Prague on a Budget

This is a guest post from Ceri Houlbrook.

As a self-proclaimed history-buff, culture-junkie and travel-addict, a trip to Prague obviously ranked high on my bucket list. I’d heard nothing but good things about Czech’s beautiful capital; everyone who’s been there sings its praises, commending the architecture, the history, the atmosphere – and, more often than not, the beer.

Old Town Square

However, while Prague may be considered one of – if not the – most stunning cities in Europe, it also has a reputation for being rather expensive. And as a student backpacker, travelling on the skimpiest shoestring of a budget, I’d always hesitated in making Prague my next destination, fearing it would prove too pricey for my habitual penny-pinching ways. But when I stumbled across some ridiculously cheap flights from Manchester, UK to Prague (I think the outgoing journey cost me a mere $8), I just couldn’t resist spending a short weekend there. Carpe diem, right?

My search for hotels in Prague led me to Sir Toby’s Hostel. It’s a little out of the way – a ten minute tram ride to the city-centre – but, considering how low the prices are (380Kč – roughly $21 – a night in a shared dormitory), it’s certainly worth the journey. And what the hostel may lack in location, it certainly makes up for in atmosphere; every night, the hostel’s guests congregate in the cosy, brick-walled cellar, known simply as The Pub, where local bands come to play and fellow travellers can meet, chat, exchange stories, and – of course – guzzle Czech beer late into the night.

I couldn’t stay up too late though. With only one full day in Prague, and wanting to make the most of my trip, I had to set my alarm for the ungodly hour of six o’clock – yes, that’s six o’clock in the morning! Still half-asleep, I reached Vltava River just as the sun was cresting Prague Castle on the western bank. The river’s slow-moving waters are criss-crossed by dozens of bridges, the most iconic being Charles Bridge, lined with gothic statues that were silhouetted black against the dusty-pink, early-morning sky. Picture-perfect.

Prague Castle

With the morning wearing on, I headed into Old Town. Not bothering to consult a map – my navigational skills are non-existent – I simply wandered through the winding, cobbled streets, getting gleefully lost in the labyrinth of alleyways, courtyards, and market-squares. This city is literally oozing with culture and history, and just by wandering around aimlessly, you’re guaranteed to stumble across some treasures not mentioned in the travel guidebooks: a hidden church, an ivy-covered statue, a quaint little bookshop, a hip, backstreet restaurant.  However, the main attractions of Prague are well worth your time – and most of them are free, so long as you’re willing to forego the guided tours.

I clambered up about a thousand steps (no exaggeration) to reach Prague Castle, where I was rewarded with panoramic vistas of Prague’s stunning skyline; the city’s five hundred spires soaring above the clusters of quaint, white-walled, red-roofed buildings below. Having sat for a while to enjoy the view (and catch my breath again!) I then headed through the opulent gates of Prague Castle, flanked by guards and colossal statues, where I gawped at the stunning, gothic facade of St. Vitus Cathedral, explored the grounds of the Summer Palace, and meandered through the Castle’s pretty gardens and vineyard – all of which were free.

Prague Old Town

Heading back towards the Vltava, I made a detour to Wallenstein Gardens (also free entry), a beautiful set of walled gardens populated by albino peacocks and Graeco-Roman statues; a welcome oasis amidst the busy streets of Prague. With a full day of sightseeing under my belt – as well as a pair of very blistered feet and an empty stomach – I headed back towards Old Town, in search of something to eat. Wanting somewhere cheap but central, I opted for a cosy, little vegetarian cafe called Country Life; for less than 140Kč (roughly $8), I grabbed a drink and a sunflower-seed burger to-go, and went to chow-down in the Old Town Square, mere metres away. Here, Prague’s famous astronomical clock puts on a display on the hour, every hour, with wooden figurines of the Apostles popping out above the clock-face, and a skeleton, representing Death, shaking his bells to mark the passing of another hour; and to mark the end of my day in Prague.

Death clock?

Having spent a mere 24 hours there, I’ve already ardently joined the vast ranks of Prague-lovers. It’s such a fascinating city, which effortlessly fuses together gothic grandeur and majestic architecture with an offbeat quirkiness and a distinctly hippy, take-everything-in-your-stride kind of vibe. In a word, it’s just very – forgive the cliché – bohemian.

Author Bio: Ceri Houlbrook

Ceri Houlbrook is from Manchester, England – no, she doesn’t support United – and her passions include reading, writing, hiking and travelling the globe in search of some adventure!

Tagged as: Czech Republic, Guest Post, Prague