What should I know before visiting Prague?

Direct answer

Prague is a compact, historic, and walkable city with stunning architecture, great beer, and seasonal crowds—plan for peak-season crowds and dress for variable weather.

Visa / entry requirements

• EU/EEA/Swiss citizens: no visa required. Carry ID.
• US/Canada/Australia/NZ: visa-free for short stays (usually up to 90 days in any 180-day period) with valid passport.
• Other nationalities: check the Czech Ministry of Foreign Affairs or your local consulate for visa rules and Schengen requirements.
• Passport validity: generally at least 3 months beyond intended departure from the Schengen Area; confirm with your embassy.

Best time to visit

• April–June and September–October: best balance of pleasant weather, fewer crowds, and lower prices.
• July–August: warmest but busiest and most expensive; expect long lines at major sights.
• November–February: cold, short days, fewer tourists; attractive for low-season prices and Christmas markets in December.

Safety tips

• Prague is generally safe, but use common sense.
• Watch for pickpockets in crowded areas (Old Town, Charles Bridge, trams, tourist buses). Keep valuables secure and use anti-theft bags.
• Beware of card skimming at some ATMs—use machines in banks when possible.
• Avoid unofficial taxis; use reputable apps (Bolt, Uber in some areas) or licensed taxis (look for company and meter). Agree price in advance if no meter.
• Emergency numbers: 112 (EU-wide emergency number), 158 police, 155 ambulance.

Local customs & etiquette

• Polite greetings: a simple Dobrý den (Good day) is appreciated. Learn a few Czech phrases; locals value the effort.
• Tipping: common to round up or leave ~10% in restaurants if service is not included; small tip for taxis and hotel porters.
• Dress: smart casual; churches and religious sites expect modest dress.
• Drinking culture: beer is a point of pride—toast with eye contact and say Na zdraví.

Currency & money

• Currency: Czech koruna (CZK). Euro is not widely accepted except at some tourist places; don’t rely on it.
• Payment: cards widely accepted in Prague; small vendors and markets may be cash-only.
• ATMs: widely available; use bank-affiliated ATMs to avoid high fees.
• Exchange: avoid airport kiosks and street exchangers with poor rates; use banks or ATMs.

Transportation

• Walking: central Prague is very walkable; many attractions are best accessed on foot.
• Public transport: efficient network of trams, buses, and metro. Buy tickets from machines, kiosks, or via the PID Lítačka app; validate ticket upon boarding/entry.
• Tickets: short-term tickets (30/90 minutes) and day passes available. Fines for traveling without validated ticket are steep.
• Trams: useful for scenic surface travel; tram 22 passes many major sights.
• Airport transfer: Airport Express bus, public bus + metro, taxis, and ride-hailing apps. Pre-booked airport transfer is convenient for late arrivals.
• Bikes & scooters: shared e-scooters and bikes operate but watch for pedestrian zones and cobblestones.

Must-know tips & practical advice

• Accommodation: stay in or near Prague 1 (Old Town, Mala Strana) for easy access to sights; expect higher prices there.
• Crowds & timing: visit Charles Bridge early morning or late evening to avoid peak crowds. Book Prague Castle and popular museums online in advance.
• Museum hours: many museums close one weekday (often Monday); check ahead.
• Cash vs card: carry some CZK for markets, small cafés, tips, and public toilets.
• Language: Czech is the official language; English is widely spoken in tourist areas but less so in some local businesses.
• Food: try Czech specialties (svíčková, goulash, Trdelník though touristy) and local pilsner beers; explore smaller pubs (hospoda) for authentic experience.
• Drinking water: tap water is safe to drink.
• Power plugs: Type E, 230 V, 50 Hz. Bring a European adapter if needed.
• Accessibility: historic cobblestones and stairs may limit mobility in some areas—plan accordingly.
• Day trips: Karlštejn Castle, Kutná Hora (Bone Church), Český Krumlov, and beer-region tours are popular and doable as day trips.

Local insights

• Explore beyond the Old Town: Mala Strana, Letná Park (great city views), Žižkov and Vinohrady for local bars and cafés.
• Museum alternatives: Prague's John Lennon Wall, Vyšehrad for quieter historic views, and the DOX Centre for contemporary art.
• Timing for beer: many pubs close late, but last orders can vary—ask staff.

Final quick checklist

• Passport, check visa rules, travel insurance
• Local currency (some cash), card enabled for international use
• Validated public transport tickets or day pass
• Comfortable shoes for cobbles and stairs
• Plug adapter and layers for variable weather

Enjoy Prague's architecture, café culture, and beers—plan ahead for peak sites and respect local customs for a smooth visit.