Restaurant prices in the Czech Republic have risen sharply in recent years (as they have everywhere!), but are still very reasonable for the vast majority of foreign visitors compared with their country of origin.
On the basis of purchasing power parity, it's much more affordable to eat out in Prague than in Paris or Madrid (which is why Czechs still go out a lot and entertain little). In view of inflation and new behaviors, we fear that the pub culture so marked in the Czech Republic is gradually disappearing. But don't worry! There's still time to make the most of it, as you'll see from the prices below!
If Prague is an attractive city (both for new residents and foreign visitors), it's because low restaurant prices mean that a social life can be cultivated outside the home, which often appeals to newcomers.
Beer, which is very cheap (see below) and of which the Czechs are the world's leading consumers, is the country's pride and joy. We get our beer wherever we can find it, i.e. on draught in drinking establishments. So we go out a lot! With my Prague friends, I go for a beer at the local hospoda (inn). Having an aperitif at home with friends isn't really part of the Czech way of life. Let's go out, let's go out!
I've noticed that in countries with much less flourishing economies, such as Montenegro, Albania or Bulgaria, you can eat out for much the same price, but with a lower quality and diversity. Prague also offers excellent value for money compared to the classic European tourist hotspots. In 2025, travel magazine Time Out ranked the Czech capital as the 7th most affordable city in Europe and the 1st most affordable city in Central Europe for eating and drinking. Find out more here.
Europe's 10 cheapest cities for dinner and drinks
- 1.Pristina, Kosovo
- 2.Sarajevo, Bosnia-Herzegovina
- 3.Skopje, Northern Macedonia
- 4.Chisinau, Moldova
- 5.Minsk, Belarus
- 6.Podgorica, Montenegro
- 7.Prague, Czech Republic
- 8.Budapest, Hungary
- 9.Sofia, Bulgaria
- 10.Tirana, Albania
Prague ranks among Europe's top gastronomic destinations for value for money!
I've noticed a real upmarket trend in Prague's restaurants in recent years. It's very striking. And it doesn't matter what the cuisine is, because today there's something for absolutely every taste (Prague's demographic evolution is based solely on the growing number of foreigners in the Czech capital, so exotic cuisine – Italian, Asian, Ukrainian, American, Mexican… – is now absolutely everywhere).
Some price indicators for Prague:
- Price of a 0.5-liter beer, Coke or coffee in Prague: between 50 and 75 CZK (2-3 EUR)
- Price of lunch in Prague: CZK 200-250 (EUR 8-10) with soup and main course
- Price of dinner in Prague: CZK 500 (EUR 20) with main course and drink
Another 2025 study examined the average price of dinner for 2 people in dozens of European cities. In Prague, the average cost of such a meal is around 1,000 CZK or 40 EUR, making the Czech capital the fourth least expensive European city after Skopje, Podgorica and Seville.
In short, Prague is the perfect destination for a romantic city break in Europe. Visitors from countries with a higher GDP will tend to find food and drink cheaper in the Czech Republic than at home.