I can’t be everywhere checking out the current prices for travelers, so occasionally a wandering writer will stop by with an update. Today we’ve got a report from travel writer Sharon McDonnell, who has been spending some time in Prague. Take it away Sharon!
Prague isn’t the bargain it used to be—and is decidedly more expensive than the rest of the Czech Republic—but values can still be found in one of Europe’s most beautiful and magical cities if you follow a few basic tips. The reward is great: check out that dreamy skyline of steeples, spires and castles from the statue-lined Charles Bridge.
A fast, efficient and cheap transportation system of tram, bus, and metro covers the majority of the city and outskirts. This means you can reach major tourist sights in a few minutes, even if you’re not staying in Old Town or Lesser Town.
Here are some sample costs for travelers in Prague. All are in U.S. dollars, but Prague accepts Czech korunas and Euros. In the past couple years, a dollar has been worth between 17 and 21 korunas and is close to 20 as this post goes live.
Transportation
– Bus from airport to Old Town, Lesser Town, New Town (#119 to Metro Line A to Dejvicka metro station; buy ticket at airport metro booth) – $1.50. Large luggage costs an extra 50 cents for each piece.
– Express bus from airport to Main Train Station – $2.50
– Taxi from the airport to Prague Old Town – $26
– Prague tram, bus or metro ride – $1 (good for 30 minutes and all transfers), or $1.50 (good for 90 minutes and transfers).
Food & Drink
– Beer in a locals’ bar or restaurant – $1.80
– Beer in a tourist bar or restaurant – $3.60
– Meal of the day lunch in a budget restaurant – $5.20 (one course), $10.50 (3 courses). Food tip: Bread usually costs extra in restaurants – 40 cents. If you don’t want bread, tell the waiter when you order.
– Street food: sausages, $1.80. Hot mulled wine $1.50-$2. Fried cheese sandwich with mayo in a hamburger bun (raved about by Anthony Bourdain in his TV show No Reservations), $2.60. Trdelnik, fried doughnut-like pastries sprinkled with sugar and cinnamon and baked on the spot, $2. Halusky, potato gnocchi with cheese, bacon and sauerkraut, $6.30.
Lodging
– Hostel bed in Prague, $5-$29 in a single-sex dorm of 5-10 beds. Some are open 24 hours, have pubs and free WiFi.
– Budget Prague hotel room with private bath, maid service, breakfast, hot water – $55 (spring/fall)
– 3-star equivalent hotel – $80 (spring/fall)
Best tips on saving money in Prague
Stay outside the popular touristed areas of Old Town (Stare Mesto) and Lesser Town (Mala Strana), the neighborhood below Prague Castle and across the Charles Bridge from Old Town.
Best thing for free in Prague
Christmas markets in Old Town Square, Wenceslas Square, Republic Square and downtown walking zone, which offer dozens of vendors selling gifts, tree ornaments, toys, food and beverages, and daily afternoon/evening concerts and folk dance troupes (Old Town Square and Wenceslas Square). Most open one month before Christmas and end January 1.
Worst rip-off
Taxis. Ask fare before stepping into taxi. Avoid taxis waiting in front of main tourist sights and train stations, who up their rates for tourists. Make sure it’s a registered taxi, with “taxi” in big letters and company, rate and license number posted on doors. Luckily, there’s no reason to take a taxi in Prague unless you’re in a huge hurry.
* Photos courtesy of Czech Tourism . Visit their site for info on what’s happening in the city and useful articles like a rundown on Czech brewery tours .
To find a deal on a hostel, try Hostelbookers or HostelWorld . For discounted hotels, check Hotwire or make a bid on Priceline .
