Best Places to Visit in Prague

Your passport to the city that never sleeps.

Prague is one of the most spellbinding cities in Europe and a haven for the budget traveller. I, being a veteran traveller of Low Cost Vibes and having spent quite a few days roaming through the cobblestone streets of the Czech Republic, can come to a conclusive judgement regarding the place: Prague is worth visiting since it has a combination of history and culture which is unsurpassed by any other place, not to mention the low costs. The city’s compact grid makes it possible to see the major attractions in a couple of days and may not require a lot of money. 

The city is full of free activities, whether it is free public parks and gardens or the first weekend of every month, when discounted tickets are available to see any museum. In addition, the local food is inexpensive, especially trdelník, goulash, and a Pilsner, especially if you eat in one of the old-fashioned žarka (bakeries) or in a small family-run restaurant.

When you are asking yourself what places to visit in Prague, it is best to start with the most recognisable landmarks: the incomparable skyline, the breathtaking views of the Prague Castle, the mechanical performance of the Astronomical Clock in the centre of Old Town and the stone-covered Charles Bridge that comes to life right in the morning. These attractions have a unique flair that speaks to the spirit of the city in the Middle Ages, but you can visit without emptying your pockets.

In a word, whether you are a traveller and a digital nomad or you are a group of friends on a shoestring budget, Prague has some must-see sights, low cost and a living atmosphere, which can make your euro go further. Don’t forget to bookmark the Low Cost Vibes website.

Best Prague Tourist Attractions

1. Prague Castle & St. Vitus Cathedral

The most attractive site in the city is the vast complex of Prague Castle, a must-visit on a tour of Prague. The castle grounds are free, but for a few euros, a guided tour of St. Vitus Cathedral, the Royal Palace, and the Golden Lane is also worth it for a more in-depth look at the place’s history and incredible architecture. As a budget traveller, I recommend the free walking tour that starts from the bottom of the castle; it is informative and very cheap. The panoramic view of the hilltop is one of the greatest in the Czech Republic, and you can take the panorama in the golden light of dusk without spending a single cent.

The easiest way to enjoy the perks of the castle is to go in the morning on a weekday when there are fewer people there, and the light is less harsh. Pack a small backpack and a reusable water bottle. There are so many little coffee shops around the neighbourhood where they will give you a free refill of your water bottle. If you want to do something unusual in Prague, it is worth walking through the hidden pedestrian tunnel under the castle and along the original city’s staircases, which are often overlooked but offer a great opportunity to feel as if you have entered a medieval tunnel.

2. Astronomical Clock & Old Town Square

The Medieval Astronomical Clock is an engineering wonder and a great place to visit in the central part of the old town. The free hourly performance of the twelve wooden figures of the Apostles and the Holy Trinity is a daily show that attracts a worldwide audience. Even the square itself is a free active cultural experience, with the buildings of the baroque colour palette and the Church of Our Lady before Tyn.

To visitors who ask, “What to see in Prague?” The square will also be home to a bustling open-air market every first Sunday of the month, where local artisans are offering their best handmade products at a great price – an ideal souvenir that will not empty their wallet. Should you need something different, then come and spend the night in the Old Town, which becomes a neon wonderland in the form of a night market with street performers and midnight food stalls.

The city centre of Prague is easily accessible on foot, and even though you can walk through the neighbouring streets on a shoestring budget, you might want to visit the views of the riverbank and take a river boat, which costs only a few euros, to sightsee the most iconic places in the city.

3. Charles Bridge

It is free to walk across the Charles Bridge, but you cannot put a price on the experience, and you don’t have to carry heavy wallets around. Make a trip through the stone arch in the 16th century at sunrise, listen to the sound of the Vltava river and admire the 30 statues that adorn the bridge. Kampa Island is the closest place to take a serene break from the crowds and shoot some good photographs without paying a cent.

Among the unusual things to do in Prague, a cheap boat ride down the Vltava is suggested. For a couple of euros, you will get a different view of the monuments from the bridges over the water. Instead, go online and find a local street artist playing on the lower level of the bridge. The free improvisations provide a unique cultural expression of the city’s modern surroundings.

At snack time, go to a booth on the bridge; most stalls offer very reasonable prices for snacks as you enjoy the scenery. It is an ideal illustration of theistic places to visit in Prague, free of charge, and yet an experience to remember.

Prague is also a fantastic destination for couples, thanks to its romantic bridges, quiet gardens, and atmospheric old streets. Whether you are travelling with a partner or planning a special getaway, these best things to do in Prague for couples, highlight intimate experiences that fit beautifully into a low-cost itinerary.

4. Josefov (Jewish Quarter)

Josefov is a mesh of synagogues, the Old Jewish Cemetery, and the Spanish Synagogue. Most of these places of interest are also expensive to enter; however, the Jewish Museum has free admission on the first Sunday of every month, which fits the low-budget traveller well.

To experience it to the fullest, I recommend using the free audio guide available in different languages, which offers a rich history of the Jewish Quarter. To save your wallet, ditch guided group tours and stroll the streets at your leisure: at every corner, there is a new story of defiance.

To find some unusual things to do in Prague, pay a visit to the tiny but mighty Jewish Costume Museum behind the Old-New Synagogue. It is ignored, but it is the only place where one can get a glimpse of the cultural style of various periods at no cost, though there is a charge for high-quality photographs.

Exploring Josefov at dusk, the dimly lit synagogues make it seem ghostly, almost mystical, which makes them well placed in the list for low-end photographers who want to capture the city’s spiritual legacy.

5. Wenceslas Square

The political and cultural heart of today’s Prague is Wenceslas Square. This is a great place to do a bit of shopping, try some street food and see the side of the city with the modern atmosphere. The square has a museum at the top of the National Museum, which can be entered at a comparatively low price. There are also cafes and galleries around the museum, which give it a very energetic, affordable vibe.

For visitors who ask whether Prague is worth visiting, this square can be a worthy answer: it is the centre of the city’s life, the place where the past and the present collide. Spend a day walking through the areas of the statue of Jan Palach to the busier street sellers that sell everything, to the artisanal chocolates, to the local brewed beer.

In the case of unusual attractions, it is worth a look at the annual Toboggan Run, which starts behind the National Museum on Christmas Eve and offers a free, exhilarating ride down the slopes of the square for the brave.

Unusual & Unique Things to Do

6. Kafka’s Spinning Head

Ask people what to see in Prague, and the first things that will likely come to their mind are the legendary Astronomical Clock or Charles Bridge. However, the most unusual and unique activity in the city (at least to the budget traveller) is located in a secret niche in the Old Town, where the Kafka of the Spinning Head is located.

It is a massive sculpture, a tribute to Franz Kafka, with a rotating head that covers the sky, beneath which people walk. Its original form was a comment on the ridiculousness of contemporary life, and it has since become an Instagram-famous photo op among tourists with Instagram accounts. The best part? It’s completely free to visit. One whole day is sufficient to walk around the local alleys, admiring other pieces of weird street art and visit a local coffee house where one can have a Latte for less than a Euro.

The tourist attractions of Prague are often crowded, but Spinning Head is more relaxed and no less interesting. To find a free personal day in the city, it is also an excellent place to start, have a good rest, socialise with locals, and explore the other side of Prague that other time-starved tourists do not see as well.

7. Infinity Book Tower

An image of the Infinity Book Tower in your mind’s eye may be of a library which is spiralling, and that is what it is. It is a wonder of modern design, a unique, unusual experience to have in Prague that combines architecture and literature.

The tower is located in the centre of the city and rotates very slowly to provide a 360-degree view of the town. There are hundreds of books on the walls, and each floor has a different theme: Czech folklore, modern art, etc. Though time-strapped, a fast trip is a must-visit site in the itinerary of any traveller.

Better still, the price is relatively low, and there are plenty of low-priced cafes in the neighbourhood around the tower, where you can enjoy a hot cup of coffee and spend less than a dollar doing so. As people who might wonder about where to go in Prague besides the most common places, the Infinity Book Tower will not make you indifferent, as it has an unusual look, and you can spend your free time in its quietest spots.

8. Museum of Miniatures

To the tourist who fancies a dose of mystery and fascination, the Exhibition of Miniatures is the place to visit. It is a gallery, in fastidious, virtually laboratory-like fashion, of a selection of exquisitely detailed works, each the size of a matchbox.

The best part is the experience of seeing the paintings with a microscope: visitors can zoom in on the small canvases, discovering secrets that would never have been guessed by even the most professional of artists. It is a truly bizarre activity in Prague, offering an almost magical view of the city’s artistic heritage.

The cost of a museum ticket is quite low, especially when compared with a full-day ticket to a typical attraction in Prague. Also, if you are looking for what to do in Prague without spending a dime, you can always check out the exterior and gardens in the area.

9. Zizkov TV Tower

Another unique activity that everyone should do in Prague is visit the Zizkov TV Tower. The tower is predominantly utilitarian, but it is nevertheless a bold work of modern architecture with an eye-catching, asymmetrical shape that breaks up the old skyline.

There is an observation deck that offers a panorama of the city, where the Vltava River winds around the high spires. For the low-end traveller, the entry fee is not too high, and the experience is not fully appreciated on mainstream tours.

Even when you want to spend a day in Prague, free of charge, you can still enjoy the park that surrounds the tower (although it is not the biggest one) and even experience the street art atmosphere that surrounds the tower, which is a great alternative to those who are tired of standing in line at the major sights.

10. Villa Bilek

Villa Bilek is a must-see for people who care about architecture and the notorious part of the Czech capital, located in a quiet alley behind Prague Castle. This is an eclectic exterior and interior of a marvellous, unique Art Nouveau house; one cannot help but feel that they have entered a surreal dreamworld.

The unusual thing about Villa Bilek is that it was initially used as a home for a family that was fond of the weird. People get a chance to visit the interior rooms, with peculiar and attractive decorations (each), and hear about the crazy history of the house.

Although it is free to enter, the area contains several cheap eateries where you can try some traditional Czech street food. It is a perfect destination for tourists who want to spend a day of freedom with a little history and a unique architectural style, without having to empty their wallets.

Best Outdoor Places to Visit

11. Petřín Hill

My favourite viewpoint of the city is Petřín Hill, which offers a free climb with views of the city and its spires set against the Vltava River is one of the places to visit in Prague for free. Beginning with the Petřin Lookout Tower, you can further explore the curvy paths topped with a relaxing wooded territory. The skyline of the city is revealed as it rises: in the distance, the Church of St. Vitus rises, and the Charles Bridge snaking across the river. There is also the mirror maze on the hill and the rose garden to make the way fun and smell very sweet.

Whether you are a photography lover or just someone who wants some time alone to think about the world around them, the panoramic views of Petřin Hill are another destination that should not be overlooked, as it is a free attraction. It is quite the prettiest sight of all at sunset, when the city-lights are just starting off to sparkle like a city of stars, and the golden hour is touching the rooftops with warm amber. The walk up Petrine Hill should be a classical experience for all the budget travellers, as there is no charge attached, just invaluable memories.

12. Letná Park

The Letna park is a large green oasis standing above the river, best visited at sunset, without spending any cash. When you walk through the meandering tracks, you will be able to come across a thousand benches and open areas that call you to relax and enjoy the river traffic. The park’s easy access makes it a perfect location for locals and visitors, especially in the evenings when the city’s lights reflect on the water.

Towards the end of the park, the Prague National Gallery frequently has free exhibitions on, and you can get some gorgeous shots of the Prague Castle being reflected in the still waters of the river. The park is also at a special height and offers views of Old Town Square and the Charles Bridge. A perfect place to relax and unwind without leaving the city is the open-air theatre at Letna Park, which often hosts free concerts, so it is a dynamic cultural centre without costing much

13. Vítkov Hill

Vitkov Hill, overlooking the Old Town, is the best destination for tourists looking for free walking routes with views of the city. The hill is accessible by public tram or a pleasant stroll that starts at the New Town Square, and the routes pass through historical fortifications and greenery. The top offers a 360-degree panoramic view of the city’s spires, including the Rumburk Tower, and the Básniak (poetry area) provides a place to find a quiet corner for reading and reflecting.

The free status of the hill implies your free way of enjoying the classic scenery of the Vltava River and the Charles Bridge, and more so in the golden hours of dawn or evening. Along the way, you will find the Prague 2000 sculpture and the Mausoleum of the Legionnaires, which will add an additional historical dimension to the experience. Vitkov Hill is a perfect place to enjoy the architectural beauty of Prague without spending a penny among the budget travellers.

Places That Are Free or Cheap

14. Lennon Wall

The Lennon Wall is located at the edge of the Old Town, making the streets of Prague an open gallery. First painted in 1987, it has become a lively canvas that welcomes spontaneous contributions, a symbol of resistance and hope. All the graffiti tags, poems, pop art works you look at are proof of the creativity of the city- and all of that is free!

Why is this place a cheap destination? To start with, one has the freedom to roam, capture images, and even put their own artistic touch. The wall’s central location gives you the option to combine the experience with a walk along the Vltava River, a cup of coffee at a local cafe, or a snack at a street-food stand, all for a lot less than a guided tour. The Lennon Wall is a lesson in itself, aside from being too beautiful. The rotating art on the wall is a changing commentary on the youth of Prague and a nice exhibition of background to capture the city’s unique character. To the real adventurer, there are hidden places by the wall with messages and small mosaics, rewarded with a little searching.

If you are wondering what things to do in Prague, it’s often visit the Grand Palace or the Charles Bridge. Still, the Lennon Wall is a reminder of how the ultimate experiences are usually where no one has ever gone before. A panoramic view of the city will be the best addition you can get by stopping by the closest place, the Charles Bridge, to conclude your day of free, immersive sightseeing.

15. Dancing House

A good example of modern architecture in the centre of the Old Town, Prague, is the Dancing House or TANACIK DUM. The wavy face of the building, designed by Frank Gehry and Vlado Milunic, appears to be dancing, a visual metaphor for the fluid combination of traditional and modern elements of a city designed by the author of this design, Prague.

The Dancing House is open to budget travellers. The exterior is open for sightseeing, and the building also offers amazing photo opportunities, especially at sunrise or sunset when the city’s golden light is reflected in the glass windows. The ground-floor gallery is free to visit from time to time, and there is an inexpensive meal with an overlook of the top-floor restaurant (a luxury in this city; however, it will hurt your wallet).

The best part? The building’s location puts you in direct contact with Old Town Square and the Astronomical Clock, allowing you to include a visit to the area as part of other free attractions. When wandering around, you will find that the Dancing House is an unusual juxtaposition with the medieval spires, creating an architectural conversation that is both unusual and compelling.

When the question of whether or not you should visit Prague arises, the answer is a resounding yes. The Dancing House proves that Prague is not just a town of stone and spires but also a canvas for modern design, showing that the range of things to see in Prague is as diverse as it is accessible.

16. Old Churches

The skyline of Prague is carefully mixed with tall churches, most of which can be entered for free. The Prague attractions, such as the St. Nicholas Church in the New Town, the Church of St. Wenceslaus in the Old Town, or the Church of St. Lawrence in the Lesser Town, are just some of the most popular places you can visit without spending a single euro.

They are witnesses to the city’s glorious history, as these churches are in Gothic, Baroque, and Renaissance styles. It contains lavish altarpieces, exquisitely carved woodwork, and an atmosphere of silent devotion, which is a curious contrast to the hurly-burly on the streets. Most of them offer free service every day or have open house hours (you can enjoy the architecture and sometimes even the live organ playing).

These historic churches are not only significant places to visit for their beauty, but they also offer a close encounter with the religious history of Prague; hence, they are a must-visit when you are asked what to see in Prague. It is also free, and you can even squeeze in visiting several churches in a day, which is still part of your itinerary, but does not impact your budget.

If it is something different and unusual you want to be a part of, you cannot afford to miss the church of the Archangel St. Michael, a Gothic masterpiece located in a quiet alley. It is not so well known, but the inside of the building is a secret treasure that suits perfectly the traveller who likes to explore the city’s history at street level.

16. Petřin Gardens and Rose Garden

A short walk out of the Old Town, there are the Petřin Gardens, which provide a great break in the city of Prague. The park has lovely lawns, winding walks, and quaint follies, and is an excellent place for a day’s outing. Better still, the gardens are free, except you want to pay a little money to climb the Petřin Lookout Tower – then you can still have the panoramic views of the city, as you have to walk to the crest of the hill.

The gardens are particularly favourite on sunny afternoons when the rose garden is a sweet carpet of colours. The rose beds are nice to walk through, and the structures that surround the area are also unique, adding a playful element.

Buy a ticket for skip-the-line admission to the Petřín Tower (free as a local, 2 euros as a tourist) after visiting the Petřín Tower and a ticket for visiting Prague Castle (which is the most understandable symbol in the city) without waiting in the queue.

A small cafe and a playground are also in the Petrokhin area, which is an ideal family-friendly place. And for those who are curious, a free guided walking tour of the gardens is available on some days as an additional cultural enrichment for your visit.

Local & Off‑Beat Experiences

17. Residential Zones

Visit the part of the area of the city of Zizkov or Vinohrady to have cafes and bars

Both Vinohrady and Žižkov are the beating heart of modern Prague. Wandering through the little streets, you will meet an eclectic mix of street art, beer gardens and cheap restaurants in the district of Zizkov. The pubs in the neighbourhood are laid-back; most of them offer a free one-hour Czech lager after a certain time in the evening, which is also a great way to save money.

Vinohrady, however, is a very beautiful contrast of exemplary buildings and warm cafes. The Vinohrady Market is the best place to enjoy local goods – vatika, kolac, and kugla.

The good thing about both neighbourhoods is that they both have free public transport, and so you can travel between them with a single day pass, meaning that you will not spend much money as you savour the culinary delights of the city.

18. Hidden Gardens & Courtyards

The secret gardens in Prague are like the underground reservoirs of nature hidden within the stone walls. The Peace Garden on Kampa Island is a peaceful place to rest, with colourful plants and a great view of the Vltava River.

The other treasure is the Secret Courtyard of the Church of the Assumption in the Old Town. This backyard is an extended area of greenery, which is adorned with benches and flowerbeds – a perfect option one would choose in case of wanting to have a little picnic.

These gardens are free and often ignored by most tourist guides. By going to them, you have a chance to breathe the air, admire the beautiful surroundings, and get close to the natural facet of Prague.

19. Traditional pubs

Old pubs in a style of beer culture that is typical of the Czech Republic. One can explore Prague’s beer culture without straining the budget. The historic U Fleku pub has been brewing its own beer since 1499 and offers visitors a low-priced tasting session. The ceiling-to-floor bottles in the pub give it a certain historic, friendly atmosphere.

Another secret that must not be ignored is the name of the building: the Pivovarsky dum, an old beer hall that offers local lagers and ales and regularly offers discounts on the menu; its visitors have to order from it.

Also not to be left out is the Rex, a vintage Viennese-style bar where you can have a cheap pilsner and, at the same time, listen to live jazz. All of these conventional pubs offer an authentic taste of Czech beer culture at a fraction of the price of high-end bars, making them part of the low-end travel experience.

Tips that could help budget travellers

• The city has a wide range of free attractions and parks: Museums, gardens, and historical sites are available in Prague.
• Exploration by foot: Walking its obscure lanes and viewpoints is the most captivating aspect of the city. A walking tour may be more illuminating than an expensive guided one.
• Combine traditional attractions with bizarre attractions – Combine the standard attractions with offbeat areas and lesser-known attractions to create a balanced attraction.
• Take trams/metros: The trams and metros in Prague are efficient and cheap; a day ticket can save you money when you want to move to another district.  Official routes, fares, and travel passes are available on the Prague Integrated Transport system website.
• Check the discounted city pass, Prague Card, which offers you free or discounted access to most attractions and free transport.
• Eat like a local: Have dinner in traditional cafes, markets, or street stalls, where you can find cheaper, authentic local food.

Final Thought 

Now that you know the tips and have the advice provided under Low Cost Vibes, you are in a position to explore the best that Prague has to offer, including the crown jewel of Prague’s attractions and the Forgotten Lanes that make the city an unforgettable experience. Travel safely, and let your budget remain as strong as the old beauty of Prague! 

FAQs about Places to Visit in Prague