Prague on a Budget: The $100 Weekend
This post was updated in January 2023 to reflect today’s rates. It will now cost approximately $150 for two people to spend a weekend in Prague following this guide.
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If you've been dreaming of a trip to the beautiful city of Prague, but are concerned about the cost, don't worry! It is possible to have an amazing, budget-friendly trip to this enchanting destination and this guide will show you how to do it.
From finding affordable accommodation to discovering hidden gems and off-the-beaten-path experiences, there are plenty of ways to stretch your travel budget in Prague. In this $100 weekend in Prague guide, I will share my top tips and tricks for budget-conscious travelers.
What makes me an expert? I’ve had the pleasure of visiting Prague 7 times over the last decade — providing me with plenty of time to slowly explore the city and all that it has to offer.
Whether you're a student looking for a cost-effective adventure or just trying to save some money on your next vacation, these strategies will help you make the most of your trip. So join me as we explore all the ways you can see the best of Prague on a budget.
Short on time? Pick up a Prague City Card, which includes free entry to over 80 attractions, a sightseeing bus, a river cruise, and discounts all over the city. There’s a 2, 3, and 4-day option and you can find more information here.
IN THIS GUIDE
Explore the BEST Things to do in Prague on a Budget
Budget Accommodation in Prague
Brief History of Prague
Prague, the capital of the Czech Republic, has a rich and fascinating history dating back to the 9th century.
The city was founded by the Premyslid dynasty, who established the first castle on the banks of the Vltava River. Over the centuries, Prague has been home to a number of influential figures, including the Holy Roman Emperor Charles IV, who made the city a center of cultural and intellectual activity during the 14th century.
In the 20th century, Prague played a significant role in the fall of communism in Eastern Europe, with massive protests taking place in the city's Wenceslas Square in 1989. Today, Prague is a thriving metropolis with a rich history and culture, reflected in its stunning architecture, art, and music.
The city is home to a number of historical landmarks, including the Charles Bridge, the Prague Castle, and the Astronomical Clock, which attracts thousands of visitors each year. Despite undergoing significant changes over the centuries, Prague has managed to preserve its rich history and cultural heritage, making it a must-visit destination for anyone interested in European history and culture.
Budget Accommodation in Prague
Finding budget-friendly accommodation in Prague is possible if you know where to look!
One option is to stay in a hostel, which can offer shared dorm rooms or private rooms at a lower cost than a traditional hotel. Airbnb is also a popular option in Prague, with a wide range of affordable apartments and private rooms available for rent. Another option is to browse booking.com as you can easily sort accommodation by price and read past reviews — plus most reservations include free cancellation.
It's also worth considering staying in a neighborhood outside of the city center, as prices tend to be lower the further you are from popular tourist attractions.
With a little bit of research and flexibility, you can find affordable accommodation options that will allow you to fully enjoy your trip to Prague without breaking the bank. Here are my top recommendations for budget accommodation in Prague:
FOR THE MODERN TRAVELER This modern hotel is less than a 20-minute walk from the Old Town Square, surrounded by plenty of restaurants, and well-connected by public transport. All of the rooms are air-conditioned! Prices start at 40€ per night.
FOR THE CITY DWELLER Located in the heart of the Prague Old Town, this hotel offers understated rooms, a free buffet breakfast, and plenty of nearby shopping. Prices start at 45€ per night.
FOR THE LOCAL EXPERIENCE This is a set of private, self-catered apartments in a historical building close to the Prague Castle. All of the units are modern and contain a kitchenette, where you can make your own meals. Prices start at 40€ per night.
If you don’t mind going over budget, an honorable mention has to go out to my top favorite hotels in Prague (all of which I’ve stayed in at least twice): the Pentahotel and Hotel U Medvidku. Although they are a bit opposite in terms of style (the Pentahotel is quite modern, whereas the Medvidku is very traditional), they both offer 4-star amenities and easy access to the city’s sights.
Public Transportation in Prague
Prague is well-connected by public transportation, which consists of the metro, trams, buses, a funicular, and trains. If you’re staying in the city center, you should only need to use the metro and trams to get around. View the current cost of public transportation in Prague here.
Tickets can be purchased at metro stations, newsstands and the ticket machines located at various tram stops. Please remember to validate your tickets at the orange machines on trams, buses and at the top of the escalators in the metro. There are undercover police checking tickets often and they love to catch tourists with unvalidated tickets.
Whatever you do, please do NOT take any taxis in Prague. There is a big problem in the city with taxi drivers scamming tourists (and locals) by overcharging them a lot.
If you’d rather not navigate the public transport system, consider booking a ticket for the hop-on hop-off bus in Prague, which conveniently whisks you directly to all of the major tourist attractions in the city. Or pick up that Prague City Card I mentioned earlier which includes a sightseeing bus and cruise.
Cheap Eats in Prague
Skip the big-name restaurants and avoid places with English menus outside. Instead, you should visit local-run establishments serving fresh Czech food. I’ve rounded up some of the best places where you can get a meal in Prague for under 150CZK below.
Jidelna Svetozor: Despite being steps away from Wenceslas Square, this restaurant is in the basement of a small shopping center and is quite literally a hidden gem. The daily menu is only in Czech, so it can be a little tricky for tourists. Just use Google Translate or ask the friendly ladies behind the counter for help. The main course, drink, and small dessert will cost you 129CZK. This is a great lunch option, as it closes at 3:00 PM.
Ovocny Svetozor: Oh man, I’m drooling just thinking about this place. Fresh open-faced sandwiches, enormous pieces of cake, AND delicious ice cream? Brb. Hopping on a train to Prague. Seriously, this is one of my favorite cheap eats in Prague. They have a few different locations but there is one right beside Jidelna Svetozor. The sandwiches cost around 35CZK each, so you can get FOUR for under 150CZK. My tip? Get your food to go, walk 10 steps to the Franciscan Gardens and eat in the park, which happens to have free water fountains.
Havelska Koruna: Anytime someone tells me they’re going to Prague, I always suggest they go eat at Havelska. This cafeteria-style restaurant has an abundance of local Czech dishes, salads, and desserts. Grab a card when you walk in, the servers will write down what you take and you pay for everything when you leave. Almost all of the main dishes cost under 100CZK and a half-liter of beer will run you less than 50CZK.
The Best Free Things to Do in Prague
Don’t let a tight budget hold you back from experiencing all that this stunning city has to offer. While it's true that Prague can be a bit of a budget-breaker for travelers, there are still plenty of ways to have an amazing trip without spending all of your cash. Here are my top picks for free things to do in Prague, from visiting iconic landmarks to exploring the city's rich culture and history:
Visit the Old Town Square and watch the Astronomical Clock. This iconic clock has been ticking since 1410, and is a must-see for any visitor to Prague. The clock comes to life every hour on the hour, so try to plan your visit and catch the show — it draws a huge crowd and will be hard to miss.
Walk across the Charles Bridge. This historic bridge is a popular spot for tourists and locals alike, offering stunning views of the city. Mind your belongings on the bridge though, as it’s a famous spot for pickpockets.
Visit the Petrín Tower. This observation tower offers panoramic views of the city, and admission is free on the first Monday of every month.
Explore the Kampa Island neighborhood. This charming area is home to a number of galleries and studios, as well as picturesque parks and gardens.
Visit the John Lennon Wall. This iconic mural, covered in graffiti and painted with lyrics from Lennon's songs, has become a symbol of peace and love.
Go on a walking tour. Many companies offer free walking tours of the city, allowing you to explore the city's history and culture. For something a bit different, I highly recommend going on a Food Tour in Prague. You walk around with a local guide who brings you to hidden spots while explaining Prague’s culture, history, and delicious food.
Visit the Mucha Museum. This museum, dedicated to the work of Art Nouveau artist Alphonse Mucha, is free on the first Wednesday of every month.
Visit the Royal Gardens. These beautiful gardens, located near the Prague Castle, are free to enter and are a great spot for a leisurely stroll.
Visit the Prague Castle. You can walk around the castle ground for free but I highly recommend picking up this skip-the-line ticket for the Prague Castle which is self-guided and includes access to the castle itself, St. George’s Basilica, the Old Royal Palace, St. Vitus Cathedral, and the famous Golden Lane.
Visit the St. Vitus Cathedral. This stunning cathedral, located within the Prague Castle complex, is free to enter on the first hour of opening every day.
Explore the Vysehrad Castle and Cemetery. This castle, located just outside the city center, is free to enter and offers stunning views of the city.
Go shopping at Havelska Market. This popular market, located in the Old Town, is a great place to find souvenirs and try local foods.
Visit the DOX Centre for Contemporary Art. This modern art museum, located in the Holešovice neighborhood, is free to enter on the first Tuesday of every month.
Visit the National Museum. This museum, home to a wide range of exhibits on Czech history and culture, is free to enter on the first Monday of every month.
Explore the Prague Zoo. Located in the Troja neighborhood, this popular zoo is free to enter on the first Wednesday of every month.
Take a stroll through the Royal Road. This historic street, located in the Malá Strana neighborhood, is home to a number of charming cafes and shops.
Visit the Jewish Quarter. This historic neighborhood is home to a number of synagogues and museums, including the Old Jewish Cemetery.
Take a walk along the Vltava River. This scenic river is home to a number of parks and gardens, making it a great spot for a leisurely stroll.
Go on a ghost tour. Many companies offer free ghost tours of the city, allowing you to explore the city's dark history and folklore.
Take a stroll through Wenceslas Square. This iconic square, located in the heart of the city, is home to a number of shops and restaurants, making it a great spot for people-watching.
Resources for Planning Your Trip
Prague is a stunning and vibrant city with a rich history and culture that is sure to delight budget travelers. From its iconic landmarks and beautiful architecture to its delicious food and lively nightlife, there is no shortage of things to see and do in Prague. With a little bit of planning and some insider tips, it's possible to experience all that Prague has to offer without breaking the bank. So don't let a tight budget hold you back from exploring this beautiful and fascinating city.
Here are some other resources you can use for planning a trip to Prague:
Official Tourism Website - The Prague Tourist Board provides a wealth of information on things to see in Prague, local events, transportation, and more. You can visit their official website or stop by in person at the local office to pick up maps, brochures, and other materials to help you plan your trip.
Social Media - Search for hashtags or location tags of Prague to find inspiration, the best photo opportunities, and learn about any events happening within the city. Be sure to follow me @mayamaceka to let me know about your trip!
Hotel Search Engine - Websites like booking.com offer a wide range of options for places to stay in Prague. You can always find something that suits your needs and budget. It’s convenient, offers price comparisons to other websites, and includes thousands of user reviews. Plus, most of the options come with free cancellation.
Tour & Experience Search Engine - Websites like getyourguide.com allow you to plan guided tours or book tickets for attractions throughout Europe. You can easily compare options, pay in advance, and read reviews from past travelers. The local guides offer a really unique experience that no guidebook or blog post can share.
