Why Is This City So Expensive? 

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If you buy Corona in Prague, you deserve to get robbed by a mini market owner.

As someone from Norway, which has some of the wolds highest prices on Alcohol, the Corona is still over twice as expensive as in Norway.

You can better go to an Albert, Billa, Lidl or Tesco. Same beer, but much cheaper. I always suggest Belgian or Dutch tourists to go there instead of the expensive stuff.

It's been a few years, but I still remember going into the Billa on Námestí Republiky and being blown away that I could buy a big can of beer for less than a coke the same size 😂

I just booked my first trip to Prague! I've been rewatching your older videos before I go. Earlier in the year, you posted a video of all the things you could get for under €5. At the end of that video you asked if we would be interested in a €50 version. I'm here to say I'm interested!

I'm wondering why anyone would be buying Mexican beer or Starbucks in Prague. One of the joys of traveling is experiencing the local food and drink.

save water … drink beer

So not only expensive, but expired? Damn.

I felt overcharged at a food kiosk in an Orlando Florida shopping mall. I then realized they didn’t have a posted price menu. I swore then I would never buy anything from a place without pre marked prices. Simple rule.

Thanks for the great video, Janek and Honza! I just came back from Prague last Tuesday after an amazing week of holiday. I stayed at a budget hotel in New Town, close to I.P. Pavlova metro and tram station, and there are numerous inexpensive mini markets around. A good sign for an ok market: Czech customers! One time, I talked to an employee of a nearby restaurant late at night while waiting at the checkout of the mini market for another customer to pay. I paid normal prices for my Coke Zero bottles (well, prices l found ok compared to a typical kiosk here in Germany; it would have been expensive for a big grocery store, but not outrageously so) and had a nice conversation with a local. Rather, two locals: The girl at the checkout was very friendly as well - before she shoved us both out because she was closing up :) To emphasise Janek's tip: Don't buy impulsively in any market you happen to be near. Rather, check out some in the neighbourhood of your hotel, compare prices and if locals are buying there it's a good sign too. Although I assume that for their regular groceries, Prague people use the big retail stores on the outskirts of the "town proper", outside of Old Town / New Town / Mala Strana.

Maybe the best method to save money is to buy your groceries from the supermarkets like Kaufland, Lidl, Tesco and so on. Yes, it's true that these are located outside the city center (Prague example), but probably is cheaper than this "local" minimarkets from the downtown...

When I was there 7 years ago I had a great time in Prague , but every mini market had no prices on everything and it seemed to make up prices depending upon the customer. Also, some restaurants had special tourist menus that were double in prices then their regular menu

I think the big reason they get away with it is the unfamiliarity of how much the currency is worth. If it was priced in Euro most people would walk away

glad you're pointing this out. i was in Prague about a month ago and from having watched your videos i was always on the lookout for the bad prices and of course the good deals your channel has shown me over the years. helped me save a ton of money. Honest love to the honest guide

Thanks for the warning! I've only been to Prague once - in 1995 - and I really want to go back. When I was there, we would go to various places - some touristy, some less so. At the cheapest bar I went to, half a litre of lager/pilsener was the equivalent of between 20 and 30 eurocents, I think. That was exceptional even in the mid-nineties.

The true frugality is eating sandwiches or buying ready meals from a name brand supermarket such as Aldi (some countries trade as "Hofer" or "Aldi Markt"), Lidl or Tesco (all in CZ, UK, IE and others)

We recently did a four city tour including Prague. We looked out for supermarket brands like Spar, Tesco, Aldi etc while we were away and always got reasonable prices. Shop where the locals shop is what we stick to. We did have a coffee in the Starbucks you visited and I would say that the prices are similar to those that I would pay in the UK. We watched a ton of your videos before our trip and they really helped us enjoy our stay in your wonderful city. Many thanks.

Hi Honest Guide, I can only agree with you! On my last, which was my first trip, to Prague, I watched a lot of your clips and was extremely grateful for your input, thanks again!! It is such a wonderful city and your content made it very enjoyable. Thanks once again!!! I particularly enjoyed the boat ride.

Thanks. I understand that you compared the prices of things from these scam mini markets with the prices of dishes or items you get in good restaurants and cafes/bakeries in Prague. But you could have also compared those prices with legit super markets like Billa, Albert and so on.

For tourists, if you go in shopping centres in the city centre, go to the ground floor if they have one and there's usually supermarkets there like Billa, Albert, Tesco, Lidl or Aldi. Much cheaper prices and you won't get scammed. The bakeries in them are all delicious!

Your channel inspired me to go to Prague a few months ago. Keep this up! I love revisiting the places I went to via your videos

The cheapest is to go to supermarket (BILLA, Albert Tesco...) There are plenty of them even in the city center and the prices are like 1/4 of that in these mini markets.

I always look forward to buying snacks in the Albert supermarket when I visit the Czech Republic. It's literally everywhere and has a very welcoming atmosphere. I don't have to worry about getting scammed and it makes me feel like one of the locals which is awesome haha.

Awesome video as always. Good info for sure.

Just came back from Prague! Thank to your precious advices we spared a lot of money and had a great time. My advice? Don't go to Prague without watching all related videos posted by the Honest Guide. Thank you so much 💓 💗

Thanks for the heads up on the prices we’re looking at a trip to Prague next year, our recent trip to Germany the beer there was really dirt cheap

That's what it's always best to shop where the locals shop. There is a large supermarket not that far from the main square that I went to buy snacks and such last time I was in the city and while the prices were perfectly reasonable. The name of the chain might vary from city to city or country to country but in most European cities you will find one or more large grocery stores in the city center, often located in the basement with a not too prominent sign indicating where the entrance is. If you see a lot of locals with those 2-wheel shopping trolleys you are probably getting warm.

I love Prague, I made it a point to avoid the mini-markets for anything. You're right the restaurants charge less for the same damn beer.

Thank you guys for all the great job you do ❤️ I loved to come to Prague on business, but avoid for 10+ years to bring my family to Prague because tired of that money making scams. Thanks to you I'm reconsidering to bring them soon to Prague. Would be happy to envite you for a thank-you-dinner!

I've been to Prague, and I only have great memories. Never had any problems. Maybe because I said "No way" sometimes... I said yes at the mead shop! And exchanged recipies. Prague can be a tourist trap, but as you and Honsa says, it can be a treasure! And for me it has been, every time! Getting a seat at The Golden Tigre? (U slatko tigra? My language is way off...) I loved that place, every time I went there! Nice tartar as well... You just confirm that Prague is a welcoming place.

The most expensive stuff I bought are a bag of chips for 10€ - not in Prague but in Greece but prices in supermarkets for things are similar there.

another amazing video from honest guide i am czech and its so bad that these people exist that make shops and have expired food,stuff double the price its actually so bad what the people doing im glad you keep making these videos i wanna prob go one day to prague :) :3

Love your videos. My boyfriend and I watched so many before our trip. We were in Prague just a few weeks ago. One of our favourite trips yet. 😊

if tourists are stupid enough to buy corona beer in the world capital country of beer, they deserve to pay such crazy prices!

I'm now having a great time in Prague :-) Thanks for the hint to pay (almost) everything by card

When I was in Prague few years ago.. I went to a local supermarket that was hidden in a building on -1 level and most of the beers were 16 to 20czk :) The most expensive was maybe like 25-30 at most.. Water was indeed more expensive than beer and the whole trip there I did consume beer :)

I’ve been waiting for you to do this. Go to some of the Vietnamese shops, and see how many give you a receipt completely avoiding the tax, regular shops too.

Regarding the expired croissant. Expiration dates are guesstimates at the best of times and most of the time just a random date for the company to get out of liability in case you get sick and to more importantly to make you buy new one. The preservative in that croissant would probably make it edible for another few years as long as the seal holds, though the taste might deteriorate to some extent at that point.

Really informative video! As a tourist who lives in Munich and came to Praha for several times (with the Honest Guide Tips) I should include that you can go to the supermarket chains in Praha 1 (for exp: Lidl in the underground which is so close to the Mùstek subway station).

I visited Prague alone for the Quadriennal few years ago. I followed just few of your suggestion and all went perfectly smooth. Great food, great museums, totally affordable.

I once paid 2.5 euros for a coca cola, .5 liter in a mini market, just opposite Almanac X Alcron Prague, I think it was 51 Štěpánská. It was an expensive lesson that I have since remembered. Remember, however, that there are mini markets which are reasonably priced. I always use Žabka Mini market at Maiselova 62, 110 00 Josefov, Czech Republic, more expensive than Albert but reasonable, 300 meters from Staromest namesti

I’ve herd for the longest time “Prague is one of the most expensive cities in Europe” and while some things are you definitely can do it all for cheap and have an amazing time still Just get a Chlebiček some Kofola and maybe a koláče from somewhere outside the center of the city and you’ll pay like maybe $5 if you go to the right spots… I can’t wait to go back

remember going there a few years ago and paying about 1 euro for one beer in restaurants. we did not go to the tourist areas because there are just to many tourists there. water is more expensive than beer in general we noticed. I recommend going a bit away from the centre of Prague to eat.

I was there with a friend (prague) yesterday and was staying for 3 days before. BUT I've watched your video before and knew about the minimarkets and how expensive they are. Also exchanged money on the airport. We had such a great time, eating whatever we wanted, drinking whatever, it was really nice and didn't cost a fortune. The best value was the cocktails and drinking at bars. Sooo cheap compared to Sweden!

That's honestly crazy! Well done for exposing these scam stores. You guys ROCK !!

I sometimes go inside those minimarkets to warm up during the winter or shelter from the rain, pretending I’m not sure what to buy

You could have mentioned what are major supermarket stores in Prague where one can go instead of those dreadful mini markets you were talking about. Saying "do your research" doesn't help anyone, it just leaves a brand new tourist in Prague baffled as to where to go because there are so many choices. Also, not everyone wants to eat out in a restaurant all the time, it would be nice to know where to go buy stuff like inexpensive water, piece of fruit etc, therefore, mentioning of a supermarket name would have been very helpful.

I really enjoy watching your videos. Congrats

Excellent video! Amazing how folks do not check and verify when traveling or even at home.

It's pretty similar around the world, especially in western countries, I can't speak for sure for other countries, but in Australia, places like Ezymart or those tiny convenience shops will charge almost double what the big giants of woolies, coles, aldi and IGA charge

I have just spent a week in Prague and was looking out for you both the whole time. I love Prague but disappointed that I never saw you...

I miss Prague so much. Top two holidays I have ever had. Just an amazing place.

Good job man ! Don't stop

A lot of brands put a recommended retail price label on their products, always look for those when travelling in foreign countries

I am going to arrive prag for study econ and ı learned to many things from you sir. Thank you a lot.

4:21 Love how you say "cafe latte"

Been there recently with a bus trip. Bus sold 250ml bottles of water for 1,50 euroes, some boat trip sold a 1,5L bottle for 7,50 euroes during its lunch and then you have these overpriced ones as well on the street. I just went to the Albert and got a 1,5L bottle for like 30 eurocents and kept it cooled in the fridge of the hotel. xD I always carry around a large thermos bottle, so all the water i bought stayed cold during my trips into the city too. Best thing to do is to shop like a local and explore like a tourist! ;D

Could you do a video on cocktail bars in Prague? there's a few really good ones!

It's been 25 years since I've been there but I remember pints of Pilsner Urquell costing $0.50 US in Plzen, and being mad they were $1.00 US in Prague.

Mini markets near the Astronomical clock sells really expensive water. The 1 liter bottle cost could buy me 2 liters from a grocery.

When I visited Prag in the early 90th a cup of coffee was about 0,20 Dollar. A 5star meal 12 Dollar.

Greetings from Ireland, I once went into a shop in the town where I live and I was almost suffocated by the smell of nail polish remover! The person behind the counter was removing the sell by dates from some packaging! Px

Lastsummer I went to Prague, and I loved it. The only thing is that i went to a restaurant you reviewed recently (at the time I went) yet the prices were twice more expensive than the once you showed. I thing they have an english menu for visitors and one for Locals. Kinda shit to be honest, but event then the food was cheaper than in other European capitals I went. The food was great tho

1:45 It would cost that much or even more in a bar in Finland. We have a saying we use here when something is expensive and it goes: "The seller is not dumb but the buyer is."

Thanks to HG videos, I got to know Albert and Billa during my trips to Prague ❤

ah but your videos are so fun to watch, even though i came here back in january i still watch these

I know some expensive shop back at BP, but this is unsettling and the prices I kind of get it. BUT the expired goods? Even here at Michle where I live there are some shops which cheats with it. At Budapest its not really a possibility due to regular checks, altough we have a lot of asain shops, but not like these mini markets. At least I did not met a lot of expired stuff even at the center. Interesting to see.

it's like this in Paris too. Avoid mini markets at all costs. There's always a carrefour or monoprix within 5 minute walk and the prices are 80% cheaper and not expired!

What are some of the grocery chains that locals shop at? That's where I tend to shop when I am traveling. I prefer to not eat every meal at a restaurant, but have something on-the-go. I like to find where the locals shop and load up there. Thanks for all the honesty!

If i'm right, minimarkets that also locals use and have normal prices are called potravinys. I don't know what that means, but those were the ones i used many times.

First Week of Oktober we Are in Prag vom Berlin Hope i See u honest guide thx for all the Videos

I've been to a Prague mini market and the prices were a bit higher, but not that ridiculous. I would compare it to a German gas station, which was fine by me since it was convenient on my way to the hotel.

These tricks with the currency conversion are there since forever. I never understood why people wouldn't spend like 5 minutes to get familiar with the conversion to the currency they are used to, before going on vacation. It can save you so much money... Great video guys!

Just come back from Prague . Amazing city I’ve been many times.. BUT the worst bit is getting to and from the main station to the airport and vice versa .. Buses run directly every half an hour but I had to wait 90mins from the main station on Monday because it was so full !! Then the taxi drivers try ripping tourists off at the bus stop because they know you are not going to get on the bus and some people are in a rush to get to the airport from the station . They need extend the tram line ! Cheers 😅

There needs to be some legislation put in place to stop this price gouging, there's no other reason for the prices to be that high other than to scam tourists. Many people won't return or recommend visiting Prague to other people if they fall foul of it.

A friend of mine lived in Prague teaching English in the late ‘80s; it was dirt cheap back then.

I remember my shock visiting Prague 10+ years ago and finding out that beer in pubs was cheaper than beer in markets in Poland :)

Basically avoid places where there isn't price tags near product. Still there is chance tourist traps will overcharge prices.

57 dollar for a six-pack of corona? In Norway 9,50 for one beer is a normal price in a restaurant. Even a coke is 5 euros. And in Göteborg/Sweden I paid 8,35 euros for a Guinness at an Irish pub. So it also depends in which country you are, or whether it is a tourist destination or not. In Decin, yes in Czech Republic I paid 35 crowns/€ 1,43 for a half-of-a-liter beer. But at Lobkowicz Palace Café, in the Prague Castle, they charged me for two drinks (0,2 litres each, 0,4 in total) 150 crowns/€6,15) together. Plus the sandwich I had (275 crowns) the total was 425 CZK. When I asked for the bill the waiter said that 'the service was not included'. When I said I didn't understand this, he pointed at the bottom of the bill: 'Service NOT included: 10% is GOOD, 15% is EXCELLENT'. I told him 'No'. He dropped the change on the table and walked away with 'OK, something was bad, thank you!'.

I kinda liked the idea of visiting Prague, now I'm not so sure I can afford it. Maybe Monaco would be cheaper? But I did enjoy your content and you earned a like and a sub!

Love your NOLA hat. NOLA is my first home, PRCZ (Prague) is my second home 😊

I never knew Mexican restaurants were popular in the Czech Republic. Nor did I know it was so expensive in the city. I would love to try Czech food. We still have a few eateries in Chicago, mainly in the suburbs of Cicero and Berwyn.

Tq for your concern to foreign tourists TG. You bettering the tourism industry in this world

We never use the mini markets when we visit, always go to Albert or Billa...

Watch the Astronomical Clock but avoid the astronomical prices. Thanks for the tip.

Erm..... I think about 6 Euros was the price for a Case of Staropramen we payed 20yrs ago ^^ I remember Prague as a real reasonable priced city and was a bit shocked what it had become in 2023. Well... I must admit the fairest price was at the Art deco Cafe and the food was great. But I remember times where me and a friend got out in the city and went to every bar with a beer less than 1 DM.... GOSH we were soooo trashed!!!

Yes, go to Lidl or Billa you get very reasonable prices!!!! I love Prague, i’ve been there three times!!! You do have great restaurants in the center of Prague!!!

Any advice about regular supermarkets in Prague?

I have been to Prague twice (2006 and maybe sometime in 2017/18) and I never found the city welcoming. There was just something in the atmosphere that felt off. Obviously the beer was cheap and there was some interesting smaller restaurants but I found but overall feeling kind of fake/scam-y in many locations. I genuinely preferred cities like Lodz, Budapest and Vilnius. I don't know if I want to give Prague a third try but maybe one day if I pass by train.

Good to know to avoid the mini marts near the tourist areas. But we are renting an apartment in Prague in the fall and wanted to buy groceries and such. Are the groceries store the same and we'll overpay there too? Where do we go to ensure we can buy at regular local prices?

Pickpockets and street scammers certainly exist in Spain, and some restaurants and bars may have hygiene or quality issues and inflated prices to swindle tourists, but the croissant situation is absurd even in Spain, a country where scams are not uncommon. However, here at least, there is still quite a bit of trust in the oversight and prevention efforts of inspections and reports by the authorities, at least for the food stores. In general, most tourists expect there to be a minimum of control in a Western country, which is why many visitors may not expect scams like those in those Czech shops, they are so blatant and exaggerated that they become hilarious.

I'm in Prague right now but I needed water and I had to go to one of those minimarkets. It wasore expensive indeed. Btw any suggestions for a Monday in Prague?

"This beer I just paid 6,2€ for it!" Meanwhile here in Scandinavia: Ooh! They have great discounts!

😱 Unbelievable! Thank you for another great video!

as a guy living in czech i only go to those mini markets as a last resort like all the shops are closed then is fo there

I went to Prague 2 decades ago, a beer was about 50p a pint, those were the good ol days

I guess it's similar to mobile pay-to-win games. You know, you never unlock levels with your money, you first need to buy gems, then exchange gems to coins, and then you can spend them. This makes the player get lost in exchange rates and not understand the value of in-game currency. Same thing here, since foreign travelers usually exchange big sums at once and do not understand the value of a koruna, they tend to overspend. Sad how people are just abusing this...

Preparing for my 3rd trip to Prague this year. Hell, beer on the tap in a concert venue is still cheaper than boring canned beer in these mini markets. They are just... podvodnici. Pure scam. I was literally stopping people from going inside in May.

Please make a guide on supermakets and other places that locals shop for groceries