Prague on the Cheap (with Video Highlights)

Prague is famous for its many graceful bridges

Imagine a honeymoon in romantic Prague, with its turreted castles, cobbled streets, a river criss-crossed by bridges, and a cornucopia of cultural events, museums, restaurants, markets, parks, and much more. A nice point: it's all yours at a lower cost than in most European capitals. The Czech Republic still uses the Czech Crown rather than the more expensive Euro, which translates into excellent overall value for travelers. Beyond that, here are a few tips to help whittle your costs even further in the City of Spires.

Note: Be sure to watch the video, below, which gives an overview of Prague's highlights and shows off the city's beauty

Purchase the Prague Card. Geared to sightseeing tourists, this card offers free entry to over 50 of the city's best tourist attractions (including Prague Castle, the National Museum, Sternberg Palace, the Museum of Decorative Arts, the Mozart Museum, the Powder Tower, and Old Town Hall). A built-in benefit, preferred entry, means not having to wait in line. The Pass, which comes with a 150-page Prague guidebook, offers other discounts on shopping and dining.

Free Prague Tours. One of the best things you can do in Prague, taking a walk through the magnificent city, is completely free. While you'll probably be walking on your own each day, you'll learn a lot by going with a guided tour group called Free Prague Tours---the tours are indeed free, but you can help keep them going by tipping your guide at the end. The English-speaking guides are licensed and know their history. The tour starts at the Old Town Square/Astronomical clock, and follows to the Powder Tower, Wenceslas Square, National Museum, and Jewish Ghetto. Along the way, indulge in great architecture, churches, art, shopping, markets, gardens and parks.

Hotels. As for the city's accomodations, there's something to suit every taste and budget---and at rates lower than most other European countries. If you stay slightly away from Old Town---we're talking no more than a 10-minute walk from the the main tourist area---you'll find much better prices. Do your research to settle on one or two hotels that offers a good location, good ratings, and has a rep for value. Once you do, use a discounted calling card to call the hotels directly. Ask for their best rate (you probably won't get it by booking online).

Cultural Happenings. Prague boasts a world-class music scene, with concerts, operas, and ballets performed throughout the year. Tickets for afternoon concert performances at the National Theater, the Estates Theater, and the Prague State Opera are downright cheap, with balcony seats going for as little as $5. 

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© Suzanne Rodriguez 2009

Video: Prague Travel Guide