The Insider's Guide to Budget Travel

Next on the trail of the perfect budget weekend break, Ryan Bennett shares his top tips for exploring his former home of Prague…

The Czech Koruna is already one of the strongest growing currencies in the world and they’re on course to switch to the Euro soon, which will make Prague even more expensive… So before the face of this fantastic city changes completely under a sea of tourism, head to this kitsch, compact city now and enjoy a ‘Central European’ gem.

Day One

Stay in the area of Zizkov… Prague center is small and this area is on the city fringe. Clown and Bard Hostel is highly recommended here, and great value. The main draw of this part of the city, however, is that there are more bars per square meter here than in Dublin! It’s also home to the Prague TV Tower, a modern take on Cubist design with a permanent installation of huge black sculpted babies climbing the tower – so kitsch, so Czech…!

From here, head to the squares… First there’s Wenceslav, which has seen many revolutions, celebrations and riots, and then the Old Town Square where you will find an amazing set of church spires and the Astronomical Clock. To the back of this lies the historical Jewish Quarter.

Meandering across cobblestoned alleys, you’ll come to find Prague’s main draw, the Charles Bridge. This is a highly picturesque setting with Prague Castle and St.Vitus Cathedral gracing the skyline. Crossing the bridge, head left until you come to the Funicular Railway which will take you to the top of Petrin Hill. Climb Petrin Tower or simply wander and enjoy the atmosphere.

After dark... Stay local in Zizkov and check out bars Akropolis and Blind Eye where you’ll find a crowd of expats up for a good party. If mainstream is more your thing, you can head back to Wenselav Square and where it intersects you’ll find Duplex and Lucerna, which feature live DJs most nights of the week. Gay? Head to Termix or Valentyno for some serious fun…

Day Two

Breakfast… After your big night out, head to the beautifully restored Imperial Hotel Café for a strong coffee and the deluxe surrounds. Next, jump on a tram to Prague Market and enjoy a hangover breakfast of the biggest, freshest and best Bramborak (potato cake) you will find in the city, washed down with a pivo (beer)!

Great views for lunch... After satisfying your hunger, head up to Letna Park to enjoy sweeping views across Prague. The Giant Metronome sits here and the bottom of the Castle Gardens. Beyond lie Prague Castle, ancient ‘Golden Lane’ and the striking St.Vitus Cathedral.

Walk down from these iconic sights through the Medieval Mala Strana and enjoy a traditional Goulash from one of many restaurants. In the afternoon, stumble down to Charles Bridge and its art vendors and entertainers again; relax, soak up the atmosphere and be charmed!

Cultural evenings.. Later, enjoy some of Prague’s wonderful culture – there are many shows on in the city, ranging from Black Light Theatre to Marionette performances of ‘Don Giovanni’! Alternatively, simply enjoy more of Prague’s drinking culture highlights and find a bar for some pickled hermelin (camembert) washed down with absinthe! And you should be ready for another big night out…

Thanks to Ryan for sharing the lowdown on his old Prague haunts! Have you got advice on how to spend a cheap weekend in your favourite city? Get in touch…