Prague is not often the first place that springs to mind when planning a family holiday but, it is actually a very good choice for a variety of reasons: Towering spires, a huge Medieval castle and a pretty river where you and the kids can enjoy a boat ride, are just some of the attractions for couples with small children to Prague, but by far the biggest one is cost. Although prices have been rising steadily in Prague for years with the increase in tourism, it remains a very affordable place – ideal if you are travelling on a budget!
Here are some tips on when to visit and what to do while you are there…………………
Although Prague is very pretty in winter, it’s also pretty cold! Spring is nice but summer is better if you are visiting with family and want to be able to make the most of those outdoor cafes and enjoy a few boat rides on the river. If you don’t feel up to rowing along the River Vltava, opt for an hour long cruise and do a spot of sightseeing from the water.
If you can’t face the steep trek up to the castle (especially if you have little ones in toe), take tram number 22 from the town centre; this ride is quite an adventure in itself for children who have never been on a tram before. After gawping at the castle, you can head to the Toy Museum, housed within the same complex.
A stroll across the famous Charles Bridge is great for some free entertainment with its statues and portrait artists…not to mention the views!

The local cuisine is maybe not the most inspiring of European cuisines but it is usually a hit with children as it is not spicy. As with a lot of Eastern European countries, cuisine tends to be a little stodgy and heavily meat and potato based. It is, however, very cheap even if you decide to have a proper, sit down meal in a restaurant in the evening.

There is plenty of family-friendly accommodation to choose from in Prague, the main dilemma really is whether to go for something in the picturesque Stare Mesto (Old Town) or head to one of the more conveniently located hotels around Wenceslas Square. Prague also has a zoo and a few museums which may be of interest to children.

There are several low cost airlines offering flights from the UK to Prague: easyjet, Jet2 and ryanair to name a few.

There really is plenty to keep a family entertained in Prague and the low prices on accommodation, eating out and tourist attractions are a great incentive to choose this rather than another European destination.

Prague is considered by many to be one of the most picturesque Medieval city’s in Europe; it’s church spires, turreted buildings, cathedrals, castles and winding cobbled streets are a delight to behold and also very well maintained as the city centre was hardly touched during the World War Two bombings. The city’s thriving cultural scene is also a draw for artists, opera fans and so forth, making it one of Central Europe’s most popular holiday destinations and the ideal setting for a magical weekend away, on a par with Venice for it’s beauty and history.

The city is built over seven hills and is split down the middle by the River. The city centre itself is divided up into different areas, although neighbourhood names vary from one travel guide to another which can be confusing. Here I’ve named just a few of the main, tourist areas (in English) to make it a little easy to picture the city in your mind’s eye. There is the Castle area, Lesser Town, New Town, Old Town and Jewish Town.

This is a wonderful high spot from which to enjoy stunning views over the city and the river, but the privilege has a price. For cheap accommodation near to Prague Castle area you should look at hostels and book out of season or expect to pay top dollar. Lesser Town is also near the castle and home to many government buildings.

New Town and Old Town are situated opposite each other and are both very historical, although New Town is where you will find the city’s wildest nightlife. If you are looking for the Prague you know and love from TV documentaries and picture perfect postcards, Old Town is your place.

The Jewish Town is where an old Jewish Ghetto originally stood (another thing the city has in common with Venice) and has an interesting past within its own right. Come here for Kosher food and interesting architecture but equally for classy restaurants and chic shopping. Hotels in the Jewish Town are easy to come by and it can make a nice base from which to explore the city.

Choose your Prague base but make sure you do the rounds and visit at least a few of the other neighbourhoods to get a well rounded view of this wonderful, vibrant European city!

Prague has to be one of my favourite cities in central Europe, if not the whole of Europe! Who can resist its beautiful old town with cobbled streets and magnificent castle, Gothic architecture and classical music concerts? There is a more modern side to the Czech capital too though so clubbers and young travellers looking for a party needn’t go home disappointed. But the best thing about Prague is that it is very budget-friendly; gone are the days when you could buy a pint of delicious Czech beer for a few pennies but Prague is still considerably cheaper than some of its European neighbours.
Your first major saving will be on accommodation: Cheap apartments in Prague are easy to come by as many locals like to make a little extra cash by renting out their homes during the high season. This is the perfect way to experience the city like a local and enjoy a little privacy during your stay. Of course, if you are only staying for a few days and really want to enjoy a prime location to use as a base from which to explore the historical city centre, look at B&B’s near to Charles Bridge in Prague which will be cheaper than hotels.
For cheap things to do try the Wallenstein Palace Gardens which are beautiful baroque gardens open from April to October and are free to visit. The National Museum is free on the first Monday of every month, and if you are a Kafka fan, head to the Kafka Musuem (admission for less than 3 pounds) and then on to the historic Cafe Louvre where the man himself often enjoyed a coffee and the views from the cafe’s summer terrace.
Buses are efficient and cheap if you are not able (or willing) to walk around town.
The River Vltava divides the city up with Prague Castle on the left of the river. Mesto (New Town), and Stare Mesto (Old Town) on the right-hand side of the river are where you will find all the shops, restaurants, and museums. For food, though, Josefov, the city’s Jewish quarter is unbeatable. Food is, generally speaking, very cheap in Prague and many local restaurants offer set daytime menus for very reasonable prices.

You will always hear people speaking very fondly of Prague, but nothing beats seeing this open air museum for yourself and absorbing the magical atmosphere of Bohemia!