Compare Zurich and Prague by Air by TripMasters

Day 1 in Zurich

Welcome to Zurich! Upon arrival, you will go through customs and immigration. Should you opt to purchase a transfer to your hotel; a representative will be waiting for you as you exit immigration. Arrive at your hotel, check in and do not give in to jet lag! There is so much for you to see and do! 

Begin the afternoon by heading straight to Altstadt (Zurich`s Old Town) and find a place for lunch amongst the wide range of cafes and restaurants in the area. Spend a bit of time wandering the narrow and winding cobblestone streets, check out the colorful and wonderfully-preserved buildings, and stroll along the Limmat River. We highly recommend a walking tour to discover the city and learn about the history and culture that it offers.

From here, make your way to Bahnhofstrasse, Zurich`s premier shopping street and one of the bustling streets in Old Town where you`ll find window-shopping stores such as Chanel, Louis Vuitton, Burberry and much more! While here, it`s worth checking out Uhrenmuseum (Watch Museum) that is located in the basement of Beyer watch shop. You will learn the history and see the exhibition on time keeping dating back from 1400 BC to today.

Finish your day at one of the many restaurants or cafes on Bahnhofstrasse, some rich with tradition and many that are very inviting!

Day 2 in Zurich

Wake up early today and start your day off with a stroll along Lake Zurich. The lake is absolutely pristine and offers spectacular views of the Alps. Then head out on a boat cruise for about an hour ride on the lake and get lost in the stunning views and peaceful nature all around.

In the afternoon spend some time visiting Grossmunster, one of the most famous churches in Zurich. Climb the stairs to the top of the tower for stunning views of the city from the top. If time allows, head over to Church of Our Lady (or Fraumunster), built in the 9th century and famous for its graceful spire. You must see it to appreciate its beautiful architecture and stained glass windows that alone make it worth the visit.

As night approaches, head over to the Lindenhoff for sunset, a small climb will offer the most spectacular views of Zurich over the Limmat River and Old Town. You'll find numerous options for a great traditional Swiss dinner while in the downtown area offering views of the river.

Day 3 in Zurich

Start off your day by exploring the breathtaking views of Zurich and head to the Uetilber Mountain. Hike, jog, bike, or take the train up the mountain. At the top, take in the spectacular panoramic views of the entire city of Zurich, the lake, and perhaps even a glimpse of the Alps. Relax with a cup of coffee or a bite to eat while taking in the fantastic views of the city and beyond.

Next, head over to the KunsthausZurich (Museum of Art); said to be one of the best museums in the city. Among an interesting collection of Swiss artists, the museum also hangs works by Pablo Picasso, Wassily Kandinsky, Marc Chagall and Claude Monet. And a visit to the top floors is a must!

On your final night, make your way to Zuri-West, a night life hotspot with a trendy, post-industrial edge. A revival has been taking place here for more than a decade, with converted industrial buildings offering everything from concert halls and rooftop bars to luxury flats. The area is now a hotspot for food design, art and culture.

Additional Days in Zurich

Should you be able to spend additional days in Zurich check out the picturesque beauty of Lucerne. Only a 45 minute drive from Zurich, this full day adventure will give you an understanding of why this is deemed one of Europe’` prettiest cities. Wonder around the city and marvel at the beautiful architecture and the oldest covered foot bridge in Europe. Then take a scenic boat ride to the base of Mount Pilatus and ascend on the steepest cogwheel railway in the world (only open in the summer months). This is an incredible journey up mountains offering the most breathtaking views to the top. Then make your way back down on the aerial cableways and panorama gondolas.

Your Last Day in Zurich

Depart your hotel for the airport for your return home. We recommend that you purchase a private transfer, if so a representative will meet you at the hotel in time to take you to the airport for your flight out.

Day 1 in Prague

Welcome to Prague! Upon arrival, you will go through customs and immigration. Should you opt to purchase a transfer to your hotel; a representative will be waiting for you as you exit immigration. Arrive at your hotel, check in and do not give in to jet lag! The city of a thousand spires awaits you!

Begin your visit in the Old Town (Staré Mesto). Old Town Square is the historical heart of Prague and it is here that you will find the Old Town Hall and its famous Astronomical Clock, dating from the 14th century. Be sure to see the hourly procession of the apostles on the clock and then climb (or take the elevator) to the top of the tower for panoramic views of the city, including the Gothic spires of the Tyn Church and Jan Hus monument. Then stop for lunch (and more amazing photos) at the rooftop restaurant of the U Prince restaurant on the square or try the traditional goulash and roast pork knee with cabbage and dumplings served at U Vejvodu, one of the original restaurants of the Pilsner brewery, located on Jilska street.

This afternoon, explore the Jewish Quarter (Josefov) including the Maisel Synagogue, the Pinkas Synagogue, the Spanish Synagogue, the Old Jewish Cemetery and the Jewish Museum. Afterwards, head to Powder Tower, one of the historical gates to Old Town, before continuing next door to admire the exquisite Art Nouveau interiors of Prague`s Municipal House, where the Czechoslovak Declaration of Independence was signed. This is a good place to stop for a cup of coffee or bite to eat in the ground floor restaurant. You can also have dinner in the famous Sarah Bernhardt restaurant, located in Hotel Paris, opposite the Municipal House. Finish your evening with a romantic stroll across the Charles Bridge at night.

Day 2 in Prague

Wake up early today and head for Charles Bridge to gaze upon its many statues and touch the Cross of St. Jan of Nepomuk. (You can climb the towers at either end of the bridge for panoramic views of the city.) Across the Vltava River, in Lesser Town (Mala Strana), you will want to visit the baroque Church of St. Nicholas as well as the Church of Our Lady Victorious, home to the famous `Infant Jesus of Prague`. Afterwards, explore the quaint streets of this area that were once home to diplomats and merchants and now house many foreign embassies.

From Mala Strana continue to the beautiful cloisters of Strahov Monastery, where you can stop for a refreshing beer and snack, before visiting the Prague Loreto, Castle Square and Prague Castle, which in not a single building, but rather a complex of buildings and churches. Your tour of Prague Castle, founded in the 9th century, should include visits to St. Vitus Cathedral, the Royal Palace, St. George`s Basilica and Golden Lane.

After a busy day of sightseeing, board a relaxing dinner boat cruise along the Vltava River and admire the sights of Prague by night. Or if you enjoy opera, you can catch a performance at the famous Estates Theatre where Mozart`s Don Giovanni was first staged in 1787.

Day 3 in Prague

Begin your day exploring Wenceslas Square, the busiest and liveliest part of the city. There are many choices for dining and shopping in this area, especially on Na Prikope Street. Here, you should visit the National Museum at the top of the Square, with its Hall of Fame devoted to famous Czech personalities, as well as the Alfons Mucha Museum on Panska Street, parallel to the square. This relaxing oasis showcases the Art Nouveau designs of the famous artist.

This afternoon, head into New Town (Nove Mesto), to see the New Town Hall and Charles Square before continuing towards the river to Dancing House and the Manes Exhibition Hall, dominated by a 15th century water tower and dedicated to all forms of visual arts. Its juxtaposition of old and new makes it one of the most photographed landmarks in Prague. Afterwards, follow the river up to the National Theatre then cross the Legion Bridge.

Time permitting, make your way to Ujezd tram stop and follow the signs for `Lanove drahy` to ride the funicular up to the Petrin Tower (Little Eiffel Tower) for the most amazing views of the city! Finally, spend your last evening wandering around the quaint shops and restaurants of Kampa Park before making your way across the Charles Bridge one last time.

Additional Days in Prague

Should you be able to spend additional days in Prague then try a day trip outside of the city to experience even more of the rich history and culture of this beautiful country. By far the most popular destination in the Czech Republic after Prague is the medieval Karlstejn Castle. It was built by the King of Bohemia, Charles IV, to safeguard the crown jewels of the Holy Roman Empire.

Afterward, return to the city and see some sights you might have missed. Take in a concert of the Czech Philharmonic Orchestra at the Rudolfinum; learn more about the torments the Czech people endured under Communism at the aptly-named Museum of Communism; take a stroll through the largest park in the city, Stromovka; or you can see the ornate Wallenstein Palace, meant to rival Prague Castle, now serving as the meeting place of the Czech Senate.

Another popular city for tourists to visit is the town of Kutná Hora. After Prague, this medieval town was the most important town in Bohemia due to its rich silver deposits. The historic center and Kutná Hora`s main draw, St. Barbara`s Cathedral, have been on the UNESCO list for more than 10 years. Cesky Krumlov, with the second largest castle complex in the country, the spa town of Karlovy Vary and the haunting Terezin Memorial are also great choices so be sure to inquire about visiting these places during the booking process.

Your Last Day in Prague

Depart your hotel for the airport for your return home. We recommend that you purchase a private transfer, if so a representative will meet you at the hotel, in time to take you to the airport for your flight out.