One day in Prague can take you from the Žižkov side through Old Town Square and across Charles Bridge to Prague Castle.
- Start: Take Metro C to Muzeum, then walk down Wenceslas Square.
- Middle: Continue through Old Town Square and cross Charles Bridge to Lesser Town Square.
- Finish: Walk up to Prague Castle, or use a tram or metro approach.
- Tickets: DPP lists single-trip and time-based ticket options; check the operator’s current information before you travel.
Start with the journey into the historic centre
Old Town Square and nearby streets
From Wenceslas Square, continue on foot to Old Town Square, then use the surrounding streets to make your way toward the river and Charles Bridge. This puts the historic centre in the middle of the day’s route without requiring another public transport leg between the two squares.
For more detail on this part of the city, read Prague Old Town from Žižkov. Keep the route moving toward the Vltava when you are ready to leave the square: the next stretch crosses Charles Bridge to Lesser Town Square.
Charles Bridge and Malá Strana
Cross Charles Bridge from Old Town toward Lesser Town Square, then continue uphill toward Prague Castle or use a transport alternative for the climb. DPP’s suggested sequence links these central sights on foot, with the castle as the next stop.
If you want a route focused on both landmarks, use this Prague Castle and Charles Bridge route to plan that section.
Prague Castle and St Vitus Cathedral
Prague Castle’s grounds are open daily from 6:00 to 22:00, while the historical buildings have a shorter seasonal opening pattern. During the April 1–October 31 tourist season, those buildings are open from 9:00 to 17:00.
Tram 22 to Pražský hrad is an approach to the castle; the tram also serves Pohořelec and Královský letohrádek. Another option is Metro A to Malostranská, followed by a walk up the Old Castle Stairs. You can also take the walking route from Lesser Town Square up to the castle.
St. Vitus Cathedral has its own seasonal schedule: Monday through Saturday from 9:00 to 17:00, and Sunday from 12:00 to 17:00, with last entry at 16:40.
The Great South Tower is open from 10:00 to 18:00, with last entry at 17:30. A valid circuit ticket is required to visit the cathedral. Prague Castle says random security checks may take place when entering the grounds.
The Prague Castle Basic Tour includes the Old Royal Palace, St. George’s Basilica, St. Vitus Cathedral and Golden Lane with Daliborka Tower, and costs CZK 450, CZK 300 or CZK 950. Check the official site of Prague Castle for current opening information before you go.
Returning to the Žižkov area
After the castle, choose a public transport connection or retrace part of the route on foot, depending on how much time you have left. The route’s central stops and sights are connected by Prague’s trams, buses and metro, so you can use the network to return to Design Merrion Residence rather than walking the whole way back.
FAQs
Can you see Old Town Square and Prague Castle in one day?
The route links Old Town Square, Charles Bridge and Prague Castle in a single day, with public transport alternatives for parts of the journey.
What is the simplest way to reach Prague Castle?
Options include Tram 22 to Pražský hrad, Metro A to Malostranská followed by the Old Castle Stairs, or a walk up from Lesser Town Square.
Do you need a ticket to enter St. Vitus Cathedral?
Yes. Prague Castle says a valid circuit ticket is required to visit the cathedral.