3 days of beer and nights in Prague

Built from the plan’s must-sees, grouped so each day stays close together and ordered by time of day.

1. 1
   MorningWorth the time

   Old Town Square

   The medieval heart of Prague, ringed by painted houses, the twin spires of the Tyn Church and the Old Town Hall. Come before the crowds, walk the lanes off the square, and decide where the group will sit tonight.

   Go when Late morning for the sights, and again after dark when the spires are lit.

   Local tip Beer is served by the half liter and goes down easily on a warm day. Pace yourself, drink water between rounds and keep your bags in front of you in the crowds.

   

   About 2 min walkunder 0.1 km
2. 2
   MiddayWorth a short look

   Prague Astronomical Clock

   A medieval clock on the wall of the Old Town Hall tower, with a calendar dial and a little show of moving figures every hour. The show is brief, so arrive a few minutes early and check ahead for the hours it runs.

   Go when A few minutes before the hour, with the group already standing in front.

   Local tip The show is brief and the square is crowded, so do not wait long. Check ahead for the hours it runs, and watch for pickpockets in the crowd.

   

3. Lunch

   Svíčková at a plain table

   Svíčková is sliced beef in a velvety cream sauce with bread dumplings and a spoon of cranberries. A hearty lunch that gives you a base for the evening.

   Local tip Order one dish and share a second, since the portions are generous.

   

   About 23 min walk1.8 km
4. 3
   MiddayWorth the time

   Riegrovy sady

   A hillside park with long views over the old city, shaded lawns and a beer garden of its own. It is where many Prague people come on a warm evening, so settle in on a bench or a long table.

   Go when Late afternoon, around sunset (about 8:41 PM), when the city turns gold from the hill.

   Local tip A beer garden sits on the hill, and locals sit on the lawns with their own picnic. Take a long table and watch the city light up.

   About 18 min walk1.4 km
5. 4
   AfternoonWorth a short look

   Powder Tower

   A dark Gothic gate tower at the edge of the Old Town, once part of the city walls, whose name comes from the gunpowder stored in it. Look at it from below, and check ahead if you want to climb for the view.

   Go when Afternoon, on the walk from the square toward the river.

   Local tip It reads best from the street, with the tower looming over the old gate. Check ahead if you want to climb it.

   

   About 14 min walk1.1 km
6. 5
   EveningWorth the time

   Charles Bridge

   The old stone bridge across the Vltava, lined with dark baroque statues. Cross it as the light fades, when the towers glow at each end and the river and the castle are lit up behind it.

   Go when Around sunset (about 8:41 PM), or after dark, when the crowds thin and the lights come on.

   Local tip It is crowded in the day and calmer at night. Watch for pickpockets in a crush, and cross twice if you can, once in each direction.

   

Built from the plan’s must-sees, grouped so each day stays close together and ordered by time of day.

1. 1
   MorningWorth the time, book ahead

   Prague Castle

   A huge hilltop castle complex above the river, with courtyards and the soaring spires of St. Vitus Cathedral. Go early, book ahead for the parts you want to enter, and give the cathedral its own slow half hour.

   Go when The start of the day, before the tour groups arrive, when the courtyards are quiet.

   Local tip Give the cathedral its own slow half hour. Check ahead which parts need a ticket, and wear shoes made for cobbles after a late night.

   

   About 12 min walk1.0 km
2. 2
   MiddayWorth a short stop, check ahead

   Strahov Monastery

   A hilltop monastery with a famous library of painted ceilings. Czech monasteries have a long tradition of brewing, and this hill is one of the places to see it: check ahead for how visits work, and for whether any brewing is open to visitors.

   Go when Midday, once you have walked up from the castle.

   Local tip The library halls are mostly seen from the doorway, so the visit is short. Check ahead for the hours, and for the brewing tradition that goes with the hill.

   

3. Lunch

   A tavern on the castle hill

   Taverns in the old houses below the castle serve goulash, soup in a bread bowl and fried cheese. Warm food while the group rests its legs after the climb.

   Local tip Go a little before the lunch rush, and sit inside if it is cool.

   

   About 7 min walk0.6 km
4. 3
   AfternoonWorth the time

   Petřín Lookout Tower

   A slender iron tower on a green hill, modeled on the Eiffel Tower. Climb it for a wide look across the roofs, or enjoy the view from the foot of the hill, where shaded paths lead down through gardens.

   Go when Mid afternoon, when the light is soft on the red roofs.

   Local tip The stairs are many, so climb only if your legs are willing. A hilltop beer garden on this hill is a pleasant place to sit afterward.

   

   About 9 min walk0.8 km
5. 4
   EveningWorth a short stop

   Lesser Town Square

   The old center of the Lesser Town, with the great baroque dome of St. Nicholas on one side and arcaded houses around it. The lanes below the castle fill with lamplight at night, and the walk down to the river is short.

   Go when Evening, when the lamps come on and the dome is lit.

   Local tip The square is calmer than the Old Town, and the lanes around it make a good walk before supper. St. Nicholas is worth a look inside during the day.

   

Built from the plan’s must-sees, grouped so each day stays close together and ordered by time of day.

1. Drive from Lesser Town SquareAbout 54 min by car90.3 km

   Where Day 2 ended.
2. 1
   MorningWorth the time

   Republic Square

   The big open square at the center of Plzen, ringed by painted townhouses and dominated by a tall Gothic cathedral spire. A calm place for a coffee after the trip from Prague, and the start of the walking day.

   Go when Late morning, after you have settled in from the trip.

   Local tip Take a seat at a cafe on the edge and let the group plan the day. The cathedral spire is a good landmark if anyone wanders off.

   

   About 2 min walk0.2 km
3. 2
   MiddayWorth the time, check ahead

   Plzeň Historical Underground

   Centuries of cellars and tunnels dug under the old town, used to store food and beer. Visits are guided and the tunnels are cool and damp, so wear a layer and check ahead for how to book.

   Go when Midday, between the square and the brewery.

   Local tip The tunnels are cool all year, so bring a layer. Visits are guided, so check ahead for times, and watch your head under the low arches.

4. Lunch

   A pub lunch in Plzeň

   Plzeň pubs serve unfiltered pilsner, goulash and fried cheese in old halls with vaulted ceilings. A good lunch before the afternoon tour.

   Local tip Keep it light before the tour, and eat a full meal so the beer does not hit too hard.

   About 9 min walk0.7 km
5. 3
   AfternoonWorth the time, check ahead

   Pilsner Urquell Brewery

   The brewery where pilsner lager was first made, in the 1840s, now a famous name around the world. A tour usually includes the story of the beer and a visit to cellars, and tours and tickets change, so check ahead.

   Go when Afternoon, on a tour booked ahead.

   Local tip Check ahead for tours, languages and tickets. Eat something first, and plan the train or bus back to Prague so nobody has to drive.