72 Hours in Prague: 6 Must-See Gems

Prague is one of those cities that immediately charmed me—full of history, incredible architecture, and a culture that's wonderfully inviting. I could easily have spent an entire week exploring its cobblestone streets. But, even with just a few days, you can still see some amazing highlights. Here are my personal picks for 6 must-see gems to make the most of your 72 hours in Prague.

First up, exploring the Prague Castle

This was at the very top of my list—and it should be at the top of yours, too. It’s an incredible complex packed with galleries, charming shops, cozy restaurants, and cafés perfect for a relaxing break. But the real standout for me was the stunning Gothic-style St. Vitus Cathedral at its heart. Trust me, you don't want to miss stepping inside and seeing its beauty up close.

Wander the Historic Old Town

I loved strolling through its charming streets without much of a plan—there's always something interesting around every corner. You can’t miss the Old Town Hall with its famous medieval Astronomical clock. Seeing it up close is such a fun experience—be sure to take plenty of photos and definitely record a video when the clock comes to life (especially at noon!). And do yourself a favor - climb the tower for panoramic views that are absolutely worth every step. While you're here, visit the beautiful Týn Church, pop into the lovely San Nicolás Church, and take a thoughtful walk through the Jewish Quarter—it’s a fascinating area rich with stories.

Walk Across the Charles Bridge

This beautiful bridge connects Prague’s historic Old Town with the charming Mala Strana (or Lesser Town) neighborhood. As I walked across the Vltava River, I loved seeing the statues of saints and angels lining the pathway, along with the impressive towers standing guard at each end. The views of Prague Castle from here are amazing—definitely pause for some perfect photo ops along the way!

Stroll Through the Beautiful Mala Strana (Lesser Town) Neighborhood

You will fall in love with its cobbled streets, colorful buildings, inviting churches, and peaceful gardens—it's a perfect place to enjoy a slower pace. One of my favorite spots here was the famous John Lennon Wall, a vibrant mural filled with colorful artwork, messages of peace, and lyrics inspired by Lennon’s music. It's more than just a wall—it's a meaningful symbol of freedom and creativity

Hop aboard a Sightseeing Cruise on the Vltava River

Experiencing Prague from the water—it's such a relaxing way to see the city from a completely new perspective. During the two-hour ride, you can sip a refreshing local beer and soak in gorgeous views that you simply can't get from land. Just walk up to one of the shore-side boats and purchase a ticket to ride. Definitely worth it!

Visit Wenceslas Square

Even though it's called a "square," this lively spot feels more like a wide boulevard. When I visited, it was buzzing with energy—stores, cafés, restaurants, and plenty of people-watching opportunities. This area is Prague’s vibrant commercial heart and definitely the place to go if shopping is on your list. From big-name international brands to charming local boutiques, there's something here for everyone. It's also an ideal spot to pause, grab a coffee and just soak in the atmosphere.

So my friends, if you only have 72 hours to spend in this wonderful city, make the most of it and experience these 6 gems. And, if you have more time, or want a faster pace, there are many more great things to see. We certainly enjoyed them and believe you will too!

Keep dreaming, keep exploring,

and keep making memories.

All my best,

Deb

Deb Pentek is the Owner and Travel Advisor behind Vacation Memories by Deb, LLC. She’s a member of ASTA (American Society of Travel Advisors) and CLIA (Cruise Lines International Association). Originally from the East Coast, she now lives in the Chicago area with her family. Travel has always been a big part of life for Deb, her husband, and their two adult children—they’ve made plenty of memories exploring together. Now that the kids are grown, Deb and her husband are checking off their never-ending bucket list, just the two of them. Her own travel experiences have taught her a lot, and she brings that knowledge to every trip she plans—helping clients travel with confidence and create vacation memories that last a lifetime.