Prague Budget Tips
Once one of Europe's cheapest cities, Prague has gotten costlier over the last few years as its popularity has increased. But never fear Cheapos. Just follow our tips and you'll have a fabulous trip without feeling that you'll have to sell your first born child.
Tourist Office Information
We always recommend stopping by a tourist information center (in Czech: turistické informační centrum!) as soon as possible. Prague's tourist information centers carry tons of information and pamphlets detailing special events, free concerts, and art festivals. The municipal Prague Information Service (PIS, or Prazska informacni sluzba)is located at Rytírská 31. It is open daily from 9 AM until 7 PM from April through October, and from 9 AM until 6 PM from November through March.
Find additional branches at Na prikope 20, in the Old Town Hall on Staromestske nam, in the Mala Stana Bridge Tower, and in the Praha-hlavni nadrazi train station, adjacent to the metro entrance. While hours vary at each branch, all are generally open from 9 AM until 8 PM in the summer and from 9 AM until 6 PM in the colder months.
Be sure to pick up a copy of the monthly publication Culture in Prague. Published in English, it provides an invaluable guide to the city, replete with well-researched listings. For more information check out the Prague Tourist Office website.
Museum Prices and Discounts
Museums in Prague are generally a good value. Always check for reduced ticket prices for children.
Admission prices on popular museums in Prague:
Obecni dum (Municipal House): CZK270 for a tour (CZK220 reduced)
St. Nicholas Church: CZK300/CZK450
Old Town Hall: CZK40 (adult)/CZK20 (reduced)
Convent of St. Agnes: CZK150 (adult)/CZK80 (reduced or after 4 p.m.)/CZK200 (family); free (children under 10)
National Museum: CZK150 (adult)/CZK100 (reduced)/CZK250 (family)
Prague Castle: CZK250 (adults)/CZK150 (reduced)/CZK300 (family) for the short tour
Free Sights
Tons of free sights augment Prague's inarguable status as a budget-friendly destination. Prague is particularly well-suited to pedestrian travel. For most tourists, every street corner, bridge, clock tower, and castle is picture-perfect. Views from the Charles Bridge are deeply inspiring. So many people have popped the question from its vantage points that such stories now sound clichéd.
Havelska Market, Prague's very best produce and flower market, sits on the north side of Wenceslas Square. Initiated in the 13th century, it still functions today as a commercial center. All sellers are required to be producers of their own products, a stipulation that creates a wonderful community of farmers, gardeners, and craftspeople.
Join the crowds for the striking in of each hour at the 15th century town hall clock at the Old Town Square. Daily from 8 AM until 9 PM in warmer months and from 8 AM until 8 PM in winter, the clock rings in the hours to adoring fans for free.
Admission to the National Museum on the first Monday of the month is free.
Senior Discounts
Senior discounts exist in Prague. However, to obtain some discounts, membership in a particular association may be required. Members of the AARP get discounts on hotels, airfares and car rentals. They can be reached in the United States at 1-800-424-3410 and online.
Student Discounts
The International Student Identity Card, ISIC, the most widely accepted form of student ID, provides discounts on sights, accommodations, food and transportation. Many of the museums in Prague are already so cheap, one can forgive the backers for not offering more discounts. However, some places do have the usual offers of admission discounts of 20-50% to ISIC members.
All cardholders have access to a 24-hour emergency helpline. In the US call 1-800-223-7986 or visit the ISIC online. Applicants must be degree seekers of a secondary or post-secondary school and must be at least 12 years of age. The card costs US$22 and is valid until the end of the year issued.
For non-students 25 years and younger, the International Youth Travel card, IYTC, also offers many of the same benefits as the ISIC. The card costs US$22 and is valid for one year from the date issue.
Travelers with student cards, such as ISIC and IYTC qualify for big discounts from travel agencies. Most flights from budget agencies are on major airlines, but in peak season some may sell seats on less reliable chartered aircraft.
Other Resources
For more tips on keeping your trip to Prague affordable, check out the sites listed on our helpful links page (including the city's official tourism website). You can also find more tips for planning your Prague vacation on TripAdvisor and on Rick Steves' Graffiti Wall.Related posts from our blog
Essential Prague articles written by our editors
Most popular hotels in Prague (by views)
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