6 December 2019 | Updated 14 November 20249 min read
The Vltava River Many of Prague's most beautiful sights are completely free to enjoy.
The city of a hundred spires is that rare weekend break beast, attracting visitors as much for its medieval history and intricate architecture as its cheap beer and long-standing budget-friendly reputation.
Even now Prague remains one of Europe's more affordable capital cities. Sure, it’s not as cheap as it was in the 1990s and early 2000s, but the Czech capital still offers excellent value compared to other popular city break destinations like Paris, London or Amsterdam.
Of course, if you spend all your time shopping for souvenirs on the Charles Bridge or eating out in Wenceslas Square, your pounds won’t go far. But with a bit of know-how to avoid the tourist traps, city breaks to Prague can be an incredibly affordable escape worth every penny.
Prague is divided into districts – confusingly, there are three different systems at work, but the simplest splits the city into ten major areas in a spiral, working from the Old Town (Praha 1) outwards.
The Old Town is home to the majority of tourist spots – and consequently, the highest prices – but good deals can still be found, with three- and four-star efforts offering quality accommodation for less than £100 a night. Try four-star Hotel Liliova Prague Old Town for comfortable art nouveau suites (from £34 per night) or the three-star Hotel Dar, near Old Town Square, which provides basic but cosy rooms starting from £74 per night.
If you’re short on time, it can be worth it to be within easy walking distance of key sights. But that said, you’ll get even better value outside the city centre – and with Prague’s excellent public transport system, it’s not that much of a hassle.
Just across the river from the Old Town, Malá Strana is in the shadow of the 9th-century Prague Castle and has a few budget-friendly hostels and B&Bs among the elaborate five-star affairs. For example, the four-star Hotel Roma Prague, at the foot of the Petřín Gardens, offers rooms starting at £50 per night, while rooms at the three-star Hotel William nearby cost around £42 per night.
To the south, the residential area of Anděl isn’t quite as exciting, but you get a lot more bang for your buck at places like the three-star Ibis Praha Mala Strana (from £38 per night) and Hotel Akcent (from £30).
Alternatively, back across the river to the east, Karlín is home to trendy restaurants and cafes and is only a few metro stops from the city centre. A good choice in this residential neighbourhood is the modern and vibey Pentahotel Prague, where rooms start from £61 per night. Four-star Hotel Royal Prague near the Křižíkova metro station is another option, with modern rooms around £55 per night.
Vinohrady attracts a younger crowd and has a livelier atmosphere after dark. For a budget-friendly stay in this quarter, check out the three-star Hotel Lunik for traditional family-style accommodations (from £32 per night) or EA Hotel Tosca (from £36).
Grandior Hotel Prague
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Prague is every bit as international as any other European city so you’ll find food from every country here, but if you’re watching the pennies, eating in local restaurants will definitely help them stretch further.
Czech cuisine is a hearty affair – think potato soup followed by goulash and dumplings or sausage and sauerkraut – and since lunch is often a bigger meal than dinner, it’s great value, too.
U Houdku is a bit out of the way, but a main course and a beer will set you back from just £6 and its pretty beer garden and buzzy atmosphere make it worth the effort.
If that’s too far off-track, then U Sádlů (main course from £5 and a beer from £1.32) is a tasty spot to refuel between sightseeing stops. It’s not much to look at from outside, but head downstairs to this basement restaurant and you’ll find a menu packed with old-school Czech dishes and local beers to boot.
On the subject of local brews, not only are Czech beers some of the finest around, but they’re a lot cheaper than their imported equivalents. Pilsner Urquell and Budweiser Budvar are everywhere, but it’s not uncommon to come across Staropramen (brewed in Prague), Kozel and Gambrinus in abundance.
Microbreweries are also gathering steam here: have a taste at pubs like U Fleků and the ever-popular Pivovarský Dům, which serves classic mains from £8 alongside more experimental flavours such as coffee, cherry and banana. Well, when in Prague…
Many of Prague’s most iconic landmarks are free or very affordable to visit. Charles Bridge is a must-see for any visitor, with its gothic towers and statues creating a scenic route across the Vltava River. While it’s lined with souvenir vendors, the walk itself is free and provides excellent views of the city.
Nearby, Old Town Square is another essential stop, home to the famous Astronomical Clock, which chimes every hour to an animated display. While the clock itself can be viewed for free, entry into the Old Town Hall Tower costs from 260 Kč to 390 Kč (£8.55 to £12.83) for panoramic views of the square and beyond.
Prague has plenty of green spaces perfect for budget-friendly relaxation and sightseeing. Petřín Hill enjoys stunning views over the city and you can hike up for free or, under normal circumstances, take a funicular for about 30 Kč (£1).
However, due to severe track damage from recent extreme rainfall and an ongoing reconstruction project, the funicular between Újezd and Petřín is currently out of operation. The expected reopening is set for summer 2026, with reconstruction planned through March 2025.
At the top, the Petřín Tower (Prague’s miniature Eiffel Tower) provides even higher views for a modest entry fee of 195 Kč to 290 Kč (£6.41 to £9.54).
For something more central, Letná Park provides panoramic views over the river and Old Town, especially at sunset. The park also has a popular beer garden, where you can relax with a drink without breaking the bank.
Prague’s museums often offer free or discounted entry on certain days. The National Museum has reduced rates for families and students and Prague Museum Night in June provides free entry to museums across the city.
In the Jewish Quarter (Josefov), several historic sites like the Pinkas Synagogue and Old Jewish Cemetery can be visited with a combined ticket, but for those on a budget, you can explore the neighbourhood on foot to see the beautiful synagogues and Kafka’s birthplace.
For a taste of local life, visit Havelské tržiště (Havel’s Market), one of the city’s oldest markets, where you can browse a variety of fresh produce, souvenirs and crafts. There’s no charge to wander and it’s a great spot to pick up budget-friendly snacks or gifts.
During December, the Christmas markets in Old Town Square and Wenceslas Square bring a festive atmosphere with food, gifts and free entertainment.
Prague’s Vltava River is lined with picturesque paths and bridges that enjoy great views. A stroll along the riverbank is free and provides a relaxed way to take in sights like the Dancing House and National Theatre.
If you’d like to get on the water, pedal boats are available for hire near Slovanský Island, costing around 300 Kč (£9.87) for an hour.
If you’re looking for a bit of adventure, Vyšehrad Fortress is a more off-the-beaten-path experience, with free entry to the grounds. The fortress, situated on a hill overlooking the city, includes ruins, a scenic park and a beautiful cemetery where famous Czechs are buried.
ibis Praha Wenceslas Square
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Getting around Prague is easier than ever with contactless payment options across the entire public transport system. Simply tap your contactless card, Apple Pay, or Google Pay on any metro, tram, or bus terminal and you’re all set – no need to worry about buying tickets or choosing the right fare. The system will calculate your fare based on usage, so you can explore Prague seamlessly without the hassle of ticket machines or exact change.
Prague’s network of metro, tram and bus lines covers the city comprehensively. The metro operates from 5 am to midnight and many tram lines run all night, making it convenient to get back to your hotel after a late evening out. Buses don’t serve the city centre directly, so trams and metro are your go-to options for central sights.
Here’s what it will cost you with either contactless or a ticket.
If you don’t have contactless, you can buy a ticket from yellow ticket-vending machines, ticket offices, newsagents and tourist information centres. Tickets must be validated at the start of the first journey to avoid fines.
Prague is also becoming increasingly bike-friendly, with rental services like Rekola providing affordable options for visitors who want to explore the city on two wheels. While taxis are readily available, it’s advisable to stick with reputable services or apps like Bolt to avoid overcharging. For the latest updates and detailed information on transportation, you can visit the official Prague Public Transit Company website, DPP.
Hotel Grand Majestic Plaza
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Please note: All prices correct as of 14 November 2024.
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