I didn’t want you to read this post. Not because it’s bad or anything; because nothing that I tell you about Prague will ever live up to experiencing it first-hand.

Still, you need to know what you’re going to do when you’re in Prague.

So to help you plan your Prague itinerary, here are five, must-see sites to visit in The Mother of Cities at an incredibly good rate.

Built in the 9th century A.D., this iconic landmark offers stunning views of the city and a glimpse into Czech history. Having long served as the seat of power for kings of Bohemia, Holy Roman emperors, and presidents of Czechoslovakia, it now serves as the official residence and workplace of the president of the Czech Republic. It also houses the Bohemian Crown Jewels, which are kept within a hidden room inside it.

The castle is among the most visited tourist attractions in Prague, attracting over 1.8 million visitors annually. Visitors can wander through the castle complex, including St. Vitus Cathedral and the Golden Lane, all while enjoying the beautiful gardens. Entry to the castle grounds is free, making it a budget-friendly option. That said, you will have to pay more to go inside, and it’s worth it. Tickets are about $25 CAD and up, depending on what sort of pass you get - i.e. a self-guided tour, a group tour, family admission, skip-the-line, a combined tour, etc. Full time secondary school students and university / college students up to the age of 26 actually get a reduced admission for about 300 CZK, or $18 CAD / $13 USD, which is insanely cheap. So take advantage of those discounts if you fall into that category.

Also make sure to book tickets in advance if you want to secure entry. I’m pretty sure I forgot to do this - as I don’t recall seeing the interior of this castle -, and missed out on seeing the castle from the inside. Don’t make the same mistake I did! I did get to go to the castle cathedral though, which was stunning (photos below).

2. Stroll Across Charles Bridge

This historic, medieval, 516 meter bridge, adorned with statues of saints, is a central point for both locals and tourists. Built between 1357 and completed sometime in the 1400s A.D., the bridge replaced the old Judith Bridge built between 1158–1172 that had been badly damaged by a flood in 1342. It is called Charles Bridge because it was built under the patronage of King Charles IV

Up until 1841, it was the only way to cross the city river. It was also the most important connection between the aforementioned Prague Castle and the city's Old Town - which we’ll talk about next - and adjacent areas. This land connection made Prague important as a trade route between Eastern and Western Europe.

Anyways, early morning or late evening visits provide a magical atmosphere with fewer crowds and tourists, allowing for great photos and views of the Vltava River - the longest stream in the Czech Republic - as well as the city skyline.

3. Experience the Old Town Square

And last but not least for this blog post, the Old Town Square, which is home to the famous Astronomical Clock, is surrounded by stunning architecture and lively street performances. It's the perfect place to soak in the local culture, grab a cheap meal from nearby stalls, or enjoy a coffee while people-watching.

Speaking of cheap meals, you HAVE to try the Halusky - a sort of Czech or Hungarian Gnocchi with cheese, potatoes, bacon, and / or cabbage - at this piazza. It is delicious, and the portions are HUGE. Did I mention that it’s cheap? I think I must’ve snacked on this every single day, multiple times a day when I was here. I f*****g loved it. Make sure to get it from one of the food stalls in the city square.

Me holding Halusky in my hand after purchasing it at the Old Town Square. Delicious.

Old Town, or Staré Mesto, in general is a lively, cobblestoned center of activity within Prague. It is littered with landmark attractions such as the aforementioned medieval Astronomical Clock and the Gothic Church of Our Lady Before Týn on Old Town Square. The Rudolfinum concert hall hosts classical music, while the Estates Theatre stages ballet and opera. Student nightlife is centered around the vast five-story Karlovy Lázně dance club. Obviously prices vary and some of these venues are more expensive than others - you’re going to have to make a call about what you want to see and experience most.

Also, beer in Prague is incredibly cheap. For about €2 - AKA $3 CAD or $2 USD - you can get a bottle of Pilsen beer at most pubs - and that’s on the expensive side! Don’t even get me started on how inexpensive the food is and how large the portions are. I remember going to a pub for dinner and a beer, right before I saw John Wick: Chapter 3 at a movie theater - with subtitles of course -, and ordering a gigantic, whole chicken along with beets, potatoes, and soup. I couldn’t finish it. For the life of me, I don’t know how anyone could finish that meal. It was really good, and my stomach was about to burst.

These donut ice cream cones are also delicious in Prague.

Notable pubs that you could visit include: McCarthy's Irish Pub, The Dubliner Irish Bar, and My People’s Bar among many. And as I mentioned, most of them have great food.

Anyways, get your bags ready, and go out and experience Prague. Hopefully some of these tips are enough to get you started.

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Have fun! Enjoy the cheap beer and halusky.

Backpacking The Golden City - AKA Prague - On A Budget

TABLE OF CONTENTS:

Explore Prague Castle

Stroll Across Charles Bridge

Experience the Old Town Square

1. Explore Prague Castle

2. Stroll Across Charles Bridge

3. Experience the Old Town Square