10 Activities to Do in Prague on a Budget
Prague on a Budget: 10 Activities to Do in the capital of the Czech Republic
We love this Bohemian gem but it’s not as cheap as it used to be – get the biggest bang for your buck with our guide to 10 Things to Do in Prague on a Budget!
Prague’s days of being a cheap destination may be gone but there’s still plenty you can see, do, eat and drink here on a budget. With lots of the city sights and monuments actually being free! We love Prague.
1. Walk around the city center
This is an obvious one, but the center is full of historical monuments and beautiful Gothic, Medieval and Romantic architecture, including the famous statue lined Charles Bridge. For literature fans you can see the Franz Kafka sculpture on the corner of Dušní and Vězeňská in the Jewish Quarter where Kafka was born also. The best views of Prague are either from Charles Bridge looking at Prague Castle, or back the other way – and you can walk around both for free. Prague Castle is actually the biggest complex in Europe and for a reasonably priced tickets you can see each building and gardens. The Castle complex itself is the actual 14th century Saint Vitus Cathedral and free to visit. This is the place to see one of the best sunset views of Prague.
2. The Astronomical Clock
Probably the most famous site in Prague for the beautiful clock and the Bohemian Revolt massacre, the Astronomical Clock tower dominates the centre of Prague, right in the centre of the Medieval and Gothic Old Town. If you’re here at the right time, the Astronomical Clock shows the apostles emerging for an hourly show. Beneath the clock tower there are 27 tributary crosses to commemorate the mass execution of 27 leaders of the Bohemian Revolt that happened here in 1621. It’s also worth a climb up the 600 year old spire to see the amazing view of the old town from the top!
3. Free Contemporary Art
For avant garde art and something completely different then visit the three-floor Futura Centre for Contemporary Art. They have free group and solo exhibitions by Czech artists, as well as international artists – check what exhibitions are being hosted here as they rotate often.
4. Taste Prague’s Local Beer
We’re not even joking with this one! Good beer is inexpensive in Prague, and you can visit plenty of places that brew their own to try the good stuff – including monasteries! You must have heard of Pilsner Urquell and Budweiser but the days of pale ale are over with some great craft beers being produced and some 300 + breweries it’s really worth checking out a few. They are all still great value and a great experience. And the best thing to have with a beer in Prague? Beer cheese!!
5. Visit Letná Park
For a great experience that is relaxing yet historical beyond the Gothic city walls, try a visit to Letná Park. Inside the park at the top of the stairs there’s the Shoe Monument which replaced the world’s largest statue of Joseph Stalin (destroyed in 1962). You can get here with a stroll across the Most Legií bridge from the Žižkov district. It’s particularly nice in summer when they have floating bars and outdoor cinema.
6. Kampa Island
After exploring the Old Town step across the impressive statue-lined Charles Bridge and away from the busy part of the city to Lesser Town (Malá Strana). Here you will find the quite neighborhood of Kampa Island – known as the Little Venice of Prague. Almost quaint, this areas is known for picturesque houses along the waterfront of the city and is a great place to stroll around and take in the views.
7. European Art Museum
The modern European art museum – Kampa Museum is worth a visit for art lovers and the Velkoprevorské námestí (Grand Priory Square). Here you can see the now famous ‘Lennon Wall’ that is covered in lyrics from songs written by The Beatles and John Lennon – all in the name of peace. Head under Charles Bridge off Mostecká at Lázenská and and check out the sculpture at Cihelná. You can rent rowboats here or just enjoy the views of the Old Town across the river.
8. Petřín Hill
We love the views from Petřín Hill. It’s famous for incredible views and the historical Strahov monastery and worth visiting – even if you just want to get lost in the mirror maze. It’s a beautiful wooded area overlooking the city where you can enjoy walks or a picnic – or just wondering through the woods.
9. Visit Naplavka Food Market
Naplavka Farmers Market is a local produce market that is held Saturdays and popular with locals – full of delicious produce (both traditional and a little more aimed at tourists now) such as smoked meats, cheeses, pickled local specialties, baked treats and cakes. This is a great place to try and buy some inexpensive Czech treats including food and beers. Check out their calendar of events as they have campfire Wurst (sausage) cooking and beer tastings. It’s worth a visit just for the view! The Market is held Saturdays 8am-2pm
10. Jewish Cemetery
Are you a fan of Czech literature and history? There are plenty of famous people in the Jewish Cemetery in Prague (not the same as the Old Jewish Cemetery which you can visit through the Jewish Museum). The Jewish Cemetery of Vinohrady is where the famous Czech writer Franz Kafka is buried.
Book your great value bed in Prague at Czech Inn
If you’re looking for a great place to stay in Prague then we recommend our Famous Hostel the Czech Inn. It’s a great looking designer establishment with amazing private rooms, spacious dorms, friendly people and a great traditional bar in the basement – expect it to be candle lit and with plenty of beers flowing! Book your bed here
We hope you enjoyed our 10 Things to Do in Prague on a Budget!
