Prague Trip Cost Calculator
Prague costs 1,400-2,400 Kč/day for budget travelers. Cheap world-class beer, stunning Gothic architecture, and incredible food make it one of Europe's best values.
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Prague Budget Guide
Your Prague Budget at a Glance
Prague is one of Europe’s best-value capitals. Medieval architecture rivals Paris, beer is world-class at €2 per pint, and Czech cuisine serves massive portions at prices that would be appetizers elsewhere. Budget travelers can manage on $60-100 per day, mid-range travelers should expect $120-200 per day, and luxury seekers will spend $300+ per day.
Where Your Money Goes
Accommodation is the biggest cost, especially in Old Town. But food and drink are remarkably cheap - a full meal with beer costs what a sandwich costs in London. Attractions are reasonably priced, and many of Prague’s best experiences (Charles Bridge, Old Town Square, Petřín Hill) are free.
Budget Traveler Tips
Maximize your crowns by:
- Staying in Vinohrady or Žižkov (local neighborhoods, 10 min from center)
- Eating denní menu (daily lunch specials) at local hospodas
- Drinking at Czech pubs, not tourist bars in Old Town
- Always paying in CZK, never accepting EUR conversion
- Walking everywhere - Prague is compact and beautiful on foot
Worth the Splurge
Even budget travelers should consider:
- Prague Castle early morning entry (avoid afternoon crowds)
- One proper Czech feast at a historic beer hall like U Fleků
- A beer spa experience (uniquely Czech and surprisingly fun)
Best Time to Visit for Value
January through February offers the lowest prices and fewer crowds, though it’s cold. November and March offer good shoulder-season value. The city is magical in any weather.
Avoid these expensive periods:
- December Christmas markets (prices double, massive crowds)
- Easter weekend (Czech holiday, everything busy)
- July-August (peak summer tourism)
- New Year’s Eve (huge celebrations, huge prices)
Practical Money Tips
Currency Warning
Czech Republic uses Czech Crowns (CZK/Kč), NOT euros. Always pay in CZK. When asked “Euro or Crown?”, ALWAYS choose Crown. Exchange booths in Old Town are scams - use bank ATMs only.
Tipping Culture
Round up at pubs and casual restaurants. Leave 10% at nice restaurants if service was good. Don’t feel obligated - service charge is sometimes included (look for “servis” on the bill).
Tap Water
Prague tap water is safe and good quality. Restaurants will try to sell you bottled water - asking for tap water (kohoutkova voda) is acceptable but not common.
Getting There & Around
From Prague Airport
Václav Havel Airport is 17km from the city center:
- Bus 119 + Metro: 40 Kč (standard ticket), 45 min to center
- Airport Express: 100 Kč, direct to main train station, 35 min
- Taxi/Bolt: 600-800 Kč fixed rate to center. Only use app-based rides.
- Uber: Available but often same price as Bolt
Getting Around
Prague is walkable with excellent public transport:
- Walking: Old Town, New Town, and Lesser Town are all walkable
- Metro: Fast, clean, runs until midnight. Three lines cover main areas
- Trams: Scenic and frequent. Day trams 4:30am-midnight, night trams after
- Day Pass: 120 Kč for 24 hours - worth it for 3+ rides
Money-Saving Tips
Drink at Local Hospodas
A 0.5L beer at a local pub costs 45-70 Kč (€2). Tourist spots in Old Town charge 100-150 Kč. Lokál, U Zlatého Tygra, and U Medvídků serve excellent beer at local prices.
Save $10-20 per dayEat Denní Menu (Daily Specials)
Most Czech pubs offer denní menu (daily menu) at lunch for 130-220 Kč. Full meal with soup and main. Same food tourists pay 400+ Kč for at dinner.
Save $15-25 per dayAlways Pay in Czech Crowns
When offered 'Euro or Crown?' ALWAYS choose Czech Crowns (CZK). Dynamic currency conversion adds 5-15% fees. Use ATMs for cash, avoid exchange booths in Old Town.
Save 5-15% on every purchaseStay in Vinohrady or Žižkov
These neighborhoods are 10-15 min by tram from Old Town but 40-50% cheaper. Better restaurants and bars than tourist center, and you'll experience real Prague.
Save $30-50 per nightBest Time to Visit
Prices can vary by 80% depending on the season
Peak Season (More Expensive)
- Christmas Markets (December) - highest prices, huge crowds
- Easter Weekend
- June - August (summer holidays)
- New Year's Eve
Low Season (Best Deals)
- January - February (cold but cheap)
- November (pre-Christmas)
- March (shoulder season)
Frequently Asked Questions
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