Prague Life and Visitor Travel Tips

(Prague, Czech Republic)

The number one city in the Czech Republic in all aspects, do try to allow ample time to explore Prague properly, since there is so much to see here. For many locals, life in Prague now revolves around the many summer tourists, who flock to the city to enjoy the famous Czech sights in the Jewish Quarter and soak up the atmosphere within the Stare Mesto district.

An increasing number of tourists find it beneficial to purchase a Prague Card when they arrive, which is advertised as your tourist pass to more than 50 leading attractions. If you choose to buy this card, you will also receive a free 150-page travel guide to the city, along with various tours and cruises, and many further discounts at shops, restaurant and clubs. However, before you do purchase your Prague Card, do think carefully about whether or not you will make full use of its savings to make the initial expenditure worthwhile.

Photo of the Little Quarter

Useful Contact Details

Established in the spring of 1991 to meet the increasing demands for tourist advice, the Prague International Travel Agency is without doubt the best source of city information. A large team of some 20 staff now work here and provide many services, including booking accommodation, theatre tickets, horse and carriage rides, guided tours and concerts.

Also look out for Prague's efficient American Express Travel Agency, which lies off Wenceslas Square and is a good place to exchange currency and obtain travel insurance. Previously known as the Czech State Travel Bureau, the Cedok Travel Agency offers similar facilities and has been helping visitors to Prague since as long ago as the 1920s. Cedok now even boasts its own fleet of coaches and runs many well-supported sightseeing tours.

American Express Travel Agency
Address: Vaclavske Namesti 56, Prague, CZ-11000, Czech Republic, CZ
Tel: +420 02 2421 5397

Cedok Travel Agency
Address: Na Prikope 18, Prague, CZ-11000, Czech Republic, CZ
Tel: +420 02 2144 7242
Fax: +420 02 2421 6324

Prague International Ltd Travel Agency
Address: Senoválné Nám 23, Prague, CZ-11000, Czech Republic, CZ
Tel: +420 02 1021 9219
Fax: +420 02 1021 9200
Website: www.pragueinternational.cz

View of River Cruise

Language and Dialect

The official language spoken in Prague is Czech, which is one of the actual West Slavic languages and similar to both Polish and Slovak. Many people here do not understand English, particularly taxi drivers, and so when in Prague, do bring a phrase book, so that you can practice your Czech. Here are some simple Czech phrases to get you started:

Hello - Dobry den
Good morning - Dobré ráno
Good night - Dobrou noc
Goodbye - Na shledanou
Thank you - Dekuji
May I have the menu please? - Muzete mi prinést jidelni listek?
My name is... - Jmenuji se...
I would like a single room - Prosil bych jednoluzkovy pokoj
I would like a double room - Prosil bych dvouluzkovy poko
I don't understand - Nerozumim
Where is the railway station? - Kde je vlakové nádrazi?
How far is it? - Jak je to daleko?

Dos and Don'ts / Tourist Traps

Eating Out - not all restaurants in Prague can be trusted when it comes to your bill, so do make sure that you don't end up paying for a basket of bread, or similar, which you may not even have seen. Or if they do place a basket of bread on your table and you don't want it, make yourself clear. Also, whilst eating outside on the Old Town Square may be fun, it is often extremely busy and overpriced, while close by are many restaurants offering far better value
Exchanging Currency - many currency exchange outlets and travel agencies not only offer poor rates, but also hefty commission charges. Therefore, try the less centrally located outlets, which are usually commission free and much more competitive
Golden Lane - most tourists seem disappointed when they visit Prague's 16th-century cottages along the Golden Lane, where the queues are often long. Instead, why not visit one of the more popular sights, many of which are free and will leave you with a much better memory of your time in Prague
Hot Dogs - the city centre contains a number of truly exceptional hot dog stands, which are tasty, filling and inexpensive. However, do check your change carefully
Public Toilets - however good or bad the public toilet may be, it will always have a toilet attendant on hand to take your money if you wish to use these facilities
Sightseeing - the most popular sights in Prague, such as those around the Old Town Square, Wenceslas Square and Castle Hill, can get extremely busy during the holiday season, so try to arrive early or late in the afternoon to avoid the main crowds, or alternatively holiday out of season
VAT Refunds - to be eligible for tax refunds, enquire at the shop at the time of purchase. Receipts must be kept and presented within 30 days at the Ruzyne Airport's Duty Free Tax desk, in the departures area