Prague Culture Shock - Introduction

A 12-part guide to the subtle - and not-so-subtle - nuances that make the Czech capital a more memorable experience

So, it's your first morning in Prague, and, after being totally ripped off taking a taxi (complete with grumbling driver), you arrive at your hostel in the middle of some neighborhood with spray-paint all over the front door.

Trying not to freak out before you get a chance to taste the fabled beer of this country, you calm yourself by repeating "It's only two weeks" and look forward to the promised breakfast that your accommodation provides.

However, upon first sight, you see not eggs, bacon, orange juice, and Wonder Bread toast, but a bunch of pink meat spread out on a platter, warm cheese, bottles of sparkling water, and thick slices of brown-gray bread.

Hmmm, you may think. I guess it really is different here. Well, you’re not wrong. Here are some things to know before you fully inject yourself with Prague...

Cooking is evolving constantly - Matteo (Italy) COLOURS OF PRAGUE (FOTOS: THROUGH MIKES EYES - TME)
Colours of Prague, a new interview series lets you meet interesting people in the Czech capital
A haven for relaxation and joy - Eric (Czech Republic / France) COLOURS OF PRAGUE (FOTOS: THROUGH MIKES EYES - TME)
Colours of Prague, a new interview series lets you meet interesting people in the Czech capital
Czechs still dislike foreign workers Raymond Johnston - Prague.TV (Foto: fotolia)
Support for hiring foreigners lacks a majority, especially in depressed areas
American food - not just Burgers - Issac (USA) COLOURS OF PRAGUE (FOTOS: THROUGH MIKES EYES - TME)
Colours of Prague, a new interview series lets you meet interesting people in the Czech capital
A healthy life starts with BIG food - Levi (Germany) & David (Germany) COLOURS OF PRAGUE (FOTOS: THROUGH MIKES EYES - TME)
Colours of Prague, a new interview series lets you meet interesting people in the Czech capital
Migration boosts Czech population Raymond Johnston - Prague.TV (Foto: fotolia)
The country reached 10.65 million in 2018, up by almost 40,000
Czech Republic ranked 20th happiest Raymond Johnston - Prague.TV (Foto: fotolia)
The country has been rising in its happiness level since the first report
Prague leads CEE for quality of living Raymond Johnston - Prague.TV (Foto: fotolia)
Europe dominated the top of the annual list, but the West is far ahead of the East
I feel like in a candy story in Prague - Kraig (USA) COLOURS OF PRAGUE (FOTOS: THROUGH MIKES EYES - TME)
Colours of Prague, a new interview series lets you meet interesting people in the Czech capital
EU citizens must register to vote in European elections Raymond Johnston - Prague.TV (Foto: fotolia)
Even if you voted in the recent local elections, you have to update your registration