Last Updated on April 8, 2023 by gregor
Prague – a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most beautiful cities in Central Europe – is just a few hours away from Vienna by train. The city is filled with amazing architecture, cobblestone streets, and some of the most beautiful bridges in the Czech Republic.
The city of Prague is an ideal destination for budget travelers, solo travelers, or anyone looking to explore a new city in Central Europe. And the best way to explore this Czech capital is on a day trip, with plenty of sights to see and activities to do.
Prague offers a range of options for day-trippers who want to explore its culture and history. And since it’s so easy to get here from Vienna, it’s an ideal destination for a day trip.
With this itinerary, you can have an amazing day trip from Vienna to Prague in just one day!
Is one day enough for Prague?
There is a lot to see and do in Prague and it definitely deserves more than one day, but if you are short on time, then a day trip from Vienna to Prague is the perfect way to experience the Czech capital.
With the right planning and organization, you can get the best out of Prague’s stunning sights and attractions in just one day.
Things to Do and See in Prague in One-Day
I’ll give you my suggested Prague itinerary later on in the post, so you can start planning your own day trip to Prague from Vienna. But for now, here’s a list of the most popular attractions and things to do while in Prague.
Feel free to mix and match any of the activities and sights listed below to create an itinerary that works for you!
Charles Bridge
Charles Bridge is the oldest and most iconic of Prague’s bridges. Built in 1357, this medieval stone arch bridge crosses the Vltava River and links the Old Town to the Lesser Town. This bridge is filled with local artists, vendors, performers, and musicians all day long! Make sure to take some time to explore this historical bridge while you’re in Prague.
Prague Astronomical Clock
The Prague Astronomical Clock is one of the oldest astronomical clocks in the world and a major symbol of Prague’s historical importance. Make sure to check out this famous timepiece for some great photos! This beautiful clock tower was built in 1410 and has been ticking ever since.
Jewish Quarter
The Jewish Quarter of Prague is a great area to explore. Here you’ll find the Old Jewish Cemetery, which dates back to the 15th century and contains some of the oldest and most impressive tombstones in Europe. During your stroll through this part of town, don’t miss out on seeing the Maisel Synagogue, Pinkas Synagogue, and the Spanish Synagogue.
St. Nicholas Church
St. Nicholas Church is a Baroque masterpiece that was built in the 18th century. This magnificent church boasts an impressively detailed interior and is one of the most beautiful churches in Prague.
National Museum of Prague (Národní muzeum)
The National Museum of Prague is a great place to learn about the history and culture of Czech Republic. It was founded in 1818 and houses many collections, including coins, minerals, weapons, musical instruments, and more. Be sure to visit this museum while you’re in the city!
Hradcany Castle & Cathedral
The hilltop Hradcany castle district is one of the most iconic landmarks in Prague. Built in 880, this massive complex includes several palaces, churches, gardens, and more! Be sure to explore the inside of St Vitus Cathedral which houses some of Europe’s most impressive stained-glass windows.
Old Town Square
The Old Town Square is one of the best places to go in Prague, especially if you like history and architecture. This beautiful square is located in the historic city center and dates back to the 12th century. Today, it still remains a popular place for festivities and markets. If you have time, browse through some of the shops, restaurants, and cafes in the area to get a feel for the city. This is one of the best places to try additional Czech foods like Smažený sýr (Fried Cheese), Hovězí guláš (Beef Goulash), and Trdelník (baked sweet dough).
Pro tip: Hop on a guided city walk tour of Prague to get the most out of your day! This way, you’ll have a local guide to show you around and tell you some of the local history of Prague. Most tours will start at a meeting point in the Old Town Square and go to all the major sites in the city, so you’ll get to see the best attractions in one go.
Lennon Wall
The John Lennon Wall is another must-see landmark while in Prague. This wall is filled with graffiti, art, and quotes from The Beatles lyrics. Although it’s not an official tourist site, the John Lennon Wall has become a symbol of freedom and peace in Prague. The wall was built in 1988 when Prague was still under Communist rule. The Lennon wall stood as a symbol of hope, freedom, and rebellion against the government. Today, this famous wall still draws visitors from all over the world.
Wenceslas Square
Another popular spot in Prague is Wenceslas Square. This square was built in the 14th century and is home to several shops, restaurants, and cafes. It’s also a site of many important historic events such as demonstrations for freedom and democracy. A great way to spend a day at this square is to browse through some of the shops and restaurants, take a walk down the main street, and explore some of the amazing architecture in this area. Wenceslas Square is filled with street food vendors and sausage stands, so make sure to try out some of the local delicacies!
Dancing House
For a modern twist on the classic architecture of Prague, be sure to check out the Dancing House. This building was designed by architect Vlado Miluni in 1996 and is one of the most iconic buildings in Prague. The building looks like it’s swaying and dancing in the wind, hence where its name comes from!
Kutná Hora
If you have some extra time and want to explore beyond the city limits, consider taking a day trip out of Prague to Kutna Hora. About an hour away from Prague by train is this picturesque town full of Gothic architecture, cobblestone streets, and plenty of interesting things to do. This includes the Sedlec Ossuary, a small chapel decorated with bones and skulls from 40,000 people!
These are just some of the many things you can see and do in Prague in one day. With so much history, architecture, culture, and food to explore, you’ll never run out of things to do here!
How to get from Vienna to Prague
The best way to get from Vienna to Prague is by train – it’s the most efficient way to travel and the most cost-effective.
There are direct trains leaving from Vienna’s central station (Wien Hauptbahnhof) every few hours. The average train time from Vienna to Prague is about five hours, depending on the train you choose and whether you have any stops along the way. There are about 22 trains running between Vienna and Prague daily – the first train of the day leaves from Vienna Hbf at 05:23 and the last train leaves at 22:10.
You can use sites like Trainline or Omio to find the best train prices and times for your trip.
Plane
If you don’t want to go on a five-hour train ride, you can always book a direct flight from Vienna to Prague that takes just over an hour. However, flights are generally more expensive than taking the train. You can expect to spend about €50-100 for a one-way ticket.
Bus
There are also bus services available between the two cities! A bus ride from Vienna to Prague will take about 4.5 hours, and tickets will cost you between €18 to €30. Companies like FlixBus and RegioJet have regular departures, so you can easily book a ticket online.
Car
You can also get to Prague from Vienna by car in just under 4 hours. Renting a car is the most expensive option, but it gives you the flexibility to explore more of the countryside on your journey. It’s important to remember that there are tolls for some roads in Austria and Czech Republic – make sure to have enough cash on hand when you get to a toll booth.
How to see Prague in one day – Itinerary
There is so much to see and do here, so it’s essential to plan your itinerary ahead of time to make the most of your day here.
Here is my suggested one-day itinerary to make the most of your time in Prague:
6:00 AM – Departure from Vienna
Rise and shine! Since we have a 4-hour journey ahead of us, we’ll want to start the day bright and early. Start your day around 6 am to make the most of your day trip to Prague. Grab a quick breakfast and hop on the train (or bus) from Vienna to Prague. The journey takes around 4 hours, so you should aim to arrive in Prague around 10:00 AM. The Prague train station is conveniently located near the city center, so you’ll be able to start exploring right away.
10:00 AM – Old Town Square & Charles Bridge
Once you arrive in Prague, your first stop should be the famous Charles Bridge. This famous bridge is lined with statues and offers amazing views of the Vltava River. Take your time to walk across the bridge and admire the statues that line it. The views from this bridge are some of the best in the city!
From here, explore Old Town Square and its surrounding area. Stroll through the narrow cobblestone streets of Prague, stopping at some of the cafes and shops that line the streets. You’ll also find the famous Astronomical Clock here, which is a must-see. You can even climb up the inside of the clock tower if you’re feeling adventurous!
11:00 AM – Lennon Wall
Once you’ve explored the square, take a short walk to the Lennon Wall. This wall is covered with graffiti and quotes from John Lennon, as well as other creative artwork. It’s also located just next to the Charles Bridge (less than 5 minutes by foot), so you can check out both while you’re there.
12:00 PM – Have lunch in a local restaurant
Once you’ve had your fill of sightseeing, it’s time for lunch! There are plenty of delicious restaurants in the Old Town area serving up traditional Czech fare. Prague is known for its delicious Czech cuisine, so take the opportunity to try some local specialties for lunch. Try some classic dishes like roast pork, goulash, and dumplings.
Some of the best restaurants in Prague Old Town include Restaurace Mlejnice, U Parlamentu, and Restaurant U provaznice. And for a truly unique food experience, check out the website EatWith.com – this website allows you to book private dinners and cooking lessons with local chefs in their homes!
2:00 PM – Prague Castle & Petrin Tower
After lunch, take a walk up to the iconic Prague Castle. This 11th-century castle is one of the largest in Europe! The castle offers breathtaking views of the city and houses several historical buildings, including the St. Vitus Cathedral, the Old Royal Palace, and the Golden Lane. Make sure to check out the beautiful St. Vitus Cathedral inside the castle walls as well.
On your way back down from Prague Castle, take a detour to Petrin Hill and visit the iconic Petrin Tower. This 65-meter tall tower was built in 1891 and offers some of the best views of Prague. Take a walk up its 299 steps to the top and enjoy the view!
3:00 PM – Wenceslas Square
From the castle, head down to Wenceslas Square, which is one of the largest squares in the city. It’s a great place to do some shopping or simply people-watch. Now is also a great time to do any shopping you may want to do – there are plenty of shops here and the prices are quite reasonable.
5:00 PM – Return to Vienna
The sun will be setting soon, so it’s time to start heading back. Make your way back to the train station and catch a train back to Vienna. The return journey takes around 4 hours, so you should arrive in Vienna around 9:00 PM – just in time for dinner and a good night’s sleep after a long day of sightseeing!
Of course, you could always catch a later train if you’d like to stay in Prague a bit longer. Just remember to book your return ticket in advance!
Final thoughts
And that’s it for your day trip to Prague! Enjoy the beautiful sights of this iconic city, take some time to explore its rich culture and history, and enjoy a delicious Czech meal. With careful planning and an early start, you can make the most of your time in this beautiful city.
FAQ
Can you do a day trip from Vienna to Prague?
Yes, you can do a day trip from Vienna to Prague. It takes around 4 hours by train or bus and you can easily see all the major attractions in one day.
What is the best way to get from Vienna to Prague?
The best way to get from Vienna to Prague is by train. Trains are fast, affordable, and comfortable. You can also take the bus or rent a car.
What is the best time of year to visit Prague?
The best time of year to visit Prague depends on what kind of weather you prefer. In spring and summer months, you’ll have warmer temperatures and longer days, while in winter it will be colder and dark. However, Prague is beautiful all year round!
What are the must-see attractions in Prague?
The must-see attractions in Prague include the Old Town Square, Charles Bridge, Lennon Wall, Prague Castle, and Wenceslas Square.
Is the train ride from Vienna to Prague scenic?
Yes, the train ride from Vienna to Prague is very scenic. You’ll pass through beautiful countryside and rolling hills on your journey.
Is there a direct train from Vienna to Prague?
Yes, there is a direct train from Vienna to Prague. It takes around 4 hours and the journey is comfortable and convenient.