How to eat in Prague on a budget

How to eat in Prague on a budget

Prague has a great local cuisine but the restaurants in the historical center can be quite expensive. Here are some tips how to eat your fill when you are a budget-traveller.

Go off the tourist trail

First of all, get off the beaten path. Look for a less frequented street where the prices can be better. If possible, skip Prague 1 completely and eat in more local quarters like Vinohrady, Žižkov, Karlín, Holešovice or Smíchov. All of these quarters are in the short, often even walking distance from the historical center.

Check the prices in the menu and ratings

Before taking a seat in a restaurant, have a look at the the menu. Budget-friendly restaurants have the price range of CZK 200-250 for Czech dishes and a little bit higher prices for international cuisine. Make sure to also check the ratings in Google Reviews or Trip Advisor to be sure the restaurant is both affordable and good.

Choose local dishes

In general, if you would like to save money, you should eat traditional Czech dishes like beef sirloin in cream sauce, beef goulash, fruit dumplings or fried cheese. The Czech classics are affordable and tasty. Wash them down with local beer, which in Prague can be cheaper than water!

Eat between 12:00 and 14:00 during the week

At that time from Monday to Friday, most of the restaurants in Prague offer the so called "lunch menu" ("polední menu"or “obědové menu” in Czech). You will be able to choose from 4-5 dishes and pay as little as CZK 150 (EUR 6) for a meal. Just remember that the later you come, the less there will be left to eat.

Eat in eateries and self-service restaurants

The quality of the food in eateries (cs. Jídelna) varies, but in general it is a great option if your budget is tight. We recommend Apetit (a chain of self-service restaurants ), Lidová Jídelna Těšnov or Havelská koruna.

If you are vegan or vegetarian, we love the bistros of the Hare Krishna community in Prague like Govinda in the city center.

If you need any further advice on Czech food, restaurants or dining etiquette, don’t hesitate to ask your guide during our free walking tours in Prague.