Free Things to Do in Prague
Some of the top free things to do:
Charles Bridge: Walk along this historic bridge adorned with statues and enjoy stunning views of the Vltava River and Prague Castle.
Old Town Square: Visit the heart of Prague’s historic center.
You can admire the Gothic-style Týn Church, Baroque St. Nicholas Church, and the famous Astronomical Clock (Orloj).
Prague Castle Grounds: While entry to some buildings requires a ticket, you can roam the expansive grounds, gardens, and courtyards of Prague Castle for free.
John Lennon Wall: This vibrant wall filled with graffiti and messages of peace is a popular symbol of love and freedom.
Petrin Hill and Park: Take a scenic walk up the hill, explore the gardens, and enjoy panoramic views of the city from the top.
Letná Park: A great place to relax, offering views over the Vltava River and Old Town.
It’s perfect for a leisurely walk or a picnic.
St. Vitus Cathedral (Free Sections): While full entry requires a ticket, you can still visit some parts of the cathedral’s impressive interior for free.
Wallenstein Garden: A beautifully manicured Baroque garden with fountains, peacocks, and sculptures, located near the Senate building.
Vyšehrad: Explore the historical fortress and its surrounding gardens.
You’ll also find great views of the city and the Vltava River.
Kampa Island: Stroll around this peaceful island next to the Charles Bridge, featuring a picturesque park and modern art sculptures.
Strahov Monastery: Visit the grounds of this historic monastery, which dates back to the 12th century.
Although the library requires a paid ticket, the surrounding area and views are free to explore.
Jewish Quarter (Josefov): Walk around the historic Jewish Quarter, where you can admire the exteriors of the old synagogues and the famous Old Jewish Cemetery.
Lesser Town (Malá Strana): Wander the charming cobblestone streets of this picturesque district below Prague Castle, full of Baroque architecture and hidden courtyards.
Riegrovy Sady: A spacious park offering one of the best free sunset views over Prague, with the city and castle as the backdrop.
National Memorial to the Heroes of the Heydrich Terror: Located in the crypt of the Church of Saints Cyril and Methodius, this memorial is free to visit and tells the story of Czech resistance fighters during WWII.
Farmers’ Markets: Prague’s farmers’ markets, like those at Náplavka or Jiřího z Poděbrad Square, are fun to explore for their local foods, crafts, and lively atmosphere.
Museum Night (once a year): If you're lucky enough to visit during Prague Museum Night, many museums offer free entry and extended hours.
Dancing House (Fred & Ginger): While the inside might require an entry fee for exhibitions, you can admire the unique architecture of this modern building from the outside.
Wenceslas Square: Stroll around this vibrant square, which played a key role in Prague’s history, including the Velvet Revolution.
National Theatre: Even if you don’t attend a performance, you can admire the majestic architecture of this cultural landmark from the outside.
Public Art Installations: Look out for unique sculptures around the city, such as David Černý’s sculptures, including Crawling Babies on Kampa Island or Hanging Out in Old Town.
Vitkov Hill: Climb up to the National Memorial on Vitkov Hill for great views of Prague and to see the impressive statue of Jan Žižka.
Štefánik Observatory (Petrin Hill): The exterior of this observatory, located on Petrin Hill, is an interesting sight, and on clear nights, there are sometimes free public viewings of the night sky.
Karlín District: Take a stroll through this trendy neighborhood with its hip cafes, vibrant street art, and architectural gems.
Stromovka Park: This large park in the Holešovice district is perfect for a leisurely walk, bike ride, or picnic.
It also offers lakes, tree-lined paths, and plenty of green space.
Žižkov Television Tower (view from below): While the observation deck requires a ticket, the tower itself is an iconic Prague landmark.
You can admire the unique architecture from below and spot the giant baby sculptures crawling up its sides.
Kafka’s Head (Statue): Visit the rotating, reflective sculpture of Franz Kafka’s head located in front of the Quadrio shopping center, a modern art piece created by David Černý.
Naplavka Riverbank: A popular spot for locals, especially on weekends, where you can stroll along the Vltava River, enjoy street performances, and relax by the water.
MeetFactory Art Gallery: This contemporary art space often has free exhibitions and events, located in an industrial area of Prague.
Free Walking Tours: Many companies offer free walking tours of Prague (tips are appreciated), which are a great way to explore the city’s history and hidden spots with a local guide.
Karolinum: Walk around the historic complex of Charles University, the oldest university in Central Europe.
While entry into specific halls may require a fee, the exteriors and courtyards are open to the public.
St. Nicholas Church (Malá Strana): Admire the beautiful Baroque exterior of St. Nicholas Church in Lesser Town.
While entrance to the interior costs a fee, the façade and surroundings are worth seeing.
Vojan Gardens: A peaceful, lesser-known park near Malá Strana, ideal for a quiet escape from the busy streets.
It’s one of the oldest gardens in Prague.
Prague’s Bridges: Besides Charles Bridge, walk along or cross other bridges like Mánes Bridge, Legion Bridge, or Čech Bridge for different views of the city and the river.
The Powder Tower (Prašná brána): This Gothic tower is a significant historical site marking the entrance to the Old Town.
While the climb to the top requires a fee, you can admire its intricate exterior and learn about its history from the street.
Grébovka (Havlíčkovy Sady): Explore this beautiful vineyard park, which features a neo-Renaissance villa, cascading fountains, and peaceful walking paths.
Vršovice District: Stroll through this trendy, up-and-coming neighborhood, known for its street art, indie cafes, and cool local vibe.
Free Classical Concerts: Some churches in Prague, such as the Church of St. Simon and Jude, offer free classical music concerts, especially during festivals or certain times of the year.
Street Performers in Old Town and Charles Bridge: While walking through these areas, you can often enjoy live performances from musicians, dancers, and entertainers.
Kinský Garden: Adjacent to Petrin Hill, this picturesque park features ponds, sculptures, and a traditional wooden church brought from Ukraine, perfect for a peaceful walk.
Troja Castle Gardens: While entry to the castle requires a ticket, the surrounding gardens and vineyard are free to explore.
Church of Our Lady Before Týn: Marvel at the iconic twin spires of this Gothic church from the outside in Old Town Square, even if you don’t go inside.
Prague’s Street Markets: Stroll through various open-air markets, such as the one at Havelské tržiště, to soak in the atmosphere and browse local crafts and produce.
Prague Metronome: Located in Letná Park, this large metronome stands where a statue of Stalin once was, offering a great view over the city and a bit of Prague's political history.
Prokopské Valley: For nature lovers, this nature reserve on the outskirts of Prague offers beautiful hiking trails, cliffs, and caves to explore.
These places provide a great way to experience the charm and history of Prague without spending a dime!
Free Food in Prague
While it's rare to find entirely free meals, there are some ways to get free or discounted food in Prague:
Food Samples at Farmers’ Markets: Some stalls at farmers' markets, like the one at Náplavka or Jiřího z Poděbrad Square, offer free samples of local products, such as cheeses, sausages, or baked goods.
Free Buffet with Drinks: Some bars and pubs in Prague offer free snacks or small buffets if you purchase a drink. For example:
The Globe Bookstore & Café has a free Sunday brunch buffet if you buy drinks.
Café Louvre sometimes offers free appetizers during happy hour with the purchase of a beverage.
Events and Festivals: Various local festivals, such as food or beer festivals, might offer free tastings or snacks.
Keep an eye out for events like Prague Food Festival or Beer Week, where some stalls may provide free samples.
Supermarket Openings: When large supermarkets or shops open new branches, they often give away free samples of food and drinks as part of the promotion.
Charity or Religious Events: Some religious organizations or charities, such as Food Not Bombs, occasionally offer free meals or snacks in public squares or parks.
Check local listings or social media for specific events.
Hostel Events: If you’re staying at a hostel, many organize communal dinners, BBQs, or food-sharing events that may be free for guests or ask for small contributions.
Free Food Tours (with Tips): While not completely free, there are food tours that operate on a tip-based system, offering you the chance to sample various local dishes in exchange for a gratuity.
This can be a more affordable way to try Czech cuisine.
Though completely free meals may be limited, these opportunities can help you enjoy food without spending much.
Free Tour in Prague
In Prague, there are several companies that offer free walking tours, where guides work based on tips.
These tours are a great way to learn about the city’s history, architecture, and culture without a fixed upfront cost.
Few popular options:
SANDEMANs New Europe: One of the most well-known companies offering free tours around Prague.
Their Prague Free Tour covers major sights like the Old Town Square, Jewish Quarter, and Charles Bridge.
Free Walking Tour Prague: This company offers several themed free tours, including:
Old Town and Jewish Quarter Tour: Learn about Prague’s history, visit the Astronomical Clock, Týn Church, and explore the Jewish Quarter.
Prague Castle Tour: While not entirely free (you pay for public transport to the castle), the tour itself operates on a tip basis and covers the castle grounds and St. Vitus Cathedral.
Good Prague Tours: This company also offers free walking tours that cover the Old Town, Jewish Quarter, and Charles Bridge.
They focus on fun, engaging storytelling to bring Prague’s history to life.
Prague Extravaganza Free Tour: A small, local company that offers small group tours of Old Town and New Town, as well as Prague Castle.
They focus on providing a more personal experience.
GuruWalk: An online platform that connects travelers with local guides offering free (tip-based) walking tours.
You can find a variety of tours around Prague with different themes and lengths.
Next Level Free Tours: They offer several free tours, including an Old Town and Jewish Quarter tour and a Communism and WWII tour, which focuses on Prague’s 20th-century history.
Royal Walk Free Tour: This tour explores major attractions such as Old Town Square, the Astronomical Clock, the Estates Theatre, and more.
It operates on a tip basis.
Tips for Free Tours:
Tours are technically free, but guides rely on tips, so it’s customary to tip the guide based on your experience and satisfaction.
Check websites or booking platforms ahead of time to reserve your spot, as free tours can be popular and fill up quickly, especially during peak tourist seasons.
These tours are a fantastic way to explore Prague with knowledgeable local guides while remaining budget-friendly.
Free Accomodations in Prague
Finding free accommodations can be challenging, but there are several options to consider that might help you stay in Prague without cost:
Couchsurfing: This global network connects travelers with locals offering free places to stay.
It’s a great way to meet new people and experience the city from a local’s perspective.
Create a profile on Couchsurfing and search for hosts in Prague.
Hospitality Exchange Networks: Similar to Couchsurfing, platforms like BeWelcome and WarmShowers (especially for cyclists) connect travelers with hosts willing to offer free accommodations.
Volunteering Programs: Some organizations and hostels offer free accommodation in exchange for work.
Programs like Workaway or HelpX provide opportunities to work a few hours a day in exchange for a place to stay and sometimes meals.
Check their listings for options in Prague.
WWOOF (World Wide Opportunities on Organic Farms): If you're interested in working on an organic farm, WWOOFing offers free accommodation and meals in exchange for work.
Look for farms near Prague or in the Czech Republic.
Work Exchange at Hostels: Some hostels offer free accommodation in exchange for a few hours of work per day.
It’s worth contacting hostels in Prague directly to inquire about such opportunities.
Example: Hostel One Prague
Description: Hostel One Prague is known for offering work exchange opportunities.
Volunteers work a few hours each day in exchange for free accommodation.
Duties might include check-ins, cleaning, or helping with events.
How to Apply: Visit their website or contact them directly via email or social media to inquire about current opportunities and application procedures.
Example: The Czech Inn
Description: The Czech Inn offers work exchange programs where you can work at the hostel in exchange for free lodging.
Volunteers typically assist with reception, housekeeping, and other tasks.
How to Apply: Check their official website or contact them via email or their social media pages to find out more about the work exchange program and availability.
Local Churches and Religious Organizations: Occasionally, churches or religious organizations offer free accommodations or have knowledge of local programs that provide temporary housing.
It might be helpful to reach out to them.
Example: St. Thomas Church
Description: St. Thomas Church in Prague may provide information about local programs or accommodations for travelers in need.
They may also host community events or provide temporary housing resources.
How to Contact: Visit their website or contact the church directly via phone or email to ask about available programs or housing assistance.
Example: The Prague Community Church
Description: The Prague Community Church may offer temporary housing or have connections to local resources for travelers.
They often engage in community outreach and may have information on available accommodations.
How to Contact: Reach out to them through their website or social media for information on housing resources or temporary stays.
Example: Salvation Army Prague
Description: The Salvation Army in Prague may have programs that offer temporary accommodations or connect travelers with local housing resources.
They focus on helping those in need and might provide leads on affordable options.
How to Contact: Contact them via their local office or website to inquire about potential accommodation options or referrals.
Online Communities and Forums: Platforms like Reddit or Facebook Groups sometimes have groups where people offer free places to stay or can provide leads on such opportunities.
University Dorms: In summer, some universities rent out their dorm rooms at reduced rates or offer free accommodations for short-term stays.
Check with universities in Prague for potential availability.
House Sitting: Websites like TrustedHousesitters connect homeowners who need their homes looked after with travelers looking for free accommodation.
Exchange Programs: Some exchange programs or cultural exchange initiatives may offer accommodation as part of their programs, though this might require prior planning and application.
These options require a bit of flexibility and advance planning, but they can help you find free or very low-cost accommodation while you explore Prague.
Free Flights, Trains and Taxis for Prague
You can potentially find free or heavily discounted flights, trains, and taxis:
Free Flights for Prague
Airline Loyalty Programs
Example: American Airlines
Advantage. By accumulating miles through flights or using their credit card, you can earn miles that can be redeemed for free flights.
For instance, you might need around 25,000 miles for a domestic round-trip flight in the U.S.
Travel Reward Credit Cards
Example: Chase Sapphire Preferred Card. This card offers a sign-up bonus of 60,000 points after spending $4,000 in the first three months, which can be redeemed for a free flight through the Chase Ultimate Rewards program.
Contests and Giveaways
Example: British Airways often runs contests on their social media channels where you can win free flight tickets.
Follow their Twitter or Facebook pages for such opportunities.
Flight Compensation
Example: Delta Airlines might offer travel vouchers or a free flight if you volunteer to take a later flight on an overbooked flight.
Free Trains for Prague
Rail Passes and Discounts
Example: Eurail Pass offers unlimited train travel across Europe for a set number of days.
If you plan multiple train journeys, the pass can offer significant savings, sometimes even making it close to free if the pass is heavily discounted during promotions.
Loyalty Programs
Example: Amtrak Guest Rewards. By collecting points through travel or special promotions, you can earn free train tickets.
For instance, 8,000 points might be enough for a free one-way trip on certain routes.
Special Promotions
Example: Deutsche Bahn (German Railways) sometimes offers promotions where you can get a free ride if you book early or during certain promotions.
Keep an eye on their website for these offers.
Free Taxis in Prague
Rideshare Promotions
Example: Uber offers new users promotional codes like "FREE25" that provide $25 off your first ride.
Check their website or app for current offers.
Referral Programs
Example: Lyft often provides both new and existing users with ride credits when they use referral codes.
For example, if you refer a friend, both you and your friend might receive $10 in ride credits.
Local Free Shuttle Services in Prague
Prague Airport Shuttle
Description: While not free for all travelers, the Prague Airport (Václav Havel Airport) provides a free shuttle service for travelers arriving from certain flights or under specific conditions.
Additionally, some airlines may offer complimentary shuttle services to certain hotels or destinations.
How to Use: Check with your airline or the airport’s information desk upon arrival to see if you qualify for any free shuttle services.
Hotel Shuttle Services
Description: Several hotels in Prague offer free shuttle services to and from the airport or major city attractions for their guests.
For example:
Hotel NH Prague City: Provides a free shuttle service to the city center for guests.
Hotel International Prague: Offers complimentary airport transfers or shuttle services to central areas for guests.
How to Use: Contact the hotel directly before your stay to confirm the availability of the shuttle service and any conditions for using it.
This service is usually included for guests who book directly with the hotel or meet certain requirements.
Free Public Transport for Certain Visitors
Description: Prague offers free public transport options for specific groups such as disabled individuals, children under 6, and occasionally for tourists during special promotions.
How to Use: Check Prague's official public transport website or inquire at local tourism information centers to see if there are any promotions or eligibility criteria for free public transport during your visit.
Ride Credit from Apps
Example: Uber and Lyft sometimes offer ride credits as part of their promotions or partnership events.
For example, during a promotion period, they might offer $5 off your next three rides.
These examples provide concrete ways to find free or discounted travel options and make your journey more affordable.
If you have any more questions or need further assistance with your plans, feel free to ask.
Enjoy your time in Prague and make the most of all the amazing experiences the city has to offer!
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