Prague exceeded our expectations in many ways, but a little insider knowledge would have saved us time, money, and a few rookie mistakes along the way.
Public transport is a breeze, but be careful with tickets
We were quite impressed by Prague’s public transport system. Trams, trains, and buses all connected so easily. However, we made the rookie error of not validating our tickets.
You have to validate your ticket at the machine before boarding or else you get fined. This caught us totally off guard. The fine was not so heavy, but completely avoidable.
Currency exchange scams are real
I had read a lot about scams in Prague, but I didn’t expect currency exchange to be one of them. Near tourist spots, some exchange offices offer seemingly great rates but then tack on crazy fees or offer you a completely different exchange rate than what’s advertised.
We learned the hard way and quickly switched to ATMs instead. Look for those that offer the best exchange rates, or better yet, use a no-fee card.
Stick to the local beer (and skip the tourist traps)
Everyone tells you how good Czech beer is and they’re right, it’s fantastic. The one thing we didn’t realize, though, is that beer in some of the tourist areas is way too expensive. If you are interested in trying quality beer at a local rate, then try smaller off-the-grid places. We chose a great place in the Vinohrady area where the beers were cheap, local, and tasty.
Don’t skip the local food (even the weird stuff)
We had the classic goulash and roast pork, but the real surprise for us was smažený sýr, a fried cheese sandwich. It sounds simple, but it’s one of the most delicious things we ate in Prague. Don’t be scared to try something a bit more unusual. The local eateries were where we found the best, most authentic food, away from the tourist crowds.
Visit popular sites early (especially Prague Castle)
Prague is crowded, especially the more touristy places. Prague Castle is absolutely a must-see, but we visited it late in the day. By then, it was jam-packed with tourists, and the queues were very long. If we could do it over again, we’d do it in the morning when it’s quieter and colder. It’s also a great escape from the midday crowds.
Don’t expect everything to be open on Sundays
When we arrived on a Sunday, we were shocked at how many places were closed: restaurants, shops, even some museums. It’s a good idea to plan your sightseeing and dining around the fact that Sundays can be a little slower. On the bright side, it was the perfect excuse to enjoy the city’s parks and open spaces.
Comfortable shoes are a must
I had no idea how far we’d walk, and boy, were my feet tired by the end of the first day. The cobbled streets are beautiful but awful on your feet if you are wearing the wrong shoes. If you are going to walk a lot (and you should), bring some nice walking shoes that can handle the terrain.
You’ll need to learn how to cross the street
The pedestrian crossings in Prague don’t always go as they should. And even at marked crosswalks, vehicles never stop, so you have to take extra care. We weren’t too sure we wanted to cross at first, but by the end of the trip we figured it out. Just wait for the green man, but watch for cars before stepping out.
The Charles Bridge is beautiful, but go early
Yes, we did the touristy thing and went to Charles Bridge, but we also made sure to get there at sunrise. It was magical. The crowds hadn’t arrived yet, and we had the whole bridge to ourselves, with the sun rising over the Vltava River. It’s definitely worth the early wake-up.
You don’t need to tip as much as you think
Tipping in the United States is nearly mandatory, but in Prague it’s a little different. Though you’re always welcome to tip a good amount, it doesn’t have to be a fortune. In restaurants, 10% is usually enough. We’d initially tipped too high, not knowing we’d gone too far. Now we know that you shouldn’t tip too much, though.
Watch out for pickpockets in crowded areas
We heard about pickpockets, but we never thought it would happen to us. One afternoon in the Old Town, my husband almost lost his wallet when a guy bumped into him in a busy crowd. Luckily, he noticed and we avoided disaster. Keep your valuables in a secure place (like a money belt or zipped bag) and be mindful of your surroundings, especially in packed areas.
The best views are often from the lesser-known spots
We saw some of Prague’s best views not in the tourist attractions, but in places we hadn’t expected. We loved the Letná Park. In fact, we saw the city in a whole new light without the tourists. It was quiet, scenic & a good place for an afternoon stroll.
