An Active Guide: 2 Days in Prague on a Budget
Travelling to Prague on a budget or just passing through on your way to your next destination? Whether you're here for a few days or just want to avoid those pesky "tourist traps", Prague offers plenty of inexpensive attractions that any traveller would enjoy! Whether it be grabbing a drink, learning about Czech history or taking in some of the gorgeous architectural masterpieces and views. Here's a list of things you should consider doing during your short stay in Prague that won't break the bank account and will keep you active!
Located in the city's Old Town, this sight is absolutely free and easy to access by foot or by public transportation! As the oldest functioning astronomical clock in Europe, hundreds of people gather around Prague's famous monument every day, minutes before the strike of each hour. It features moving figures, such as the Skeleton that represents death, the Apostles moving through the doors at the top, the Miser with his bag of gold and the Turk playing his guitar as entertainment. Legend has it that if the clock stops working, misery will fall upon Prague. So come early to witness this truly unique medieval work of art!
If you walk alongside the Vltava river, you can't miss Charles bridge. It's an absolute must see! Built in the 15th century, this remarkable bridge offers a 360-degree view of Prague and thirty statues made in the Baroque and Gothic styles - the city's pride and staple architecture. The sculptures depict the various saints of the time and make sure you don't miss the cross on the ground close to the statue of St John of Nepomuk (8th statue on your right from Old Town Square)! If you touch it and make a wish it is said to come true in a year!
Take a walk all the way up Mala Strana to visit Prague Castle. This palace is situated on a hill and is so majestic it can be seen from any point in the city! Roam around the castle ground and see inside 700-year-old St Vitus Church absolutely free! If you want more detailed sights of the church and the palace, the cheapest ticket is 150 CZK (roughly 5 euros) and the most expensive one is 350 CZK (roughly 13 euros). The great thing about Prague castle is that you can clearly see at which point in time it was built and rebuilt, following the Gothic and Baroque architecture.
This city is really rich in hidden treasures such as the gardens beneath Prague Castle. Most people don't know about them and the great thing is that they're rarely crowded!
If you like a little taste of Italy combined with a dash of Prague's mystery charm, check out the Wallenstein Garden:
This garden is right between Malostranske Namesti and Malostranska tram stops. Created in the 17th century, this labyrinth garden is definitely a sight to see! One of the main highlights is this beautiful manmade grotto wall, giving this renaissance garden a more obscure and different feature. Keep walking the grounds to observe sculptures depicting Roman mythological heroes and spend some time with the birds (the peacocks roam freely here). The garden is open seven days a week and the entrance is free!
If you're into hiking, you'll really appreciate Petrin hill and its enormous apple garden. If you're lucky and it's apple season, grab a snack for the road!
When the weather's nice, try going to a beer garden for a brew! It's where most locals and expats hang out, it's a great change of scenery from your average (or pricey!) bar and a chance to experience Prague from the insider's perspective. Most beers range from 30 to 35 CZK (roughly 1 euro) and the outdoor seating usually comes with a view.
Riegrovy Beer Garden is a great option.
Beer gardens have a great atmosphere, often accompanied by live music and the best part of all, a fair price for a pint of beer! A great place to meet fellow travellers or locals, friendly atmosphere guaranteed!
And if this list isn't enough, keep in mind that there are dozens of churches, museums, bridges, parks and gardens that are open to visitors every day for a small fee or free of charge. But, whether you're here for two days or two weeks, bring your runners or some super comfortable shoes! You'll need them!
Aleksandra (Sasha) Koplik
1. Visit the Astronomical Clock
Located in the city's Old Town, this sight is absolutely free and easy to access by foot or by public transportation! As the oldest functioning astronomical clock in Europe, hundreds of people gather around Prague's famous monument every day, minutes before the strike of each hour. It features moving figures, such as the Skeleton that represents death, the Apostles moving through the doors at the top, the Miser with his bag of gold and the Turk playing his guitar as entertainment. Legend has it that if the clock stops working, misery will fall upon Prague. So come early to witness this truly unique medieval work of art!
via Jorge Láscar, Flickr
2. Take a walk on Charles Bridge
If you walk alongside the Vltava river, you can't miss Charles bridge. It's an absolute must see! Built in the 15th century, this remarkable bridge offers a 360-degree view of Prague and thirty statues made in the Baroque and Gothic styles - the city's pride and staple architecture. The sculptures depict the various saints of the time and make sure you don't miss the cross on the ground close to the statue of St John of Nepomuk (8th statue on your right from Old Town Square)! If you touch it and make a wish it is said to come true in a year!
via Roman Boed, Flickr
3. Visit Prague Castle
Take a walk all the way up Mala Strana to visit Prague Castle. This palace is situated on a hill and is so majestic it can be seen from any point in the city! Roam around the castle ground and see inside 700-year-old St Vitus Church absolutely free! If you want more detailed sights of the church and the palace, the cheapest ticket is 150 CZK (roughly 5 euros) and the most expensive one is 350 CZK (roughly 13 euros). The great thing about Prague castle is that you can clearly see at which point in time it was built and rebuilt, following the Gothic and Baroque architecture.
source: pixabay.com/en/prague-night-city-castle-house-913261/
4. Visit one of Prague's many Gardens
This city is really rich in hidden treasures such as the gardens beneath Prague Castle. Most people don't know about them and the great thing is that they're rarely crowded!
If you like a little taste of Italy combined with a dash of Prague's mystery charm, check out the Wallenstein Garden:
via sashavk.com
This garden is right between Malostranske Namesti and Malostranska tram stops. Created in the 17th century, this labyrinth garden is definitely a sight to see! One of the main highlights is this beautiful manmade grotto wall, giving this renaissance garden a more obscure and different feature. Keep walking the grounds to observe sculptures depicting Roman mythological heroes and spend some time with the birds (the peacocks roam freely here). The garden is open seven days a week and the entrance is free!
If you're into hiking, you'll really appreciate Petrin hill and its enormous apple garden. If you're lucky and it's apple season, grab a snack for the road!
source: instagram.com/thethoughtcontrolblog
5. Grab a Drink at a Local Beer Garden
When the weather's nice, try going to a beer garden for a brew! It's where most locals and expats hang out, it's a great change of scenery from your average (or pricey!) bar and a chance to experience Prague from the insider's perspective. Most beers range from 30 to 35 CZK (roughly 1 euro) and the outdoor seating usually comes with a view.
Riegrovy Beer Garden is a great option.
via Lovro Rumiha, Flickr
Beer gardens have a great atmosphere, often accompanied by live music and the best part of all, a fair price for a pint of beer! A great place to meet fellow travellers or locals, friendly atmosphere guaranteed!
And if this list isn't enough, keep in mind that there are dozens of churches, museums, bridges, parks and gardens that are open to visitors every day for a small fee or free of charge. But, whether you're here for two days or two weeks, bring your runners or some super comfortable shoes! You'll need them!
Aleksandra (Sasha) Koplik
