A Weekend Guide to Prague: Everything You Need to Know

We started our week-long trip across Europe in Prague, exploring the city’s iconic and secluded sites over the weekend.

^{Last updated: June 10, 2025}

Weekend in Prague

Let’s start with clarifying one thing. One weekend is not enough to see everything Prague has to offer and feel what it is really like. A city of such cultural and architectural importance, it needs more than a couple of days.

Yet if time is an issue, it’s not impossible to explore some major sites, catch a glimpse of the city’s lifestyle, and immerse yourself into the divine food scene of Prague over one weekend. Allow me to be your guide and show you what you should and can do in Prague in one weekend.

The City of Red Roofs

Prague is famous for its red roofs. Signature red tiles atop almost every building present themselves to anybody looking down from the windows of an airplane. Yet if you look closely enough, you will notice that this colorful gamut goes far beyond the roofs. It expands to tennis courts that, when looking at them from above, can pass for the signature red roofs. And this red-roof spread is what you will see a lot and at one point even start looking for during your weekend trip to Prague.

Arriving in Prague

One of the most convenient ways to start your weekend adventure in Prague is by arriving at Václav Havel Airport Prague. The airport is located from 30-40 minutes away from the city center.

While many tourists still use Uber and taxicabs, buses and metro are the best options to travel like a local and save money. This includes traversing from the airport to Prague’s major attractions.

When visiting the remote areas of Prague over the weekend, you may want to use Uber or taxi to save time for more sightseeing and other fun activities. The city center as well as the historical Old Town, however, are meant for walking.

Spending a Weekend in the Old Town of Prague

Old Town Prague is usually the first place to check out during a weekend trip to the city. The medieval hub on the east side of the Vltava River is one of the most beautiful and busy districts in Prague. Home to some of the most notable sites, the Old Town hasn’t changed a lot since the time of kings and knights. Although its cobblestone roads are easier to walk on now, the narrow, maze-like streets can still add a bit of confusion into your Prague weekend itinerary.

The Old Town of Prague is a remarkable area that suits both history lovers and visitors longing for traditional cuisine and great shopping. The truth is, there is no clear border between the old and new. So while Old Town Hall with the Astronomical Clock and the Church of Our Lady Before Tyn adorn the historic Town Square, spend a weekend in Old Town Prague in December to see some of the most festive Christmas markets in Europe.

Other places worth seeing and visiting in the Old Town of Prague include the Powder Tower and Josefov, a town quarter famous for its high-end shopping and kosher eateries.

THE BEST THINGS TO DO IN PRAGUE OVER THE WEEKEND

While the Old Town of Prague is the prime jewel (that you should not skip even though it may get crowded), the city has a plethora of other, more secluded places where you can spend your weekend without constant commotion and lines. Let’s start with the busiest and move to the less frequented places in Prague after its iconic historic center.

1. Walk across the Charles Bridge

Many years ago one of my university friends brought me a postcard from Prague. The front of the card showed the stunning Charles Bridge embraced by soft star lights. The back prophesied that one day I too would visit the beautiful Prague. It took a good ten years before my visit to Prague became a reality.

The Charles Bridge is one of the most popular and decorated bridges in Prague. A modern symbol of the city, it impresses with its Gothic towers and intricate statues. The place is stunning, but also crowded.

TIP: If you want to make the most of your weekend in Prague, visit the Charles Bridge early in the morning when it still feels serene and enjoyable to stroll across.

2. Visit Lesser Town (Malá Strana)

After forcing our way across the Charles Bridge, we could already see that the Old Town would be as busy. So we left this historic area of Prague for the second day, and started our weekend trip by heading in the opposite direction to the Lesser Town.

Located at the foothills of Prague Castle on the opposite side of the Vltava River, the Lesser Town is one of the five central areas of the city. It was founded in 1257 and features some of the most remarkable landmarks of Prague such as St. Nicholas Church, the Church Of Our Lady Victorious, and Lesser Town Square.

READ MORE: A Walk across Prague: The Must-See Places

3. Tour Prague Castle

If history and architecture make you tremble with excitement, make sure to put Prague Castle at the top of your weekend itinerary. The largest coherent castle complex in the world, this UNESCO World Heritage site boasts different structures built in various architectural styles.

4. Admire City Views from Strahov Monastery

Even if visiting the endless castles and churches of Prague makes you want to scream (Roshan was very close to it), don’t leave Strahov Monastery out of your weekend itinerary. Located on the west side of Petřín Hill, it offers breathtaking views of Prague including its famous bridges.

5. Check out Prague’s “Crooked” House

On the other side of the river, the Dancing House bears no resemblance to the architectural art of the old times. Known as Prague’s “crooked” house or Ginger and Fred, it reminds of a dancing couple. The landmark is a symbol of modern architecture that represents the city’s transition from communism to a free society. For weekend travelers, it’s a quick stop to see a different facade of artistic Prague.

READ MORE: 10 Unforgettable Things to Do in Prague

Places to Visit near Prague

Is the Czech Republic just another destination on your European tour? Are you looking for any suggestions of what to do and where to go after your weekend trip to Prague comes to an end?

• Well, you can spend a few more days in the Czech Republic and explore Český Krumlov and Kutná Hora, two charming towns near Prague.

• Germany is a stone’s throw away from Prague. And once you make it to the neighboring country, visit such beautiful cities as Munich, Berlin, Dresden and Nuremberg.

• On a german-speaking note, the capital of Austria, Vienna, is about 3 hours 30 minutes away from Prague.