Is Prague Expensive? (Tips For Visiting This Year)

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

Airfare will be your biggest cost, depending on your destination. For the sake of this section, we’ll split you into two groups: North American travelers and EU travelers. Obviously, we have readers outside of this demographic. Still, US flight prices are relatively similar to those in other regions like Oceania. So we’ll keep things simple with just two groups.

Flying From North America

If you’re flying from the US, you can find airfare at around $250 off-peak, averaging around $500-600 for return tickets. Of course, this hikes in summer, with airfare from the West Coast rising to around $1,000.

Costs of Prague Accommodation

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

Hotels are the most expensive option when staying in Prague. To get the best value for money, make advance reservations to get the best room, look for properties with breakfast included, and check your location—e.g., is the street central or annoyingly noisy at night? Prague is a bit of a party destination, so it pays to double-check these things. Remember whether you want to pay extra to be central or use public transportation in exchange for cheaper rates, too.

Option 2: A Holiday Rental For $120-600 a Night

Going self-catered is fantastic sometimes. You just get that extra independence and the chance to cook pasta in your PJs when you don’t quite feel like dining out. Whether you want comfort or grocery bills rather than expensive restaurant tabs, Prague has many rental choices. And an apartment might be more suitable than a room if you travel in a group.

Option 3: A Hostel For $20 a Night

If you really want to keep the price low, a hostel is a great choice. In shared facilities, you can cook breakfast, lunch, and dinner for a low cost using groceries.

3a. White Wolf House Hostel & Apartments ($)

White Wolf House Hostel & Apartments is great for budget travel. It offers a shared kitchen and dorm rooms starting at just over $20.

Costs of Food in Prague

Food is modestly priced in Prague. A casual meal costs around $10, and a sit-down meal for two costs $50. Groceries are even cheaper: a dollar for a pint of milk, $8.50 for 1kg of chicken, and around $2.50 for eggs.

Costs of Things To Do in Prague

Total Suggested Budget: A price of $0-120 per day, depending on your interests.

Costs of Transportation in Prague

If you are staying centrally in Prague, you won’t need to worry about the price of public transportation. You just won’t spend anything on transport as you are within walking distance of all the main attractions. The only transportation cost for this scenario is your airport transfer, which is as cheap as $5.

If you are staying on the outskirts, you may have to factor in a transport cost. Remember that many accommodations offer complimentary very cheap bike rentals. But if not, you can take Prague’s bus or Metro systems for a cost as little as $1.50 a ride.

Consider a car rental only if you are planning major day trips. Even then, Prague is so well connected that you’ll likely just take public transportation or a guided tour—like a tour to Saxon and Bohemian Switzerland via group coach.

Saving Money in Prague: 5 Top Tips to Save Money

This budget doesn’t have to be set in stone when you visit Prague. You can easily cut the cost of a trip to Prague by just being savvy during your stay. The city has tons of free things to do and cheap room options. And even if you don’t want to compromise on activities and accommodation, there are ways to limit your spending while out and about. Here’s what you need to know.

1. Get Used to European Tipping

No matter what you are doing in Prague, be it jumping on a tour, eating at a restaurant or taking a taxi, it pays to know the European standard for tipping. As a standard rule, a tip of 10% is fine at a sit-down restaurant. Don’t expect to tip if you grab a takeout breakfast or groceries. Similarly, even a casual lunch doesn’t necessarily mandate a tip. It is quite a change from the US approach to tipping and lowers your overall cost.

Keep tipping for more formal environments, like sit-down dinners. Also, always make sure to tip your guide if you are on a tour. Just knowing tipping etiquette can save you lots of money while visiting Prague.

2. Research Tourist Traps Beforehand

Prague has so many tourist traps, from polka music CDs to beer and rituals like touching statues. Research beforehand to know that the attractions and activities you’re paying for are worth their salt, and check cancel policies. And similarly, use your common sense – do you really want to pay for the trinket or queue to touch some shiny metal? If you’re feeling a little pushed for time to research yourself, just check out the tourist traps we dodged the hardest here.

3. Consider Travel Times

What time of year you travel to Prague can massively impact its cost. You could visit in the middle of summer, when prices are hiked. Or you could visit out of season, from January until May. These months offer more budget-friendly experiences, with cheaper accommodation rates and activities. March onwards is particularly nice because you get the sunnier weather, too.

4. Get Your Walking Shoes On

We’ve clearly established that public transportation in Prague is cheap when you’re savvy. However, walking is still a much more affordable alternative. Get those walking shoes on and take to the city streets with gusto. Given how compact the Old Town is, you can see so much on foot in Prague, no matter your age or fitness level. Don’t spend money on public transportation if you can help it.

5. Bring a Reusable Water Bottle

There are many countries where you have to factor bottled water costs into your budget. Prague is not one of these; water is safe to drink in Prague. Just bring a proper water bottle so you can refill it at your accommodation. And voila—you’ve saved yourself plenty of petty cash while visiting Prague. Better yet, you’ll be much better hydrated and much less likely to fall foul of heatstroke in summer. It’s a win-win.

The Price of Visiting Prague: FAQs

Are you feeling more prepared to visit Prague? Budgeting is a fantastic way to approach a new city. And with all this information, you’ll get the most out of the city without any nasty surprises for your bank account. Whether you use public transportation, stay in a 5-star room, or take luxury private tours, these guidelines will see you through.

So, Is Prague Expensive?

No, comparatively speaking, Prague is not expensive next to other major European cities. You can easily get by on $100 a day in a mid-range hotel or $50 in a hostel. While there are “expensive” choices like high-brow central hotels and Old Town fancy restaurants, you’ll find plenty of opportunities to save money. 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 a culture and nature that inspired the likes of William Shakespeare. There’s loads to see, so why not add some extra time to see the rest of the Czech Republic after visiting Prague?