The Fair Finder

Czech Republic

Prague Travel Guide: Gothic Spires, Cheap Beer & Fairy-Tale Streets

Your complete guide to Prague — one of Europe's most beautiful and affordable capitals. Cheap flights, stunning architecture, legendary beer, and practical budget tips.

Why Prague?

Prague is the kind of city that makes you stop and stare. The Charles Bridge at dawn, the astronomical clock striking the hour, the castle looming over red rooftops — it’s genuinely stunning. Add in some of Europe’s cheapest beer, excellent food, and budget flights from across the UK, and you’ve got a near-perfect city break.

Getting There

Václav Havel Airport (PRG) is served by Ryanair, easyJet, Wizz Air, Jet2, and Czech Airlines.

Cheapest months to fly: January, February, and November. Returns under £25 are common.

Most expensive periods: Christmas markets (December), Easter, and summer weekends.

Pro tip: Ryanair and easyJet both compete heavily on Prague routes. Check The Fair Finder to compare — Deal Scores help you see who’s actually cheapest after bag fees.

Best Time to Visit

  • April to May: Mild (15-22°C), gardens in bloom, fewer tourists
  • June to August: Warm and busy, long evenings perfect for beer gardens
  • September: Ideal — warm weather, thinning crowds, wine harvest season
  • December: Christmas markets are magical, but flights and hotels spike

Where to Stay

Budget: Hostels from 300 CZK (£10)/night in Žižkov or Vinohrady.

Mid-range: Hotels in Vinohrady or Karlín from 1,500-2,500 CZK (£50-85)/night. Both are trendy, local districts.

Splurge: Old Town hotels from 3,500 CZK (£120)/night with views of the Vltava River.

What to Do

Free & Cheap

  • Cross Charles Bridge at sunrise (before the crowds)
  • Watch the Astronomical Clock strike on the hour at Old Town Square
  • Explore Malá Strana’s baroque streets below the castle
  • Petřín Hill — gardens, views, and a mini Eiffel Tower
  • Vyšehrad fortress — quieter castle with panoramic views

Worth Paying For

  • Prague Castle complex (350 CZK/£12, includes St. Vitus Cathedral interior)
  • Jewish Quarter museums (350 CZK/£12 combined ticket)
  • Beer spa experience (from 900 CZK/£30 — very Prague)
  • River cruise on the Vltava (from 300 CZK/£10)

Food & Drink

Czech cuisine is hearty and cheap. Beer is famously cheaper than water in many pubs.

  • Svíčková: Braised beef with creamy sauce and dumplings, the national dish, from 180 CZK (£6)
  • Trdelník: Chimney cake — a touristy but tasty street snack, 80 CZK (£2.70)
  • Smažený sýr: Fried cheese with tartar sauce, 120 CZK (£4) — the Czech guilty pleasure
  • Czech beer: A half-litre of Pilsner Urquell or Staropramen from 45 CZK (£1.50) at local pubs

Budget meal: Lunch menus (polední menu) at local restaurants cost 130-200 CZK (£4.50-7) for soup and a main course.

Day Trips

  • Kutná Hora (1 hour by train): Bone church (Sedlec Ossuary), Gothic cathedral, silver mine
  • Český Krumlov (3 hours): Fairytale UNESCO town, rafting on the Vltava
  • Karlštejn Castle (40 min): Gothic castle in a wooded valley
  • Terezín (1 hour): WWII memorial and former concentration camp

Getting Around

  • Airport to centre: Bus 119 + metro (40 CZK/£1.35, 40 min). Airport Express bus 150 CZK (£5). Taxis cost 700+ CZK (£24+).
  • Local transport: 24-hour pass 120 CZK (£4). The metro, trams, and buses are excellent.
  • Walking: The Old Town, Jewish Quarter, and Malá Strana are all walkable.

Money-Saving Tips

  1. Fly midweek for the cheapest Prague fares — check Deal Scores on The Fair Finder
  2. Eat polední menu (lunch specials) at local pubs for a full meal under £5
  3. Drink at neighbourhood pubs in Žižkov or Vinohrady, not in the Old Town Square
  4. Take the bus + metro from the airport instead of a taxi (saves £20+)
  5. Buy a 72-hour transport pass (330 CZK/£11) for a long weekend
  6. Avoid exchange offices on the street — they charge terrible rates. Use ATMs or Revolut.
  7. Visit Prague Castle early morning to avoid tour group queues