Prague Travel Cost: Daily Budget and Price Guide

Quick answer

A budget traveller can visit Prague for 1,400–1,800 CZK ($60–$78) per day, while a mid-range trip costs 3,200–4,500 CZK ($138–$195). High-end luxury stays start at 8,000 CZK ($345) per day. A 0.5L draught Pilsner Urquell typically costs 65–85 CZK ($2.80–$3.70) in central districts like Staré Město, and a 24-hour public transport pass is 120 CZK ($5.20).

Prices in Prague fluctuate based on proximity to Old Town Square and Charles Bridge. Accommodation in Vinohrady or Žižkov is often 30% cheaper than in Praha 1. A standard lunch menu (polední nabídka) on weekdays costs between 160 and 220 CZK ($7–$9.50) for a main course. Entrance to the Prague Castle Circuit is 450 CZK ($19.50), while a basic 30-minute tram ticket costs 30 CZK ($1.30). All prices are estimates; check official sites before you go.

Daily budget categories

Estimates reflect daily spend per person including accommodation (shared for couples/families), three meals, and local transit.

Accommodation costs

Hotels in Praha 1 (Old Town, Lesser Town) command a premium. For better value, look at Praha 2 (Vinohrady), Praha 3 (Žižkov), or Praha 7 (Holešovice), which are connected to the centre by 10-minute tram rides.

• Hostel dorm bed: 500 – 900 CZK ($22 – $39) per night. Prices peak during Advent and summer.
• Mid-range hotel (3/4 star): 2,500 – 4,500 CZK ($108 – $195) per double room. Locations near Náměstí Míru or I.P. Pavlova offer frequent connections via Metro Line A and C.
• Luxury hotel (5 star): 6,500 – 12,000+ CZK ($280 – $520+) per room. Concentrated near Pařížská street and the Vltava riverbank.

Food and drink prices

Dining costs vary significantly between tourist zones and residential areas. A 10% tip is standard in restaurants for good service.

Traditional Czech dishes like Svíčková (beef in cream sauce) or Guláš are usually the best value. Avoid restaurants with "Tourist Menu" signs directly on Old Town Square, where prices can be 200% higher than the city average.

Transport and attraction expenses

Prague has a unified ticketing system for trams, buses, the metro, and the Petřín funicular. Tickets must be validated before the first journey or purchased via the PID Lítačka app.

• Short-term ticket (30 mins): 30 CZK ($1.30)
• Standard ticket (90 mins): 40 CZK ($1.75)
• 24-hour pass: 120 CZK ($5.20)
• 72-hour pass: 330 CZK ($14.30)
• Prague Castle (Basic Circuit): 450 CZK ($19.50)
• Jewish Museum (All sites): 500 CZK ($21.60)
• Old Town Hall Tower: 300 CZK ($13.00)

Sample 5-day trip totals

These totals include accommodation, food, transport, and two major attractions, but exclude international flights.

• Solo Traveller (Budget): 8,500 CZK ($370). Staying in hostels, eating two supermarket meals and one lunch special daily, using a 72-hour pass.
• Couple (Mid-range): 38,000 CZK ($1,650). Staying in a 4-star hotel in Karlín, dining out for lunch and dinner with drinks, taking occasional Bolts/Ubers.
• Family of Four (Mid-range): 65,000 CZK ($2,820). Two hotel rooms or a large apartment, family tickets for attractions, mix of casual dining and street food.

Specific ways to save money

1. Use the lunch menus: Look for the "Denní nabídka" between 11:00 and 14:30. Most restaurants offer 3-4 dishes at a fraction of the evening price. A soup and main course often cost less than 200 CZK ($8.60).

2. Drink tap water: In restaurants, ask for "kohoutková voda". Some may charge a small fee (20-40 CZK), but it is cheaper than bottled mineral water which can be 60 CZK ($2.60) or more. Prague's tap water is high quality and safe.

3. Avoid Euronet ATMs: These blue and yellow machines are ubiquitous in the centre and charge high fees with poor exchange rates. Use bank-affiliated ATMs like Česká spořitelna, Komerční banka, or CSOB. Always decline the "guaranteed conversion" and choose to be charged in CZK.

4. Walk or use the tram: The historic centre is compact. You can walk from Wenceslas Square to the Charles Bridge in 15 minutes. For longer distances, the tram network is faster and cheaper than taxis. Route 22 is famous for passing major landmarks like the National Theatre and Prague Castle for the price of a standard 30 CZK ticket.

5. Visit free sites: Entry to the Prague Castle grounds (gardens and courtyards) is free, though you pay for the interiors of St. Vitus Cathedral and Golden Lane. The views from Letná Park and Vyšehrad fortress are also free of charge.

Common mistakes

• Exchanging money at the airport: Exchange rates at Václav Havel Airport or kiosks near the Astronomical Clock are notoriously poor. Use an ATM or reputable exchange offices like "Exchange" on Kaprova street.
• Taking street taxis: Hailing a taxi on the street often leads to overcharging. Use ride-hailing apps like Bolt or Uber, or pre-book a reputable service like AAA Taxi to see the fare upfront.
• Buying water in Old Town Square: A bottle of water at a kiosk in the centre can cost 80 CZK ($3.50). Walk two blocks to a "Potraviny" (convenience store) or Albert/Billa supermarket where it costs 15 CZK ($0.65).
• Not validating tickets: Plain-clothes inspectors frequently check tickets on trams and the metro. If you have a paper ticket, you must punch it in the yellow machine. If using the app, activate it before boarding. The fine is 1,000 CZK ($43).
• Ordering "Trdelník" as a traditional Czech snack: While popular, these chimney cakes are not historically Czech and are overpriced at 150-200 CZK. Local pastries like "Koláč" from a bakery (pekárna) cost around 30-50 CZK.

Plan your trip

Journey Planner simplifies your Prague itinerary by aggregating these costs into a custom day-by-day schedule. By entering your travel dates, it provides real-time weather forecasts for the Vltava valley, current transport times for Metro lines A, B, and C, and specific packing lists based on whether you are visiting for the Christmas markets or the summer festival season. The tool automatically calculates walking distances between sites like the Lennon Wall and Petřín Lookout Tower to ensure your daily budget remains accurate.

FAQ

Is Prague expensive for food and drink? Prague remains one of the more affordable European capitals. While prices have risen, a beer is still under $4 and a hearty meal in a local pub costs around $12. Prices drop significantly once you leave the immediate vicinity of Old Town Square.

Can I use Euros in Prague? While many shops and restaurants in tourist areas accept Euros, the exchange rate offered is usually very poor. You will almost always receive change in Czech Koruna (CZK). It is more cost-effective to pay by card or use local currency.

How much is a beer in Prague? A 0.5L draught lager costs between 55 and 75 CZK ($2.40–$3.25) in local neighbourhoods. In high-traffic tourist bars, expect to pay 90 to 120 CZK ($3.90–$5.20).

Is the Prague Visitor Pass worth it? The pass costs 2,100 CZK ($91) for 48 hours. It is worth it if you plan to visit the Astronomical Clock, Prague Castle, the Jewish Quarter, and use public transport extensively. If you prefer wandering the streets and visiting only one or two sites, buying individual tickets is cheaper.