Area Daily: Prague for Less

With the dollar reduced to the value of Monopoly money, a bar none luxury trip to Europe seems out of the question, right? Not so. Rather than hit London or Paris, why not skip over to the east. Prague is lovely in winter and as its hotel rates drop with the temperature, November is a cheap-with-chapstick time to go. And the Dollar / Czech Koruna exchange rate is more favorable for travellers now than at any time this year.

Sleep: With a bit of a budget, stay at The ICON Hotel and Lounge. They’re offering reduced rates from €110 (single) and €130 (double) from Nov 1 – Dec 23. Or for more serious savings, try the simple but charming Pension Vysehrad.

Play: Fear not, you don’t have to buy loads of concert tickets and oodles of Bohemian crystal to enjoy Prague. Here are a few of our favorite things to do that are absolutely free:

Pound the cobblestones: Much has been made of Prague’s history and just walking through the Old Town is a trip through the Middle Ages. With three days at your disposal you can cover most of Malá Strana, Staré Mesto, and Nové Mesto.

Catch early-morning Mass at St Vitus’s Cathedral. Sneak in the back door and soak up the gothic atmosphere before the tour groups arrive.

Take a stroll through the peaceful park atop Letná Hill and refresh yourself with a glass of some of Prague's cheapest beer at the informal beer garden, while taking in the stunning views.

And speaking of beer, don’t forget that Prague has some of the best and cheapest beer in Europe!