Wondering “Is Prague expensive to visit”? Prague sits in a sweet spot: cheaper than Paris but pricier than Budapest. In 2025, mid-range travelers average €70–€140/day, while savvy backpackers thrive on €35/day. Luxury seekers? Five-star hotels start at €250/night.
But here’s the secret locals know: Tourist areas inflate prices by 50%. Read our guide to find out if is Prague cheap to visit or not.
How Expensive Is Prague to Visit? (2025 Price Guide)
Let’s dissect prices in Prague updated to 2025 and alternatives most travelers miss.
Accommodation Prices in Prague
Prague’s lodging ranges from communist-era hostels to riverside palaces. Here’s the 2025 reality:
| Type | Price Range (per night) | Local Insight |
|---|---|---|
| Hostels | €10–€25 (dorm) | Skip Old Town – Vinohrady has quieter options |
| Mid-range hotels | €70–€140 | Book directly for free breakfast deals |
| Boutique apartments | €90–€180 | Perfect for groups – split costs in Malá Strana |
2025 Trend: Capsule hotels now offer private pods near metro stations for €30/night (try SleepPod Praha).
Is Prague Expensive to Eat and Drink?
- Street food: Trdelník (chimney cake) = €3, klobása sausage = €3.50
- Local pubs: Svíčková (beef stew) + beer = €10 at Lokal chain
- Tourist traps: Same meal near Charles Bridge = €18+
Avoid menus with English translations – they’re 20% pricier. Instead, learn these phrases:
- “Jídelní lístek v češtině, prosím” = “Czech menu, please”
- “Denní menu” = Daily lunch specials (€6–€9 for 3 courses)
Transportation: Budget-Friendly Ways to Get Around
- 72-hour public transit pass: €15 (unlimited trams/buses/metro)
- Airport to city: Bus 119 = €1.30 vs. taxi = €28
- Bike rentals: €10/day – ideal for exploring Letná Park
Free trick: Tram routes 9, 17, and 22 double as sightseeing tours.
Attractions & Extras: Culture on a Budget
- Prague Castle grounds: Free entry (paid tickets only for interiors)
- Charles Bridge sunrise: Free vs. €150 photo tours
- Hidden gem: Vyšehrad Fortress (free views, €3 crypt entry)
Skip the lines: Buy joint tickets for multiple attractions (saves 20%).
Is Prague Expensive for Tourists: Prague’s Daily Costs
Here’s what a trip to Prague cost you daily in 2025 across travel styles:
| Category | Budget (€) | Mid-Range (€) | Luxury (€) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | 10–25 | 70–140 | 200–400 |
| Food & Dining | 15–20 | 30–50 | 80–150 |
| Transportation | 3–5 | 5–10 | 20–40 |
| Attractions & Extras | 5–10 | 15–30 | 50–100 |
| Total Daily Cost | 33–60 | 120–230 | 350–690 |
Notes:
- Budget: Hostels, street food, free attractions
- Mid-Range: 3-star hotels, mix of pubs/restaurants
- Luxury: 5-star hotels, private guides, fine dining
When Prague Gets Pricey (And How to Avoid It)
- December: Christmas markets spike hotel prices 80% – stay in Žižkov district.
- Summer weekends: Charles Bridge crowds = inflated café prices. Walk 10 mins to Kavárna Slavia instead.
- Wednesdays: Prague Castle changing of the guard = peak ticket demand. Visit on Thursday mornings.
Is Prague More Expensive Than…?
Prague is cheaper compared to some major European capitals, but it is more expensive than other popular tourist destinations.
| City | Daily Cost | Where Prague Wins |
|---|---|---|
| Berlin | €120 | Beer (€1.50 vs. €4 in Germany) |
| Vienna | €150 | Public transit (€5 vs. €8 daily pass) |
| Krakow | €60 | Architectural tours (€15 vs. €25 in Poland) |
5 Prague Hacks You Won’t Find on Tourist Sites
- Free concert tickets: Churches like St. Nicholas host free classical music if you arrive 30 mins early.
- Beer baths for less: Skip the €85 spa packages – Bernard Beer Spa offers weekday deals for €55.
- Luggage tax saver: Many museums charge €6/hour for bags. Use Radical Storage lockers (€4/day) near Old Town Square.
- Night train savings: Vienna to Prague overnight = €30 (saves one hotel night).
- Supermarket picnics: Bread, cheese, and wine for €8 at Billa – perfect for Vltava River views.
The Backpacker’s 4-Day Itinerary (€150 Total)
Day 1:
- Stay: €28 (4 nights at a hostel)
- Eat: €20 (breakfast bakery + snacks)
- Do: Free walking tour + Letná beer garden sunset
Day 2:
- Transport: €5 (72-hour pass)
- Explore: Vyšehrad Fortress + hidden WWII bunkers
Day 3:
- Splurge: €15 Prague Castle interiors ticket
- Evening: €8 jazz night at U Malého Glena
Day 4:
- Day trip: €10 train to Kutná Hora’s bone church
Visit the Prague Tourism Website for the latest on festivals and events.
The Verdict: Is Prague Worth the Cost?
In 2025, Prague remains a steal if you resist Old Town’s glitter traps. For the price of a London pub meal (€25), you can:
- Stay in a 14th-century monastery hostel
- Soak in a beer spa
- Feast on fried cheese at a riverside pub
Final Tip: Visit in May or September for mild weather and lower prices. Store your bags in Prague with Radical Storage to climb Petřín Hill hands-free. Prague rewards those who wander light – both in luggage and spending!