One day in Prague from a Smíchov base

Start in Smíchov, then make your way towards the river and the central sights. Anděl is about a six-minute walk from this four-star hotel in Smíchov, making it a practical starting point for the day’s route.

Keep the first part of the day simple: orient yourself around Anděl, then continue towards the river before crossing into the historic centre. The suggested route is a sequence of neighbourhood and landmark stops rather than a timed schedule, so leave room to adjust how long you spend at each place.

If you want to work out the public-transport options from the neighbourhood before setting off, this guide to getting around Prague from Anděl focuses on the local connections.

Cross Charles Bridge on the way from the river towards Old Town, placing the crossing before your Old Town Square stop.

The bridge gives this itinerary a clear transition from the riverfront into the historic centre. You can keep moving across it or pause along the way, then continue towards the square rather than doubling back. For details on the bridge’s history, access and timing, read the Charles Bridge visitor guide.

Make Old Town Square the next central stop after Charles Bridge, with the Astronomical Clock as a landmark to orient your visit.

This puts the square between the bridge crossing and the later journey towards Prague Castle. If you’re following the route in order, take in the square before continuing west towards the Castle area.

Set aside the latter part of your day for Prague Castle, and plan around the seasonal hours of its buildings and grounds.

The Castle complex is open daily from 6:00 to 22:00. Its historical buildings—including the Old Royal Palace, St. George’s Basilica, Golden Lane with Daliborka Tower and the Picture Gallery—have shorter hours: 9:00–17:00 in the summer tourist season, from April through October, and 9:00–16:00 in the winter tourist season, from November through March.

St. Vitus Cathedral follows its own schedule. In summer, it is open Monday–Saturday from 9:00 to 17:00 and Sunday from 12:00 to 17:00, with last entry at 16:40. In winter, it is open Monday–Saturday from 9:00 to 16:00 and Sunday from 12:00 to 16:00, with last entry at 15:40.

Gardens also have seasonal hours. The Royal Garden, Stag Moat and South Gardens are closed from November through February. They open from 10:00 to 17:00 in March; hours extend to 19:00 in April–June, 20:00 in July–August, 19:00 in September and 17:00 in October. The Garden on the Bastion is open from 6:00 to 22:00.

These schedules can help you decide whether to prioritise the cathedral, historical buildings or outdoor areas. Before you go, check the official site of Prague Castle for current opening details. For route and visit-planning context, the Prague Castle from Smíchov guide covers the journey from the neighbourhood.

To finish the day, consider the vintage tram route or head back towards Smíchov using the transport option that suits your plans.

Prague City Tourism’s vintage tram circular route connects Prague Castle, Malostranská, Old Town-area stops and the National Theatre. Its published pattern is daily operation from 9:30 to 18:15, with departures every 30 minutes from Dlabačov. Stops include Pražský hrad, Čechův most, Dlouhá třída, Náměstí Republiky and Národní divadlo.

The tram’s hours and route make it a practical way to connect several central areas without retracing the full walking route. For other ways to get around from the neighbourhood, the Anděl transport guide linked above covers local options.

Can you see Prague Castle and the Old Town in one day?

The suggested sequence links Charles Bridge, Old Town Square and Prague Castle in one day. Castle buildings and the cathedral have seasonal hours, so use those to plan how much time to leave for the Castle.

What time does Prague Castle open?

The Castle complex is open daily from 6:00 to 22:00. Historical buildings and St. Vitus Cathedral have separate, shorter schedules.

Does a tram connect Prague Castle with the Old Town area?

Prague City Tourism’s vintage tram circular route includes Prague Castle and Old Town-area stops, as well as the National Theatre.