How to Travel Prague on a Budget

This post was written by Sivan, our Student Travel Expert Contributor!

Prague’s visitors give it nothing but raving reviews. This historical city is home to some of the most beautiful cityscapes and unique landmarks, plus it is a very inexpensive city to travel, which makes it the perfect place to visit if you are on a budget!

Prague is very easy to see in a short amount of time; if you are in Europe and want a quick, cheap weekend getaway, this is a great choice.

Here’s how to travel Prague on a budget!

Getting to Prague

If you’re in the European Union, you can easily get to Prague by train. I’d recommend looking into the Eurail pass if you are doing a lot of travel through Europe and want to save some money.

The Eurail pass gives you unlimited train travel for the amount of time and European countries you choose.

You can also fly into the Prague International Airport — find the best deals on GoEuro or Skyscanner. The cheaper airlines in Europe are RyanAir, EasyJet, and Transavia.

Once you’re there, public transportation is very easy to use, and you can get around most of the city by the tram, which is free. Sometimes taxis can take advantage of foreigners and charge higher prices, so if you need to travel farther distances, use Uber.

Budget Accomodations in Prague

There are few great places to stay in Prague that won’t break the bank.

Sophie’s Hostel: The sister to Miss Sophie’s Hotel, this trendy boutique hostel is the perfect hideaway from the bustle of the city. Rooms include private apartments, single rooms, and dorms for up to five people. Most of the rooms come with private bathrooms and a fully operating kitchen. Sophie’s also offers breakfast at its small café. Just a tram ride away from the city center, this cozy hostel is a great budget choice in Prague.

Post Hostel: Situated right outside the city center, this place includes many extra necessities for free. The hostel is modern, bright, and very comfortable. Make use of the open kitchen, 24-7 free coffee and tea, and games in the lounge.

Prague1918 Apartments: If you want something a little more private but still reasonably priced, this is a great choice. The simple apartments can fit up to six people, and each unit has a private bathroom.

Hotel Klaret: Buffet breakfast, everyday cleaning, and fresh towels are all included with your stay at Hotel Klaret. A short metro ride to the city center, this budget hotel offers single, double, triple, and family rooms for a low price.

Hostel One Home: With a great downtown location, this hostel is the place to be if you’re looking to connect with other travelers. Every night you can enjoy a free family-style dinner and hangout in the five common rooms. The staff will also help you plan your activities for the day if you need.

St. Christopher’s Inn Prague: If you’re looking to be social and experience Prague’s famous nightlife, this is the place to stay. Housed in a restored nineteenth-century building, this budget accommodation has a variety of custom-designed dorms and private suites. Head down to the Basement Bar in the brick cellar for a great place to start your night.

What to Eat in Prague

Prague is traditionally known for fruit dumplings, potato soup, roast pork, and goulash. The food in Prague is heavy and will definitely warm you up in the cold winters.

This city also boasts great beer and delicious sweet delicacies, like the traditional pastry trdelnik (a.k.a. chimney cake).

Caféfin: Ready for the biggest avocado toast you have ever seen in your life? This Asian fusion café has great breakfast options and is known for its special latté art.

Lokal: For a truly local experience, head here for a beer and traditional Prague dishes that will fit your budget.

Good Food Coffee and Bakery: Down the street from the Charles Bridge, this bakery stands out among the rest. As you walk through downtown Prague, you will see trdelnik being sold everywhere; you can’t visit Prague without tasting one of these delicacies here.

Pernickuv Sen: Walk in the door to this little pastry shop and you will be overtaken with the sweet smell of freshly baked gingerbread. Choose from different shapes and sizes, and be sure to grab a packaged one to take home.

Koala: Goulash is one of the main dishes of Prague, and this is the best place to try it out. For a very low price, you can try the traditional beef stew with homemade bread dumplings and wash it down with a local beer.

What to Do in Prague

Prague is a fairly small city; it’s very easy to get around and see everything you want to see in one day. Space out your main activities and fill the rest of your time with wandering.

Charles Bridge: This historical bridge dates back to the fourteenth century and crosses over the Vltava River. It is one of the main sights to see in Prague and offers a great view of the old city. Take a walk across and enjoy the artisans, musicians, and local entertainment.

Head up the Charles Bridge tower for just three euros for a great 360-degree view of the city.

Old Town Hall and Astronomical Clock: Recently, this landmark has been under construction, but it is still viewable from one side. On the hour, you can see the animation that takes place as the clock face changes. It will be open for entry again in 2018.

Letná Beer Garden: Located in Letná Park along the Vltava River, this prime spot overlooks the city. Take a seat at one of the picnic tables, and sip on some beer on tap. This is a great place to bring friends and relax while enjoying the great view.

Budget Tip: The Beer Garden has a limited menu, so head to the grocery store and pick up your choice of drinks and snacks before going up to the park. It will be cheaper, and you’ll be able to drink exactly what you want.

Prague Castle: This medieval castle towers above the city and is a beautiful landmark of Prague. You can head up to explore the outside or take a tour of the inside for X dollars.

John Lennon Wall: In the 1980s, teenagers gathered at this wall to express their frustration with the war and government in the form of graffiti. Since then, it has turned into an explosion of art with symbols of peace, love, and, of course, the Beatles. This is an iconic spot for photos. (And it’s free!)

Hit The Town: Prague is home to many different-themed bars and pubs from fancy rooftop bars (Cloud 9 Sky Bar & Lounge) to Irish pubs (The Dubliner). Buying drinks at all of these places can be a bit pricey. Consider going on the Prague Pub Crawl.

The Prague Pub Crawl happens every night, and for twenty-two euros, you get drinks and entrance to multiple bars and clubs. Covers can be up to fifteen euros for one club; if you’re on a budget, this is well worth it. Not only is it a great deal, but it is a fun way to meet people.