The fifth most-visited city in Europe, Prague has always been a popular getaway choice, but perhaps not for the right reasons: The Czech capital is seen as a go-to destination for gap years and stag dos, due to its laid-back atmosphere and unbeatable prices. It can feel like an incredibly touristy place, if not done right.
However, Prague has an emerging grown-up side that belies its party reputation. Many exciting galleries have opened over the last few years, with a focus on homegrown talent. And forget any bad things you've heard about Czech cuisine, it only takes a bit of digging to discover hidden culinary gems, made even better by the fact that it's all delightfully affordable.
Ahead, we've rounded up all the points of interest that offer a sophisticated yet affordable way to see Prague, from off-the-beaten-track markets to day trips that are actually worth your time. You'll be super glad that you spent your holiday doing stuff — instead of clubbing all night.
Getting There
You can fly to the Czech Republic for a song: The two-hour direct flight from Luton Airport to Prague can run as little as £18 if you fly with Wizz Air. Non-stop flights are also available from Manchester, Birmingham, Bristol and Edinburgh.
Once you arrive at Václav Havel airport, the most cost-effective way to get to the city centre is by bus. No. 119 is by far the most popular line, as it takes you right to metro line A, which passes through major attractions such as the Old Town Square and Prague Castle. The price for a travel ticket valid for 90 minutes is €1.24. It should take just under an hour to get into town using public transportation.
Your travel time will be reduced by half if you opt for a taxi, which usually sets you back between €25 and €27.
If you're looking for that sweet spot between cost and comfort, Ubering might be the ideal choice. It's only about €15 each way.
Where To Stay
Accommodation, like most things in Prague, comes at great value. There are plenty of chic options on Airbnb for €30-45 a night. We'd vote against staying in the Old Town, however: It's an overpriced area abound with rowdy bars, souvenir shops and gimmicky beer spas. Plus, the Astronomical Clock — arguably the area's biggest draw — is currently under repair.
To get away from the hoi polloi, we'd go with Holešovice (also known as Prague 7), a quiet neighbourhood that's enjoyed a hipster transformation in recent years. Numerous coffee shops, eateries and galleries have cropped up, and you'll be surprised by the number of dirt cheap antique treasures buried in the area. Many of the antique stores and charity shops can't be found online, so you'll have to do the legwork and actually walk around.
If you're determined to stay at a hotel, look to the other side of the Vltava River: Malá Strana, or "Lesser Town", is a picturesque neighbourhood perched atop a hill. It's a lot more peaceful than the Old Town, but the historic architecture here is just as breathtaking. With the lowest rates coming just under £100 per night, Hotel Pod Věží is a solid choice if you have to stick to a budget.
Where To Eat & Drink
Dining out in Prague is an amazing bargain. Trust us: If you're used to London prices, you'll gasp in disbelief every time the bill comes. Many restaurants offer great value in terms of quality and portions, especially at hospodas, also known as traditional Czech pubs. Cocktails typically won't cost you more than €5 and a pint of Pilsner Urquell — the iconic Czech draft beer — could very well be cheaper than water.
The one thing you shouldn't go for? Seafood dishes. Save your stomach real estate for smoked meats — the real stars of Czech cuisine.
Naše maso
This buzzing butchery is a meat lover's paradise. Serving up a variety of salamis, sausages and bacon made from pig breeds exclusive to this country, the shop is a perfect stopover for a quick and delicious meal. A wide selection of steaks is also available to be grilled on the spot. The quality is incredible for the price you pay. With so many choices on the menu, you'll probably want to come back again. Here's our expert advice: Fuel up on a platter of charcuterie and a heavenly meatloaf sandwich for lunch, and come back another day for the beef tartare and aged steaks. The space is really tight, so reserve in advance for the chef's table if you can.
Eska
Set in a former light factory in the heart of the Karlin District, the bright and airy Eska is where hip locals get their freshly made bread. The fragrant sourdough bread and salted butter are reason enough to keep you hooked, but be sure to also order the potatoes in ash, smoked fish, dried egg yolk, and kefir — a sizeable starter dish that's foamy, savoury and delightful all at once.
Lokál
This restaurant chain is well known for its rendition of classic Czech dishes at unbeatable prices, and you simply can't leave without trying fried cheese, a beloved Czech snack. We recommend skipping the flagship restaurant on Dlouhááá in the Old Town and choosing an alternate branch, where the waiting time is shorter and the chance of getting seated next to a table of chatty locals is significantly higher.
U Staré studny
U Staré studny is a cute cognac and wine bar tucked away in a dungeon. Ask for the special wine menu, which features bottles from the Moravian region.
Letna Beer Garden
Letna Park is a popular hangout for cool locals, and they descend en masse to the beer garden at the first sign of spring. It's not hard to see the appeal: You'll find a rather stunning view of the city from the comfort of the shaded wooden benches.
What To Do
Sapa Market (Little Hanoi)
Vietnamese immigrants actually form the third-largest minority group in the Czech Republic — a fact that seems surprising to most people. Many of these immigrants settled in Prague's suburbs during the communist era, and Sapa Market was born as a result. If you happen to have half a day free, do yourself a favour and Uber to this massive Vietnamese emporium. It's a bustling hub of Asian supermarkets, street food stalls, nail salons and wholesale centres. Make sure to arrive on an empty stomach, as you're about to taste the best and most authentic Vietnamese food in Europe: Some must-hit stops along your food crawl are Hai Phong (for the bún cá, aka fried fish vermicelli), Phuong Phuong for the steamed rice pancakes, and Pho Tung, which will ruin pho in other restaurants for you forever. To ward off that food coma, head to any Vietnamese iced coffee stalls around the market for your caffeine fix. Walking around here and people-watching might not be the type of sightseeing you expected from Prague, but you'll leave incredibly full and utterly fascinated.
DOX Centre for Contemporary Art
This sprawling museum spotlights paintings, sculptures and photography by Czech and Slavic artists. An enormous bamboo sculpture in the shape of an airship rests on the rooftop of the building, making for a fantastic Instagram moment. The merchandise selection at the gift shop is also ace.
Fifty-Fifty
If there's one store you see in Prague, let it be this charming secondhand shop. This small-but-mighty store is brimming with quality vintage finds, from Italian silk skirts to eclectic varsity jackets. The best part? The prices won't make a dent in your wallet.
Where To Take Day Trips
Prague has an exceptionally well-linked train system, which you should make full use of for your trip. The Moravian wine country and historic spa towns are just a short train ride away, but if you're running out of time, make sure to knock the following two places off your bucket list.
Český Krumlov
This UNESCO World Heritage City is truly the stuff of Czech fairytales. The terracotta roofs and verdant terrains are accentuated by the sparkling Vltava River, forming a spectacular vista that will make you pinch yourself. Most of your day will be spent admiring the town from the vantage of Český Krumlov Castle, a majestic complex situated on a dramatic cliff. It's best to book the 8.01am train from Prague's main railway station in advance, as there's only one direct service each day. Getting there takes about three hours.
Kutná Hora
Just 50 minutes away by train, Kutná Hora is a fantastic option for a day trip. Most people make the pilgrimage to see the Sedlec Ossuary, a spooky chapel decorated with over 40,000 human skeletons. The super fun Kutná Hora Bobsleigh Track, with the second longest track in Europe, can help you get over the chills with a jolt of adrenaline.
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