Tips

Prague on a Budget: Tips for a Great Stay at Low Cost

Petřín Lookout Tower
Petřín Lookout Tower

Prague, the capital of the Czech Republic, is one of the most beautiful cities in Europe, attracting tourists from around the world year-round. While it’s easy to spend large amounts of money here, it’s also possible to enjoy the city on a limited budget. With some planning and smart tips, you can experience the city's rich history, culture, and gastronomy without exceeding your financial limits.

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Affordable and Good Accommodation in Prague

Finding affordable accommodation in Prague is not as difficult as it may seem. Hostels are a great choice for individuals or travelers looking for social interaction. Many hostels in Prague offer clean and comfortable rooms at a fraction of the price of hotels. If you prefer more privacy, you can look for accommodation on platforms like Airbnb, which often provide affordable stays, especially if you’re traveling with a group.

Another option is to stay outside the city center. Prague’s public transportation is reliable and affordable, so you can easily get anywhere, even if you’re not staying right in the center or its immediate vicinity. Since the metro is the fastest mode of transport, we recommend choosing accommodation near a metro station if you stay outside the center. Alternatively, you can choose accommodation along tram lines, which are usually not delayed by traffic jams.

Cheap Dining

Prague's gastronomy offers many options for budget-conscious tourists. Local diners and bistros focusing on Czech cuisine often offer daily menus (called “polední menu” = "lunch menu") at very reasonable prices. If you prefer international cuisine, try Asian or kebab restaurants, which are popular among locals and tourists and offer delicious meals at very low prices. Those who want to save even more can opt for fast food or buy inexpensive food at supermarkets.

For coffee or beer, try less touristy spots outside the center. In Žižkov or Vršovice, you'll find traditional Czech pubs and cafés with prices half of those around Old Town Square.

Free Activities

Prague is a city full of beautiful places that you can explore for free. Start your tour with a walk along the Royal Route, which takes you past several important Prague landmarks. Enjoy Charles Bridge, the iconic symbol of the city, where you can admire the view of the Vltava River and Prague Castle. Old Town Square will impress you with its historical buildings, such as the Church of Our Lady before Týn and the Old Town Hall with the Astronomical Clock. Exploring the exteriors is completely free, and if you visit in December, you can also enjoy the Christmas markets.

Another great destination is Vyšehrad, a historic fortress with stunning views of Prague. Here, you’ll find peaceful parks, the cemetery of famous personalities, and the rotunda of St. Martin. Entry to the area is free, and the atmosphere is slightly less touristy than at Prague Castle. From Vyšehrad, you can descend the stairs to the Vltava River, where the views are definitely worth it. Not far from the bottom of the stairs, there are also some interesting cubist buildings.

If you’re into art, visit one of the galleries with free entry. Nature lovers can head to Riegrovy Sady or Stromovka, two of the largest parks in Prague, where you can enjoy a picnic or simply relax.

Affordable Attractions

Prague also offers many paid activities that are still very affordable. The Petřín Lookout Tower, known as the "Prague Eiffel Tower," offers stunning views of the city, and the entry fee is relatively low. Likewise, the National Technical Museum or the Charles Bridge Museum offer tickets at an affordable price and provide a wealth of content for history and technology enthusiasts.

If you’re a fan of theater or music, check out the schedules of smaller theaters – and ideally plan a bit in advance. This gives you a chance to get tickets at very friendly prices.

Practical Tips for Cheap Travel Around Prague

Prague's public transportation is among the best in Europe – clean, reliable, and affordable. By purchasing and validating a short-term ticket (30 minutes for 30 CZK, 90 minutes for 40 CZK) or a day pass (24 hours for 120 CZK), you can easily get around the city. We recommend trying trams, which offer great views of the historical center.

If you want to save even more, you can walk around Prague. Most major attractions are just a few minutes' walk from each other.

Prague Can Be Affordable

Prague is a city that offers countless ways to enjoy it even on a limited budget. Just focus on affordable accommodation, take advantage of daily menus, explore monuments for free, and make use of the benefits of public transport. Whether you're looking for history, culture, nature, or entertainment, Prague can provide unforgettable experiences for very little money.

MyPrague.eu, December 2024
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