15 Things I Wish I Knew Before Visiting Prague 🇨🇿

Tips for Visiting Prague

Prague is beautiful, but the areas around its most famous sights can feel hectic. These tips can help you avoid tourist traps and get a more local experience.

Local customs and food

• Refer to the region as Central Europe. The speaker says Czech people may correct visitors who describe Prague as being in Eastern Europe.
• Don’t assume trdelník is traditional Czech food. Chimney cake is popular with tourists, but the video says it isn’t a local Prague specialty. Try other Czech dishes instead.
• Check your restaurant bill before tipping. A tip of around 10% is described as customary, but check whether a service charge has already been added.
• Know what to expect when ordering beer. Czech pilsner is often served with a substantial head of foam; the speaker says this is normal.

Money and shopping

• Be cautious with currency. Czechia uses Czech crowns, not euros. Don’t exchange money with people on the street. The speaker recommends paying by card or using ATMs from established Czech banks.
• Buy snacks and water at regular supermarkets. Tourist mini-markets in the Old Town can charge several times more. Lidl, Albert, and Billa are suggested alternatives.
• Avoid products marketed as cannabis in tourist shops. The speaker warns that these may contain synthetic substances rather than ordinary cannabis and advises against buying or consuming them.

Getting around and avoiding crowds

• Explore beyond the Old Town. A short walk from the busiest sights can lead to everyday neighborhoods, cafés, and more affordable restaurants. The video suggests Karlín, Žižkov, and Holešovice.
• Use public transport. Prague’s metro, trams, and buses are described as clean, efficient, and inexpensive. The speaker recommends the PID Lítačka app for tickets and says public transport from the airport is far cheaper than a taxi.
• Skip e-scooters. Narrow, cobbled streets can make them hazardous for riders and pedestrians. Walking or taking a tram is recommended.
• Visit Charles Bridge early or late. Sunrise, around 6–7 a.m., or just before dark can be much less crowded than the middle of the day.
• Don’t go out of your way for Wenceslas Square. The video describes it as a commercial boulevard worth passing through, rather than a must-see destination.

Safety and trip planning

• Take basic precautions against pickpockets. Keep bags zipped and phones secure, especially on Charles Bridge, around Old Town Square, and on public transport. The video otherwise characterizes Prague as very safe.
• Choose your travel dates with crowds in mind. May, June, and September are suggested for pleasant weather and fewer crowds than peak summer. Winter is cold but atmospheric, especially during the Christmas markets.
• Allow about three to four days. The speaker considers this enough time to see the city and explore beyond the tourist center.

For local travel advice, the video recommends Honest Guide, a channel hosted by Czechs that covers scams and tourist traps.

Notable locations and resources: Charles Bridge, Old Town Square, the Astronomical Clock, Wenceslas Square, Malá Strana, Karlín, Žižkov, Holešovice, Lidl, Albert, Billa, and the PID Lítačka app.