Where To Stay On A Budget In Prague - 3 Affordable Options
Wondering where to stay on a budget in Prague?
The city of a hundred spires is a dream destination for budget-conscious travelers.
It offers stunning architecture, rich history, and vibrant nightlife without spending a fortune.
However, finding the right area to stay can make or break your trip, especially if you’re trying to balance affordability with accessibility.
But don’t worry, in this short article, I’ll show you how.
Prague, in general, is not an expensive city. The main tourist area can get pricy easily, but as the city is quite compact, you can easily stay in one of the neighboring areas where it’s much easier to find something affordable.
Prioritizing areas with direct access to Prague’s efficient metro system ensures you won’t spend your savings on expensive transportation or waste time navigating complicated routes.
These neighborhoods offer a perfect combination of affordability, convenience, and charm, ideal for exploring Prague on a budget.
Each area that we recommend comes with its own unique advantages and drawbacks, which we’ve conveniently summarized after each section.
Comparing those summarized sections will definitely come in handy to pick the area that suits you the most.
Let’s dive into our top recommendations!
What are the best areas to stay in Prague on a budget?
The best areas to stay cheap in Prague are Žižkov, Vinohrady and Smíchov.
These three areas are located not too far from the historic centre and have excellent access to the metro system.
Staying a little outside the tourist centre of the city allows you to easily find something affordable and with a good metro connection you will be at the main points of interest in no time.
Žižkov is a great choice for those who want to explore Prague’s nightlife.
Vinohrady is a quieter, more family-friendly area with plenty of affordable hotels available.
Smíchov is a great choice if you want to combine a central location with good access to shopping.
In the following paragraph, you can find an overview of each recommended neighborhood with a brief description. Click on the neighborhood and you will go directly to that part of the article.
Žižkov – This is a popular area among budget travelers who want to combine Prague’s highlights with its amazing nightlife. You can find plenty of local restaurants and pubs here and it’s just a short tram or metro ride away from the city center (10-15 minutes). It’s great for solo adventurers or young couples to meet other travelers and experience Prague’s local nightlife.
Vinohrady – This is a slightly more upmarket area than Žižkov, but still affordable. As it’s a relatively quiet area, it’s especially popular with families. Compared to Žižkov, more trendy restaurants and cafes are found here. Plus, it’s well connected by the Náměstí Míru and Jiřího z Poděbrad stations (line A), with quick access to Prague’s center.
Smíchov – This area is located on the other side of the Vltava River and offers a mix of residential and commercial areas with good value accommodation options. It is quieter than central Prague, but still close to the main sights. Several shopping centers can be found here, making it a good choice for those who want to combine sightseeing with shopping. It has access to line B via Anděl station, which connects directly to the New Town and Old Town.
The best areas to stay in Prague on a budget are:
1. Žižkov
Žižkov can be considered one of the best neighborhoods for budget travelers due to its unique combination of affordability, authenticity, and vibrant energy.
Having been to Žižkov myself, I can safely say that this area offers something you won’t find elsewhere in Prague.
First of all, the value for money here is unbeatable.
Accommodation, whether a cozy budget hotel or a simple hostel, is significantly cheaper compared to the city center.
Despite the lower prices, you’re only 10-15 minutes by tram or metro from the Old Town, and public transportation is so efficient that you’ll never feel far from the action.
The local vibe of Žižkov is another highlight.
Unlike the historic center, which can feel overrun by tourists, Žižkov is where the locals hang out.
It’s famous for its pubs, and these aren’t just any pubs – these are places where you can enjoy a hearty Czech beer for a fraction of the price you’d pay at the more popular tourist spots.
Trust me, after a night exploring some of the area’s best beer spots, like Pivní Klub 300, you’ll understand why this neighborhood is known as Prague’s pub capital.
For lovers of green spaces, Riegrovy Sady Park is a gem.
It’s the perfect place to relax with a beer in one of the outdoor beer gardens while taking in panoramic views of Prague’s iconic skyline.
When I visited, watching the sunset here was one of the most memorable moments of my trip.
What really sets Žižkov apart, though, is its edgy, artsy character.
The streets are lined with hip cafes, independent galleries, and street art, giving the neighborhood a distinctive personality that feels raw and authentic.
It’s a fantastic place to explore on foot and discover hidden gems you’d never find in a guidebook.
If you’re a budget-conscious traveler who wants to experience Prague beyond its touristy façade while still being close to the city’s highlights, Žižkov is the ideal place to stay.
You’ll save money, meet the locals, and have a truly unique experience in Prague, all without sacrificing comfort.
2. Vinohrady
What makes Vinohrady such a standout choice for budget-conscious travelers is its perfect blend of affordability, tranquility, and charm, all wrapped up in a slightly more refined atmosphere than other budget neighborhoods like Žižkov.
During my time in Prague, I found that it’s the kind of place where you can enjoy a quieter side of Prague while still being a short metro ride away from the bustling historic center.
First of all, the area has a residential yet modern feel.
You’re not surrounded by crowds of tourists, but by locals going about their daily business.
The streets are lined with beautiful Art Nouveau buildings, leafy tree-lined avenues, and a selection of fantastic cafes and restaurants.
Unlike the energetic pub scene in Žižkov, Vinohrady’s culinary scene leans more toward trendy brunch spots and international cuisine.
Cafes like La Boheme Café and bistros like Moment were my personal favorites, offering affordable yet premium quality meals and coffee.
What really sets Vinohrady apart is its calm, family-friendly atmosphere.
The neighborhood is much quieter at night compared to Žižkov or the city center, making it a great place to relax after a day of sightseeing.
If you’re traveling with kids or just prefer a quiet retreat, this area is perfect.
Despite the calm, it’s still lively enough to be attractive, with farmers’ markets and local events often taking place on Jiřího z Poděbrad Square.
The area is also exceptionally well-connected by public transportation.
The Náměstí Míru and Jiřího z Poděbrad metro stations (line A) make it easy to get anywhere in the city in minutes.
It’s a huge relief to know that you don’t have to sacrifice convenience for affordability when staying here.
In short, Vinohrady stands out for offering a balance between affordability, serenity, and style.
If you are looking for a neighborhood that is budget-friendly but doesn’t skimp on charm or accessibility, Vinohrady is the perfect choice.
It gave me the feeling of living like a local, with all the amenities a traveler could ask for.
3. Smíchov
The last area I recommend is Smíchov.
One of the biggest advantages of staying here is its prime location on the Vltava River, right across from the bustling city centre.
Although Smíchov itself is quieter and more residential, if you take the metro at Anděl station (line B) you will reach the main attractions, such as Wenceslas Square or the Old Town, in just 10 to 15 minutes.
Also, the tram network is excellent, with many routes running through the area, making it very easy to explore both Smíchov and the rest of Prague.
The charm of Smíchov lies in its local, everyday atmosphere.
You feel like you are experiencing a little piece of the real Prague, with local people filling the parks, cafes and restaurants.
I found some amazing traditional Czech restaurants here, like U Bílého Lva, where you can enjoy hearty meals for a fraction of what you’d pay in the tourist centers.
There’s also a growing scene of trendy bistros and craft beer pubs for those looking for something more modern.
Shopping enthusiasts will also love Smíchov.
The Nový Smíchov shopping mall offers everything from streetwear to groceries, and its food court has surprisingly affordable and tasty options.
This was a lifesaver for me when I wanted a quick, inexpensive bite to eat after a day of exploring.
Of all the recommended areas, Smíchov is the closest to the historic center.
While Smíchov may not have the historic charm of neighborhoods like the Old Town, it makes up for it with its practicality and affordability.
Hotels here are much cheaper, and I noticed you get more space and amenities for your money compared to staying downtown.
It is an ideal option if you are travelling on a budget but still want to be well connected to Prague’s highlights.
