For a long time Prague had a reputation for being an amazing city that was also dirt cheap, but those days are over. It’s still an amazing city, as long as you don’t mind thick crowds almost everywhere, it’s just not really cheap anymore. Thanks partly to the rise in the value of the Czech currency in recent years, it’s now only slightly cheaper than Berlin, except for the excellent beer which continues to be a bargain.
It used to be that hotels were the only things that were expensive, but at least prices for those haven’t gone up too dramatically. Prague hotels can be found at decent prices outside of the main summer tourist season, and if you don’t mind staying a tram ride outside the city center then you can get good quality at a good price. Hostels in Prague are still a pretty good bargain, though the best ones fill up well in advance. Check our list of recommended Prague hotels for great locations and value at top-rated properties.
Many of the better attractions in the city are free or very cheap, except for tours of the Prague Castle itself, so set aside some money for that must-do.
Food can still be found at bargain prices if you go for fast food or street carts, but if you go for a sit-down meal with an English menu then it’s not all that cheap. Beer, however, continues to be a relative bargain in spite of the high quality.
