A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Prague vs. Crete for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Families

Should you visit Prague or Crete?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Prague and Crete. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Prague

Prague is a beautiful, festive, and fun-filled city. As it's a big city, visitors will find plenty to do, too. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. Other popular activities here include shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Crete

Crete is a stunning, breathtaking, and world-renowned island. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and hiking.

Prague and Crete: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Good music scene
  • Scenic old town
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good public transit
  • Very walkable
  • Big city activities
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for food
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Active nightlife
  • Nice resorts
  • Good scuba and snorkeling destination
  • Popular beach
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Public transit not as usable
  • Less walkable


Is there more to do in Prague or Crete?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Prague than Crete, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Prague is more popular for its museums, nightlife, music, historical sights, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Crete is known for its food, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and hiking. Prague is popular for its world-famous old town, local beer, wild nightlife, historic landmarks, and the Charles Bridge. It is also home to The Prague Castle. Crete is popular for its breathtaking beaches, wild nightlife, and impressive archeological ruins.

How is Prague different from Crete?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Crete and Prague. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Prague or Crete?

Prague
Crete

Prague is an amazing city to visit for its museums and landmarks. Also, Crete is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

You'll find many recognizable landmarks that put Prague on the map. Most of the city's historic sights are found in the Old Town. Famous landmarks include the Charles Bridge, the Prague Castle, and the National Museum.

Many visitors head to Crete specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. The island is filled with archeological sites including the famous Palace of Knossos. While most people come to Crete for the natural beauty, in the cities you'll find some great museums and landmarks.


Is the Food Better in Prague or Crete? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Prague
Crete

Crete is an unbeatable place for its local cuisine and restaurants. However, Prague is not a good city for its restaurants.

Eat your way through Crete, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. Local cuisine is influenced by the island's fertile environment and excellent agriculture. You'll find olive oil in most dishes and seafood is a major staple. You'll also find a lot of stews and recipes that incorporate local ingredients.

Prague may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. The meals are hearty and filling. There's lots of stew and dumplings that make for a soothing meal on a cold winter day. Goulash is a favorite dish at most of the traditional restaurants around town.

Is Prague or Crete Better for Nightlife?

Prague
Crete

Prague is an amazing city to visit for its evening party scene. Also, Crete is still popular, but not quite as popular for nightlife.

Prague has a colorful and one-of-a-kind nightlife scene. The city has long been famous as a beer drinking capital, and although prices are higher than they once were, the fun is the same. The nightlife vibe is great any night of the week, but weekends tend to be the most active.

Many people head to Crete for the nightlife scene. The island has excellent nightlife with clubs and bars found in Chania, Malia and Stalis to Elounda. The area is popular with British tourists and you'll find many bars open until 2 or 3 in the morning.

Is Prague or Crete Better for Music?

Prague
Crete

Prague is an amazing city to visit for its music scene. However, Crete is not a live music destination.

In Prague you'll find nightly musicians performing at a variety of venues. The city has a long history of classical music, but rock, pop, and almost any other genre is popular here as well.

Crete is not a live music destination.


Is Prague or Crete Better for Resorts?

Prague
Crete

Crete is an unbeatable place for its resorts. However, Prague is not a resort destination.

Vacationers flock to Crete for its luxury resorts. The island has world class resorts that include pools and buffet meals. There are many beachfront resorts that range in style from romantic to family-friendly.

Prague is not a resort destination.

Is Prague or Crete Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Prague
Crete

Crete is a well-known place for its diving and snorkeling. However, Prague is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

There are many scuba diving and snorkeling spots near Crete. The island is surrounded by clear waters that make for great snorkeling and diving. There's a number of beautiful fish and other sea life that you can see. Be on the lookout for crabs, sea stars, sponges, and even octopi.

Prague is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Prague or Crete Better for Beaches?

Prague
Crete

Crete is an unbeatable place for the beache. However, Prague is not a beach destination.

Crete offers stunning beaches that attract visitors from around the world. There are some of the best beaches in the world on Crete. The areas around Chania have some of the island's best beaches, with one of the most beautiful being Balos. On the northern side of the island, be on the lookout for strong winds, particularly in August, which can make for larger waves. The island is large, so you'll find everything from secluded and quiet beaches to more active and lively places.

Prague is not a beach destination.


Is Prague or Crete Better for its Old Town?

Prague
Crete

Prague is an amazing city to visit for its historic old town charm. However, Crete does not have a historic old town.

Prague offers visitors a world-class historical old town to explore. Based around Old Town Square, this city has one of the most impressive old towns in the world.

Crete does not have a historic old town.

Is Prague or Crete Better for Hiking?

Prague
Crete

Crete is a well-known place for the nearby hiking options. However, Prague is not a hiking destination.

Crete is a popular spot for hiking. The island is filled with beautiful hikes that run along the shoreline or head inland through the island's beautiful landscapes. There are hikes for every ability level that offer spectacular views and an incredible experience.

Prague is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Prague or Crete?

Prague
Crete

Prague is well known for its shopping areas. Also, Crete is still popular, but not quite as popular for shopping.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity in Prague. There are many brand name stores in New Town, particularly around Wenceslas Square. In Old Town, Czech porcelain and Bohemia Crystal are popular things to buy.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Crete. The island has many markets that sell local foods and handicrafts. There are also shops and boutiques where you can buy anything from souvenirs to homemade artwork.


Is Prague or Crete Better for Families?

Prague
Crete

Crete is an unbeatable place for its family-friendly activities. Also, Prague is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

With a huge array of activities for kids, Crete is very family-friendly. The island is large and filled with countless family-friendly activities. You can spend several days at the beach, explore Lake Kournas, visit a water park, or even take a pirate themed boat cruise. There's also the amusement park, ​​Labyrinth Park, aquariums and more.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Prague. The city has a fun energy that appeals to adults and kids alike. Make sure you check out the Astronomical Clock and tour the famous Prague Castle. You'll also find the best playgrounds in town around Slavonic Island.

Is Prague or Crete Better for Couples?

Prague
Crete

Prague and Crete both amazing destinations for a couple.

Prague is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. Whether you're enjoy beautiful architecture, historical buildings, or a night out drinking, this city makes a great stop for a couple's vacation.

Crete makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. It's stunning beaches, beautiful landscapes, world renowned restaurants, and amazing resorts make this a top honeymoon spot for international travelers and romance seekers.

Is Prague or Crete Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Prague
Crete

Prague is an amazing city to visit for backpackers. Also, Crete is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

Prague is a very popular city to visit for backpackers. It has its share of fun hostels that often have a social vibe that can't beat. The city is also a fun and affordable place to explore.

Crete is very popular with the backpacker crowd. It's a large island with a great social scene and no shortage of hostels for backpackers to choose from.


Is Prague or Crete Better for Students?

Prague
Crete

Prague is an amazing city to visit for students. Also, Crete is still popular, but not quite as popular for its student-friendly activities.

Many students frequent Prague. If you're studying abroad and want a cultural city with a young and fun vibe, the this is among the best.

Crete is very popular with students. It's affordability and great coastal activities is a big draw for students in the area.

Is Prague or Crete Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Prague
Crete

Prague is an amazing city to visit for its public transit. Also, Crete is still popular, but not quite as popular for times when you don't have a car.

Public transit in Prague is top-notch. Metro lines, trams, and buses will take you smoothly through old and new town.

While Crete offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There's a decent bus system that travels around the island and offers access to many areas.

Is Prague or Crete a more walkable city?

Prague
Crete

Prague is an amazing city to visit for its ease of walking around. However, Crete is not particularly known for its walkability.

Getting around Prague on foot is easy. The tourist area through old town is easily explored on foot. Walking around town is the best way to soak up the atmosphere.

Crete is generally not a very walkable city. The island is large and requires a vehicle to get around, but there are short strolls that let you enjoy the stunning landscapes.


For even more information, also check out Is Prague Worth Visiting? and Is Crete Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Crete or Prague?

How long in Prague or Crete?

Both Prague and Crete have a number of activities to choose from. In our opinion, Prague has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Prague than Crete. In general, 2-7 days is a good amount of time for Prague, and 5-7 days is enough time in Crete.

Families should spend more time in Crete than Prague. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Crete, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Prague than Crete. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Prague that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Prague than Crete if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Prague.


  • How many days in Prague or Crete? Ideal Length of Stay
    Prague 2-7 
    Crete 5-7

One day in Prague or Crete?

Each neighborhood in Prague has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

Many travelers enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the destination of Crete. Hikers are also drawn to this area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Prague or Crete?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Prague. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Crete is a great place to explore. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Five days in Prague or Crete?

Prague is a fun place to experience. Each neighborhood in Prague has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. Visiting the old town is also a must. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Crete. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.


A week in Prague or Crete?

Each neighborhood in Prague has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. Plenty of people spend one week in the area when traveling. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is often enough time to do most activities.

Many travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the stunning destination of Crete. This island offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. If you have one week, this is a great place to go. This would be the perfect place to spend one week, as it has just the right amount of activities.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Czech Republic, The Best Luxury Tours to Czech Republic, The Best Contiki Tours to Greece, and The Best G Adventures Tours to Greece.


Which place is cheaper, Crete or Prague?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Prague is $110, while the average daily cost in Crete is $111. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Prague and Crete in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Prague $68
    Crete $53
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Prague $136
    Crete $106
Compare Hotels in Prague and Crete

Looking for a hotel in Prague or Crete? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Prague


Hotels in Crete


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Prague Hotel Prices and Crete Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Prague $8.20
    Crete $25

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Prague

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Prague:

  • Luxury Private Prague Airport Transfer: $43
  • Prague to Berlin Private Transfer with Optional Sightseeing: $235
  • Private Prague Airport Arrival Transfer: $61
  • Private Prague Airport Departure Transfer: $53
  • VIP Private Transfer from Prague Airport to Hotel in Prague: $66
  • 1-way Prague to Dresden - private transfer - Mercedes Benz - up to 7 passengers: $287
  • 1.5h Small Group Segway Tour + Free Taxi Transfer ️with PragueWay: $80
  • Airport Prague Private Transfer for up to 4 people: $88
  • Airport Transfer: Prague Airport PRG to Prague by Luxury Van: $56
  • Airport Transfer: Prague to Prague Airport PRG by Business Car: $49
  • Airport Transfer: Prague to Prague Airport PRG by Luxury Van: $56
  • Arrival Transfer: Prague Airport PRG to Prague by Business Car: $49

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Crete

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Crete:

  • One-Way Shared Transfer From or To Heraklion Air - Hersnissos: $17
  • Rethymno: Shared Transfer to/from Chania Airport: $17
  • Heraklion Airport: Shared Transfer To/From Rethymno: $21
  • One Way Shared Transfer From/To Heraklion Airport - Bali: $21
  • Private Transfer from Chania Hotels to Chania Souda Cruise Port: $23
  • Private Transfer from Chania Airport (CHQ) to Chania Souda Port: $23
  • Shared Transfer to/from Airport-Georgioupolis/Kavros: $24
  • Private Transfer to/from Ports & Airports by Mercedes: $27
  • Acqua Plus Water Park Admission with Optional Transfer: $31
  • Acqua Plus Water Park Admission with Optional Transfer: $32
  • Acqua Plus Water Park Entrance Ticket with Transfer: $33
  • Transfer Service in Crete - Starts from Heraklion Prefecture: $33

Is it cheaper to fly into Prague or Crete?

Prices for flights to both Crete and Prague change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Prague $26
    Crete $37
Typical Food Prices in Prague

Some typical examples of dining costs in Prague are as follows:


  • Fruit
    $4.26
  • Lunch for One
    $13
  • Bananas
    $0.60
  • Cookies
    $0.34

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Prague

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Prague.

  • Anti Tour Prague - Self Guided Beer and Food Tour: $21
  • Hard Rock Cafe with Set Menu for Lunch or Dinner: $27
  • Hard Rock Cafe Prague with Set Lunch or Dinner: $28
  • Sightseeing Boat Cruise with Buffet Dinner: $42
  • Sightseeing Boat Cruise with Buffet Dinner: $48
  • Vltava River Evening Dinner Cruise: $53
  • Folkloric Dinner Show with Unlimited Drinks: $58
  • 2-Hour Dinner Cruise with Transfers: $58
  • River Cruise with Dinner and Live Music: $59
  • Medieval Dinner with Unlimited Drinks: $60
  • Prague 5 Courses Medieval Dinner and Live Performances: $61
  • Guided Food Tour with Tastings: $64

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Crete

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Crete.

  • Troy Dinner-Show: $33
  • Olive Oil Factory Tour, Dinner & Traditional Dancing: $60
  • Chania: Cretan Folklore Dance Show with Dinner and Pickup: $76
  • Cook with Locals | Cretan cooking Class at Archanes (transfer - lunch included): $87
  • The Delicious Chania PRIVATE Street Food Tour : $88
  • Sightseeing Day Trip with Cooking Lesson and Lunch: $97
  • Full-Day Jeep Safari Tour with Cooking Lesson: $98
  • Chania Cooking Class in Crete with rustic, delicious and homely Cretan food!: $101
  • Authentic and Traditional Cooking Class in Chania Crete: $101
  • E-bike Food Tour Tasting in Heraklion : $114
  • Heraklion: Cretan Cooking Lesson with Lunch in Arolithos: $119
  • Chania: Authentic Cooking Class in the White Mountains: $119

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Prague $16
    Crete $28
Typical Entertainment Prices in Prague

Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Prague are as follows:


  • Opera Tickets
    $4.26
  • Two Tickets for Charles Bridge Tower
    $5.97
  • Image Theatre for Two
    $41

Tours and Activities in Prague

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Prague are as follows:

  • Prague Castle Tour with the Best Panoramic Views of the City: $2.65
  • Iconic Prague Tour Old Town, Jewish Quarter and Charles Bridge : $2.65
  • Bachelorette / Bachelor Party - City sightseeing Trike Tour: $2.77
  • Royal Prague City sightseeing Electric Trike Tour: $2.98
  • Prague Historical & Viewpoints Retro E-Bike Group Tour: $3.03
  • Sunset View & Adventurous Retro E-Bike Tour: $3.03
  • Bachelorette/Bachelor Party - City sightseeing E-Bike Tour: $3.07
  • Adventurous Sightseeing & Historical Live Guided Trike Tour: $3.07
  • Royal Prague City sightseeing Retro E-Bike Live Guided Tour: $3.11
  • Prague City sightseeing in Night Trike Tour: $3.11
  • Gorgeous Prague Night Retro E-Bike Tour ( Live Guided ): $3.16
  • First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.26

Tours and Activities in Crete

Here are a few actual costs in Crete for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Chania: Self-Guided Scavenger Hunt and City Highlights Tour: $7.06
  • Heraklion Archaeological Museum Ticket & Audio Guide: $8.36
  • Palace of Knossos Entry Ticket & Optional Audio Guide: $11
  • The Terra Creta Olive Oil Experience Tour: $11
  • Chania: Sunset Boat Cruise with Guide: $15
  • Heraklion: Palace of Knossos 3D Virtual Audio Tour by Tablet: $16
  • Heraklion: Hop-on Hop-off Open Top Bus Sightseeing Tour: $16
  • Heraklion: Hop-On Hop-Off Sightseeing Bus Tour: $16
  • Heraklion: Virtual Reality Experience at VR Lab: $16
  • Chersonissos: Mini-Train City Highlights Tour: $17
  • Heraklion City Tour - Aquarium: $18
  • Gramvousa Island & Balos Bay Full-Day Tour from Rethymno English & German guide: $19

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Prague $11
    Crete $21
Typical Alcohol Prices in Prague

Here are a few samples of the prices for alcohol and nightlife in Prague from other travelers:


  • A Bottle of Wine
    $6.78

Sample the Local Flavors in Prague

Also in Prague, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Staropramem Brewery Self-Guided Tour with Tasting: $14
  • Clock Tower Bar Crawl with Drinks and Shots: $23
  • Clock Tower Bar Crawl in Prague: $27
  • Pub Crawl in Prague: $32
  • Pub Crawl and International Party: $35
  • Pub Crawl with Open Bar and VIP Entry: $35
  • Prague Pub Crawl: $35
  • Pub Crawl with 2-Hour Open Bar at Drunken Monkey: $36
  • Drunken Monkey Pub Crawl: $36
  • Golden BURLESQUE: $42
  • Prague beer tour with brewery visit and tasting: $46
  • Wine Tasting and Walking Tour of Prague: $50

Sample the Local Flavors in Crete

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Crete:

  • Cheese and Wine Tasting Tour From Chania: $42
  • Chania: Off-Road Tour at Sunset with Wine Tasting: $97
  • Jeep Safari Wine Tour and South sea swimming: $98
  • Ecobike Wine Tasting Tour in Heraklion: $104
  • Wine Tasting-Olive Oil Factory-Traditional Villages- Small Group : $133
  • The Gourmet Wine Tour of Heraklion area: $166
  • Knossos, Olive Mill, Winery - Distillery with Tastings & Lunch : $179
  • Private-Knossos Palace and Wine tasting in Heraklion countryside: $221
  • From Elounda Private Heraklion Wine Tour with Tastings and Lunch: $232
  • Ecobike Tour • All in One • Historical Tour-Food Tasting-Wine Tasting: $234
  • Heraklion SUV Private Guided Wine Tour with Lunch : $243
  • Heraklion: Private Knossos & Wine Tasting Tour with Lunch: $250


When comparing the travel costs between Prague and Crete, we can see that Crete is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Europe, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Prague Expensive? and Is Crete Expensive?.


Which has a larger population, Prague or Crete?

Prague has a larger population, and is about 94% larger than the population of Crete. When comparing the sizes of Prague and Crete, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.