The Czech Republic’s historic capital is a jewel in Europe’s crown. If Rome is the father, Prague is the mother, and the city perfectly bridges the east and west as a popular stop on interrailing routes. The city has a long-standing reputation as a top-budget getaway, but you might be wondering just how inexpensive it is.
Though Prague isn’t the cheapest city in the world, it’s still one of the most budget-friendly capitals in Europe and a great choice for types of travelers from families to backpackers. A city with ancient history, vibrant culture, and pubs galore, Prague will certainly not disappoint and our guide is here to explore all the ins and outs when it comes to the cost of vacationing there.
From the airfare to the accommodation and our top tips for saving money, we’ve rounded up everything you need to know about the price of visiting Prague in 2023. Let’s get into it.
The average cost of a holiday in Prague
The thrilling capital city of the Czech Republic, Prague is located in the heart of Europe and is best known for its rich history, impressive architecture, and great nightlife. Prague is one of Europe’s most popular cities and the most visited destination in the Czech Republic. Although prices have hiked in recent years, you’re still unlikely to fly home from Prague with empty pockets.
Prague is considerably cheaper than nearby European favorites like Paris, Berlin, and Amsterdam. Although it is actually the most expensive city in the Czech Republic, it’s inexpensive by western standards and your dollars will go a long way.
Generally speaking, the closer you get to the infamous Charles Bridge, the more tourists there are and the more expensive everything gets from restaurants to hotels. Nevertheless, the average traveler spends around Kč2,042 ($86) per day on vacation in Prague. This includes around Kč154 ($6.48) on local transportation, Kč489 ($21) on food and roughly Kč2,480 ($105) on accommodation. Without travel, you can expect to spend just $602.5 during one week in Prague, but this number could be a lot higher or even lower depending on your spending habits.
Before we look at how these costs break down, let’s take a look at some daily expenses that you might encounter:
| Price (Kč) | Price (USD) | |
| Inexpensive Meal (restaurant) | 200.00 | $8.00 |
| Fast Food Combo Meal | 170.00 | $6.85 |
| Takeaway Cappucino (restaurant) | 63.50 | $2.50 |
| Coke Bottle (supermarket) | 38.00 | $1.50 |
| Water Bottle (supermarket) | 28.50 | $1.15 |
| Walking Tour | 200.00 | $8.00 |
| Pub Crawl | 738.00 | $30 |
Is Prague expensive to visit? Getting There
Being located in the center of Europe, Prague is well-connected to the rest of the continent. The Czech Republic borders Poland, Slovakia, Austria, and Germany and there are direct routes by car, train, or coach across Europe to Prague, so you don’t necessarily have to jump on a plane to get to the city.
Still, Prague’s Václav Havel International airport is the main port of entry and handles most of the Czech Republic’s airline traffic. You can find return flights from London to Václav Havel Airport for around Kč490-4,400 ($55-180) and from New York to Václav Havel Airport for Kč11,000-17,000 ($450-700). If you’re looking to save, consider the time of year you fly. Summer in Prague and the festive season in December are some of the most expensive months to fly while outside of season can have good discounted rates.
To reach Prague by train, you can get the Eurostar train from London to Brussels, starting from Kč1,400 ($57), and continue on by bus to Prague for Kč400 ($16) or from Brussels by train across Europe to Prague. This journey usually consists of two changes and prices start at just Kč1,120 ($46). Interrailing across Europe is one of the best ways to see the continent. From Brussels, you can stop off in capitals like Amsterdam or Berlin before heading to Prague, but the opportunities are endless if you have the time.
Still, road tripping can be an, even more, cost-efficient way to reach Prague if you have a car. The quickest way to drive to Prague from the UK is by crossing the English Channel at Dover and driving through Brussels in Belgium, Cologne, and Nuremberg in Germany, over the Czech border, and through Pizen to Prague.
Driving offers more flexibility and freedom than rail but can take longer. The rising cost of fuel could also be a big hindrance when it comes to budgeting.
Accommodation prices in Prague
Accommodation in Prague comes in all shapes and sizes, from five-star luxury to party havens. You can still splurge in Prague on a luxurious stay or get the local experience in a private vacation rental. Many backpackers also choose to make the most of Prague’s distinct energy by staying in one of the many backpacker hostels filled with like-minded travelers from all over the world.
A bed in a hostel room in Prague can start from Kč240-360 ($10-15) per night and a private room up to Kč1,400 ($60). Hotels are decidedly more expensive. Prague city center is quite small compared to other major cities, and the best hotels come at a premium. Prices range from around Kč1700 ($70) per night at the low end to Kč3670 ($150) and beyond for more high-end options. Four and five-star hotels in Prague will often come equipped with a gym, housekeeping, dining, and concierge services so you can decide whether it’s worth the hefty price tag.
Holiday rentals in Prague tend to be reasonably priced. You can find two-bedroom apartments for as little as Kč1,000 ($40) a night. Airbnbs are great options when you want to save money, often coming with self-contained kitchens and private spaces for socializing. The only downside is you’ll have to make a little more effort to meet fellow travelers if that’s on your agenda.
Is Prague expensive for food and drink?
The cost of food in Prague depends on where you go. Like anywhere, if you shop local, you tend to pay closer to local prices, but chain restaurants and tourist haunts can catch you out.
A fast food meal at a restaurant like McDonald’s will set you back around Kč160 ($6.50), which is standard in the USA and UK. If you choose to eat at more upscale restaurants, you can make a significant dent in your budget, with a meal for two costing around Kč1,800-2,400 ($75-100)
The cheapest food can be found at local eateries. Look out for specials like two-for-one deals or happy hour combos that you can find around lunchtime all over town. A casual restaurant meal usually ranges between Kč240 and Kč360, which is around $10-15 per person.
The nightlife in Prague can also be affordable, especially if beer is your preference. Local beer is considered a fixture in any meal or night out in the Czech Republic, and lower taxes keep the prices down. Still, you can save even more by steering clear of heavily touristic bars and clubs and drinking like a local.
A pint costs, on average, Kč36 ($1.50) in most local bars or restaurants while imported beer can cost slightly more at Kč60 ($2.50). You can also expect to pay around Kč170 ($7) for a decent glass of wine in a restaurant or bar, but the same amount for a mid-range bottle in a supermarket.
When is the best time to visit Prague?
Prague has a temperate European climate with four distinct seasons. The winters can be very cold, dipping to temperatures as low as 30 degrees Fahrenheit, while the summers are warm and pleasant with highs of 90.
Although cooler than the summer, spring is one of the best times to visit Prague, especially if you want to save money. Hoards of summer holiday crowds haven’t yet descended on the city and temperatures are starting to creep up. March and April are generally two of the cheapest months too, outside of the Easter break. March is still slow, and hotels, hostels, and rentals still apply winter prices. Hotel prices can as much as half when compared to summer and festive season premiums have come and gone.
Still, Autumn is also a beautiful and inexpensive time to visit Prague. September has pleasant temperatures, and most of the crowds will have dispersed by the end of the month. Although not as cheap as February and March, it’s well worth it for the lovely weather and remnants of summer energy.
The Czech Republic welcomes snow every year but it tends to not last on the streets of Prague and soon turns to slush. Still, November to January is very cold but this doesn’t stop winter from being one of the more popular times to visit. Christmas Markets and winter festivities draw new crowds of tourists, but December can be as expensive as summer in Prague.
Prague on a Budget: 7 Money-Saving Tips
Prague has the potential to be a fantastic budget-friendly vacation. Here’s a round-up of our top tips for saving money on your next trip:
Eat local – Eating the local cuisine is a great way to get a taste of the culture wherever you’re visiting, and as a bonus, it’s a great way to cut costs. Restaurants away from tourist areas are the best places to go. Look for menus without pictures, brimming with locals. Avoid places where waiters try to lure you in.
Shop local – Buying fresh produce from markets is another great way of saving. A loaf of bread can cost as little as Kč10 ($0.50) and a bottle of beer goes for Kč24 ($1). Opt for an Airbnb over a hotel and make use of your private kitchen instead of eating every meal out
Visit in the low season – Like anywhere in the world, Prague’s high season, namely summer and Christmas, are the most expensive times to go. Visit after the new year and before temperatures rise in June for the best deals.
Book directly – Contacting hotels, hostels, or homeowners directly to debate prices or avoid fees from booking sites is another way to save. You can also show up at hostels and offer to pay cash, especially in the low season, and avoid credit card fees. You might need to pay a deposit if you’re booking in advance, but be sure to never bank transfer in full when paying outside of a certified site. Make a small down payment to reserve your stay and offer to pay the rest in cash.
Use public transport – Prague is a very walkable city and getting around on foot is the cheapest way to see all the sites. The center is pedestrianized but if you’re traveling a further distance, avoid cabs and opt for local transport. A 30-minute ride from one side of Prague right to the other will cost you only Kč24 (1 USD) by bus.
Don’t overtip – In Prague, waiters and hospitality staff receive good wages, and the Czech tip modestly, meaning 5 to 10 percent is plenty in most establishments. If you receive amazing service, feel free to thank your server however you deem appropriate, but tipping in Prague is usually not related to the service.
Make the most of the free attractions – There’s plenty to do in Prague and you don’t have to look far to find beauty, at no cost. From museums to walking tours, many attractions come with little to no fee, so do your research and avoid touristy excursions.
Is Prague expensive?
Despite rising living costs, wages, and property prices, the Czech capital is still a budget-friendly travel destination and one of Europe’s most alluring cities when it comes to cheap weekends away. Compared to Paris, Munich, London, and Rome, a holiday to Prague can cost as much as half as it would in one of Western Europe’s favorites, but it can all depend on the time of year you go.
Is Prague safe?
Prague is one of Europe’s safest cities and the Czech Republic, in general, experiences low crime rates with a well-trained police force and abiding population. Visitors should exercise the same precautions as they would in any city and keep an eye on their belongings, especially in touristy areas. Walking around at night is often safer than using public transport when it comes to pickpockets, but taxis are a good alternative if you’re visiting alone.
Do they speak English in Prague?
Czech is Prague’s native tongue and all locals will have it as their first language. However, most residents will speak at least a bit of English and it’s easy to find menus and tours in a number of languages. Fluent English speakers will also usually work in hotels and gift shops, especially in the center, so don’t worry if your Czech is a bit rusty.
