Prague for first-time visitors: 15 things to know before you go
Crowns not euros, a pub bill that counts the bread, and cobbles that punish bad shoes. Fifteen short notes that save money, time and an ankle.
The short version
- Czechia uses the Czech crown, not the euro; cards are widely accepted but small places still like cash.
- 112 is the emergency number, tap water is drinkable and the legal age for alcohol is 18.
- Most visitor problems come from the same few places: airport taxis, exchange booths, the busiest squares and menus with no prices.
On this page 6 sections
Prague is easy to love and easy to get slightly wrong. The city is compact, the beer is good and the architecture does most of the work. But a handful of small habits, in money, transport and eating out, separate a smooth trip from one full of avoidable irritations.
Here are fifteen notes, roughly in the order you will need them. Each one points to a longer guide, so skim now and dig in later.
Before you go
1. The currency is the Czech crown (CZK). Czechia is in the EU but does not use the euro. Some places take euros at poor rates, so pay in crowns. Cards and contactless are widely accepted; carry a little cash for small shops and toilets (paying in Prague).
2. Skip the exchange booths. The ones with big signs in the centre often have poor rates and fees. Use a bank ATM and decline the offer to be charged in your home currency (changing money).
3. Pack for the cobbles. Shoes with grip are the most useful item you can bring (what to pack, and weather by season).
4. Check the entry rules. Czechia is in the Schengen area. Visitors from outside the EU should know the 90/180 rule (explained here).
5. Know the registration rule. Hotels register foreign guests for you. If you stay in a private flat, non-EU visitors report their stay to the foreign police within three working days, and EU citizens within 30 days if they stay longer than 30 days (as of 2026; check the Ministry of the Interior). Our arrival checklist has more.
Getting around
6. Public transport is excellent. Metro, trams and buses form one system. Buy a ticket first or tap a card where offered, and keep it for inspection (the beginner's guide and tickets explained).
7. Use taxi apps, not street hails. An app shows the price before you ride (taxis and ride-hailing).
8. Stand on the right on escalators. Walkers pass on the left, and Praguers notice if you block the way.
Eating and drinking
9. A pub is not a restaurant. At a traditional pub (hospoda), beer arrives without ceremony and the waiter keeps a tally. Read how a Czech pub works before you order.
10. What lands on the table gets charged. Bread, nuts or a side dish you did not ask for usually appears on the bill. Say no if you do not want it, check the menu for prices and walk away from menus without them.
11. Tip by rounding up. In restaurants and pubs, round up the bill or add around ten per cent for good service, and say the final amount as you pay rather than leaving coins on the table. Check whether service is already included.
12. Lunch is the bargain. Many restaurants have a weekday lunch menu far cheaper than dinner (Czech lunch menus).
Safety and common sense
13. Watch your pockets. Pickpockets work the busiest squares, trams and Charles Bridge. Keep valuables in a zipped inside pocket (pickpockets and tourist traps and scams). For the wider picture, is Prague safe? is a calm read.
14. Know the local rules. Smoking is not allowed indoors in pubs and restaurants (smoking rules). Cannabis is not as legal as rumour suggests (cannabis law). Opening hours differ on Sundays and public holidays, so check before you travel.
15. Learn five words. Dobrý den (good day), děkuji (thank you), prosím (please, or you are welcome), pivo (beer) and účet, prosím (the bill, please). The effort is noticed (Czech phrases).
One last step
Download an offline map and a transport app before you land, and put 112 in your contacts. Then pick a plan that matches your time: one day, two days or three. If it rains, here is what to do, and if your budget is tight, free things to do.
Say hello when you walk into a small shop or café. A quiet dobrý den on the way in and a na shledanou on the way out are standard manners, and they set the tone for the rest of the transaction.
Quick answers
Frequently asked questions
Do they accept euros in Prague?
Some places do, usually at a poor exchange rate. The currency is the Czech crown, so pay in crowns when you can.
Is tap water safe to drink?
Yes. Carry a refillable bottle.
Do I need to tip?
It is customary in restaurants and pubs. Rounding up, or adding around ten per cent for good service, is common.
Is English widely spoken?
In the centre and in tourist places, yes. A few Czech words are appreciated everywhere.
Bring good shoes, a little cash and a sense of humour about the cobbles.
This is a general explainer, not legal or tax advice.
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