How Much does It Cost to Eat in Prague?

Prague, the charming capital of the Czech Republic, is a city that offers not only stunning architecture and rich history but also a diverse and affordable culinary scene. For many visitors, understanding the cost of meals is a key factor in planning a trip, whether you’re indulging in traditional Czech dishes or exploring international cuisine.

Average Meal Costs in Prague
Meal Prices in Different Settings
Drinks and Alcohol Prices in Prague

Average Meal Costs in Prague

Prague offers a variety of dining options to suit every budget, from inexpensive street food to fine dining experiences. Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect to pay for meals in the city.

Budget-Friendly Meals

For travelers on a budget, Prague offers plenty of affordable options without sacrificing taste or quality.

Breakfast: A budget breakfast typically costs between €3 and €5. Options include pastries, coffee, or a simple sandwich from a local café or bakery.

Lunch: Budget-friendly lunch options range from €6 to €12. You can enjoy Czech classics like goulash or svíčková at casual eateries or opt for international fast food.

Dinner: Dinner at a budget restaurant costs around €8 to €16, with hearty portions and plenty of variety. Popular dishes include roasted pork with dumplings or fried cheese (smažený sýr).

Mid-Range Dining

For a step up in ambiance and service, mid-range restaurants in Prague offer excellent value for money.

Expect to pay between €15 and €25 per person for a sit-down meal, including a main dish and a drink. Restaurants near Lesser Town often combine beautiful views with delicious Czech and international cuisine.

Location: Malá Strana, 118 00 Prague 1
Hours: Open 24/7
Cost: Free to explore
Features: Charming historic district with cobblestone streets; home to Baroque palaces, quaint cafés, and landmarks like St. Nicholas Church; perfect for leisurely walks and photography.

High-End Dining

Prague’s fine dining scene features gourmet restaurants offering exquisite food and premium service.Fine dining prices start at around €30 per person and can exceed €100 at Michelin-starred establishments.

Many high-end restaurants are located in historic settings, such as those with views of Charles Bridge or Prague Castle.

Prague Castle

Location: Hradčany, 119 08 Prague 1, Czech Republic
Hours: Open daily from 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM for the grounds, historical buildings from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Cost: Entry to the castle area is free; circuit tickets including exhibitions start from €10.00
Features: As the largest ancient castle in the world, Prague Castle is the seat of the Czech president and offers visitors access to its palaces, museums, and the stunning St. Vitus Cathedral.

Meal Prices in Different Settings

Prague’s culinary scene is as diverse as its architecture, offering something for every palate and budget. From hearty traditional meals to international cuisine and quick bites, here’s what you can expect in different dining settings across the city.

Traditional Czech Restaurants

Traditional Czech restaurants offer a taste of authentic local dishes at reasonable prices. Main courses, such as goulash with dumplings, roasted duck, or svíčková na smetaně (marinated beef with creamy vegetable sauce), typically cost between €8 and €16. Meals are hearty and often include side dishes like potatoes or bread dumplings. The atmosphere in these establishments is usually cozy and rustic, with many restaurants located in historical areas like Old Town or Lesser Town. Dining in these settings is an excellent way to experience Czech culture and hospitality.

International Restaurants

For those seeking variety, Prague is home to a wide range of international restaurants serving cuisines like Italian, Asian, and Middle Eastern. Meals at these restaurants generally cost between €10 and €25, depending on the type of cuisine and the location. Italian pizzerias and sushi bars are particularly popular, with many located near tourist hubs such as Wenceslas Square or the vibrant New Town area. These restaurants often blend local charm with global flavors, offering a cosmopolitan dining experience.

Cafés and Bakeries

Cafés and bakeries are perfect for light meals or a quick snack. A sandwich, pastry, or salad typically costs between €3 and €10, while a coffee or tea adds €2–€3 to the bill. Many cafés in Prague, particularly those near cultural landmarks like the Rudolfinum or the Astronomical Clock, feature relaxed atmospheres and beautiful interiors. These venues are ideal for breakfast, lunch, or simply unwinding with a treat after sightseeing.

Rudolfinum

Location: Alšovo nábř. 12, 110 00 Prague 1
Hours: Concert schedule varies; building tours available from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Cost: Concert tickets start at €15; guided tours from €8
Features: Neo-Renaissance concert hall and art gallery; home to the Czech Philharmonic Orchestra; hosts world-class classical music performances and exhibitions.

Street Food

Street food is a popular and budget-friendly option in Prague. Favorites like trdelník (a sweet chimney cake), grilled sausages (klobása), or langoš (fried dough topped with cheese or garlic) range from €3 to €8. Street food stalls are commonly found in markets such as Old Town Square or along the bustling Charles Bridge. This is an excellent way to enjoy local flavors without committing to a sit-down meal.

Fine Dining and Gourmet Experiences

Prague boasts a growing fine dining scene, with gourmet restaurants offering sophisticated dishes and impeccable service. A meal in these establishments starts at €30 per person and can exceed €100 at Michelin-starred venues. Many fine dining restaurants are located in historic buildings or provide stunning views of iconic landmarks like Prague Castle or the Vltava River, making the experience as memorable as the food itself.

Drinks and Alcohol Prices in Prague

Prague is renowned for its affordable drinks, particularly beer, which holds a special place in Czech culture. Whether you’re enjoying a warm cup of coffee at a cozy café, savoring a pint at a local pub, or indulging in a well-crafted cocktail at a trendy bar, Prague offers a range of options to suit every preference.

Non-Alcoholic Beverages

Coffee and tea are reasonably priced in Prague. A cappuccino or latte typically costs between €2 and €3 at most cafés, while a cup of tea is around €2. Soft drinks and bottled water in restaurants range from €1.50 to €3. For those looking to save money, supermarkets offer drinks at lower prices, with bottled water and soda costing between €0.50 and €1 for a 0.5L bottle.

Alcoholic Drinks

Beer is the star of the show in Prague. In restaurants and bars, a 0.5L glass of local beer costs between €2 and €4, making it one of the most affordable drink options. In supermarkets, the price drops even further, with the same quantity of beer available for as little as €0.50 to €1. Wine is also a popular choice, with a glass of house wine in restaurants priced at €3 to €5.

Bottles of wine, whether local or imported, can be purchased in supermarkets for €5 to €15. For fans of cocktails or spirits, cocktails like mojitos or margaritas are available at bars for €6 to €10, while traditional Czech liquors such as Becherovka or slivovice are priced around €2 to €4 per shot.

Where to Enjoy Drinks in Prague

Cafés and bakeries are perfect for coffee and tea lovers, particularly in tourist-friendly locations like Old Town Square or near the Astronomical Clock. For an authentic beer experience, visiting local pubs and breweries in neighborhoods like New Town is highly recommended.

These venues often feature iconic Czech beers such as Pilsner or Kozel. If you’re looking for a more modern vibe, districts like Žižkov and Vinohrady are home to trendy cocktail bars that cater to fans of mixed drinks and lively nightlife.