9 cheap ways to experience Prague on a budget

With a mix of fairy-tale charm and Soviet-era grit, there are plenty of inexpensive or free things to do in Prague that will allow you to visit this historic city without breaking the bank. Climb the Old Castle Steps for panoramic views, stroll along the Vltava River, or admire the ever-changing art on the John Lennon Wall. These wallet-friendly adventures will open the door to Prague’s top attractions and immerse you in the local culture.

Best free things to do in Prague

Best place for shopping: Náplavka Farmer’s Market
Best free attraction: John Lennon Wall and the Prague Castle Grounds
Best free activity: Climb Petrin Hill

1. Climb the Old Castle Stairs

Prague Castle, the world’s largest ancient castle, looms over the city and has witnessed centuries of change. This iconic monument is the heart of Czech history, connected to the old town by around 220 steps. Visitors who climb the Old Castle Stairs will be rewarded with sweeping views of the City of a Hundred Spires.

How to best experience it

Most indoor areas of the Prague Castle complex have an entry fee, but enjoying the castle grounds and gardens is free. With so many stories to be told, it’s worth joining a guided tour of Prague Castle to hear its fascinating history.

Address

Staré zámecké schody, 118 00 Malá Strana

Opening hours

Castle complex, 6:00 AM–10:00 PM
Historical buildings, 9:00 AM–5:00 PM
Old Castle Stairs, open 24 hours

2. Walk along the stunning Vltava River

The romantic Vltava River has long inspired the country’s most famous writers and musicians. A stroll along the river offers beautiful views of the city and an opportunity to discover fascinating historical monuments like Prague Castle and the Emmaus Monastery.

How to best experience it

You can begin your walk anywhere along the river, but the Charles Bridge is a great place to start. If the Old Castle Stairs were enough effort for the day, book a Vltava cruise and take in the views as your relax on the river.

Address

Karlův most, 110 00 Prague 1

Opening hours

Open 24 hours

3. Admire the art on the John Lennon Wall

What started as a memorial to the Beatles legend John Lennon later became a place of free expression for the people of communist Czechoslovakia. This living piece of graffiti art is constantly changing and growing, spreading ideas of peace, love, and freedom to everyone who visits.

How to best experience it

The John Lennon Wall is not far from the end of the Charles Bridge, so perfect to visit before or after you see the river. It’s one of many art treasures in the Bohemian capital, but unlike some of Prague’s top museums, this open-air gallery is totally free.

Address

Velkopřevorské nám., 118 00 Malá Strana

Opening hours

Open 24 hours

4. Grab a beer — it’s cheaper than water

Czech beer is a big reason to visit Prague, and unlike many European capitals, here it won’t make much of a dent in your spending money. Step into a cozy bar where wooden tables are filled with friendly, happy locals and pints of Prague’s famous beer.

How to best experience it

Any bar or restaurant around Prague will serve cheap beer — the Letna Beer Garden is popular with locals and tourists alike. Joining a beer-tasting tour in Prague is a fantastic way to immerse yourself in the city’s brewery culture.

5. Climb Petrin Hill for panoramic views

Petrin Hill, the highest hill in Prague, is crowned with a miniature version of the Eiffel Tower. Spending time in this peaceful escape from the city is one of the most popular free things to do in Prague, with lush parkland and epic views over the Czech capital’s historic landmarks and iconic red roofs.

How to best experience it

Petrin Hill offers some of the best views in Prague. You can hike to the top or ride the 19th-century cable car, which is part of Prague’s public transit system. The ride is pretty spectacular and only costs around 60 Czech Koruna ($2.50).

Address

Strahov, 169 00 Prague 6

Opening hours

Open 24 hours
Cable car operates 8:00 AM–11:00 PM

6. Attend a free concert in Wallenstein Garden

Summer is perhaps the best time to visit Prague, even when you’re on a budget. You can join locals as they flock to the Senate Palace to enjoy the Italian-style gardens and free afternoon concerts by jazz, classical, and choir groups. It’s the perfect place to relax, soak up the sun, and celebrate Prague’s vibrant music scene.

How to best experience it

These concerts take place weekly from May to September, with the full schedule available on the Senate website. If you’re visiting outside these months, don’t worry, there’s an abundance of concerts and operas in Prague year-round.

Address

Letenská 123/4, 118 00 Malá Strana

Opening hours

Weekdays, 7:00 AM–7:00 PM
Weekends and public holidays, 9:00 AM–7:00 PM
Concert times vary

7. See the oldest synagogue in Europe

Prague’s rich history has been shaped by revolutions, communist rule, and World War II. Once a thriving center of Jewish culture, with colorful buildings and places of worship — including the Old-New Synagogue, the oldest in Europe — and historic Jewish cemeteries, Prague’s Jewish Quarter is a testament to the city’s resilience.

How to best experience

While simply walking through the area is an incredible way to spend an afternoon, visiting the Prague Jewish Museum or taking a Jewish history walking tour will help you truly appreciate the neighborhood’s history and fascinating stories.

Address

Červená, 110 01 Jewish Quarter

Opening hours

Open 24 hours

8. Admire Gothic architecture at Prague’s most iconic church

Visible in any weather from almost any point in Prague, the Church of Our Lady before Týn is one of the city’s most striking Gothic buildings. Its ornate carvings of Christ’s life and the grand black and gold altar have captivated visitors for centuries.

How to best experience it

The church is located in Old Town Square, which is the starting point for many Prague walking tours. If you’re taking one of these tours, arrive a little early to have time to admire the church and the nearby astronomical clock, which puts on a show on the hour.

Address

Staroměstské nám., 110 00 Old Town

Opening hours

Tuesday–Saturday, 10:00 AM–1:00 PM and 3:00–5:00 PM
Sunday, 9:00 AM–noon
Monday, closed

9. Try local dishes at Prague’s best farmers’ markets

Farmers’ markets are the most authentic way to experience a city’s local cuisine, and Prague is no exception. Almost year-round, Czech farmers and business owners gather to sell seasonal goods — fresh produce in the summer and cheeses and hot soups in the winter.

How to best experience it

Náplavka Farmer’s Market is the most popular market in Prague. With a view of Prague Castle in the background, you can enjoy Czech produce, beer, and local specialties like rich beef goulash.

Address

Rašínovo nábřeží Vltavská, Náplavka, 120 00 Praha 2.

Opening hours

Saturday, 8:00 AM–2:00 PM (March–December)

FAQs

What are the best budget-friendly activities in Prague?

Thankfully, Prague offers many free and inexpensive activities for visitors. Those who like the outdoors may enjoy climbing Petrin Hill to see panoramic views of the city and the many beautiful gardens. History lovers will love spending an afternoon admiring colorful synagogues in one of Europe’s oldest Jewish Quarters.

What are the best free attractions in Prague?

The John Lennon Wall is an open-air museum of street art that spreads ideas of peace and love — and it’s free to visit. The art on the wall is ever-changing, with new pieces added regularly. You’ll never know exactly what kind of art you’ll see, but that’s what makes the John Lennon Wall so special.

What are the best free churches in Prague?

Most of the churches in Prague have no entrance fee, making hopping between the city’s many beautiful churches a great budget-friendly way to spend an afternoon. The Church of Our Lady Before Tyn, located in Prague’s Old Town Square, gives off a fairytale feel with its twin towers and vaulted ceilings. Most of St. Vitus Cathedral, located in the Prague Castle complex, can be visited for free. This church is considered the most important in the country, with many Czech queens and kings crowned and buried here.

What are the best free events in Prague?

Each summer, Wallenstein Gardens puts on free jazz, classica, and choir concerts. Bring a picnic, settle down in the garden, and enjoy the music in this charming Baroque-style atmosphere.

What is the cheapest way to travel around Prague?

Public transportation is very affordable and an easy way to get around Prague. It includes buses, metros, trams, ferry boats, and cable cars. Tickets can be purchased at any public transport station or onboard the buses and metros.