Start in Old Town Square, which is the easiest place in Prague to get your bearings because everything radiates out from here. Give yourself about an hour to circle the square, watch the crowds, and peek into the side lanes off Celetná Street and Pařížská Street. The Astronomical Clock draws a queue on the hour, but the square itself is best enjoyed by drifting slowly rather than trying to “do” it. From your hotel or arrival point, the tram and metro both funnel you close to Staroměstská or Můstek, and from there it’s usually a 5–10 minute walk.
From the square, make your way down to Charles Bridge just before sunset, when the light hits the river and the statues turn soft and dramatic. It’s busiest between mid-afternoon and sunset, so keep your expectations relaxed and treat it as a slow stroll rather than a photo mission. Cross toward Lesser Town and then head back toward New Town for Café Louvre, one of the city’s classic café stops. It’s a good place for a late lunch or an early coffee-and-cake break; expect roughly €12–20 per person for something simple, and remember that Prague cafés often move at a more leisurely pace, so this works best if you’re not in a rush.
Afterward, continue back into Old Town for Klementinum Library and Astronomical Tower. This is a compact stop, but it’s worth it for the interior atmosphere and the view from the tower if weather is clear. Check the day’s ticket times when you arrive, because entry is usually timed and the tower is less about lingering than about a nicely paced visit. The walk from Café Louvre is easy on foot, and this is a good point in the day to slow down and let the city feel a little more intimate after the bridge crowds.
End at Mincovna, right on Old Town Square, so you can settle in without needing a taxi or tram after dinner. It’s a reliable choice for Czech dishes in the center, with mains typically around €18–30 per person, and it’s especially convenient on an arrival day because you can simply drift back to your accommodation afterward. If you still have energy after dinner, take one last short loop around the square at night — it’s calmer, prettier, and a completely different mood once the day-trippers thin out.