10 Mistakes People Make When Visiting Prague
What Not to Do in Prague on Your First Visit
The mistakes people make when visiting Prague mostly involve not taking full advantage of an opportunity to experience one of Europe’s most fascinating capital cities. The well-trodden tourist trail, while interesting in its own right, does not show you everything that the city has to offer.
Prague is generally a very safe city, although any popular tourist destination inevitably has its share of pickpockets and scammers. As is the rule for any destination, exercise common precautions like being mindful of your valuables and assuming nothing is free. Remember that if an offer sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Read the rest of our list of common mistakes to avoid on your first visit to Prague.
10 Mistakes People Make When Visiting Prague
- Thinking Matryoshka dolls and Trdlo/Trdelnikor are traditionally Czech
- Missing out on traditional local dishes
- Eating at a touristy “local” restaurant
- Only coming to Prague for the beer
- Booking tickets on the wrong websites
- Expecting everyone to be your new best friend
- Only staying in the city center
- Not being prepared for a lot of walking
- Exchanging currency on the street
- Underestimating the crowds
1. Thinking Matryoshka dolls and Trdlo/Trdelnikor are traditionally Czech
They aren’t
Good for: History, Shoppers
As you walk along King’s Road between Old Town Square and Prague Castle, you’ll see dozens of shops selling Matryoshka dolls, otherwise known as Russian nesting dolls. The clue’s there in the name: “Russian” nesting dolls. Despite the widespread belief that they’re a typical Czech souvenir, they have nothing to do with local culture.
The famous Trdlo, or Trdelnik, pastry is the same. They’re tasty and sweet, and you’ll find them advertised as traditionally Czech, especially at Easter and Christmas, but they’re a relatively recent invention. For a properly Czech souvenir, consider a wooden toy, beer or tea paraphernalia, Mucha posters, or spa wafers. If you want a T-shirt, look for one with the city’s name spelt the Czech way—“Praha”.
2. Missing out on traditional local dishes
Prague has a unique and fantastic cuisine
Good for: Food
To fully experience and appreciate the local culture in Prague, you need all five senses, including your sense of taste. Czech cuisine is very hearty and filling and, if you get it from the right restaurants, can also be very cheap, making it a budget-friendly way to fuel your trip.
The names of some of the top Czech dishes can be a bit of an obstacle. It’s hard for visitors to pronounce “kozel světlý” without mangling it, but it does sound more exciting than braised pork knuckle. However, missing out on trying some of the top local dishes in favor of familiar fast food would be a huge mistake to make.
3. Eating at a touristy “local” restaurant
They’re generally overpriced and poor quality
Good for: Budget, Food
While trying the best local dishes in Prague is a must, where you try them is also something to consider. Restaurants on the tourist trail, particularly in the center of Prague, tend to be specifically marketed at tourists. As such, their prices are usually higher, and they may lack authentic flavors and quality. They may also charge you for the bread or pretzels on the table without mentioning it—something to be aware of.
Fortunately, the great local restaurants in Prague far outnumber the tourist traps. Head off the beaten path to find no shortage of better options. If you really want a taste of the city, though, we recommend some of our own favorite local restaurants.
4. Only coming to Prague for the beer
There’s a lot more here than cheap booze
Good for: Couples, Group
Prague is a pretty famous party destination, but there is far more to this incredible city than cheap beer. Don’t miss out on one of Europe’s most beautiful and fascinating cities.
Prague is rich in history and culture, with fantastic dining, live music, and shopping scenes. The list of amazing and unique things to see and do is extensive. So, consider including at least one day in your itinerary to look at more than just the bottom of a glass—you won’t regret it.
5. Booking tickets on the wrong websites
Watch out for overpriced third-party tickets
Good for: Food, Nightlife
While it’s best to buy tickets for Prague’s many attractions, including the castle, in advance, you need to be careful when doing so. There are several websites making their money by overcharging unwary tourists by ten euros or more.
To avoid the price gougers and keep to your budget, check the prices and information on the official website for your destination and make sure you’re buying from a legitimate source. Prices might still not be low, but at least you know you’re not getting scammed. And while you’re there, maybe book a guided tour to really get the most from your visit.
6. Expecting everyone to be your new best friend
Czechs are generally more reserved
Good for: Families, Group
It can be a little shocking to encounter the seemingly reserved nature of Czech people, especially for those visiting from nations known for their welcoming and friendly dispositions. Restaurant staff don’t immediately act like they’re your newest friend. Strangers on the bus aren’t likely to strike up a conversation out of nowhere.
Rest assured, it’s nothing personal. If you manage to get to know a local, you will find no stauncher friend. However, getting to that stage takes more than a winning smile. This can make the locals come across as hostile or shy. But don’t despair, if you’re determined to meet the locals, try speaking a few words of basic Czech to break the ice.
7. Only staying in the city center
You won’t get a proper local experience
Good for: History, Shoppers
The center of Prague is where you’ll find most of the city’s star attractions, including the Charles Bridge and the Old Town Square. The fact that this area is so popular with tourists means that most of the shops and restaurants here are geared toward overseas customers with plenty of money in their pockets. As such, few locals head there unless they have to.
There are many unique and interesting attractions within a relatively short distance of the tourist trail. If you want to eat at a proper local restaurant and experience a more local side of the city, consider heading to places like Náplavka, Vinohrady, or Karlín. You’ll find lower prices, a hipper atmosphere, and more authentic experiences.
8. Not being prepared for a lot of walking
You may exhaust yourself pretty quickly
Good for: Couples, Families
Prague is a relatively compact historic city, with its main attractions focused around the city center and an ancient network of narrow roads. These factors combine to make walking the best way to explore. However, trying to do too much of it at once might come back to haunt you.
Firstly, make sure you bring some comfortable shoes. The distances between attractions can be deceptively long, and walking for long periods on cobbled streets will tire your calves and ankles. Secondly, consider breaking up exploration days with cafes, parks, and other rest stops. If the journey is especially long, try the city’s excellent public transportation network, including a metro system, buses, bicycles, river taxi cabs, and streetcars.
9. Exchanging currency on the street
It’s a scam
Good for: Budget
Exchanging currency is a major dilemma for many visitors to Prague. While there are many options, relatively few give good rates. However, if a random person offers to swap your money for Czech koruna, say no and walk away. At best, you’d get a dreadful exchange rate. At worst, you’d be given notes from a completely different country.
Prague is generally card-friendly, but it’s usually good to have some local notes from a respectable source, but avoid using the exchange offices at the airport or bus and train stations. The banks around Wenceslas Square offer better rates, though they charge a small commission. Ask your tour guide or hotel staff for their recommendations.
10. Underestimating the crowds
A lot of people visit Prague!
Good for: Couples, Families
This is hardly unique to Prague, but the crowds around the main attractions are big, really big. Most photos give the impression of uninterrupted views of the Old Town Square and the Astronomical Clock, but that’s rarely the case. With the city center being relatively compact, you have to navigate around a lot of other visitors.
Of course, you can minimize how long you spend among the crowds. Visiting during the week and out of season is a good start. Hit the main attractions early in the morning or late afternoon, when the guided tours have finished. For ticketed attractions, book ahead. Also consider getting away from the city. Czechia is a beautiful country; go and explore more of it.
This article includes opinions of the Go Guides editorial team. Hotels.com compensates authors for their writing appearing on this site; such compensation may include travel and other costs.