Is Prague expensive to visit? You don’t get the nickname “the City of a Hundred Spires” for no reason; Prague is a gold mine of stunning architecture. The city is the hub of all things medieval and Gothic and, unsurprisingly, is the capital of the Czech Republic. It is in central Europe and is a popular stop-off on the hallowed Eurorailing itinerary. Consider it a real superstar amongst European city breaks.
You can spot the Catholic saints on top of Charles Bridge, take photos in Old Town Square, and cruise down the Vltava River. It’s easily one of the best cities to visit in Europe for compact city-center sightseeing.
Of course, the real question is, “Is Prague expensive to visit?” In short, Prague can be cheap to visit, especially if you compare it with other major European cities. The city had a pretty drastic rise to fame in the 1980s-90s, and with that, its tourist prices rocketed. If you’re planning a trip to Prague, it’s a great idea to have a rough budget in mind. In this guide, we’ll break down all the costs of visiting so you can be well prepared.
Costs of Flights to Prague
When you look at the costs, airfare is still your highest expense, depending on where you’re flying from. For this section, it’s best to split you into two groups: North American vs EU travelers. We know that there are many from outside this demographic, but hear us out. Flight prices across the US are very similar to those from Oceania, so for the sake of keeping things interesting, we’ll focus on these two groups.
Flying From North America
Traveling from the United States to other countries includes finding and booking affordable tickets that often cost about $250 during off peak seasons and $500-600 during peak seasons. This amount considerably increases in summer season where tickets sold from the West Coast to other regions sell for around $1,000.
From LAX to Prague, tickets in June cost $930 with two stopovers. In October and January, tickets go on sale for und $650-80 with one stopover. JFK also has similar offerings both ways in June and October with one or two stopovers.
Stopover flights make it easier to travel on a budget, and it’s much more convenient to fly from the East Coast.
Flying From Europe
When traveling from Europe, the first thing to consider is whether they should spend on flight tickets at all. Short haul flights from France and other countries are strictly monitored and some areas even eliminate flying over short distances as a mean of travel.
If you are already in Europe, you may want to consider traveling to Prague by train. A train from London to Prague will cost a little over $100, and you can enjoy the scenic route for an adventurous 20 hours, with stunning views of Paris and Stuttgart along the way. This option is relatively easy to select. However, if you prefer travelling by air, there are several flights available that range from $30 to $150, not including luggage costs.
Total Suggested Budget from US: $600 for return airfare.
Total Suggested Budget from EU: 100-200 euros for a train or airplane round trip.
Costs of Accommodation in Prague
Prague has a real mix of accommodation, which is good news for people across all sorts of budgets. You can find a luxury choice in the center, use public transportation to reach a mid-range option in the trendy suburban outskirts, or pick an inner-city dorm room.
There are a few choices when it comes to finding places to stay. The most sought-after tourist areas (with the largest price tags unless you book hostel accommodation) are Stare Mesto (the Old Town) and Nove Mesto (the New Town). You could also stay more off-the-beaten-track in places like Karlin for reduced accommodation rates and a less touristy atmosphere.
Generally speaking, though, you have three options: a hotel, vacation rental, or hostel. We’ll provide some recommendations and a cost breakdown for each.
Option 1: A Hotel for $80-400 a Night
When it comes to accommodation options in Prague, it’s safe to say hotels are the priciest. Make sure to optimize your booking strategy by looking for properties with breakfast included, centrally located or, if they happen to be at a noisy street, make sure the street isn’t too loud at night, reserving early, and checking if you’re given a noise-sensitive room. Since Prague is somewhat of a party destination, make sure to check these things. Consider if you want to pay extra for central location or if you want to use public transport for cheaper rates.
Regardless, there is a good range for Prague hotels to suit all wallets. For instance, check out these top hotel choices:
The Grand Mark Prague
This 5-star historic property offers $400 a night rooms, and it comes with a complimentary breakfast. Additional perks of staying at the Grand Mark are renting bikes for free and using the fitness center that is on the premises.
Pytloun Old Armoury Hotel Prague
Pytloun Old Armoury Hotel Prague is a splendid property placed in the heart of Prague boasting medieval style restaurants which are complemented by the gorgeous 4-star property. The superior rooms are priced at $170 per night.
Elysee Hotel
The Elysee Hotel allows you to book rooms for $100, we can see this coming under budget for your trip. While the modestly priced 4-star hotel may not be known for hospitality in further services, you can expect comfort for all room choices and handy amenities like kettles.
Option 2: A Holiday Rental For $120-600 a Night
Sometimes self-catered works great, it offers you that extra bit of freedom such as making yourself some pasta without the effort of having to get dressed to dine out. If you do not prefer meals at luxurious restaurants, rather grocery bills, Prague is available with numerous rental options. Quite often an apartment will be a far better option than a room if you are traveling as a group.
Be sure to look some of these up for your trip:
Apartment with Roof Terrace
The rooftop provide looks over Prague, and the four-bedroom apartment offers accommodation for 12 guests. It can be booked at the appealing rate of $430 per day which makes it a splendid optionally luxurious.
Cozy Prague Apartment
Apart from being a beautiful place to stay, this property is situated just five minutes away from all the central attractions. For a nightly rate of just under $120, you get a delightful one-bedroom apartment.
A Hostel For $20 a Night
If you truly want to minimize the expense, a hostel is an awesome option. Shared accommodation offers the opportunity to cook breakfast, lunch, and dinner at a low-cost using groceries.
White Wolf House Hostel & Apartments
White Wolf House Hostel & Apartments is great for budget travel. It provides shared kitchen access and dormitory accommodation starting at just over $20.
Costs of Food in Prague
As for food, Prague is relatively modest. A casual meal priced at 10 dollars is available, and a sit-down meal for two would cost you 50 dollars. The grocery store price range is even cheaper, offering a pint of milk for a dollar, 1kg of chicken for $8.50, and 2.50 dollars for eggs.
Should you feel like partying, spending approximately $3 for a beer and $6 for a wine bottle would do the trick. Here’s a rough estimate of essential food expenses:
Luxury: $50 per person
Have all your meals at a sit-down restaurant, I would estimate about $50 per person. Additionally, add 10% for optional service fee. It’s hard to believe that anyone would do this every day, but if you have it within your budget, why not?
Mid-Range: $35 per person
If you are fine with buying grocery food to prepare for breakfast and lunch, and just eating dinner out, that cost will drop to $35. This is usually our approach. It saves a bit of money and allows for some variety.
Budget: $15 per person
If you plan on staying in self-catered accommodation and using groceries, you can spend as little as $15 a day. Just ensure your accommodation has the facilities to prepare food.
Total Suggested Budget: This is a rough estimate of anywhere between $15-$50 per person per day and varies based on eating out or self-catering to have all meals prepared.
Budget Friendly Activities While in Prague
Prague is stunning and even a simple stroll through the city is rewarding as you encounter several beautiful places. In Prague, you could easily go one day without spending any money on sightseeing because of the rich splendid and free architecture in the city. You can visit the following amazing attractions totally free of charge:
1. Old Town Square
2. Prague Astronomical Clock
3. Charles Bridge
4. Statue of King Wenceslas
5. Statue of Franz Kafka
6. Lennon Wall
Some great activities to consider in Prague are free and you can enjoy a lot of its history and appreciate the amazing architecture without spending anything. If it is your first time in Prague, these are all good items to check off your list.
Nevertheless, if spending doesn’t bother you, we have plenty more for you to enjoy. Go ahead and choose a couple from each list.
In Prague, you can enjoy attractions such as the museum of communism, the national museum, the museum of senses, castle prague, and other special activities like sightseeing cruises, medieval experiences, and beer spas. Every activity has a unique price, but here’s a rough summary estimate:
Total Suggested Budget: $0-120 per day based on your interest.
Costs of Transportation in Prague:
If you are staying centrally in Prague, you won’t need to worry about the public transport price as a tourist. Everything is conveniently located within walking distance and central to all the sights and landmarks. At this point, the only transport cost you’ll incur will be for the airport transfer which can be as low as $5.
If you are situated on the outskirts, you may have to factor in a transport cost. As a reminder, a lot of accommodations offer free very cheap bike rentals. If the answer is no, the bus and metro system in Prague is incredibly cheap, costing only $1.50 a ride.
Only consider a rental car if you have some major day trips planned. Even then, a tour to Saxon and Bohemian Switzerland will likely be done via group coach. This means public transportation is the mode of choice when it comes to Prague.
Total Suggested Budget: Averages out to $3 per person for no day trips taken, plus the $10 total for airport transfers.
Saving Money in Prague: 5 Top Tips to Save Money
Don’t worry too much about this budget being set in stone for your visit to Prague. If you plan wisely, there are tons of free activities, cheap room offers, and room options that can be found. Even if you’re not completely set on compromises regarding activities and accommodation, there are ways to limit spending while moving out and about the city. Here’s what you need to know.
You Can Start Getting Used to European Tipping
Whether you are hopping on a tour, eating at a restaurant or even taking a taxi in Prague, knowing how to tip in Europe comes in handy. As a rule of thumb, a tip of 10% is acceptable at sit down restaurants. If you are ordering takeaway breakfast or groceries, don’t expect to leave a tip. Similarly, even a casual lunch doesn’t exactly warrant a tip. The US approach to tipping is vastly different, but if followed, it helps to lower your overall expenses.
For more casual environments such as sit down dinners, feel free to leave a tip. And of course, if you are going on a tour make sure to tip your guide. Just knowing how to tip can save you a couple of bucks while in Prague.
Analyze Tourist Traps Ahead of Time
Prague offers a wide variety of traps for tourists, including polka music CDs, beer, and rituals like statue touching. Research prior regarding the sights and activities to ensure they are worth the effort and have sensible cancellation policies. Also, apply common reason – is it sensible to pay for the relic, or wait in line to touch a glimmering piece of metal? If you’re short on time, feel free to look at the tourist traps we avoided the most here.
Keep In Mind Travel Days
What time of year you go to Prague can greatly change its prices. You have the option of visiting in the middle of summer when the prices increase, or during the off-peak season, which is January to May. These months are more economical because they have lower priced accommodations and activities available. From March onward is particularly nice because the weather is also much better.
Get Ready for Walking
As we have seen, public transport in Prague is affordable, at least if you know how to use it wisely. Still, nothing beats the price of free, and walking beats public transport. Get those sneakers ready and set out to conquer the city! For a person of any age or even fitness level, walking through the Old Town is definitely a pleasurable experience. Spending money on public transport should be avoided at all costs.
Don’t Forget a Water Bottle
There are many places were factoring the cost of bottled water into your budget is essential. Prague is not one of these places, as water is safe to drink. Simply bring a water bottle that can easily be refilled at your accommodation and Prihoda! You have ample tasks beyond saving cash in Prague. Even better, this will help you avoid succumbing to heatstroke during the summer. Absolute win.
The Expense of Exploring Prague: Commonly Asked Questions
Are you feeling more set to take a trip to Prague? Budgeting is a great method to plan a trip to a new location. With everything provided, we guarantee that there would be no financial unfavorable outcomes, regardless of where you spend. Whether you utilize public transport or lavish private tours, this will guide you through it all.
Are there any other practical suggestions before visiting Prague? In this part, we will cover some of the most critical FAQs.
Prague – How Much Will a Meal Cost?
Prague offers casual dining options starting below $10. While a three-course meal for two at moderately priced restaurants will average around $50.
Is Prague an Expensive Travel Destination?
For tourists, accommodation in the center of town and eating out in the old town can be very expensive. However, some advance planning can make spending in Prague relatively affordable.
Is $100 A Day Sufficient for Spending in Prague?
Absolutely, $100 would be more than enough if you plan to stay at an average hotel, have light meals, and one paid attraction. If your preference is a central or luxurious hotel, then consider raising the budget.
How much should I budget per day in Prague?
We estimate that spending without accommodation expenses should be in the range of $50 and $75 per day while enjoying the sights of Prague. Regarding accommodation, prices in Prague range from $20 in a hostel to $60 for a mid-range hotel on the outskirts. Luxury hotels in the city center charge $150 and more.
So, Is Prague Expensive?
No, relatively speaking, Prague is not expensive compared to other major European cities. It is easy to survive on $100 per day in a mid-range hotel or $50 per day in a hostel. Yes, there are “expensive” options like posh central hotels, fancy restaurants in Old Town, but there is also plenty of room to economize. It is all about planning a budget before your holiday in Prague; this way, you know how to cut your trip cost.
Are you interested in visiting more of the Czech Republic? Here’s our complete travel guide. The country is simply stunning, with culture and nature that has inspired likes of William Shakespeare. There are loads to see so why not add some extra time to see the rest of the Czech Republic after visiting Prague?
