[ad_1]
Adventurous Kate comprises affiliate hyperlinks. When you make a purchase order via these hyperlinks, I’ll earn a fee at no further value to you. Thanks!
Earlier than you come to Prague, you must know what NOT to do in Prague! I’ve been dwelling in Prague for a number of years now, and I completely love how nice life is right here.
However as I put together to welcome dozens of family and friends from the US to Prague for the primary time, I’m going over what vacationers ought to REALLY know earlier than arriving right here.
So what ought to folks really know? Prague is completely different from the stereotypes. Whilst you get immense worth for cash right here, it’s positively not the dirt-cheap getaway it was 20 years in the past, neither is it only a place to return to occasion.
Moreover Prague has so many cool locations exterior the town heart, and an unimaginable meals scene, however so many individuals by no means go that far, sticking to the town heart and Czech dishes.
And in the event you cheers with water, or pour new beer right into a half-full glass…effectively, you’re not going to draw any GOOD consideration in Prague.
So let’s have a look — what NOT to do in Prague! Take into account this your Prague survival information.
(And in the event you’re planning a visit to Prague, don’t miss my guides on unusual things to do in Prague and the 17 best Prague restaurants!)
![Skyline view of Prague, little church towers poking over the landscape in front of the river.](https://www.adventurouskate.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/Prague-View-from-Letna-1024x728.jpeg)
Don’t assume Prague is an affordable getaway.
Prior to now, Prague was held up as the last word low cost getaway of Europe. Individuals got here right here to remain in grand motels for reasonable, have good meals for reasonable, and occasion all night time lengthy for reasonable.
I actually fell into that class as soon as. After I first visited Prague with my research overseas roommates in 2004, we gorged ourselves on sushi as a result of it was so less expensive than in Italy!
Right here’s the factor, although — whereas Prague is certainly cheaper than Paris, London, and the Nordics, it’s not the dirt-cheap getaway it was. Prior to now 20 years, Prague has gone via a metamorphosis, including way more high-end restaurants and motels, and loads of companies now cater to rich Czechs and moneyed guests.
(This previous winter, Charlie and I traveled to Palermo, Sicily — and let me let you know, that was an affordable getaway. I used to be SHOCKED how less expensive it was than Prague! You possibly can get an entree at a pleasant restaurant for just some euros! Certain, Italy may be very costly in touristy areas like Florence and Venice, however much less touristy components of Italy will be extraordinarily low cost.)
And one other factor — the beer in Prague is not cheaper than water. So many vacationers like to repeat this, but it surely hasn’t been true for many years! (Again then they handed a legislation saying that SOMETHING must be cheaper than beer.)
The most affordable tank pilsner (a.okay.a. GOOD Czech beer) in Prague is at a pub referred to as U Glaubiců, the place half liter beers value 43 CZK ($2 USD). Elsewhere in Prague, tank pilsner prices 55-60 CZK ($2.50-3 USD).
Beer in Prague continues to be low cost, particularly contemplating its improbable high quality — I began laughing with pleasure once I purchased a spherical for me and 6 of my pals for lower than $20 — however not fairly cheaper than water.
![People sitting on benches underneath leafy trees, facing the Vltava River in Prague.](https://www.adventurouskate.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Riverside-in-Prague-1024x729.jpeg)
Don’t be an obnoxious, badly behaving vacationer.
For many years, Prague has been a preferred spot for vacationers coming to drink and occasion. It’s particularly well-liked with British stag events. The place else are you able to drink beer this good for this worth?
You continue to see these stag events. A gaggle of British males strolling down the road, one among them dressed up as a large child or a ballerina, all of them off their faces. If it’s late at night time, they could be singing on the high of their lungs.
It’s not nice for these of us who stay right here.
However the metropolis has been cracking down on this type of vacationer habits. Bars and golf equipment will not be as tolerant of vile habits as they was. And now if you land on the airport, you’ll discover massive indicators telling folks to maintain issues quiet after 10:00 PM.
My recommendation? Keep in mind that folks stay right here. And in the event you’re going to occasion, persist with the town heart. DO NOT e book an house in a cute residential neighborhood. We stay in these neighborhoods as a result of they’re quiet and away from the insanity.
![Murray the gray tabby cat flops in the dining table, his paw next to a few Czech bills, like he's swimming in money.](https://www.adventurouskate.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/Murray-Money-854x1024.jpeg)
Don’t convey your euros.
The Czech Republic really doesn’t use the euro — as an alternative, we use the Czech crown (koruna). Over the previous few years, the speed has fluctuated between 21-24 crowns to at least one US greenback.
It’s not the best factor to calculate in your head, so I like to recommend downloading the Foreign money app and opening it if you need to double-check a worth.
And no, you may’t use US {dollars} right here both. (You don’t suppose this may must be stated, however I’ve seen sufficient Individuals making an attempt to pay with USD throughout Europe!)
I take advantage of my US bank cards for the overwhelming majority of my purchases in Europe. You should utilize bank cards in most locations in Prague, too. In the event that they ask you which of them foreign money to cost — CZK or USD — all the time select CZK. You’ll get a markup in the event that they convert the value.
![A glass of bright yellow lemonade filled with passionfruit seeds at a Vietnamese restaurant.](https://www.adventurouskate.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Prague-Lemonade-768x1024.jpeg)
Don’t anticipate lemon in your lemonade.
You’ll discover lemonades (limonady) on most Czech menus, they usually make a improbable nonalcoholic beverage choice. Actually, a number of eating places are all the time switching up their lemonades of the day — mango, lime, pink currant…
There’s only one factor. Lemonades within the Czech Republic don’t include lemon! They’re simply glowing water with fruit juice added. Until the menu explicitly says that it comprises lemon, it doesn’t include lemon.
So in the event you ask a server what sorts of lemonades they’ve right this moment they usually say, “Raspberry, ardour fruit, and lemon,” solely the lemon one really comprises lemon.
Moreover, malinovka is one thing you’ll usually see in pubs — it’s a candy raspberry soda (technically a lemonade by Czech requirements!), usually out there on faucet.
![A city skyline with foggy Prague castle along the river, part of the sky blue but fog covering everything.](https://www.adventurouskate.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/Foggy-Sunny-Prague-1024x768.jpeg)
Don’t name Prague Japanese Europe.
The Czech Republic may be very a lot a part of Central Europe. Mentioning to a Czech that you simply’re in Japanese Europe is just not a great way to make pals — the truth is, it will likely be taken as an insult.
Consider it this manner: Think about that you simply make a journey to Pennsylvania. You’re hanging out in Philadelphia, sitting at a bar in Heart Metropolis, making dialog along with your neighbor, and also you point out that you simply got here to Philly since you all the time wished to go to New England.
See how ridiculous that sounds? That’s what it seems like if you name Prague Japanese Europe!
Oh, and positively don’t name it Czechoslovakia, both. We’ve been velvetly divorced from our jap neighbor for 30 years now.
(For the file: Japanese Europe contains Russia, Ukraine, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Belarus, Romania, Moldova, and Bulgaria. Central Europe contains Poland, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, the previous Yugoslavia (Slovenia, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia) and Albania.)
![A red and white tram crossing a bridge in Prague.](https://www.adventurouskate.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Prague-Tram-1024x743.jpeg)
Don’t trip public transit with out a ticket.
Prague is a metropolis the place you don’t have to point out your ticket when boarding transportation, and there aren’t even turnstiles to get on the subway. As a substitute, there are fare inspectors that hop on board often and verify to see that everybody has a ticket for that journey.
Due to this, loads of vacationers find yourself confused and find yourself hopping on the tram with out shopping for tickets.
How usually do fare inspectors hop on board? I’d say most likely one in each 15-20 journeys. Even so, you don’t need to be caught with out a ticket, as a result of the high quality is steep. And I do know many vacationers who tried to play dumb (or, let’s be trustworthy, cry) and bought fined anyway.
You should purchase tickets on board the trams and buses you probably have a contactless bank card. You may as well purchase tickets on the machines at entrances to the metro.
However what I like to recommend is that you simply obtain the PID Litačka app earlier than you arrive in Prague. On right here you should purchase single tickets for 30 or 90 minute journeys, or for twenty-four or 72 hours. Or for a month in the event you’d like! This ticket is nice for tram, bus, or metro.
Understand that YOU MUST ACTIVATE THE TICKET and IT TAKES TWO FULL MINUTES TO ACTIVATE. They do that so you may’t simply press the activate button when the fare inspector seems.
![A bowl of Vietnamese pho next to a bowl of noodle and a plate of roasted pork and rice.](https://www.adventurouskate.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Vietnamese-Food-Sapa-Unusual-Things-to-Do-in-Prague-1024x768.jpg)
Don’t solely eat Czech meals.
It is best to completely strive some Czech dishes whereas visiting Prague — however Czech meals can also be fairly heavy, and I personally discover it powerful consuming multiple conventional Czech meal per week.
As a substitute, reap the benefits of Prague’s excellent worldwide eating scene. It’s one among my favourite issues about dwelling in Prague!
I wrote a Prague restaurant guide just lately, and this represents the end result of my years exploring the restaurant scene with my crew of foodie pals.
You may take pleasure in inventive high-end tapas at El Camino, Neapolitan-style pizza at Manù, fiercely contemporary sushi at Yamato, Georgian specialties at Sunday Terrace, and much, way more.
I particularly advocate getting your fill of Vietnamese meals whereas in Prague. Now we have a big and vibrant Vietnamese group right here, and it’s uncommon to discover a European metropolis with improbable Vietnamese eating places in each path!
Learn Extra: 17 Best Prague Restaurants
![Two glasses of rose wine clinking in front of a garden in Prague.](https://www.adventurouskate.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/Wine-Tasting-Prague-1024x768.jpeg)
Don’t cheers with out making eye contact!
Eye contact is crucial when making a toast in Prague. Be sure to look the individual within the eye as your glasses clink. If not, you’re doomed to seven years of unhealthy intercourse!
Moreover, don’t cross arms when toasting, and positively don’t toast with water — it’s thought-about unhealthy luck.
When you have a glass of water, glowing or nonetheless, simply smile and nod as folks cheers round you. Individuals will perceive.
Moreover, don’t pour new beer into your outdated beer. When you have slightly little bit of beer left in your glass, end the entire thing earlier than refilling it.
![Old Town Square in Prague, surrounded by candy-colored buildings, gothic church towers, and the metal-layered astronomical clock.](https://www.adventurouskate.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Old-Town-Square-Prague-Unusual-Things-to-Do-in-Prague-1024x780.jpg)
Don’t be late.
Czechs are extraordinarily punctual folks. It’s one of many issues I really like about them — and dwelling right here has truthfully made me a extra punctual individual! (What a change from New York, the final place I lived, the place everyone seems to be late on a regular basis and blames the subway.)
So be sure to’re on time to fulfill a Czech individual. Individuals are inclined to arrive precisely on time, not 5 minutes early.
![A view of the church towers and orange-roofed buildings of Cesky Krumlov](https://www.adventurouskate.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/Prague-to-Cesky-Krumlov-1024x683.jpg)
Don’t ignore the remainder of the Czech Republic.
There are such a lot of cool locations to go to within the Czech Republic — but the overwhelming majority of vacationers pop into Prague for a number of days, and that’s it. Guarantee that’s not you!
So what are some good locations value visiting within the Czech Republic?
Český Krumlov is a beautiful metropolis in South Bohemia, two hours from Prague, that appears straight out of a fairy story. Whereas many individuals go to as a day journey, I strongly advocate staying in a single day. You can see my guide to Český Krumlov here.
Karlovy Differ is an attractive and romantic spa city an hour and 45 minutes from Prague, stuffed with candy-colored buildings and set within the hills. That is one other good in a single day journey.
Brno is a enjoyable little metropolis in Moravia, within the jap a part of the nation, and makes an excellent cease between Prague and Vienna. There are many cool eating places and cafes, and it’s cheaper than Prague.
And in the event you solely have time for a day journey from Prague, my high choose is the city of Kutná Hora, well-known for its bone church and colourful buildings, simply 50 minutes by practice from Prague. However in the event you’re an enormous Czech beer fan, you might need to go to Plzen to tour the Pilsner Urquell brewery!
![A grassy square in Prague surrounded by pastel apartment buildings, the tall metallic TV tower in the background.](https://www.adventurouskate.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/Square-near-Zizkov-Prague-768x1024.jpeg)
Don’t name it Czechia.
Sure, Czechia could be the official identify of the nation — however the overwhelming majority of Czechs nonetheless name the nation the Czech Republic. “Czechia” is the phrase we placed on authorities types. The identify change solely went via in 2016, so it’s nonetheless a latest replace.
It’s not a tragedy in the event you name it Czechia, and even some Czechs even want to make use of the time period Czechia, however you’ll slot in with the lots in the event you name it Czech Republic.
![A giant billboard above a street, looking like a person drinking an enormous Staropramen beer.](https://www.adventurouskate.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Staropramen-Sign-1024x751.jpg)
Don’t drink Staropramen.
Czechs love their beer; that a lot is obvious. And also you’ll see Staropramen branding in all places — on umbrellas, in pubs — and also you may assume that that’s the nice beer.
It’s not. Staropramen is extensively acknowledged as a neighborhood beer that isn’t that nice. It’s form of just like the Bud Gentle of the Czech Republic — they spend a ton on promoting, however the precise product is a far cry from high-quality beer.
So what do you have to drink as an alternative? Tank pilsner. Tank pilsner represents the most effective Czech beer that the town has to supply.
Pilsner Urquell is the gold customary; drink it when you may. Únětice is one other native model value making an attempt (and visiting their brewery, simply exterior the town, is one among my favourite unusual things to do in Prague).
And don’t overlook the beautiful microbreweries that dot the town! Two that I really like are Dva Kohouti in my neighborhood of Karlín (they often make New England IPAs, which makes me really feel at residence!), and Automat Matuška in Dejvice, a brand new “nanobrewery” that actually impressed me after my first go to.
![Dining outdoors: a table covered with a chicken sandwich, a plate of kimchi, a roasted quarter chicken, a bright orange cocktail and a beer.](https://www.adventurouskate.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/Kro-Karlin-Prague-1024x768.jpg)
Don’t overlook to analysis you probably have dietary restrictions.
Sure, you may completely get by in Prague in the event you observe a vegetarian or vegan or gluten-free weight loss program. Nevertheless it’s not as simple right here as it’s in Berlin or New York or Bangkok, for instance.
Conventional Czech eating places will be particularly difficult. Generally the one vegan merchandise is a bramborák (a potato pancake, typically with onions or garlic, cooked in oil). The go-to vegetarian dish in Czech delicacies is smaženy syr — fried cheese.
At the least our second hottest delicacies is Vietnamese, which provides much more to select from in the event you don’t eat meat, cheese, or gluten!
That being stated, the Czech Republic is a part of the EU, so there’s allergen labeling on menus. That makes it rather a lot simpler to know in the event you can eat one thing.
Both approach, you probably have dietary restrictions, I like to recommend doing a little bit of analysis on eating places with good vegan, vegetarian, or gluten-free choices. It’s good to have a number of prepared at the back of your pocket in case you must select a spot rapidly.
![The Prague Christmas markets, with viewing platform in front of a Christmas tree and church towers.](https://www.adventurouskate.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Prague-Markets-for-Christmas-1024x768.jpeg)
Don’t anticipate the most effective Christmas markets in Europe.
This one is a bit controversial. I do know lots of people who’ve come to Prague particularly for the Christmas markets, that are stunning, festive, and far nicer than something you’ll discover in America.
Nonetheless…I’ve been to a LOT of Christmas markets in Europe, and Prague isn’t one of many higher ones. They’re high quality, however they pale compared to what another cities have to supply.
For my part, a few of the finest Christmas markets are literally moderately near Prague — Vienna (4.5 hours by practice), Dresden (2 hours by practice), Munich (5 hours by practice), and Nuremberg (4 hours by bus) are most likely my 4 favourite Christmas market cities in Europe. I haven’t been to the Berlin Christmas markets but, however I hear they’re additionally nice (4.5 hours by practice).
Does that imply it is best to keep away from Prague at Christmas? In no way! The easiest way to plan a Christmas market trip in Europe is to have an itinerary taking you thru a number of cities by practice or bus, permitting you to see how a number of completely different locations have fun the vacation.
So maybe plan a Christmas journey that takes you from Berlin to Vienna, or Munich to Budapest, stopping in Prague alongside the way in which and permitting you to get a very good cross-section of Christmas markets.
![Five roasting chimney cakes of various doneness rotating on a grill.](https://www.adventurouskate.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/Chimney-Cakes-Budapest-Christmas-Markets-1024x665.jpg)
Don’t select a trdelnik for a Czech deal with.
All through the Outdated City in Prague, you’ll see trdelnik stands in all places. Trdelniky are chimney desserts — roasted over coals, coated with sugar and cinnamon, typically stuffed with ice cream, typically out there in a number of different flavors.
There’s only one drawback — they’re not really Czech! They’re Hungarian! Somebody began making them in Prague they usually actually caught on!
As a substitute, go for a vetrnik — a Czech caramel cream puff. These are my favourite Czech pastries and yow will discover them in all places!
I particularly love the one at Gardens Restaurant, one among my favourite unusual things to do in Prague. Mysak, Eska (solely at lunch) and Cafe Savoy have notable ones, too.
![A room with floor-to-ceiling rooms casting pink and blue light at sunset.](https://www.adventurouskate.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/Narodni-Museum-Prague-768x1024.jpeg)
Don’t use Euronet ATMs.
These are a few of the most typical ATMs you’ll see across the metropolis heart. When you’re utilizing a overseas card to withdraw money, you’ll be charged a a lot larger fee.
As a substitute, select an ATM connected to an actual financial institution. Three of the widespread banks you’ll see in Prague are CSOB, Raffeisen, and Unicredit. These ATMs are high quality to make use of.
(Actually, it’s a very good behavior to solely use ATMs connected to banks if you journey. In case your card will get eaten at a financial institution ATM, it may be recovered. If it’s eaten by a comfort retailer ATM, you’ll by no means see it once more!)
![A chic Prague cafe with painted green leaves decorating the ceiling.](https://www.adventurouskate.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/1902-Cafe-Prague-1024x768.jpg)
Don’t overlook to tip when paying for meals.
Right here within the Czech Republic, it’s customary to supply an additional 10% or so on high of the price of your meals. If a invoice involves 500 crowns, for instance, simply say, “5 hundred and fifty,” and the server will thanks, then scan your card.
If it’s a small buy, like a espresso, it’s widespread to tip with a number of cash. Just a bit one thing further.
![A pink, purple and blue sunset on the park in front o](https://www.adventurouskate.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/Beautiful-Prague-1024x768.jpg)
Don’t simply go to the town heart.
I discover it curious that the overwhelming majority of holiday makers to Prague solely go to the town heart — the Outdated City and the New City — and by no means enterprise past it. That’s an enormous distinction from different European cities.
So what do you have to do? Go exploring! 4 cool native neighborhoods with enjoyable eating places, cafes, parks and extra are Vinohrady, Dejvice, Karlín (my neighborhood!), and Letná. And loads of them have structure as fairly as it’s within the Outdated City, however have a decidedly much less touristy environment.
Take pleasure in your hipster desires. These locations could be the spotlight of your Prague go to.
Extra on the Czech Republic:
Extra on What NOT to Do:
Have you ever been to Prague? What else would you add to this checklist?
Get electronic mail updates from KateBy no means miss a publish. Unsubscribe anytime!
[ad_2]