10 Tips on How to Do Prague on the Cheap

1. Stay in a Hostel. Prague youth hostels provide cheap, friendly, and exceptionally comfortable accommodation for the incoming backpacker. The days of sterile and scary budget accommodation are over: for example, Sir Toby's Hostel is a hostel Prague can be proud of, featuring excellent décor, and a lively, welcoming social scene.

2. Cook in your Hostel. Eating out is almost always a more expensive option than eating in, so why not make the most of your hostel's kitchen and cook up a storm? There are plenty of supermarkets in Prague where you can pick up good, cheap produce.

3. Arrive via a Budget Airline. Prague was one of the initial 'boom' cities that exploded on the tourist map thanks to the budget airline revolution. Today, cheap flights to Prague continue to be widely available, so it's always worth searching around for the best deal before booking.

4. Take Public Transportation from the Airport. Flights to the airport may be cheap, but taxis from the airport to your accommodation are frequently not. There's a cheap shuttle bus option, and a slightly more expensive Airport Express bus that both prove great value when weighed against the taxi fare.

5. Do a DIY Walking Tour. With attractions such as the Charles Bridge and Wenceslas Square, Prague is a place you have to see to believe. Strap on your boots, then, and take to the streets; there's simply no better way to experience this spellbinding city than from its pavements.

6. Get a Chlebicek from a Delicatesse. A chlebicek is a traditional Czech sandwich that typically comes filled with a selection of beef, ham, salami and/or vegetables. They are widely available, cheap, and exceptionally tasty.

7. Start a Night Out by Staying In. Prague's nightlife is as excellent as it is rambunctious, and most backpackers will want to sample it to the max. Bar hopping here can get on the expensive side, however, so a good idea is to get a few drinks from the local supermarket and drink them in your hostel before embarking on your night out. Not only is this much more economical, it's also a great way to meet friends.

8. Carry Your Student Card. Ok, so this one's only for students, but it's worth saying all the same. A high number of cultural establishments in Prague reward a student cardholder with discounted prices. In fact, it's worth carrying one even if yours is out of date!

9. Catch a Live Gig on Charles Bridge. Charles Bridge is packed day and night with artisans and musicians; for only a token donation it's well worth resting against the side of the bridge for an hour or two and enjoying the scene as a local violinist, cellist, guitarist, or even a whole band play through their repertoire.

10. Get a Prague Card. This sightseeing pass will give you access to a number of cultural institutions for a period of four days. As long as you visit enough places, it can make you a large saving.