When most people plan on visiting Europe, Prague is not at the top of their list of cities they must see which is a real shame because it is one Europe’s most fascinating places and one of the easiest capitals to see on a budget. The Czech Koruna is the currency used there and it is worth about $0.05 USD per Koruna. For those who don’t speak Czech, English tours are fairly common within Prague although you may have some difficulties if you venture out into the Czech countryside.
Hotels and inns are plentiful in Prague as are hostels with many options coming in at $75 USD per night or less. Several will also include breakfast as part of the rate making them an even better deal. Czech beer is justifiably famous and you’ll want to indulge in a few pints while you’re away. Thankfully, pints are also relatively inexpensive. In terms of food there are several options ranging from expensive to inexpensive. Some of the best meals to be had are at the street stalls. There are lots of traditional dishes that can be had for reasonable prices. Consider trying knedliky (dumplings), guláš (goulash), Česneková polévka (garlic soup), nakládaný hermelín (fried ermine cheese), and schweinshaxe (roasted pig knuckles).
Many of the more famous sites are free or relatively inexpensive. Depending on what you want to see, you may wish to invest in a Mathilda Prague card which for one price gets you into a variety of attractions. It can be ordered in advance and you have the option of purchasing unlimited public transport at the same time. Among the attractions included for free in a four day pass (47 Euros ($63 USD)/adult without transportation and 65 Euros ($88 USD) with transportation) are several museums, towers, and the Old Town Hall. Among the places you’ll want to visit while in Prague are the following:
1) Prague Castle
Visiting the grounds is free throughout the summer months and it’s less than $20 USD to get full access to the castle (including St. Vitus Cathedral, Old Royal Palace, permanent exhibition “The Story of Prague Castle”, St. George’s Basilica, Golden Lane with Daliborka Tower, Prague Castle Picture Gallery, Powder Tower, Rosenberg Palace) and all its exhibits. The Prague Castle is one of the highlights of the city. It is believed to have been founded in 800 AD and is the world’s biggest coherent castle complex covering over 70,000 square metres. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site and features architecture from a variety of time periods including Roman style buildings from the 10th century and Gothic buildings from the 14th century. It’s huge and you will spend at least a day exploring it. Your ticket is good for two days which should give you an idea of how much ground there is to cover. Concerts are sometimes held here during the summer and tickets for those are sold separately.
2) Petrin Hill
This is a free park and offers some fantastic views of the city. You can see down over the Charles Bridge, the Prague Castle, Old Town Square, and many foreign embassies.
3) Old Town Square
Also called Stare Mesto, the square originated in the 13th century. It features Gothic, Renaissance, and medieval structures including the Old Town Hall and several museums including the National Museum, the Sex Machine Museum, and the Museum of Medieval Torture Instruments. Most of the museums charge a fee of $15 USD or less. Access to the square is free and it features the statue of Jan Hus and the 600 year old astronomical clock. There is also a free walking tour of Prague that leaves from the square twice daily (tipping is expected though). Also off the Old Town Square is Josefov, the old Jewish quarter and home to Frank Kafka for much if his life. You can wander freely throughout the quarter and take in the sites including a statue of Kafka and the Old Jewish Cemetery. There is a museum there as well which charges about $15 USD for entrance to its exhibits.
4) Charles Bridge
I don’t think anyone who visits Prague fails to be enamored with the bridge. It extends 516 metres over the Vlatva River. It was built by Charles the IV and was at one time the main way to cross the river for commerce. The royal astrologer predicted the best time to build the bridge as being 5:31 am on July 9th, 1357 and the date is inscribed on the bridge. There is a series of statues of saints and patron saints on each side of the bridge many of which were originally commissioned in the 17th and 18th centuries. During the day the bridge fills up with street vendors and artists as well as a constant stream of tourists. While you are there make a point of finding the statue of St. Jan and making a wish. Tradition has it that if you are touching the image of Queen Sofia you will keep a secret of your choice a secret forever and if you touch St. Jan then you will return to Prague. The bridge has been damaged by flooding several times over history and always been rebuilt. Current renovations are looking to make it better able to withstand the weather and some statues may be covered when you visit as a result. The statues on the bridge are now all replicas with the originals being located in museums. If you can, take in the sunrise from the bridge for a truly gorgeous sight.
Prague is an incredible city and there is so much to see in the Czech Republic that you’ll want to return again and again. If you are venturing outside the city consider visiting Kutná Hora and its famed bone church and silver mines, Litomyšl, Karlovy Vary, Karlštejn Castle, and Telč.
Cover photo: discoverwalks.com
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