What to do in Prague in 1 day: Itinerary with map

Wenceslas Square

I recommend starting at Wenceslas Square (Czech: Václavské náměstí), one of Prague’s main landmarks located in the heart of Nové Město (New Town). Originally a horse market founded in the 14th century, today it is an important commercial, cultural, and social center.

Starting from the top of the square, you can admire the Statue of St. Wenceslas, the patron saint of Bohemia. Located at the top end of the square, the National Museum is a majestic neo-Renaissance building that houses a large collection of Czech art, natural history, and culture.

The square is surrounded by buildings of great architectural interest, such as the Lucerna Palace and the Koruna Palace, which display a fusion of art nouveau and modernist styles. Also noteworthy is the Grand Hotel Europa, famous for its ornate façade and art nouveau interior details. Opened in 1905, the hotel was an icon of luxury hospitality during the Belle Époque and is known for hosting celebrities and influential people. Unfortunately, it is currently under renovation.

Aside from the museums and history, the square is home to a wide range of shops, from international chains to luxury stores.

Powder Gate Tower

Walk past Wenceslas Square and, at the end of the square, turn right into Na Příkopě, Prague’s main shopping street. If you continue straight ahead, you will come to the Powder Gate (Czech: Prašná brána). Built in the 15th century as part of the city’s fortifications, the gate served as a strategic access point for travellers and traders entering Prague’s old town. Destroyed by a great fire in the 16th century, it was rebuilt and used for many years as a powder store, which explains the tower’s name. Today, the Powder Gate has become one of Prague’s tourist attractions, a silent witness to its long history.

Old Town Square and Astronomical Clock

Go through the Powder Gate and continue walking for a hundred meters until you reach the Old Town Square (in Czech: Staroměstské náměstí). This is the beating heart of the city and one of the most iconic places in Prague. Inside the square you will find many attractions such as:

• Church of Our Lady before Týn: Built in the 14th century, the Church of Our Lady before Týn is one of the finest examples of Gothic architecture in Prague, with its distinctive twin towers dominating the square’s skyline.

• Astronomical Clock: Installed in 1410, it is one of the oldest working astronomical clocks in the world. It is located on the southern facade of the Old Town Hall. The clock shows the time, the positions of the sun and moon, and the signs of the zodiac.

Pražský orloj

Charles Bridge

Now immerse yourself in the streets of central Prague, until you reach the Charles Bridge. Before you reach the bridge, you will have to cross the Old Town Bridge Tower. The tower serves as a majestic entrance portal to the Charles Bridge from the Old Town, providing an impressive transition between the historic square and the bridge. It is a masterpiece of Gothic architecture, decorated with intricate sculptures, coats of arms and reliefs that celebrate the royal authority and history of the city.

In the streets between the Old Town Square and Charles Bridge you will find numerous shops and kiosks selling Trdelník (in English: Chimney Cake), so called because of its hollow cylindrical shape, which resembles a chimney. It is a typical Prague dessert spread in various versions in several countries of Central and Eastern Europe (it is also very easy to find in Hungary and Romania). It would be a shame to leave Prague without trying it 🧁😉. I recommend trying it at Good Food Coffee & Bakery, a stone's throw from Charles Bridge, which offers some quite delicious variations (even if at the expense of traditionality and slightly higher prices than the competition).

Now cross the Charles Bridge, one of the most important symbols of the city. Built between 1357 and 1402 under the reign of Emperor Charles IV, the Charles Bridge was designed by architect Peter Parler, also known for his work on St. Vitus Cathedral at Prague Castle. The bridge has a robust Gothic structure, with 16 stone arches and a length of 516 meters. Decorated with 30 statues and Baroque sculpture groups along the parapets, they represent saints and religious figures, including the famous statue of St. John of Nepomuk. Note only that the statues are copies and that the originals are in the National Museum.

The bridge offers spectacular views of Malá Strana, Prague’s old town, and the Prague Castle rising on the hill opposite.

Malá Strana

Cross the Charles Bridge and you will find yourself in Malá Strana, one of the oldest districts of Prague. Situated at the foot of Prague Castle and overlooking the left bank of the Vltava River, Malá Strana enchants with its winding streets, baroque palaces, and picturesque gardens. This district offers a unique experience that combines history, culture, and architectural beauty.

I recommend you end your visit in this district. There are numerous attractions to visit such as the Church of St. Nicholas (Kostel svatého Mikuláše), with its imposing dome and ornate interior.

Also remember to visit Nerudova Street. It extends from Malostranské Square (Malostranské náměstí), past the Church of St. Nicholas, to the Castle Square (Hradčanské náměstí). A distinctive feature of the street are the house emblems (symbolic signs) that adorn the facades. Before the introduction of house numbers, these symbols helped to identify houses. Among the most famous are:

• Three Violins: Symbol indicating that the house belonged to a family of violin makers.
• Golden Keys: Represents belonging to the blacksmith's family.
• Red Lion: An iconic emblem dating back to 1608, a symbol of strength and power.
• Golden Stag: Emblem commemorating hunters or nobility associated with hunting.

Nerudova Street is home to several museums and galleries that offer insights into the history and art of the city. In addition, the street is lined with numerous restaurants, cafes and souvenir shops offering local specialties and traditional crafts, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in local life and enjoy typical Czech dishes. Before leaving, try the Goulash and Svíčková na smetaně, beef dishes. Although many typical Czech dishes are meat-based, even vegetarians (like me) will not be left starving 😄 in fact the restaurants offer numerous types of soups or dumplings, ideal if you visit the city in winter.

Map of the Itinerary

Conclusions e Alternatives

Visiting Prague in just one day can be quite difficult and tiring due to the considerable size of the historical center (which I recommend you visit on foot). In any case, following this guide, you will easily be able to visit the most significant attractions.

If you still have time, you can continue along Nerudova Street to Prague Castle, one of the largest and most historically significant fortified complexes in the world. Inside the castle you will find St. Vitus Cathedral, visible from all over the city. The cathedral is famous for its architectural details, such as the Rose Window, stained glass windows and the Chapel of St. Wenceslas, which houses the relics of Czech saints.

Thank you for reading,

Explorer's Tale.