Whether you’ve just arrived on a morning train, are waiting for an afternoon departure, or have a long layover before heading to Prague Airport, being at Prague Main Station (Praha hlavní nádraží) is a great base for exploring the city. You’re within walking distance of many top sights, and the area’s transport connections make it easy to venture further — even with just a few hours to spare.
Here’s how to make the most of half a day near Prague’s central hub.
🧳 Step 1: Lighten Your Load
If you’ve got bags, drop them at a Stashpoint – this should be your first plan of action! Travelling light makes a huge difference, especially on cobbled streets and around busy squares.
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☕ Step 2: Start with a Coffee and a Quick Wander
Inside the station, grab a takeaway coffee from one of the kiosks, or pop into a nearby café like Café Imperial for a grand, art-deco atmosphere and excellent pastries. It’s only a short walk away and will set the tone for the day.
🏛 Step 3: Stroll to Old Town Square
From Prague Main Station, it’s a 15–20 minute walk to Old Town Square, the city’s historic heart. Here you can:
- Watch the Astronomical Clock chime on the hour.
- Take in the gothic beauty of Church of Our Lady before Týn.
- Soak up the lively café scene and street performers.
If you’ve got limited time, don’t get too sidetracked — Old Town’s winding streets can keep you exploring for hours.
🏰 Step 4: Optional Detour to Prague Castle
If you’ve got around four hours to spare and want to see something truly iconic, hop on tram 22 from the centre for a scenic ride up to Prague Castle. From here, you’ll get sweeping views over the city, a wander through the castle grounds, and a chance to visit St. Vitus Cathedral.
The return tram will drop you back in the city centre, close enough to walk or metro back to the station.
🛍 Step 5: Quick Shopping or Lunch Stop
If your schedule’s tighter, skip the castle and instead browse the boutiques between Old Town and the station. For lunch, you’ve got options:
- Lokál Dlouhááá – Traditional Czech pub grub and great beer.
- Čestr – Modern Czech cuisine, just steps from the station.
- Food stalls at Florenc bus terminal – Surprisingly good for a quick, budget-friendly bite.
✈️ Step 6: Head Back in Time for Your Connection
If you’re catching a train from Prague Main Station, aim to be back at least 20 minutes before departure. For Prague Airport, take the Airport Express bus from the station (about 35–40 minutes), or head to Florenc for a wider range of bus services.
🎒 Why This Works
Staying near Prague Main Station means you can pack a lot into a short visit without worrying about missing your connection. You’re close to Old Town Square, well-linked to Prague Castle, and only a short hop to Florenc for regional and international buses — all with enough time to relax before your next journey.
Even with just half a day, you can get a taste of Prague’s charm: cobbled lanes, gothic spires, and a hearty Czech lunch — all starting from one of Europe’s most convenient train stations.
