How to Experience the Beauty of Prague on a Budget
If you’ve been enchanted by the romantic allure of Paris or won over by the colorful markets of Barcelona, you’ll be mesmerized by the “City of a Hundred Spires” — Prague. Prague is otherworldly, with a medieval beauty that feels straight out of a st
If you ve been enchanted by the romantic allure of Paris or won over by the colorful markets of Barcelona, you ll be mesmerized by the City of a Hundred Spires ” Prague. Prague is otherworldly, with a medieval beauty that feels straight out of a storybook. It has an 1100-year-old heritage of castles and cathedrals and one of the highest densities of UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the world.
The city s history is also extraordinarily lengthy, allowing it to gradually establish itself as a political, cultural, and economic hub in Europe. Simply put, Prague has much to offer its visitors, including phenomenal architecture, traditional Czech food, and cheap beer for a fun night out. But let s take a step back for a second. Unlike talk, travel doesn t always come cheap. So, is it possible to experience Prague in all its glory while sticking to a tight budget?
Good news ” it is! We ll show you how.
Getting Around
Your first course of action is to figure out how to get around without relying on expensive methods. Luckily, Prague has a highly convenient public transit system that can take you anywhere. Unlike the US, most of the city s locals use public transportation, which is why it s taken so seriously. Depending on the length of your stay in the city, you can choose from 30-minute ($1.25), 90-minute ($1.67), 24-hour ($5.01), and 3-day ($13.78) tickets that give you access to the buses, trains, and trams, all of which are incredibly affordable. There are also monthly, quarterly, and annual passes, with the yearly pass costing about the same as a monthly ticket in larger North American cities.
Finding Accommodation
Most destinations won t have the budget-to-comfort ratio that Prague does. Many of the budget hotels in the city are well-located, comfortable, and clean, so travelers are spoiled for choice. The Ibis Hotel chain has three locations: one in the Old Town, one in Wenceslas Square, and one in Mala Strana. These are sound choices if you want to stay at a big-name chain in a convenient location. Alternatively, you can choose local hotels like the Royal Court Hotel or a hostel like Sophie s Hostel. It s also common to house-sit for locals in exchange for a place to stay or book a short-term rental.
Touring the City s Iconic Landmarks for Free
Prague is rich in landmarks that every sightseeing fan will want to see, but entry tickets are, unfortunately, not as affordable as public transport. Although certain products and services are cheaper in the city, tourists will have to fork out typical prices to see those popular sites. While you can purchase tickets online or at the site, you can also buy bundles to save you a percentage of the cost. For example, if you re planning to see both the interior of the Prague Castle and the Astronomical Clock Tower, you can save 10% by opting for a combination ticket.
Similar to other iconic cities, like Las Vegas, the exterior of these icons is so beautiful that you can save money and simply enjoy the outside. And while Vegas offers hundreds of money casinos and other thrills you won t typically find in Prague, sites like Charles Bridge, Old Town Square, and Wenceslas Square are all incredible and free to visit. Meanwhile, Prague Castle requires an entry fee for the inside, but you can also tour the castle grounds for free.
The city also offers countless free walking tours, some with storytelling and others focusing on a specific facet of Prague. You could book an after-dark tour that focuses on dark history and folklore or experience the Christmas festivities in December.
Enjoying Cheap Eats
Finding delicious local dishes at a good price in Prague is generally not difficult. While there are fine dining restaurants dotted around the city, the mid-tier and hole-in-the-wall gems will blow your mind. Many people say that it has some of the best cheap eats in the entirety of Europe. That s quite the claim, considering the countries and cities it has to compete with.
If you re looking to try affordable Czech cuisine, Restaurace Pod Vysehradem can be found right under the historic hill fortress Vysehrad. The menu is extensive, featuring bohemian dumplings, goulash, and other staples in a warm and welcoming environment. Looking for more of a pub scene with ice-cold beer and local dishes to pair with it? U Pivrnce is the perfect place for a memorable evening. The beauty of Prague is that you don t necessarily have to stray far from the city center to find a reasonably priced meal.
Taking in Prague s Natural Beauty
Regardless of where you go in the world, natural spaces are usually free to see. And in Prague, we aren t just talking about little parkettes and beautiful trees. When we talk about nature there, we re referring to stunning gardens, giant nature reserves, interesting caves, rock formations, and national parks. Fan of the outdoors? You can start your budget-friendly adventure at Letná Park, an urban park popular for various activities, including picnicking and hiking. Then, head over to the grounds of the Waldstein Palace and stroll through the elegant baroque gardens. The Prague Botanical Gardens are also worth a visit, teeming with tree and flower species, and costs a measly $5 (120 CZK) if you purchase your ticket online.
Since transportation is so cheap, you can also venture outside Prague for a day trip to scenic places like Hruboskalsko Rock City,theMacocha Abyss, and even the Broumov Area. These breathtaking natural sites are a great way to get away from the city for a little while and reconnect with Prague s surroundings.
The post How to Experience the Beauty of Prague on a Budget appeared first on Prague Post.
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