streets and hidden courtyards invite exploration at every turn.
Activities
As we found out, there are a lot of places to see in Prague such that one full day would not be enough. At a minimum, it should be at least two full days or maybe even three days to fully enjoy the city.
Below is a description of what we were able to see and do in Prague with just one full day of exploring. Here is also a Youtube video of some of the sights to see in Old Town Prague.
Free Walking Tour
We started our Prague explorations by joining a free walking tour led by local guides. It is not really free as we were obligated to give a tip at the end of the tour. The tip is based on your generosity and how well you liked the tour. It is best to arrive on-time and book the tour on-line as they can get filled. We were walk-ins and they took us in only to turn away people that made a booking reservation because they showed up five minutes too late.
The tour met-up at the Powder Gate and weaved its way to the Old Town Square and Charles Bridge to finish at the John Lennon Wall. It lasted about 2.5 hours with a 15 minute bathroom break at the Old Town Square. Our guide was knowledgeable and her pace was just right. She spoke English well. Overall, we highly recommend doing a guided tour of Prague as there is so much to see and learn about its history.
Market Street
Market street is only a few minutes walk from Old Town Square but was not included in our guided walk. We went to Market Street after we completed the walking tour.
As the name implies, there are vendor stalls set up in the middle of the street. You will find produce, treats and souvenirs here. Also, if you are tired of eating Czech food and want a healthier alternative, there are a number of Asian (mainly Chinese) restaurants here.
Prague Castle Complex
The Prague Castle Complex was not included with the free-walking tour. For one, it is a significant distance away from Old Town Square and second, the complex is huge. Exploring the complex, without even going into any of the buildings would take at least half a day to a full day.
There is a lower and upper area of the castle complex. The lower area is mainly the palace garden that has walking paths lined with shrubbery walls. There are also a couple of ponds and many benches. It is a nice place to take a break when you get tired of walking around. The garden is located not far from the John Lennon Wall.
The palace and the enormous St. Vitus Cathedral is in the upper area. The cathedral spires are visible from the St. Charles Bridge. There is also a garden and many other structures with marvelous architecture. We had to take a tram to get to this part of the castle complex from the palace garden in the lower area.
Before venturing into the upper complex, take time to look for the palace map which is displayed at different complex entry points. It is only after looking at this map that we realised where the old and the new palaces are located.
More than likely, you will head straight to the cathedral. It is a very impressive structure. Its gothic architecture and towering spires remind us of churches in Spain. It is a sight that is not to be missed. Next to the cathedral is the Old Royal Palace. The palace looks like an ordinary building such that we just walked past it without realizing what it is.
Similarly unassuming, Slata Ulicka (Golden Lane) is a nice dead end street lined with colorful single story buildings. Its early occupants were castle guards and later goldsmiths hence its name. Heading west and through the east entrance, the New Royal Palace where the President of Czech Republic lives is just on your left. Outside the palace walls, you will have a nice bird’s eye view of Prague below.
We really wished we had another day in Prague so we could have explored more of the castle complex area. If we had to do it over again, we would have spent an entire day in Old Town and another day at the castle complex. This would also allow us to rest in the afternoon and return in the evening for a different vibe when the lights are turned on.
How To Get There
Prague has an international airport, code PRG. However, the airport is located away from the city. Here is a Youtube video on how to get to the city center from the airport.
At Terminal 2, there is an information desk just before the exit doors. The staff was very helpful and spoke English. They also sell public transportation tickets if you do not want to buy it from the ticket kiosks by the bus stop just outside the arrival gate. We bought our tickets from the kiosks using our credit card. The ticket was valid for one hour for both the bus and the subway line.
Where To Stay
Staying near the Old Town is desirable but not necessary as Prague has an extensive and very convenient public transportation system made up of bus, trams and subway.
We stayed at the Wyndham Vienna House which is only one tram ride away from the Old Town. The location is great as it is quiet and away from the crowds, yet the bus, tram and metro stations are only a few minutes walk away.
How To Get Around
Public transportation and Google Maps are all you need to get around Prague. For the most part, Google Maps accurately shows the public transportations options to get from point A to B.
We bought a 24-hr transportation pass and it was money well spent. These passes can be bought on buses and trams and at metro stations. Credit card payment is accepted.
Expected Expenses
Public transportation: Above is a picture of the three kinds of fares available for regular and discounted (senior citizens).
We did not enter any museums or other places that require an entry fee as we did not have time to see any of them in the one full day we explored Prague.
Summary
Prague is a top tourist destination because it offers a great combination of history, culture, and accessibility. Its compact city center makes it easy to explore on foot, allowing visitors to seamlessly move from centuries-old cathedrals to bustling squares filled with restaurants and shops.
Another draw of Prague is its romantic and atmospheric charm. Whether strolling across the Charles Bridge at sunrise, admiring the city’s skyline from the castle grounds, or enjoying a traditional Czech meal with a great tasting Pilsner, visitors find countless moments to remember. Its blend of architectural marvels, scenic river views, and a welcoming atmosphere ensures Prague remains not only a gateway to Czech culture but also one of Europe’s most memorable cities.