It was my second visit to this delightful country. I should’ve known better than to ask the waitress if they offered anything to eat that “wasn’t so heavy.”
“Everything in Czech Republic is heavy!” came the curt reply.
And so I gave in, succumbing to giant portions of crispy roast duck with plump Knedliky dumplings. And afterwards, palacinky — sugary, stuffed crepes. There was beer, beer, and more beer. It was all delicious.
When the bill for dinner came round, I nearly fell off my chair: €22 for all that — for all of us? Surely, they had made a mistake!
Czech please! A budget traveler’s dream
But no, this was Western Bohemia, a budget traveler’s dream. After Budweisers at the amber-lit Budweiser city square, we went bar-hopping and food-tripping. We toured small spa towns with their preserved architecture. We swam in thermal pools for a third of the price of what they charged across the border in Germany.
The next day, we booked our luxury apartment an extra night. As a couple with two kids, the €60 price tag was too enticing to go home. It was smack in the historical center, had two bathrooms, two bedrooms, kitchen, and lounge. Even a breakfast buffet was included.
While most visitors head to Prague, budget travelers will also have a blast in these three cities. Here, culture doesn’t just “come alive” — it’s been around for hundreds of years. And so has the delicious, legendary beer.
Our tour of the Czech Republic outside Prague
Here are three destinations beyond Prague in the Czech Republic that should definitely be on every budget traveler’s shortlist:
1. Pilsen
2. Františkovy Lázne
3. Ceské Budejovice
Also going to Prague?
Be sure to check out our recommended budget hotels in Prague, and our articles on how to save when visiting the city.