Daily Budget Tiers
Prague uses the Czech koruna (CZK), not the euro. This insulates it from euro-zone price inflation and keeps costs significantly lower than comparable cities like Vienna or Amsterdam. For a full destination overview including neighbourhoods, culture, and sightseeing tips, see our Prague destination guide.
Full Cost Breakdown
A realistic budget breakdown for a 5-day solo trip to Prague:
| Expense | Budget option | Estimated cost |
|---|---|---|
| Return flight (from Europe) | Budget airline (Ryanair, Wizz, easyJet) | €60–180 |
| Accommodation (5 nights) | Hostel dorm / budget hotel | €60–100 |
| Food & drinks (5 days) | Czech pub lunches + self-catering | €50–80 |
| Transport | 24/72hr tram/metro pass | €8–12 |
| Activities & entrance fees | Prague Castle, Old Town Hall, 1 tour | €30–50 |
| Travel insurance | Basic EU coverage | €15–25 |
| Total (5 days) | €220–450 | |
A weekend break (2 nights, 3 days) including a budget flight from a major European city is easily achievable for €200–280 per person.
5-Day Budget Itinerary
Prague's compact Old Town means most sights are walkable. The main cost is accommodation — walking and public transport handle the rest.
Old Town & Charles Bridge
Walk the Old Town Square (free), watch the Astronomical Clock (€1.50 to enter the tower), cross Charles Bridge at sunrise for free — no crowds, magical light. Lunch at a Czech pub: svíčková for €5–7.
Prague Castle & Malá Strana
Prague Castle grounds are free to walk; pay €16 for the circuit B ticket covering St Vitus Cathedral interior, Old Royal Palace, and Basilica of St George. Stroll down cobblestoned Malá Strana for free.
Vinohrady & Žižkov
Escape the tourist centre. Visit the free National Museum (free on first Monday of the month), explore Žižkov TV Tower (€7), and drink cheap local beer at Na Střelnici or Lokál Blok neighbourhood pubs (Pilsner Urquell from €1.20).
Day Trip: Kutná Hora
Train from Praha Hlavní nádraží: €5 return. Visit the eerie Sedlec Ossuary (bone church, €3) and St Barbara's Cathedral (€6). One of Central Europe's best day trips for under €20 all-in.
Josefov & Departure
Walk through the Jewish Quarter (synagogues €18 combined, or admire exteriors for free), grab a trdelník (chimney cake, €3) on the way, and head to the airport via the Airport Express bus (€2).
Cheap Accommodation in Prague
Best budget neighbourhoods
- Žižkov: Hipster, local, 10 min from Old Town by tram. Cheapest beer in Prague. Budget hotels from €25/night.
- Vinohrady: Beautiful Art Nouveau neighbourhood, great restaurants, away from tourist crowds. Hostels from €12/night.
- Holešovice: Up-and-coming neighbourhood north of the centre. Excellent value, direct tram to Old Town.
- Old Town: Convenient but 2–3× more expensive. Only worth it for very short stays.
What to expect
- Hostel dorms: €10–18/night, often including breakfast
- Budget private rooms: €25–45/night
- Mid-range hotels: €60–90/night
- Book at least 2 weeks ahead in summer (May–September) and December markets
Eating on a Budget in Prague
Traditional Czech cuisine is hearty and cheap. A full pub lunch with beer costs €5–8. Tourist-area restaurants on Old Town Square charge 3–4× these prices — avoid them for meals.
What to eat cheaply
- Svíčková na smetaně — braised beef with cream sauce and dumplings: €6–8 at a Czech pub
- Guláš (goulash) with bread dumplings: €5–7
- Smažený sýr (fried cheese sandwich) from a stall: €2–3
- Pilsner Urquell / Kozel / Gambrinus on tap: €1–2 at local pubs, €4–6 in tourist zones
- Párek v rohlíku (hotdog): €1–1.50 from street stands
Best budget restaurants & areas
- Lokál (chain of Czech pubs with excellent food and fresh Pilsner)
- Naše Maso (butcher and lunch spot in Dlouhá St) — amazing pork belly rolls
- Manifesto Market (summer container market in Holešovice) — street food from €3
- Eat in Žižkov or Vinohrady — same quality as tourist areas, half the price
Getting Around Prague Cheaply
- Tram network: Best way to get around. A 24-hour pass costs CZK 120 (~€4.80) and covers all trams, metro, and buses.
- Metro: Fast for longer distances. Three lines (A/B/C) cover all major sights.
- Airport Express bus: Line 119 + metro = €2. The Airport Express coach is €2 direct to Hlavní nádraží. Both far cheaper than taxis (€15–25).
- Bolt / Uber: Cheaper than traditional taxis. Good for late-night travel.
- Walking: Old Town, Malá Strana, and the Castle are all easily walkable from each other.
Free & Cheap Things to Do in Prague
- Charles Bridge at sunrise or sunset — free, zero crowds
- Old Town Square — free, admire Týn Church and medieval atmosphere
- Prague Castle grounds (outer courtyards and gardens) — free
- Letná Park — free hilltop views over the city; popular with locals
- Vrtba Garden — hidden baroque garden in Malá Strana, €4 entry
- National Museum — free on first Monday of each month
- Free Prague Walking Tours — tip-based; excellent for orientation (tip €5–10)
- Stromovka Park — free, great for picnics
- Náplavka riverside market (weekends in summer) — free entry, cheap food stalls
Planning a Group Trip to Prague?
Use MyHolidayMatch to get everyone to agree on Prague — swipe, match, and plan your trip together for free.
Download FreeMoney-Saving Tips for Prague
Pay in Czech Koruna (CZK)
Always pay in CZK, never in euros. Restaurants and ATMs offering to "convert for you" use terrible rates — this scam is called DCC (dynamic currency conversion). Always say no.
Avoid Old Town Square Restaurants
Restaurants on the main square charge €15–25 per main — 3× the normal price. Walk two streets away for the same quality at a third of the cost.
Use a Travel Card for Withdrawals
Use Wise, Revolut, or N26 to avoid foreign transaction fees. Only use ATMs that show a clear rate before dispensing — Raiffeisen and Fio banka ATMs are reliable.
Visit in Shoulder Season
March–April and October–November offer great weather, low crowds, and hotel prices 30–40% lower than June–August or the Christmas market season (December).
Prague Card — Worth It?
The Prague Card (€60+ for 3 days) includes many attractions but often isn't worth it unless you're a museum enthusiast. Do the maths with your specific itinerary first.
Buy Beer Where Locals Drink
A draught Pilsner Urquell is €1–2 at local pubs in Žižkov or Vinohrady. The same beer costs €5–7 in a tourist bar on the main square.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much spending money do I need per day in Prague?
Budget travellers can get by comfortably on €45–65/day including accommodation. A mid-range trip with a private hotel room, sit-down restaurant meals, and a few paid attractions costs €90–130/day.
Is Prague cheaper than other European capitals?
Yes — Prague is roughly 40–50% cheaper than London, Paris, or Amsterdam for everyday expenses (food, beer, transport). It's comparable to Budapest and Warsaw, and cheaper than Vienna or Zürich.
Does Prague use euros?
No — the Czech Republic uses the Czech koruna (CZK). Some tourist businesses accept euros but at very unfavourable rates. Always use CZK and withdraw cash at a bank ATM for the best rate.
Is a Prague trip worth it for just a weekend?
Absolutely. Prague's compact Old Town means you can see the highlights (Charles Bridge, Astronomical Clock, Castle hill) in 2–3 days. Combined with cheap budget flights from across Europe, it's one of the best value weekend city breaks.
What is the cheapest time to visit Prague?
January and February are cheapest but cold. March–April and October offer the best balance of price and weather. Avoid June–August (peak tourist season) and December (Christmas markets drive prices up 30–50%).