Cost To Visit Prague: Complete 2026 Budget Guide

Is Prague Expensive to Visit?

No—Prague is one of the most affordable capital cities in Europe. Compared to U.S. travel costs, Prague is significantly cheaper when it comes to food, lodging, public transport, and even attractions.

Within Europe, it’s cheaper than cities like Paris, London, or Rome, and on par with nearby cities like Budapest and Kraków. It’s possible to enjoy a full Prague experience on a budget, but there’s also no shortage of luxury for those who want to splurge.

This guide will break down:

• How travel season impacts costs
• The best (and worst) neighborhoods for your wallet
• Typical food, lodging, and activity prices
• Full daily and weekly budget estimates by travel style

Seasonal Cost

Prague’s cost of travel fluctuates with tourist seasons, weather, and holiday events.

Peak Season (June – August & December)

• Warm weather, summer festivals, and Christmas markets
• Crowded Old Town and Charles Bridge
• High hotel prices and limited availability

Shoulder Season (April – May & September – October)

• Mild temperatures and fewer crowds
• Lower prices and more hotel options
• Ideal for sightseeing and budget-conscious travelers

Off-Season (January – March & November)

• Cold, fewer tourists
• Best hotel deals and fewer lines at attractions
• Christmas market season (late Nov–Dec) is an exception and sees higher rates

Most Expensive Times To Visit Prague

• Christmas Market Season (late Nov – Dec 24)
• Easter Holidays
• Summer (June–August) – peak for American and European tourists
• New Year's Eve – major party time, hotels spike in price

Cheapest Months To Visit Prague

• January – early March – cold but low tourist traffic
• November (before Christmas market season)
• Mid-October – after fall peak but before winter rush

Where You Stay

Prague is compact and well-connected, but prices differ between historic zones and outer districts.

Most Expensive Areas To Stay

• Old Town (Staré Město)
  • Central and scenic, with Gothic buildings and cobblestone streets
  • Near: Astronomical Clock, Charles Bridge, Old Town Square
  • Pros: Iconic views, walkable
  • Cons: Tourist crowds and higher prices
• Malá Strana (Lesser Town)
  • Romantic area near Prague Castle and Vltava River
  • Near: Prague Castle, Lennon Wall, St. Nicholas Church
  • Pros: Quiet charm, historic hotels
  • Cons: Limited budget stays

Affordable Areas To Stay

• New Town (Nové Město)
  • Modern hotels, good restaurants, and shopping
  • Near: Wenceslas Square, Dancing House, National Museum
  • Pros: Central yet more affordable
  • Cons: Lacks Old Town's historic charm
• Žižkov
  • Local, artsy district with lots of budget options
  • Near: Žižkov TV Tower, beer gardens, local nightlife
  • Pros: Great value, local vibe
  • Cons: 15–20 min tram ride to city center

Cheapest Areas To Stay

• Smíchov / Anděl
  • Residential area with shopping centers and local eateries
  • Pros: Budget hotels and Airbnbs, great transit
  • Cons: Less historic atmosphere
• Vinohrady
  • Trendy neighborhood with parks and bars
  • Pros: Quiet, affordable, great for long stays
  • Cons: Farther from main sights, but easily accessible

Prague Vacation Costs

Let’s break down what you’ll typically spend each day based on your travel style.

Average Accommodation Cost (Per Night)

• Budget Traveler
  • Hostels, shared apartments, basic Airbnbs
  • CZK 450–900 / $20–$40 USD
• Moderate Traveler
  • 3-star hotels, boutique hotels, private apartments
  • CZK 1,200–2,500 / $55–$110 USD
• Luxury Traveler
  • 4–5 star hotels, historic buildings, spa stays
  • CZK 4,500–9,000+ / $200–$400+ USD

Food Cost (Per Person, Per Day)

• Budget
  • Cafeterias, local bakeries, street food
  • CZK 150–250 / $7–$11 USD
• Moderate
  • Mid-range restaurants, traditional Czech meals
  • CZK 350–600 / $15–$26 USD
• Luxury
  • Fine dining, tasting menus, wine pairings
  • CZK 1,000+ / $45+ USD

Transportation Cost

• Public Transport (Metro, Tram, Bus)
  • 30-min ticket: CZK 30 / $1.30 USD
  • 24-hour pass: CZK 120 / $5.30 USD
• Taxi or Bolt (Rideshare)
  • Bolt from airport to center: CZK 400–500 / $18–$22 USD
  • In-city rides: CZK 150–300 / $7–$13 USD
• Airport Express Bus
  • CZK 100 / $4.40 USD to the main train station

Attractions

Many of Prague’s top sights are free or inexpensive, making it great for budget travelers.

• Prague Castle Complex – CZK 250 / $11 USD
• St. Vitus Cathedral – Included in castle ticket
• Astronomical Clock – Free to watch / CZK 250 to enter tower
• Jewish Museum & Synagogues – CZK 350 / $15 USD
• Petřín Lookout Tower – CZK 150 / $6.50 USD
• Beer Tour or Tasting – CZK 600–900 / $26–$40 USD

Day Trips From Prague

• Kutná Hora
  • UNESCO site, home of the Bone Church
  • 1 hour by train
  • Train: CZK 130–160 / $6–$7 USD round-trip
  • Entry to Bone Church: CZK 160 / $7 USD
• Karlštejn Castle
  • 40 min by train, popular medieval fortress
  • Train: CZK 100 / $4 USD round-trip
  • Entry: CZK 220 / $10 USD
• Český Krumlov
  • Fairytale town 2.5–3 hours away
  • Bus or train: CZK 200–300 / $9–$13 USD round-trip
  • Entry to castle tower: CZK 180 / $8 USD
• Terezín Memorial
  • WWII concentration camp site
  • 1-hour bus or train
  • Transport: CZK 150 / $6.50 USD
  • Entry: CZK 230 / $10 USD

Daily Budget (Per Person)

• Budget Traveler
  • Hostel, local food, public transport, 1–2 attractions
  • $40–$65 USD per day
• Moderate Traveler
  • 3-star hotel, sit-down meals, day tours
  • $90–$140 USD per day
• Luxury Traveler
  • Historic hotel, fine dining, private guide or tours
  • $250–$450+ USD per day

Weekly Budget (7 Days)

Flight Cost

Round-trip flights from the U.S. to Václav Havel Airport Prague (PRG):

• Peak Season: $850–$1,200
• Shoulder Season: $600–$850
• Off-Season: $450–$700

Flights are cheapest from major U.S. hubs like NYC, Chicago, or Boston. Book early and track deals by signing up for Jetsetter Alerts.