5-Day Prague Itinerary: The Perfect First Trip

Prague packs an incredible amount into a compact destination — gothic spires and baroque palaces over the winding vltava river. Five days gives you enough time to hit the highlights, discover a few secret spots, and still leave room for spontaneous detours.

Here is a tried-and-tested 5-day itinerary that balances must-sees with off-the-beaten-path experiences.

Day 1: Arrival & First Impressions

Morning/Afternoon: Arrive and settle into your accommodation in Old Town (Staré Město) — medieval square, clock tower, and church spires. Take it easy — grab a coffee, orient yourself, and shake off the jet lag.

Late Afternoon: Head to Prague Castle for your first taste of what makes Prague special. The late-afternoon light is ideal for photos and the crowds start to thin.

Evening: Dinner in the Old Town (Staré Město) — medieval square, clock tower, and church spires area. Try Trdelník — chimney cake rolled in cinnamon sugar, sold at street stalls — it is the quintessential local dish and the perfect way to kick off your trip.

Day 2: The Iconic Highlights

Morning: Start early at Old Town Square with Astronomical Clock. Arriving before 9 AM means fewer tourists and better photo opportunities.

Afternoon: After lunch, make your way to Jewish Quarter (Josefov). Budget about 2–3 hours here to fully appreciate the experience.

Evening: Explore the Vinohrady — leafy residential area with wine bars and art cafes neighborhood on foot. Street food stalls serve excellent Vepřo-knedlo-zelo — roast pork with bread dumplings and sauerkraut at a fraction of restaurant prices.

Day 3: Deep Dive into Culture

Morning: Visit Charles Bridge — one of Prague's most culturally significant sites. Hire a local guide for about $11 to get the stories behind the sights.

Afternoon: Wander through the Holešovice — converted factories with galleries and food markets district. This is where locals shop, eat, and socialize, so the vibe is refreshingly authentic.

Evening: Treat yourself to a mid-range dinner featuring Smažený sýr — deep-fried breaded cheese with tartar sauce. Expect to spend around $25 per person.

Day 4: Off the Beaten Path

Morning: Today is about discovery. Head to Vyšehrad — ancient fortress with views rivaling Prague Castle but no crowds — a spot most tourists overlook entirely.

Afternoon: Check out Naplavka farmers market — Saturday riverside market on the Vltava embankment. The Žižkov — alternative neighborhood with the TV Tower and dive bars area is great for a leisurely walk and a late lunch.

Evening: Experience Prague's nightlife scene — Cross Club — steampunk-themed industrial music club in Holešovice.

Day 5: Final Gems & Departure

Morning: Use your last morning to visit Riegrovy Sady beer garden — hilltop park with castle panorama and outdoor pub or revisit a favorite spot from earlier in the trip.

Late Morning: Pick up souvenirs at Havelská Market — outdoor market with souvenirs and produce near Old Town — support local artisans and avoid airport markup.

Afternoon: Head to the airport with memories (and a full camera roll) to last a lifetime.

Pro Tips

• Transport: Prague Metro has 3 lines covering the city center efficiently
• Budget: A comfortable mid-range daily budget is about $100 per day including meals, transport, and activities.
• Packing: Pack warm layers for cold winters and a rain jacket for spring showers You will average 12,000–15,000 steps per day on this itinerary.
• Etiquette: Say Dobrý den (good day) when entering shops and restaurants
• Safety: Prague is safe but watch for pickpockets on Charles Bridge and in Old Town Square

Budget Breakdown (Per Person)

Category	Budget	Mid-Range	Luxury
Daily Total	$35	$100	$300
5-Day Total	$175	$500	$1500

Final Thoughts

Five days in Prague is enough to fall in love with the place — and to start planning your return trip. This itinerary is a starting point; feel free to swap days around based on weather, energy levels, and serendipitous discoveries.

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