Prague: Budget & Costs

Prague is significantly cheaper than Western European capitals — especially for food, drink, and transport. The currency is the Czech crown (CZK): €1 ≈ 25 CZK. Many tourist spots accept euros, but at a worse rate — always pay in crowns.

Typical Prices (Reference 2025/2026)

Item	Price (CZK / €)
Espresso / Coffee	50–80 CZK / €2–3.20
Beer (0.5l) in a Pivnice	40–65 CZK / €1.60–2.60
Beer in tourist areas	80–120 CZK / €3.20–4.80
Lunch menu (polední menu)	120–180 CZK / €4.80–7.20
Dinner at a restaurant	250–500 CZK / €10–20
Trdelník	80–120 CZK / €3.20–4.80
Hostel (dormitory)	250–500 CZK / €10–20
Hotel (mid-range, double room)	1,500–3,500 CZK / €60–140
Metro/Tram single ride (30 min.)	30 CZK / €1.20
Day pass for public transport	120 CZK / €4.80
Prague Castle (Circuit B)	250 CZK / €10
Jewish Museum	350 CZK / €14
Vltava boat trip (1h)	300–500 CZK / €12–20

Backpacker / Budget (€25–45 per day)

Prague is a backpacker paradise: hostels from €10, polední menu (lunch menu) for €5–7, beer for under €2, tram for €1.20, and the main attractions (Charles Bridge, Old Town Square, Lesser Town, Lennon Wall) are free. Free walking tours start daily at the Old Town Square. The nave of St. Vitus Cathedral is freely accessible. Prague is the city where budget is almost never a concern.

Mid-range (€50–120 per day)

Boutique hotel or apartment in the Old Town or Vinohrady, dining with Czech beer, 1–2 museums per day, evening boat trip on the Vltava, and a concert at the Rudolfinum or in a church. Prague's best value for money — world-class experiences at mid-range prices.

Comfort / Luxury (€130–300+ per day)

5-star hotel with castle view (Mandarin Oriental, Augustine), Michelin-starred restaurants (La Degustation, Field), private castle tour, evening at the State Opera, and cocktails at the Hemingway Bar. Prague's luxury segment is growing rapidly — but even luxury here is significantly cheaper than in Paris or London.

Prague is already affordable — but with these tips, it gets even better (and you avoid expensive traps):

• NEVER exchange at street exchange offices: The notorious exchange offices (směnárny) in the center offer disastrous rates and hidden fees. Always withdraw from ATMs (bankomat) — and choose "without conversion" (refuse DCC/Dynamic Currency Conversion). Best ATMs: KB, ČSOB, Česká spořitelna.
• Card payment: In Prague, you can pay by card almost everywhere — even in many pubs and street stalls. Largely save yourself the hassle of exchanging cash.
• Don't eat on the Old Town Square: The restaurants right on the square are the most expensive and often the worst in Prague. Go one side street further — half the price, double the quality.
• Free attractions: Charles Bridge, Old Town Square, Astronomical Clock (from outside), Lennon Wall, St. Vitus Cathedral (nave), Petřín Park, Vyšehrad — all free.
• Prague Card: For 2–4 days (from €62). Free entry to 50+ attractions + public transport. Worth it for intensive sightseeing.
• Tipping: In the Czech Republic, you round up — typically 10% in restaurants. Definitely not 20% like in the USA. In pubs: rounding up to the next 10 CZK is sufficient.
• Beer gardens instead of bars: In Prague's beer gardens (Letná, Riegrovy sady), a half-liter of beer costs 40–50 CZK (€1.60–2) — in a bar in the center, it's double.