Backpacking Prague (The Definite Budget Guide)

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Find your Perfect Hostel in Prague

Sometimes you just need a city that feels both historic and a bit offbeat at the same time. That’s why I keep coming back to Prague. It’s got that charming Gothic skyline, but also an edgy side that keeps me entertained.

This backpacking Prague guide is for anyone wanting to explore the city without blowing a month’s budget in one weekend. Prague is perfect for solo adventurers who love to wander on foot, eat street food at odd hours, and meet random people from all over the world. 

Let’s jump in.

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Budget & Estimated Daily Costs in Prague

Prague still remains a sweet spot for backpackers nowadays. You won’t find rock-bottom prices like a decade ago, but it’s still cheaper than many Western European capitals.

If you’re cool with sleeping in an 8-bed dorm and chomping on street food, you can get by on around €35 per day.

A bit more wiggle room—maybe around €50—lets you do a few extras, like an occasional sit-down meal or a hostel pub crawl.

That budget covers your dorm bed, cheap eats (think sausages and goulash lunches), city transport passes, and maybe a cheap beer or two at night.

Splurge on extra experiences, and you’ll inch closer to €60 or €70 daily.

If you’re anything like me, you’ll appreciate that Prague still feels affordable enough to hang around without worrying you’ll wake up broke. It’s a chill city to settle in for a few days and explore at a relaxed pace.

Typical Daily Expenses in prague

Accommodation (Hostel Dorm Bed): €17–€27 per night during shoulder season. In high season, it can jump to €30 or more.

Food: Around €15–€20 daily.

Breakfast: €3–€6 for a basic pastry and coffee, or a modest sit-down meal.

Lunch: €5–€8 for a hearty Czech meal (think soups, stews, or cheap pizza slices).

Dinner: €8–€12 for casual restaurants. Street food or kebab joints can be cheaper.

Local Transportation: A single tram or metro ticket runs around €1.20. Daily passes are about €4–€5.

Attractions: €5–€10 per day if you mix free sights with a few paid entries or museum passes.

Entertainment & Extras: €5–€10 if you go for budget-friendly nightlife or a cheap souvenir.

Overall: €35–€40 is doable on a tight budget, while €50+ offers more breathing room.

Money saving tips

• Use student IDs or youth travel cards whenever possible—some places still offer discounts if you flash them.
• Skip bars directly in Old Town. A few minutes’ walk can halve your beer cost.
• Shop at local supermarkets (Lidl, Albert) for snacks and cheap meals.
• Try lunch specials at traditional Czech pubs (hospoda) for big plates under €6.
• Join free walking tours (tip your guide if you can) before hitting the paid attractions.
• Ask if your hostel offers a shared kitchen; cooking even one meal a day can really stretch your budget.

Getting around prague on a budget

Prague is compact, so half the time I just wander on foot, especially around the historic center. If you need to go further or your feet are tired, grab a tram or metro.

Buy a 24-hour or 72-hour transport pass for unlimited rides—way cheaper than single tickets if you’re hopping around.

Most night trams run frequently, so you can avoid pricey taxis after a late night out.

Consider renting a bike if you’re confident navigating cobblestones (and maybe some hills!).

Best Free & Budget Friendly Attracions

Free things to do

Stroll across Charles Bridge at dawn or late at night for a quieter vibe.

Explore Prague Castle’s grounds for free (you only pay to enter certain buildings).

Hang out at Letná Park for panoramic views and a chill vibe.

Visit the John Lennon Wall to snap a colorful pic.

Free walking tours meet at Old Town Square—great for city highlights.

Low cost attractions

Climb the Old Town Hall tower for a few euros to see epic rooftop views.

Catch a cheap classical music concert in a local church or small venue.

Check out the Museum of Communism or Kafka Museum for around €8–€10.

Ride a paddleboat on the Vltava River—fun for group or solo travelers.

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Food and Drinks on a Budget

Food in Prague can be surprisingly cheap if you avoid touristy restaurants in Old Town. I’m a big fan of grabbing a slice of Czech pizza for a few euros.

For dinner, watch out for daily specials posted outside pubs. These “denní menu” deals can fill you up with a hearty main and sometimes even a soup on the side.

At night, Prague’s bar scene is pretty wild, but you don’t have to overspend.

Beer is cheap—Czechs take pride in it—so you can find half-liters for €1.50 in less touristy spots. Hit local meet-up events if you’re solo and want to make friends without paying club entrance fees.

Experiences for Backpackers

Prague is more than just beer and medieval buildings. I love the laid-back pub crawls in the city center for meeting other backpackers, but there’s also plenty else to do.

Check out a short river cruise or rent a cheap rowboat if the weather is nice.

Some hostels organize bike tours that swing through parks and lesser-known neighborhoods, giving you a glimpse of local life beyond the tourist track.

If you’re into culture, consider a local cooking class that teaches you how to make Czech dumplings or goulash. It’s fun, social, and you get a feast at the end.

Additional tips & Final Thoughts

Best Time to Visit: Late spring or early fall offers decent weather and fewer tourists than peak summer.

Booking in Advance: Reserve hostels early to avoid paying more, especially if you’re there during festivals.

Avoid Tourist Traps: Skip overpriced souvenir shops near Charles Bridge. Head a block or two away for cheaper, more authentic finds.

Safety First: Watch out for pickpockets around crowded squares and in busy trams. Keep your valuables zipped up.

Cultural Respect: Locals value polite behavior on public transit—don’t blare music or eat smelly food there. Show some courtesy, and you’ll fit right in.

Overall, Prague’s a laid-back spot where you can immerse yourself in centuries of history while still enjoying cheap eats and friendly nightlife. Traveling here solo never feels lonely, and the city’s charm makes you want to return again and again.

Cheers to your Prague adventure!

Backpacking Prague? Here's What You Need to Know

These are the guides I wish I had before visiting. I've been there, had fun, did some minor mistakes, and now I'm passing the best tips on to you. Safe travels!

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About the author: Hostelz

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