The Ultimate Budget Travel Guide to Prague 2023

We have spent years living in Prague, and during our time we prepared a Prague travel guide to get you started on exploring this amazing city!

Rare is a city that bares its stately grace without a hint of pretension. Rarer still is the city that is not outdated by its own antiquity, that presents its storied history without getting lost in it. Rare is the city that embraces without consuming. Rare is Prague.

The city’s most iconic structure, Prague Castle, sits atop a lofty hill watching over the lazy Vltava river like a stern yet proud grandfather. Burnt orange rooftops add vibrant color to the “City of a Hundred Spires”, and even the sun seems to want to contribute to the amalgamation of hues. Every evening, barring rain, the setting sun dyes the sky’s canvas, perfectly in harmony with the aesthetics of the city.

Resplendent, hefty with history, and seemingly brimming with undiscovered locations, the crooked cobblestone streets of Prague’s Old Town are a mysterious warren bound to reward every curious explorer.

And this is all just the beginning. Prague is teeming with attractions and points of interest enough to occupy any curious visitor for days upon days.

Visiting Prague – A Disneyland…for Grown Ups

As you can probably tell we really do love Prague. It has become our favorite city in Europe for a number of reasons.

Aesthetically it is absolutely breathtaking.

You can walk around for days, weeks, or even months admiring the myriad of architectural styles. Get lost in the maze-like Old Town and discover something new each time you do so.

You can take a stroll along the banks of the tranquil Vltava day or night, cross and marvel at the views from one of the river’s several bridges, visit one of the many verdant parks, or climb Petrin Hill for a panorama of orange rooftops and burnished spires.

Whatever you do, the feeling of walking around in a fairy tale wonderland will be hard to shake. Prague is Disneyland for adults, where the sights are always amazing and the delicious Czech beer flows freely.

There is a laid-back ambiance to Prague that is missing in a lot of cities. While it can, and does, get busy (mostly near the center), we rarely felt the sort of stressed out go-go-go tension you find in larger cities.

The city is also home to many parks, squares, and outdoor eateries where you will find locals relaxing during the warm months of the year. And if you like dogs, you’ll adore Prague. We have never seen so many beautiful and well-behaved doggies all in one place before.

We love Prague so much that we visited it two years in a row, and after our second visit decided to make call it our home base for the past years. It is, in our opinion, one of the best cities in the entire world. And it is certainly a can’t miss destination for any traveler.

Our Expert Prague Travel Guide

In order to facilitate your trip to this amazing city, whether you are backpacking in Prague or just visiting on a limited budget, we have prepared a brief yet comprehensive budget guide to Prague.

We think Prague can be a very affordable destination if approached properly. While it used to be extremely cheap compared to most European cities, the last few years have seen prices in Prague rise. However, it is still possible to visit Prague on a budget.

We have included a few price lists in this article to give you an idea of what things cost in Prague in order to better budget your trip.

Prague Travel Guide – Czech Currency

The currency in the Czech Republic is the Czech Koruna (Kč).

While many shops in the center will accept Euros, to get the best bang for your “buck” we suggest you withdraw Czech Koruna from a bank ATM. We’ve found that the Raiffeisen Bank ATMs give us the best exchange rate with our US bank accounts.

The exchange rate from USD to Czech Koruna has been fluctuating around 1=20 and from Euro to Czech Koruna around 1=25 but you can find the most up to date exchange rates here.

Visiting Prague – Things to Do in Prague

As a cosmopolitan city, there are a million and one things to do in Prague. From the most visited sites like Prague Castle, The Charles Bridge and the Astronomical Clock, to some off the beaten path destinations like Jiřího z Poděbrad (we dare you to try and pronounce that) and Olšany Cemetery, it’ll be really difficult to get bored in this great city.

Additionally, most of worthwhile sites in Prague can be experienced for free or not much money at all.

We have four starter guides for anyone visiting Prague:

• First, take a gander at our article Top Ten List of Things to Do in Prague for First Time Visitors.
• Have a look at our guide to the places you absolutely have to visit while in Prague.
• When you’ve given that a look over, make sure to check out our guide for Getting Off the Beaten Path in Prague to discover the true heart of this amazing city.
• Experience the city with one of these great tours in Prague!

Visiting Prague – Where to Stay in Prague

Prague is full of affordable accommodation options, from hostels, to hotels, to apartments, the city has it all. It’s also full of overpriced accommodation options.

So, let’s set the record straight. Here is a breakdown of each type of accommodation option and what you should expect to pay for them.

Hostels in Prague

Hostels are a dime a dozen in Prague, and not all of them are worthy of your patronage. We prepared a nifty article profiling some of the absolute best hostels in Prague.

Take a look at our guide –  The Best Hostels in Prague. 

In the meantime, here’s an overview of the starting price for hostel dorm beds in Prague. You can expect to pay $10.00 USD and up for a dorm bed in Prague.

You can also take a look at HostelWorld to see current prices on hostels in Prague.

Best Hotels in Prague

There are hundreds of hotels in Prague of varying price ranges. A three star hotel near the Old Town center starts at around $90.00 USD a night and a five star hotel starts at around $250.00 USD a night.

Take a look at our guide –  The Best Hotels in Prague for any Budgetfor our hotel suggestions or check out Booking.com for the latest prices on hotels in Prague.

Luxury Hotels in Prague

If you have money to spend, why not treat yourself? A luxury hotel in Prague will likely cost you much less than a luxury equivalent in London, Paris, or New York City so you might as well treat yourself to some 4 star comfort, if it’s within your Prague travel budget.

The Alchymist Grand Hotel & Spa Prague

The Alchymist Grand Hotel and Spa is one of the best luxury hotels in Prague, and will definitely make your stay in this magical city that little bit more special! Ideally located in the center of Prague, it takes the hassle out of getting around the city. In just 5 minutes you can reach Charles Bridge on foot! This charming and luxurious 5 star hotel is situated in a landmark baroque building that dates back to the 16th century.

For more options have a look at our article on the best places to stay in Prague depending on your budget.

Holiday Apartment Rentals in Prague

If you’re looking for a holiday apartment rental in Prague that offers all the services of a hotel or hostel, expect to pay €70.00 and up a night.

For suggestions on the best holiday apartments in Prague take a look at our guide – The Best Holiday Apartments in Prague.

It includes a wide range of options, from luxury apartment rentals to affordable hostel apartments, for business travelers, families, couples, or small groups.

Airbnb apartments can easily be found within easy walking/commuting distance of the center. Unfortunately, over the last couple of years Airbnb rentals have become a big business and prices have skyrocketed as the popularity of the site grows.  A decent apartment right around the center will run you a minimum of $50.00 USD/night during high season.

Our advice, when looking to rent via Airbnb, is to avoid the center. Instead, look for apartments in Prague 2 (Vinohrady), Prague 3 (Žižkov), Prague 7 (Letná and Holešovice), Prague 8 (Karlín) or Prague 10 (Vršovice). All are nice neighborhoods with easy tram/metro access to the center, and have plenty of rentals available. Airbnb can be very affordable, especially if you are traveling in a group of three or more people.

Long Term Apartment Rentals in Prague

Finding an apartment for an extended rental can be frustrating, as many landlords are unwilling to rent for less than a year. If you need an apartment for 6 months, your best bet is to try the following sites:

• Move to Prague – Jan at Move to Prague can assist you in finding a short-term rental in Prague for a low fee. He is a pleasure to work with and his services come at a much lower price tag than the steep rates that brokers charge.
• SRRealty – Online apartment listings.

Another potentially great way to find apartments is through expat groups on Facebook and Couchsurfing meetups.

Want to book accommodations in Prague? We recommend using the following sites:

Transportation Options in Prague

We could also call this section “How Not to Get Ripped Off By a Taxi Driver” in Prague. Step 1 – Never ever take a marked taxi in Prague. Every single one will try to rip you off. 

So, how do you get around in Prague? Read on, dear traveler. 

Unfortunately, stories about tourists getting ripped off by taxi drivers in Prague are becoming more and more common. As with all travel destinations, there is bound to be someone looking to take advantage of unknowing tourists.

To avoid getting ripped off by taxi drivers in Prague we suggest that you utilize public transportation as much as possible, and if you must take a car we recommend a local Czech company called Liftago. Uber and Wolt are also good options. 

Public Transportation in Prague

One of the great things about Prague is the relative proximity of all the neighborhoods. It’s not a huge city by any stretch, and most areas of Prague are well-connected by public transportation. Tickets start at about $1.00 USD (no that’s not a typo) for public transportation.

Below is some general information about public transportation in Prague, but for more information take a look at our complete guide to the Prague public transport system.

Here’s an overview of transportation ticket prices in Prague:

Trams in Prague

Our favorite form of mass transit in Prague is the tram. The tram harkens back to a bygone era, and it is one of the coolest ways to get a look at the city as you are traveling from point A to point B. Tram lines cover almost the entire city, and the trams run frequently throughout the day. Regular service stops at around midnight when it is replaced by a small (and slower) system of night trams.

A tram ticket costs 24 Kč for 30 minutes of use, or 32 Kč for a 90 minutes. You can buy tickets in many small convenience stores or metro station around the city.

For a comprehensive Guide to the Prague Public Transit System click here.

Prague Metro

Prague has a metro system with three lines, totaling 62 kilometers of tracks, and 61 stations. It’s all relatively new (having been built within the last 40 some odd years), cheap, simple, and efficient.

Taxis in Prague

Like in any other city taxis are hit or miss. You might happen upon the nicest driver on the planet, or you might get stuck with a scamming schemer dead set on milking you for every penny. Best way to avoid the hassle? Use a taxi app. We recommend Liftago, for a number of reasons.

Liftago allows you to request a taxi and receive quotes from multiple drivers in the area before committing to the service. It gives both the driver and the passenger more flexibility in choosing fares. A rating system lets you know what previous passengers thought of a particular driver. Passengers can choose the best offer according to estimated fare, ETA, and driver ratings. Pretty sweet!

However, what we really like about Liftago is its impact on creating a greener traffic pattern. By optimizing driver routes and allowing passengers to pick taxis based on proximity, the app’s algorithm saves thousands of useless kilometers from being driven by disorganized taxi fleets. A big win for drivers, passengers, and the environment.

Visiting Prague – Eating & Drinking in Prague

Eating Out in Prague

Prague offers a wide variety of pubs, restaurants, eateries, and cafes. Unfortunately, and we would be remiss if we did not mention this, the city’s inexpensive nightlife is a big draw for stag parties (European bachelor parties, which can be very public and very annoying), but it is easy to avoid these marauding groups of inebriated men on the weekends by staying away from the very center of Old Town at night. Trust us, there is a LOT more to Prague than the Old Town.

Eating out in Prague doesn’t have to be expensive.  If you avoid restaurants in the main square and circumvent the fancier, pricier fare found around the Old Town, you can have a nice meal for about $6.00 or delicious “fast food” like falafel, whatever passes for pizza (anywhere from $1.50 to $2.00 per slice), or delicious Vietnamese Pho for about $5.00.

Prague has seen a rise in vegan cuisine over the last few years, and there are many vegan options available in and around Prague for those who have chosen to adopt a compassionate lifestyle.

Here are some general prices for eating out in Prague to give you an idea of how much money to budget for food during your trip:

Some of our dining recommendations:

• Madame Lyn Vietnamese Restaurant – Madame Lyn serves tasty Vietnamese and Thai food at affordable prices. Their daily, two course lunch menu is a steal starting at about 100 Kč. Try the Thai Red Curry or Pho and you won’t be disappointed.
• Country Life Restaurant: Country Life is a vegan buffet serving up country style dishes and healthy meat alternatives. You pay by weight but can easily get a big plate of food for under 120 Kč.
• Dhaba Beas: Also a buffet style, pay by weight restaurant, Dhaba Beas offers delicious vegetarian and vegan Indian cuisine. A plate full of curry, dhal, rice, and mimosas can run you as little as 120 Kč.

Groceries in Prague

If you’re on a super tight budget, cooking for yourself can save you a ton of money. Groceries in Prague are very affordable and there are plenty of supermarkets, Farmer’s markets, and small Vietnamese run shops dotted around the city.

Supermarkets in Prague: The three main supermarket brands in Prague are Albert, Billa, and Tesco. Albert probably offers the widest selection of groceries at the best prices. Billa can be a bit more expensive, and Tesco (aside from the larger ones usually located in shopping centers) have the fewest options.

Farmers Markets: During Spring, Summer, and Fall, supermarkets pop up all over the city. Some of the best ones can be found at Jiřího z Poděbrad, IP Pavlova, and Náplavka. For more info on Farmers Markets in Prague head over to Taste of Prague’s guide here.

Vitnamcu Shops: These shops are all over the city. They’re what Americans would refer to as convenience stores of bodegas. They range in size but usually offer a good selection of beer, snacks, frozen foods, and sometimes good produce. They are open later than the supermarkets and on holidays and are all owned and operated by the Vietnamese community in Prague.

Here are some general prices on groceries from supermarkets in Prague to give you an idea on what to expect:

Drinking in Prague

The Czech Republic drinks more beer per capita than any other country in the world.  That translates into cheap prices for brews which can be acquired at a local bar for as little as 28 Kč and about 12 Kč in a grocery store. Don’t worry if you’re not a beer drinker, wine and cocktails can also be found at exceptional prices in most bars around the city.

We heartily recommend the following places when out and about in Prague.

Blue Light Bar: Despite being mere steps from Charles Bridge, Blue Light Bar somehow manages to have a local vibe. Though the name hints otherwise, the cavernous interior is washed in mysterious red light, and every inch of the walls are covered in etchings from patrons who have left their mark. The beers are cheap and it’s a great palace to chat the night away with friends or a date.

Prague Beer Museum: Despite the name, the Prague Beer Museum in Prague 2 is a pretty cool place to hang out. They have good live music every Thursday, Friday, and Saturday night downstairs, but you might prefer to sit at the upstairs bar and stare at the long line of beer on tap. 30 different brews, who has the time? Why, you do, of course!

Kavárna Blatouch: This cozy bar/restaurant is located near Namesti Miru and perfect to go with a friend, a date, or a group. We both love the decor, which reminds us an Edward Hopper painting, which is probably intentional since his work is featured throughout. By the way, don’t be deterred by the picture on their Facebook page. The interior is much nicer than the photo lets on.

Beer Geeks: Pisner Urquell is one of our favorites, but sometimes we get a craving for craft beer. When it hits, we usually head to Beer Geeks, the “biggest craft beer bar in Prague” according to their Facebook page. They also have decent wings, which isn’t so easy to find in Prague.

Boudoir: Boudoir is our favorite gay bar in Prague. Everyone, regardless of sexual orientation is welcome, and no matter what night of the week, you can bet there is a something happening at this lively bar.

U. Vejvodu Bar: After walking around the town center for hours the urge to have a cold beer always hits…well, us anyway. We’ve found ourselves resting our weary feet and satisfying our parched throats many a time at U. Vejvodu Bar. The best part is that you can get a pint of Pilsner for under $1.70, there are always pretzels on the table, and the bartenders seem like they’ve been around for ages.

Chapeau Rouge Bar: Chapeau Rouge might be the most well known bar in the Town Center. On a Friday or Saturday nights the bar is hectic, loud, and smokey. If you’re looking for a lively night out in the center this the place to go.

Bukowski’s Bar: “What is your advice to young writers?” “Drink, fuck, and smoke plenty of cigarettes.” – Charles Bukowski. If, like us, you’re a fan of Charles Bukowski then the bar’s name is probably enough to get you there. Even so, you should make a trip to Bukowski’s because it’s located outside of the town center and you’ll get the chance to experience a different side of Prague. You’ll be surprised to find that the streets of Prague outside of the center are quiet, peaceful, and charming at night. A nice contrast to the bar’s lively, energetic atmosphere.

Cash Only: Located in Old Town, Cash Only is our top recommendation for outstanding cocktails in the center. The bar is relaxed, staff are friendly, and the music is good. Our favorite libations are the Rested Martinez, similar to an Old Fashioned made with gin, and the Cucumber Scramble, a classy version of a Margarita made with tequila (lots of tequila) and cucumber. Don’t forget to bring plenty of cash because these expertly made cocktails start at about $6 and you won’t want to leave without trying at least one or two.

If you are looking to party late into the night, check out our guide to Prague’s nightlife. You will find all sorts of great bars, pubs, and even some cool clubs in Prague!

If you are looking for other bars to visit while in Prague make sure to take a look at our article on the 25 BEST bars in the city!

Coffee Shops in Prague

Everywhere we look it seems like a new, high-quality coffee shop is opens up in Prague. So for the love of god, please walk on by those shitty coffee chains that are all over the city.

You can expect to pay between 35 – 55 Kč for an espresso or Americano and cappuccinos start at about 55 Kč. Filter coffees are more but well worth the splurge from time to time as they can be outstanding.

Here are some of our favorite coffee shops in Prague:

Of course, we also have an entire separate article on the 30 best cafes in Prague that we would be remiss by not sharing here. 

Day Trips from Prague

There are a TON of reasons to visit Prague. However, if you are in town for longer than a few days we highly recommend you take some time to see a bit of the Czech Republic outside of its capital. Scratch that. See a LOT.

There are many places to go, like the fairy tale town of Cesky Krumlov pictures above, so we wrote this handy guide about day trips from Prague just for you guys!

Have a look at it and make sure you go on at least one day trip from Prague, and preferably go for more. Stay a night or two. Prague will still be there when you get back!

Other Information About Traveling to Prague

Communication

Many younger folks Prague speak English and almost all restaurants and businesses in the center of the city can accommodate English speaking guests. Anyone that speaks English can easily manage their way around Prague.

That said, it’s always a good idea to learn a few key phrases in the native language of any country you are visiting. Click here for a nifty list of Czech words you might want to know.

Safety

We found Prague to be an extremely safe city, especially in the vicinity of the Old Town. During the six weeks we spent here to date we have encountered zero crime, day or night. We never once felt threatened while walking around.

Of course there might be neighborhoods you want to avoid after a certain hour, but we’ve never seen them and we highly doubt you would find yourself in them anyway. As with any foreign destination, use common sense and err on the side of caution, especially at night.

When to Visit Prague

Guys, go here for our full guide on when to visit Prague and the Czech Republic for an in-depth look at when YOU should come.

Generally, the warmest and sunniest weather in Prague is found between the middle of April and the middle of October. This varies a bit from year to year, of course. Prices in Prague are at their peak between May and the end of September, and you can expect to premium prices on hotels, hostels, and apartment rentals. On the other hand you will also find Prague at its greenest during those times, and you will get to enjoy the beauty of Prague’s many many parks. 

Fall can be a lovely time to visit the city (and the country as a whole) and prices are a bit lower than during the peak months. The weather won’t be as warm, but the autumn colors might make up for it. In general, we advise people who want to save money to travel during “off season”.

Winter in Prague could be brutal, we won’t lie. There isn’t much sun, and the weather gets absolutely frigid. However, prices are greatly reduced from the warm summer months, and if you get lucky it might snow. And if it snows…well… have a look –

Pretty special, right? It is unlikely you will ever forget your snow day in Prague.

So if you can handle bundling up and not seeing the sun for a few days winter is absolutely the BEST time to visit Prague if you are on a strict budget.

Visiting Prague on a Budget – Final Thoughts

Traveling around Europe on a budget can be a difficult undertaking. You might find yourself burning through your funds faster than intended in many countries and cities.

Thankfully Prague, and the Czech Republic in general, is not one of those places.

So, after all is said and calculated, what is the minimum daily expense for travel on a budget in Prague, Czech Republic?

With a dorm bed in a hostel, eating out three times a day, and a few beers you can get by easily on $45.00 or less. If you want a day laden with sightseeing, visiting historic locations, and eating fine food you can expect to tack on at least $25.00. And, if you want more extravagant accommodations like a hotel or private room increase your budget accordingly. If you select a hostel with a kitchen, cook your own meals, and skip the brews you can manage on about $20.00 a day.

We hope this guide has helped you budget your trip to Prague. If you guys have any questions feel free to leave comments below, or email/Facebook/whathaveyou us. We hope to see YOU in the City of a Hundred Spires soon. Safe travels all!

Click here for a list of all of our Prague travel guides and articles!

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