13 essential insights before visiting Prague, Czech Republic

Prague is a city full of surprises.

Stroll through its enchanting medieval heart, and you'll encounter a mix of fairy-tale scenery and bold street art. At night, you might find small, hidden entrances that lead to lively beer halls, while vibrant music venues hide behind elegant art deco exteriors. No matter what draws you to this diverse Czech capital, it's wise to come prepared.

Arm yourself with these insider tips to enhance your Prague experience.

1. Consider skipping Wenceslas Square for your stay

While Staré Město (Old Town) boasts stunning architecture and key attractions, don't overlook Prague's other neighborhoods. The city center is compact, with Malá Strana and Nové Město offering easy access to sights and their own lively pubs, bars, and clubs. Keep in mind that Wenceslas Square can turn from a respectable shopping hub into a party hotspot at night, with numerous strip clubs attracting rowdy stag parties.

For those wanting to experience local life or traveling with kids, explore the outer districts. Both trendy Vinohrady and cool Holešovice offer great accommodations, vibrant nightlife, and excellent transport options.

2. Don’t forget to bring comfortable shoes and layers

The ancient streets and alleys of central Prague are best explored on foot. Make sure to wear comfortable shoes suitable for cobblestones; high heels can lead to some embarrassing slips.

While dressing up for fancy restaurants or a theater evening is common, Czechs tend to favor casual attire. Layered clothing is ideal, allowing you to remove layers in a cozy pub and put them back on during a chilly walk home. Regardless of the season, be prepared for unexpected rain, so a waterproof jacket is a wise addition.

3. The metro doesn't extend to the airport

Prague boasts a fantastic affordable public transport system, but its main limitation is that the metro doesn't reach the airport. The most budget-friendly way to get to the Old Town is to take the often crowded 119 bus to Nádraží Veleslavín station, then transfer to metro Line A. You can purchase tickets at visitor centers or from machines in the terminals that accept contactless debit/credit cards. If you're near Prague's central train station, consider the slightly pricier yet direct Airport Express bus.

4. Pre-book your airport taxi for the best rate

Watch out for opportunistic taxi drivers. To avoid the hassle of lugging heavy suitcases on and off buses, it's wise to arrange an airport transfer in advance instead of hailing a cab right outside the airport (or main train station). At the very least, inquire about the fare before starting your journey and let the driver know you’ll need a receipt. Popular ride-hailing apps include Uber, Bolt, and the local Liftago.

5. Remember to validate your public transport ticket

You can purchase public transport tickets ranging from 30 minutes to three days at most newsstands, convenience stores, and all metro stations. Trams also feature orange contactless debit/credit ticket machines onboard. Alternatively, the PID Lítačka app can be used. Just ensure you validate your ticket at the start of your journey by inserting it into the yellow machine on buses and trams or at the top of metro escalators (or tapping the button in the app); neglecting this could result in a hefty fine.

6. Prague offers great value, though it’s not as inexpensive as it used to be

While prices have risen in recent years, Prague remains a solid choice for budget-conscious travelers when compared to many other European capitals. You’ll be spending in Czech koruna, or Czech crown. Beer is still pleasantly affordable, with a 500ml pint costing around 55Kč. A cappuccino runs about 70Kč, and a typical traditional Czech meal is roughly 200Kč. Tipping about 10% for table service is standard.

Purchasing the Prague City Pass or Prague CoolPass grants you free and discounted entry to several major attractions and tours, but you’ll need to maximize your visits to make the most of your investment. For those on a budget, it’s wiser to pay for a few select attractions and take advantage of Prague’s free activities.

7. Don’t anticipate much small talk

If you hail from a culture where discussing the weather is a customary icebreaker, you might find the Czech style a bit more… direct. Czechs (like anyone) can be very warm and humorous, but they often keep things reserved with strangers. It’s polite to be courteous, but it’s perfectly acceptable to get straight to the point.

8. English is commonly spoken, but a few Czech phrases are appreciated

It’s typical for residents and workers in Prague’s tourist areas to speak English. You’ll usually find menus and museum displays translated into English as well. For those moments when communication becomes tricky, having the Google Translate app handy on your phone can be helpful.

Although English is prevalent in central Prague, making an effort with some basic Czech is often welcomed. You can greet people with 'Dobrý den' (good day) or 'Dobrý večer' (good evening). Save the more casual 'Ahoj!' (hi/bye!) for friends and family.

9. Indulge in traditional Czech pastries

Chimney cakes known as trdelník can be found at stalls near many tourist sites, and they’re a hit on Instagram. Interestingly, these delightful sugar-coated treats are not originally Czech; they actually hail from Slovakia or possibly Hungary. While enjoying one of these tasty towers is a must, don’t forget to explore local bakeries for more authentic Czech desserts. Keep an eye out for kolaches – sweet, palm-sized buns filled with poppy seeds or fruit preserves.

10. Be cautious of exchange rates that seem too favorable

Some dishonest currency exchange services advertise incredible rates but then impose hidden fees. When converting money, request the final amount in writing before handing over your cash, and always ask for a receipt. If you think you’ve received an unfair deal and have exchanged less than €1000, you can cancel the transaction within three hours. A safer option is to use a bank account that provides good rates and low fees for international withdrawals, and withdraw cash from an ATM instead.

11. There are strategies to avoid the crowds

Prague can become quite bustling, particularly in late spring and summer. To find some peace, explore areas beyond the popular trio of Charles Bridge, Old Town Square, and Prague Castle. Instead of navigating through crowds with selfie sticks, enjoy views of Charles Bridge from the river islands of Kampa or Střelecký ostrov. Consider trading the lively atmosphere of Golden Lane for a serene walk in the picturesque castle district of Nový Svět. If the crowds overwhelm you, find a shady spot in one of Prague’s lovely parks (some even feature beer gardens with stunning city vistas) or think about taking a day trip from the city.

12. Exercise standard safety measures and use your common sense

Prague is generally safe: violent crime is rare, traffic laws are respected, and tap water is safe to drink. Follow the same precautions you would at home and stay particularly aware of your belongings, as pickpockets may frequent crowded tourist spots, trains, and trams. If you require emergency assistance, dialing 112 connects you to an English-speaking operator.

13. Obtain travel insurance

The Czech Republic offers high-quality healthcare. If you need a Schengen visa to enter, having medical insurance is essential. EU visitors can receive free emergency treatment in Prague by presenting their European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) or, for travelers from the UK, the Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC). However, it's wise to purchase travel insurance, as these cards don’t cover all expenses, such as medical repatriation.