Prague on a budget: 7 travel hacks to save on your trip

Eastern and Central Europe are typically much more budget-friendly to visit than hotspots in Western Europe like Rome and Paris. But due to an increase in popularity over the years, Prague definitely isn't as cheap as it used to be. That being said, it's still possible to visit the Czech Republic's capital without it costing an arm and a leg. If you are worried about trying to save money on your trip to Prague, this guide will help you to make the most of your time in the city without compromising on your budget. You can help your cause by looking for cheap flights, but you'll also need to be careful about how much you pay for accommodation, meals, attractions, and nightlife.

Even budget travelers know that sometimes it's worth spending a little money to make things easier. That's certainly the case with luggage storage. There's nothing worse than traipsing around a city carrying unnecessary bags just because you have nowhere to put them. That's where Bounce's affordable bag storage in Prague comes in. Drop everything off and put the following money-saving tips to use:

Cheap places to stay in Prague

Saving money is really easy if you find the right accommodations when you are in Prague. You can find a perfectly acceptable place to stay that won't cost too much. You also won't have to stay miles away from the action. Visiting major cities doesn't mean that you have to stay at a hotel that costs top dollar, and these lovely hotel locations will offer you a cost-effective alternative.

Take a look at our Prague neighborhood guide to make sure that you are aware of what each of the various places around the city offers, even when you want to save money on your trip.

Czech Inn

The rooms here start at $26 a night, and you can count on saving money here without being uncomfortable. If you are fine with staying in a hostel, this location is comfortable enough and very safe and secure. There are various kinds of rooms that are offered here, with options for rooms for 5-6 people or rooms that are more private, depending upon availability.

Antik Hotel Old Town

A little more luxurious than a hostel, rooms at the Antik Hotel start at $50 a night here. You'll find this hotel in Old Town, which is great if you have a lot of sightseeing on your list of things to do. You can easily get over to Prague Castle and a variety of other cool attractions in Prague from here. You will save money here without feeling like you have cut corners.

Alfons Boutique Hotel

The rooms here are around $80 a night, and you will get all the usual boutique hotel benefits when you choose a room here. You can count on a comfortable bed, clean towels, and a great location near lots of the best things to do and see in the city. You can easily pick up a bus or train ticket, and the location in Vinohrady is central and close to many different museums.

Cheap things to do In Prague

There are many amazing things to do and see in Prague. Prague Castle is probably on your list, and you can also make sure that you take advantage of some of the cool things to do that aren't spendy.

Free Walking Tours

Free walking tours are on offer all over the city of Prague, and you can easily save money on your trip by taking advantage of these tours when they are offered. Even places like Prague Castle can be included in these walking tours. Let's face it - any activity with free entry is a great idea for those who want to save money.

See the Astronomical Clock

Another of the best travel tips to save money is to head to any major city's main square. In Prague, that's the Old Town Square. The Astronomical Clock in Old Town Square, first installed in 1410, is one of the coolest things to see in Prague besides Prague Castle. The clock's procession of 12 apostles appears at the top of every hour from 9 am to 11 pm. Make sure you have your camera ready.

Additionally, the square is lined with impressive buildings, lots of people-watching opportunities, and charming cafes. Although due to the location, these restaurants are definitely not the cheapest ones in the city.

Rent a Boat on the Vltava River

Boating the Vltava River is great advice, and you can spend a lovely afternoon this way. This kind of boat rental only costs about $15 USD, and you will be able to see the city from an entirely new angle when you choose this activity. You can have as many as four people on each boat, which makes this a great option for those looking for fun things to do with kids.

Cheap places to eat in Prague

Eating on a budget in a big city can seem impossible, but actually, you can be a budget traveler without starving to death. Aside from making your own meals, there are plenty of great street food vendors in Prague scattered among the city's top attractions, like Prague Castle. Depending on your budget, you may not have to bother making even one of your own meals.

Enjoy a trdelnik from a street vendor

Some of the best food in Prague is street food. Topping the list of must-try portable food is the trdelnik, often referred to as a chimney cake. These delicious sweet treats are sold all over the city. Somewhere between a crepe and a cinnamon roll, your trip to Prague isn't complete without trying at least one. Be warned that they are addictive, so stopping at one may be a small feat. One of these delectable desserts will set you back between $2-3.

BarFüd

Located near many of the bars and attractions downtown, you can trust BarFud to provide you access to comfort foods and excellent beer. This is the perfect spot to spend about $20 to eat a full meal, and you will not leave hungry. One of the best travel tips that you can follow when you are trying to save money is choosing to eat at places with large portions. You can either take some with you or skip your next meal if lunch fills you up.

Pod Vyšehradem

Traditional Czech food is another must when you head to Prague. At Pod Vyšehradem, you can dine on all the classics, and your meal will cost little more than $10. Opt for things like spicy sausage and beef goulash, and don't let the name of the Moravian sparrow main course throw you off. It's actually roast pork, and dishes don't come more traditional than this.

Cheap bars in Prague

When you are looking into travel tips for a visit to Prague, you need to make sure you don't forget about things to do at night. The nightlife in Prague pulls many people right out of their hotel rooms to take part in the fun that can be hard in this city when it gets dark out.

Hany Bany

Hany Bany is located near the Vltava River, and they offer a compact menu that includes some filling bar favorites and comfort food. You can get cheap drinks here as well, making this the perfect place for lunch or dinner while you are in Prague as well as a great place for a night out. Drinks are $5 or less, and the food is affordable as well. You'll love the retro atmosphere and the location - it's less than a five-minute walk from the Charles Bridge.

Bar U Klíčů

This cute little pub/bar has cheap beer and great basic cocktails. The atmosphere is pleasant and laidback, and you can easily walk from here, so it's a perfect place to start your evening. Expect to spend about $6-$8 on a drink here at the most. The convenient location between the Lenin Wall and St. Nicholas Church makes this stop easy to fit into your day (or night).

Cohiba Atmosphere Bar

If you love wine, you can head to this neat little bar for an affordable night out with fancy drinks that won't have you gasping when you see the bill. The budget for your drinks will vary depending on what you choose to enjoy, but you can find drinks and glasses of wine that are $5 or less here. This location is also very pretty and swanky, which can make for a very fun night out on the town.

Bonus Budget Tips for Prague

There are various ways that you can save money when you head to Prague. Flight deals and hotel deals aside, you can use these other tips to make the most of your time visiting Prague.

Make cheap phone calls

Depending on where you're coming from, it may seem weird to buy a SIM card just for one trip. But as long as your phone is unlocked, you can get a cheap SIM card from retailers and even vending machines at Prague Airport. Just make sure that there are no international transaction fees and that there's no catch. There's nothing worse than thinking that you're making free phone calls only to be out of credit in no time.

Use public transport

If you want to travel on a budget in Prague, public transportation is your best friend (other than a good pair of walking shoes, of course). The trams, buses, and trains that the locals use to get around are excellent and very trustworthy here. One of our best travel tips is to get a Prague Pass, also called a CoolPass. Not only do they offer unlimited rides on public transport, but the card also entitles you to discounts and even free entry to attractions all over Prague.

Travel during the off-season

Heading to Prague in the off-season is another ideal way to save money on your visit. Your travel dates will be most affordable if you pick times from November to March. While it will be cold, you will have the benefit of the city being quiet, empty of most tourists, and very accessible. If you don't want to brave the cold, late spring and early fall still offer better rates on flights and accommodation than in the summer.

Conclusion

Prague offers you so many amazing things to do and see. You can easily save money and still have fun in Prague if you use this guide to plan your trip to the Czech Republic. Maximize your budget by choosing your favorite activities from our list of the best free things to do in Prague. Usually, the single biggest expense on a trip is the accommodation, so look for cheap options, and if you can get a hotel with a kitchenette, you can save a ton on restaurant meals by making at least some of your own food.

The bottom line is that you can have an unforgettable trip to Prague and still stay within a reasonable budget. See Prague Castle, walk across the Charles Bridge, see the quick show at the astronomical clock, and try at least some traditional Czech cuisine. These are the things you're likely to remember, not how much you spent.