Looking for the best things to do in Prague that won’t break the bank (as well as iconic foods, bars, tours, and restaurants)? Look no further than this list of the best things to do in Prague on a budget. Prague is one of the most underrated cities in Europe. I hadn’t heard much about it when I explored it for the first time, but it actually blew my mind. It is full of such random pockets, incredible buildings, and a fascinating culture that is so cool to dive into. I only spent a few days here (ever hoping to go back), and so I asked my friends (a Prague local) what THEY would recommend as the best things to do in Prague… from their top bars, to restaurants, to coolest tourist sights, to off-the-beaten-path places. I also added a few of my personal favorites as well. Keep reading for a guide to the best things to do in Prague!
FIRST! Make Sure You Have These Before Heading to Prague!
- My #1 recommendation is the Rick Steves Prague & The Czech Republic book; it’s the most helpful thing to grab before heading to this incredible country. Not only does it include walking guides, history, and information about the different spots in Prague, but it even has things like language tips, emergency numbers, and actually everything else you could ever need. Click below to check it out!
- If you’ll be in Europe, I compiled a list of the best things to bring with you on your adventures, as well as apps and websites that have SAVED me these past few years! Click below!
Feeling Stressed???
I’m about to throw a ton of information at you, which is AWESOME because Prague has so many cool things to see. However, if that stresses you out a bit, it can be helpful to book a tour and have someone show you the works of the city along with history, information, and culture! If that sounds like the thing for you, click below!
Trying To Get To Prague?
I know it can feel stressful trying to get from place to place, whether it be by bus, train, car, flights, walking, etc.! The prices can add up quickly, and it can be so overwhelming. Trust me, been there! Done that! Over time, I’ve found the simplest (not to mention CHEAPEST) way to get around Europe! Below are some of my favorite ways to travel on a budget, getting from city to city!
- Taking a train? Check out Trainline! You can have your tickets purchased and downloaded all in one place, which can simplify the process SO much!
- Flying into Prague? Find SUPER cheap tickets with my favorite airline website… KAYAK!
Need A Place To Stay On A Budget?
- If you’re going on a major budget but want a great hostel, try PLUS Prague!
- If you want to be a bit closer to the city but want a good price and an epic spot to spend the night, try Sophie’s Hostel!
Best Things To See
1. Prague Castle
The Prague Castle is one of the most famous sights in Prague, if not the entire Czech Republic! It’s the first thing I would recommend to anyone to go visit; it’s huge, and you could easily spend the entire day here. There are several different parts of the castle; I recommend spending most of your time exploring the Old Royal Palace, St. George’s Basilica, St. Vitus Cathedral, and the Golden Lane.
In the summer, these buildings open at 9 a.m. and close at 5 p.m. (4 p.m. in the winter). The website is linked here so you can check hours.
Be sure to climb the South Tower of Saint Vitus Cathedral! It’s 287 steps to the top and has an incredible view of Prague from the top!
You do have to add on a ticket for the South Tower on your Prague Castle ticket. You have to purchase this at one of the ticket booths in the tower,
Also make sure you see the changing of the guard! This happens on the hour from 7 a.m. – 8 p.n. (summer) and 7 a.m. – 6 p.m. (winter). In order to watch the ceremonial changing of the guard, it happens at 12 p.m. every day in the first courtyard of the castle.
You can go inside the castle without a ticket after passing a security check; you can walk around the grounds of the castle for free! However, if you’re wanting to go inside the actual palace, you have to get a ticket. If you’re on a budget, it may be best to just explore the grounds!
You can find out more about the castle, what to see, location, etc. HERE! This website is super helpful in navigating and getting your tickets.
2. Charles Bridge
This bridge is SO cool, and it lets you explore a whole new side of Prague! The statues across the bridge are stunning… the views from the bridge even more so!
3. Churches
- St. Nicolas’ Church (Kostel sv. Mikuláše na Malé Straně)
- The Church and Monastery of Our Lady of the Snows (Kostel Panny Marie Snezne)
- This is an incredible church that is absolutely worth checking out. It’s insanely old, built in 1347!!!
4. Vyšehrad
This is an incredible fortress that you MUST go see. It has a ton of hidden gems, such as the Basilica of St. Peter and St. Paul, the Vyšehrad cemetery, the gardens, and the Vyšehrad Casemates. There’s a ton of information about what to see, events at the fortress, etc. linked HERE!
It’s open 10-6 all year round.
5. Old Town Square
This is just one of the iconic “Prague” scenes you have to explore. It’s absolutely breathtaking. Stop and get a cup of coffee or a drink here!
6. Franciscan Gardens
This is another beautiful area to look through.
7. Jewish Quarter
The Jewish Quarter in Prague is awesome and definitely worth checking out. It’s free to explore but you do have to pay to enter the the historical monuments, so if you’re balling on a budget, skip the buildings and just walk through the area! One think you absolutely have to see is the Old Jewish Cemetery. This is one of the coolest cemeteries I’ve ever visited! It’s one of the oldest surviving Jewish burial grounds in the world! Also, National Geographic magazine said it’s one of the TOP TEN cemeteries to visit in the world! The earliest tombstone is from 1439, which is CRAZY!
If you want a deeper sense of the history and information about this part of town, I recommend the tour below!
8. Check Out the MANY Awesome Markets in Prague
There are a ton of pop-up markets and permanent markets that you can see in Prague. Click below to check out the may different spots!
9. Certovka Vinarna (the Devil’s Vinotheque)
This is the (third) tiniest street in the world! It’s only 70 centimeters wide, and there’s a traffic light button you have to press for when you want to pass through. It actually leads to this wonderful wine bar / restaurant called Certovka Vinarna, which is an epic surprise at the end of this famous street.
10. Letná Parks
Go hang out at the parks for a break from walking around the city! It also has incredible views of Prague at the top.
11. Powder Tower
This is an incredible entrance / tower where the coronation processions of the old Czech kings used to pass into the Old Town. It was created in 1475 and used to be a gunpowder store (hence the name “Powder Tower”). The ticket office to climb the tower is under the bridge.
It’s 200 CZK to enter (and there’s also a student and kid discount).
12. The Prague Astronomical Clock
This is the world’s most famous Medieval clock on the side of the Old Town Hall in the Old Town Square. Be sure to be there when the hour changes for an epic surprise.
13, 14, and 15! Random Things
There are a ton of random things in Prague; for example, a huge spinning metal head, a John Lennon wall, etc. You can take the time to walk over, take a picture of it, look at it for 45 seconds, and leave, or you can prioritize the history, the beautiful squares, museums, and more. It’s totally up to you. I’m going to list some of the random, hole in the wall spots below, however, I recommend hitting the main places first!
- Infinity bookcase (here)
- John Lennon Wall (Velkopřevorské nám., 118 00 Malá Strana, Czechia)
- Rotating Sculpture of Franz Kafka’s Head (Charvátova, 110 00 Nové Město, Czechia)
Some Local Recommendations
Food
- Eska
- Kro Kitchen
- Maitrea
- White Horse Prague
Bars
- Hemingway Bar
- Letná Beer Garden
- Vinohradsky Pivovar
- AnonymouS Bar
- Ice Pub Prague (info HERE)
Coffeeshops / Cafes
- Mistral
- Efsy
- Cafe Fin
- Corner Stories
- The Miners
- Bistro Monk
- Grounds s16
- Gram
- Format
- Cafe Letka
- Point
Iconic Foods To Try
- Bread dumplings
- Fried cheese
- Potato chips on a stick! This is a random Prague street food snack to try. It’s literally just a stick with chips on it, but the vibes are 10/10.
- Chimney cake! This stuff is so good. It’s sort of like a circular donut / churro filled with chocolate or ice cream or other things. It’s amazing and you HAVE to get it when in Prague!
- For some other traditional and iconic Czech foods, click HERE!
Tours, Other Activities, Day Trips!
Prague, obviously, is one of the coolest places ever. However, since there is simply SUCH an overwhelming amount of things to do and see, it may be worth booking a tour or two to help you get a true feel of the city! Below are some that I truly recommend for your time in Prague!
- Get out on the river for some live music!
- Still river but sightseeing this time!
- Looking for a dinner and a show? Look no further!
- If you’ve just had enough of Prague and are looking to get out of the city, head to Switzerland for the day!
Thanks for Reading!
Thank you so much for being a part of the AnitaBelleBlogs fam! Getting to explore the world and share it with you guys and help y’all go on adventures as well is my life dream! I hope you have a blast in Prague and everywhere else, and I hope this list of the best things to do in Prague on a budget helped you out! xoxoxoxo, Anita
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