Some of the world’s best medieval
architecture is in Prague… …but due to tourist scams, pickpockets and
crowds visiting Prague can be a bit challenging. In my 12 years of tour guiding, I've
seen it all, and I'm here to help you avoid problems and ensure you have the best
possible holiday in Prague, Czech Republic. We’ll cover main attractions,
beer culture and must-try food, how to avoid common money scams, when
to visit, where to find accommodation, how many nights to book, and
the best ways to get around. Oh, and I will finish this video with
my favorite Prague tips and tricks. Prague’s amazing heritage includes, one of
the largest castle complexes in the world, one of the oldest and most
elaborate clocks in the world, and one of the most beautiful
stone bridges in the world. Thanks to its many medieval towers and
churches Prague was nicknamed The City of a Hundred Spires. Some of the most beautiful
ones are Church of our Lady before Tyn, beautiful Gothic Old Town Hall tower,
the medieval towers guarding the Charles Bridge, and the stunning Powder Tower.
A textbook example of stunning architecture from various periods
is also Prague’s Old Town square. Part of cities rich heritage are also the
Cathedral that took nearly 600 years to build, and contains a silver tomb of a saint and the
Czech Crown Jewels secured by seven locks, one of the most beautiful synagogs in Europe,
and the unique works of its Jewish son Franz Kafka.
But the foam on top is Prague’s historical brewing tradition and its food.
Dating back to the Middle Ages, Czech brewing expertise became world famous with the
invention of the most popular light beer style in the world Pilsner Lager. No wonder that
Prague is famous for its vibrant beer culture. There is plenty of traditional pubs, beer
gardens, and charming historical breweries, with the oldest one dating back to 1499.
These places serve delicious traditional food, carefully curated to pair well with beer.
You should try the hearty and flavorful roast pork with sauerkraut and bread or potato
dumplings. While similar dishes are popular in countries like Austria and Germany, this
combination is considered the Czech national dish. But the king of Czech foods is marinated sirloin
with cream sauce. This dish is traditionally served with Czech bread dumplings, ideal for
soaking up the luscious cream sauce. Sometimes, you can expect a side of jam,
providing a sweet and tart contrast. Another classic Czech dish is duck with sauerkraut
and dumplings. The sauerkraut provides a delicious contrast to the richness of the duck, and this
dish also comes with Czech bread potato dumplings, perfect for soaking up the flavorful juices.
I know it all sounds delicious, but before you start packing, let me warn you about
money scams in Prague and how to avoid them. Many tourist scams revolve around
the local currency, the Czech Crown. Wait a minute… What Euro Crowns?
To clarify, despite being a member of the EU, the Czech Republic is not in the
eurozone and does not use Euro. This means that Czech Crowns are the ONLY legitimate
currency that can be used to pay the bill. So, here are the three most common money scams in
Prague, starting with paying in Euros or Dollars. Some tourist places advertise and accept payments
in foreign currencies, but you should avoid this practice at all costs. Foreign currencies
are not an official way to settle bills, and the conversion rates are typically
unfavorable. Get some local cash or use your credit card, as cards are widely accepted.
Also when using a credit card, select the option to pay in Czech Crowns from the terminal. Card
payment can be used for everything including taxis and tips so there is almost no need for cash.
However, if you decide to exchange some of your currency for Czech Crowns be very cautious and
avoid changing money on the street at all costs. The most common scam involves
receiving seemingly legitimate bills, only to discover they are not Czech Crowns
but rather worthless currency from some other country. But also using exchange offices in
Prague is not entirely foolproof, as they are notorious for unfair commercial practices.
Fortunately, if you realize that a clerk in the exchange office has deceived you or
if you discover a better rate elsewhere, a new Czech law gives you three hours
to return and resign from the contract. The best way to obtain local cash is through
ATMs, but I would recommend you to avoid Euronet's yellow and blue ATMs. Sure they are
conveniently placed at every tourist hotspot. But Euronet's ATMs offer really high withdrawal
amounts, their transaction fees are very high, and the exchange rate is really bad.
To keep your money safe simply use your credit or debit card. Now, you need to decide when
is the best time to visit beautiful Prague. Although Prague is worth visiting all year, the
tourist season runs from Easter through October. The most ideal times are spring and autumn…
...but be prepared for crowds, especially during the peak tourist
months of May, June, and September. Despite the summer heat, July and August have
their advantages, offering dry and sunny weather, longer days, and slightly fewer tourists than
in the peak months. On the other hand, the cold winter months with snow and chill might be a
perfect option if you truly want to avoid crowds and save some money as rates are the lowest.
My favorite months for avoiding crowds in Prague are April and October, but bring
a jacket and an umbrella just in case. Now that you know when to go, let's explore
the best areas to book a room. Prague's four historic districts are remarkably well preserved
as the city weathered the Second World War much better than other European cities. Originally
these were four independent towns that merged to form the Royal Capital City of Prague and
are ideal for booking accommodation. Apart from their excellent locations, historical charm,
and an abundance of restaurants, bars, nightlife, and shops, everything is conveniently within
walking distance. These four districts are: Hradcany
Lesser Town Old Town
and New Town.
Hradcany, is the district on the royal hill above the river
offering breathtaking panoramic views of Prague. Lesser Town, is located between the castle
hill and the river. This area features many hidden gems. It was rebuilt after
devastating fire in the Baroque style, boasting windy cobblestone streets, impressive
baroque palaces, and flamboyant churches. On the opposite river bank is the Old Town once
separated by a moat and a city wall. In the 13th century, it gained township privileges, giving
birth to the Town of Prague. Its major attractions include the beautifully preserved Old Town
Square and the world-famous Astronomical Clock. Despite its name New Town district was founded
already in the 1300s, just outside the Old Town. This vibrant district is renowned for
the vast Wenceslas Square and serves as the center of entertainment and nightlife in Prague.
But of you're looking for more budget-friendly accommodation options, check out the
Smichov neighborhood. It's not far from historical attractions and offers
a range of budget-friendly choices. And how many nights should you book?
If you’re short on time, book at least three nights, which will give you at least
two full days in Prague. However aim for four nights if possible, to properly experience
all main attractions, pop into few museums, and immerse yourself in the beer culture.
But in any case, to maximize your time in Prague you should combine walking with public transport.
Prague is a medium-sized city with 1,3 million people, but its historic centre is
very walkable. Much of the historic city center is closed to traffic, so traveling by
foot is often the only option for getting around. Metro is great for covering long distances
fast. Prague has only 3 metro lines, however, they’re well-connected and close to all landmarks.
The impressive tram network can take you to places not covered by metro. If you're looking for an
affordable and scenic ride, hop on tram 22, which passes by many top tourist attractions, including
Prague Castle and the Lesser Town. Additionally, there is a historical hop-on-hop-off
tourist tram called Vintage Tram 42, but it requires a dedicated ticket and I'll
provide the link in the description below. As part of the public transport system,
there is a funicular to Petřín Hill, providing splendid views above the city
center. You can use the funicular with a valid 24-hour or longer-lasting ticket, or purchase a
dedicated ticket available at the funicular stop. If your destination is outside the
coverage of metro and tram networks, buses are available. For instance, Prague Airport
is connected to the city center by regular bus lines and a dedicated Airport Express bus that
runs directly to the Prague Main Railway Station. All modes of public transport require a valid
ticket that can be used for transferring between services. The most convenient way to obtain
a ticket is through the official mobile app, which I'll link in the description below.
Alternatively, you can use ticket machines available in all metro and mayor tram stations.
They can also be purchased on board tram or bus using contactless ticket machines located at
the middle door of the vehicle. If you prefer the traditional ticket-buying experience, look
for information centers and ticket offices at major metro stations or stop at newspaper kiosks.
I recommend either a 24-hour or a three-day pass for their value and convenience. Regarding paper
tickets, it's crucial to validate them before the first use using the yellow stamping boxes found
on the top of escalators in metro stations, as well as on tram cars and buses.
All you need now are my favorite tips and tricks and you’ll be ready to go.
The most important tip is to watch out for common tourist scams as there are many.
Prague taxi drivers are notorious for overcharging and taking scenic detours. Never
flag a taxi on the street, but rather use the app or webpage to order one. Still, be sure to
ask for the approximate price before taking off. Also beware of restaurants that may attempt to
scam you by charging hefty sums for additional extras placed on the table. Even if you
don't consume them, if they're on your table, you may be required to pay.
Street food vendors might attempt to deceive you with food priced by weight
as it is usually advertised per 100g, not per portion. You may end up with larger
portions costing much more than advertised. Another common scam in Prague involves fake
beggars asking for money at popular tourist spots. Also Be vigilant about pickpockets,
as Prague is considered one of the worst European cities for pickpocketing.
Another safety tip is to be aware of trams in Prague as they always have the right of
way over pedestrians at pedestrian crossings. Also be aware when buying souvenirs as some of
them have nothing to do with Prague or the Czech Republic. One such example are Russian Dolls found
on every tourist hotspot even though they have nothing to do with Prague, as they are Russian.
One of the most popular tourist snacks in Prague, the Chimney Cake, is not originally Czech. These
delicious spiral-shaped dough rolls covered with sugar and nuts originate from Romania.
But not everything is a scam in Prague, as most places try to do a good job
by providing good service. In those cases people usually leave a tip of 10 %.
But there are also ways to save some money in Prague. Early Bird Special offers
a 50 percent discount on admission for the first hour after opening and
is available at many tourist places. Another way to save money and time is to get the
Prague Visitor Pass. It includes unlimited travel on public transport, including the journey
from the airport and back, and offers free admission or discounts at most attractions.
The link to Prague Visitor Pass is in the description below, where you can also find
my favorite Prague tours and tickets. Now, before you head to Prague learn more
about the best things to do in this video.
