In today’s post, Drew of Hungry Partier is sharing with us his 5 budget-friendly things to do in Prague. If you don’t know where to go and you don’t have much money in your pocket, Prague is definitely the place!
After spending 5 months living in Prague in the spring of 2012, I can confidently say that it’s my favorite city on the planet (even after visiting 50 countries around the world). In my mind, there isn’t a city that compares to Prague’s incredible and blissful atmosphere.
In addition to the beautiful cobblestone streets and medieval castles surrounding the city, Prague is one of the most budget-friendly cities in Central Europe. Everyday needs are extremely affordable, such as accommodation, transportation (taxis and metros), food and BEER. In fact, beer is cheaper than water in Prague, and the Czechs are known to be the biggest beer drinkers in the world.
Geographically speaking, Prague is conveniently located just a short train ride away from big cities like Berlin, Munich, Bratislava, Vienna and Budapest.
What more of a perfect combination can you ask for? You must add Prague as a destination on your next Eurotrip!
Prague is one of those magical places with so many things to do that you can’t turn a corner without seeing something interesting and unique. The lively nightlife scene, combined with delicious Czech traditional food and the ever-flowing amount of local beer will make you never want to leave this place.
So, here are my top 5 budget-friendly things to do around Prague that are guaranteed to keep you entertained. I hope you enjoy!
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Toggle1. Be Amazed by Prague Castle.
A visit to Prague is not complete without a visit to the largest and one of the oldest medieval castles in the world. The area around Prague castle is over 550 meters wide. The views from the outside are nice, but you must go inside the castle and check out the crazy designs and colorful stained-glass windows.
It is free of charge and you can easily spend hours there with your jaw-dropped to the floor in amazement.
2. Have a Picnic on Petrin Hill.
Petrin hill is a giant, 1,000 foot hill spreads along the Vltava river. It is one of the happiest and greenest greenest places in Prague. When the weather is nice, there are always people hanging out with their friends, drinking beers and having a picnic on the hill.
The mini Eiffel Tower of Prague can be seen at the end of Petrin hill towards Prague Castle. Don’t miss out on the amazing views of the city from the top!
3. Hang Out in Old Town Square.
Despite being the biggest tourist area of Prague, Old Town square has virtually remained untouched since the 10th century and is nothing short of amazing. Seriously, it’s like straight out of a fairy tale.
Around Old Town Square, you will see amazing buildings such as The Gothic Tyn Church, the Astronomical Clock tower (oldest clock tower in the world), the Baroque St. Nicholas Church and much more.
There are people riding horses around Old Town Square and many street vendors selling all sorts of delicious foods and goods. Sit down at one of the outdoor cafes and enjoy the blissful atmosphere!
4. Wander around Wenceslas Square.
Wenceslas Square is the main shopping area and the center of business and cultural communities in Prague. Here you will find many bars, hotels, retail stores, offices, shops and delicious fast food vendors. Although the shopping can be somewhat expensive, you can find local dive bars and cheap street food all around this area.
Wenceslas Square has also been the traditional place for gatherings and large demonstrations as many historical events have taken place here, specifically during the Velvet Revolution in 1989.
5. Walk over Charles Bridge.
Originally constructed in 1357, this is one of the oldest standing bridges in the world. You must walk across if when you are going from Old Town Square to Prague Castle.
Charles Bridge has over 30 baroque statues of religious figures spread over the 1,700 feet of pure cobblestone. As you are walking on the bridge, you will see street performers, vendors selling food and goods, and people drawing Characture faces. Get there for sunset for a picture perfect scenery!
I hope you enjoy Prague as much as I do :) Feel free to contact me if you have any questions or want any advice.
Drew is a recent college graduate who has visited 43 countries since the beginning of 2012. His favorite things about traveling are eating the local foods, meeting awesome people and experiencing the nightlife scene. Drew is currently teaching English in South Korea and he blogs about food, culture and nightlife at the Hungry Partier.
41 thoughts on “5 Budget-Friendly Things To Do In Prague”
Prague is on my mind for so long. Thanks for this lovely inspiration. It looks like a fantastic city in terms of architectural beauty, city buzz, and affordable transport and food options.
Thanks for your comment, Renuka! The city is amazing and you should go if you get the chance!
Having just visited, we can agree Prague is a wonderful place to visit. One of my favourite free activities was sitting down at the river’s edge with all the locals at sunset. It was so dreamy!
Emily, thanks for sharing! I agree- I always sat by the river. The views are surreal !
Only bee to Prague once many years ago and loved it but I think I only really saw the main square areas so I’d love to go back and see some of these other sites – the picnic location sounds lovely for a nice warm day! :)
Shikha- let me know if you need any more suggestions the next time you go :)
This post makes me think that is probably time I go to Prague again. My first and only visit was way too short, plus I was on a school trip so I didn’t get to enjoy the city the way I wanted, I need to go back!
I couldn’t agree with you more! I am also planning to go back next summer
I’ve wanted to visit Prague for years, but for some reason I always decide last minute on somewhere else. I did this again for this autumn, planning on Prague then suddenly deciding to go to Madrid instead. Clearly I need to commit to Prague and go there, it looks awesome!
Madrid is cool, but in my eyes, there’s nothing better than Prague! Let me know if you need any advice the next time you plan your trip!
Thanks for a great post, Drew. Prague is such an amazing city and the beer so ridiciously cheap! It’s definitely a great place to indulge in culture, architecture and cool atmosphere.
You’re welcome Miriam! Glad that you experienced it ;)
Drew, your post took me back to Prague. A beautiful city where with careful planning you can find value for money. Cannot wait to go back.
I agree! I loved Prague, although I just spent two days there. Such a charming, beautiful city and the prices were very reasonable. I especially loved going around the old town square :) Nice article on Prague!
Pooja,
Ahh only 2 days?! I am sure that you will go for longer next time!
Thanks for the tips Drew. Like you I adore Prague and find it very wallet friendly. When in Wenceslas Square I tend to venture down some of the nearby side streets, the difference in price for food and drink between the square and the side street can be significant.
I didn’t know the Czechs were such big beer drinkers. I can’t blame them though, the beer tastes good and it is very cheap :-)
Thanks for your kind comment- yes, don’t underestimate Czechs drinking ability! They can outdrink drink anyone under the table!
Great recommendations, except for the picnic I also did all of those things. Prague is such a beautiful city i could imagine spending more time there.
Stef- glad you got to experience the beauty of Praha :)
Gotta love how cheap Prague can be! I’m pretty sure that the goulash you’ve pictured under Wenceslas Square was from the same place I ate the last time I was there. It was definitely the best goulash I’ve ever tasted—nothing before or after could compare! The best part about Prague is definitely the beer though. Oh how I long for cheap Czech beer :)
I miss goulash in Praha! and yes, the beer. Which was your favorite?
Excellent views of Prague, I’ve read and heard so much about Prague, nice to know it’s budget friendly too.
Let me know if you need any more tips/advice!
I love it too!!
We’ve been in Prague and we didn’t notice that beer is cheaper than water!
Thanks for telling us about Wenceslas Square… We’ll definately go there next time we’ll be in Prague :)
Really, you didn’t realize?! Were you going to touristy restaurants? Because all other typical Czech restaurant has cheaper beer! Hope you enjoy :)
I love Prague! Such a beautiful city and I like the prices of everything too! From what I remember, I stayed at a hostel that was 4 euros a night, and beer at bars are about 1 euro. What a great place! :D
You are making me miss Praha even more! Glad you enjoyed it :)
Last time I went to Prague, I didn’t pay for my accommodation, so it was even cheaper for me! :)
Thanks for the advice Drew. We’re heading to Prague via Vienna next week so we’ll definitely use your tips to have a great time. I’ve been before, but my wife and our son haven’t and I’m so looking forward to showing them around. Cheers…
I’m glad to hear that, Chris. Hope you’ll have a great time in Prague!
Nice list! We’ve been in Prague the last 2 months and have done all the above. If there is one thing I would suggest – our highlight so far – it would be a walk along the hills across the river from the new town, starting at Letna Park: https://bbqboy.net/pragues-most-scenic-walk-featuring-the-citys-best-views/
It’s still the greatest views we’ve had in Prague.
Frank (bbqboy)
I love it! Prague is such a beautiful place and I should know. I spent two wonderful years in that delightful city. My favourite place was Charles Bridge! We used to sit on the floor of the bridge in the summer and just walk through the darl mist, in the winter. And besides, there was always entertaining stuff going on. You would never get bored.
Great post!
I’d love to visit Prague someday – I love how historic it is!
I didn’t know you lived there for awhile but I’ve only recently been reading. This is hopefully on my list for next year after we move to Southern Spain. I did the whole Eurail Europe tour so long ago that we couldn’t go anywhere in Eastern Europe as it was still part of the Soviet Union and was closed off. Since that time, I’ve only done this country or that (Italy, England, Spain, etc.) but really want to explore all that I missed on my initial long explore of Europe. These are good to know and I’ll bookmark them for a future trip. Any recommendation on the best time to go? I’m not into the cold these days but tourist season can just be so crowded too.
I’m making my second visit to Prague next month and cannot wait!! I fell head-over-heels for the city the first time around so I can only imagine how much I’ll love it after the second. Such a gorgeous place!