Finding one’s self in Prague, opportunities to taste the area’s culture and history should not be missed, but cannot always be afforded.  Students or graduates or even the wandering backpacker may wonder, are there things to do in Prague when you’re young and broke?  Fortunately there are spots for the young, moneyless traveler that don’t require a fee to enjoy.


Photo: Things to do in Prague when you're young, and broke.

If appreciating art is the passion of a young, broke tourist in Prague, there are many opportunities to achieve that ends.  The National Gallery offers the sight of collections including eras from medieval to contemporary, but make sure to schedule because it is only available from three to eight on the first Wednesday of each month.  The Museum of Decorative Arts  is free on Tuesdays from five to seven and displays things such as textiles, toys, furniture and ceramics among others.   The Zizkov Television Tower is not a museum, but does display David Cerny’s famous work in the form of sculptured faceless babies that appear to be climbing in a defiance of gravity up and down the center. 

More active and multi-sensory activities for the young, moneyless visitor to Prague can be found in places like the Muddum art gallery, which hosts such activities as film screenings, craft nights, workshops and lectures.  It has even been known to provide free drink and food.  Consulting the Muddum gallery’s website will show you the latest schedule and events.  The Franciscan Monestary provides a park where local families go to relax and for children to play, including herbs and flowers as well as statues and fountains.  Sparky’s Toy Store has toys for sale, but it doesn’t cost to go in and browse the classic wooden toys and other playthings that have a more old-school air about them.  Go Zlute lazne is a spot where visitors might enjoy a swim in the Vltava River, or simply lounge on the grass, and it is free to enter after five in the evening. 

Free food and drink is rare in Prague where the smallest extra topping is charged for.  However, if the young tourist is saving what money there is for food, picking the right spots to eat can pay off.  The Italian restaurant Albar at Vezenska 4, Prague 1 offers free snacks when a drink is purchased, but to order anything off of the menu requires some knowledge of Czech or at least an interpreter.  Bohemian Bagel in Prague offers free coffee refills, as well as a communal bulletin board that might offer other sorts of freebees and deals from local individuals.  This opportunity can be found in five spots: two in Prague 1, one in Prague 7, one in Prague 2, and one in Prague 6.  On Tuesdays from six to nine in the evening, Bukowski’s at Borivojova 86, Prague 3 offers free pitchers of sangria to the ladies.

If venturing outside of Prague is a possibility, the Moser Glass Factory in Karlovy Vary has a free museum open on Saturday until three in the afternoon and on weekdays from nine in the morning to six in the evening.  For those who plan to stay within the city, near Wenceslas Square is the Moser flagship shop.  Inside is a memorable display of the artistry and skill that has made Moser famous since 1857 when it first started.