Prague on a Shoestring Budget

Prague is no more the cheap holiday destination it used to be. Even so, the Czech capital has myriad options for the budget conscious and  young travellers looking for cheap and entirely free ways of enjoying the zesty city. 

Here are the things you can do/ see to make the most of it!

Old Town Square

Prague has one of the most enigmatic and picturesque old town squares – alive at all times of the day! It is bestrewn with street performers, tourist rides, and cafes and restaurants teeming with people. To soak in the vibe of the city, all you need to do is to get to the square, find a spot and let the energy envelope you.

Architecture

There is no fee for admiring the brilliant and varied architecture of Prague. Known as ‘the city of a hundred spires’, it has baroque-style buildings and stunning Gothic churches that ooze old-world charm. Contrasting those are striking modern, Art Nouveau buildings such as the Zizkov Television Tower with the crawling-babies sculptures, and Dancing House (its two towers vaguely reminiscent of ballroom dancers) vying for attention.

Astronomical Clock

The astronomical clock in the old town square is a mechanical genius and a must-see. Not only does it indicate the hours, it also marks the phases of the moon, the equinoxes, the seasons and the days. Watch the hourly spectacle as the needle moves to the accompaniment of animated allegorical figures that constitute this medieval wonder. Twelve wooden apostles emerge, nodding to the crowds gathered below; vanity admires herself in a hand mirror; a miser clutches a bag of gold; death rings a bell and the cockerel crows. The hour strikes.

Read more: Top Five Experiences in Prague

Free Walking Tour

Take a free walking tour of the city to orient yourself with its history, inciting tales and major landmarks. There’s no better start to a new place! The tour is free, and you can tip as per your wish.

Letna Park

Hike up to Letna Park, built atop a plateau, and enjoy the panoramic views of river Vtlava and the bridges of Prague. The park itself is gorgeous in every season, and perfect for a beer or picnic in summers.

Jewish Quarters (Josefov)

Explore the Josefov or the Jewish Quarters of Prague, the best preserved complex of historical Jewish monuments in all of Europe. It has six synagogues, including the Spanish Synagogue and Old-New Synaogue, the Jewish Ceremonial Hall and the Old Jewish Cemetery.

While the sites constituting the Jewish Museum are ticketed, it is still worth walking through the tiny district that was once home to nearly all of Prague's Jewish population. Saturday (Sabbath) is a good day to avoid the usual tourist crowds and take in the reflecting calm of the place.

Charles Bridge

Spanning the waters of the Vtala, Charles Bridge, named after Charles IV, is the most iconic of Prague’s bridges. It is adorned with tall statues on either side, the most popular one being that of St John Nepomuk. Legend has it that if you rub his feet, you will return to Prague. A pedestrian-only bridge, it has a life of its own with musicians happily playing to the large crowds, and hawkers peddling souvenirs and curios.

Prague Castle

This 9^th century castle in Prague is acclaimed to be the largest ancient castle in the world. The sprawling complex includes the gothic St Vitus Cathedral, Basilica of St George, a monastery, several palaces, gardens and defence towers. Most of the castle areas are open to tourists. You can spend a day walking around and taking in the architecture. Watch the change of guards at the palace gates every day at noon.

Wenceslas Square

No trip to Prague is complete without ambling down the lively Wenceslas Square. A wide sloping avenue with a walkway in the middle, it is dominated by the statue of St Wenceslas on horseback and lined with souvenir shops, cafes and bookshops. Behind the statue is the majestic National Museum. Climb its ornate steps for a sweeping view.

Read more: Free Things to Do in Europe

Backpackers Pub Crawl

Go on a backpackers pub crawl to enjoy the night life of the Czech capital. Check out some cool bars, make new friends, and down some drinks, all without making a hole in your pocket!

There you go; with so many things to do on a tight budget, it won’t take much to strike off Prague from your bucket-list. So get planning!

Book Your Prague Vacay Now!