9 Things to Avoid in Prague: Things You Should Not Do in Prague

When visiting Prague, avoid these common pitfalls: using unvalidated public transport tickets, getting scammed by Old Town Square vendors, using Euronet ATMs, crossing Charles Bridge during peak hours, breaking Czech drinking customs, hiring unlicensed taxis, riding e-scooters on sidewalks, paying in euros instead of koruna, and being noisy in historic areas. These mistakes can lead to fines, overcharging, and spoiling both your experience and locals’ daily lives. Let’s explore how to navigate Prague like a savvy traveler.

Good To Know

• Avoid unlicensed taxis or agreeing to rides without meters, as many drivers charge exorbitant rates exceeding 5000 CZK for short trips.
• Don’t exchange currency at tourist-area kiosks offering “zero commission,” as they typically use terrible exchange rates instead.
• Never leave beer unfinished in Czech pubs, as this is considered highly disrespectful to both servers and establishments.
• Avoid riding e-scooters on sidewalks, which is illegal and can result in fines up to 1000 CZK.
• Don’t use public transportation without validating tickets, as controllers frequently check and issue substantial fines for violations.

Falling Victim to Tourist Traps at Old Town Square

While Prague’s Old Town Square dazzles with historic architecture and vibrant energy, it’s also ground zero for tourist exploitation. Those tempting ham stands typically hide their per-kilo prices, leading to shocking bills when you’re served. Vendors routinely add hidden fees or confuse customers with misleading currency conversions. These sellers may encourage buying excessive portions without transparently showing the pricing structure.

Pickpocketing thrives here too, with Prague’s Christmas markets reporting the highest theft mentions in Europe. Teams use distraction tactics to swipe valuables from unsuspecting visitors.

Beyond food stands, watch for counterfeit souvenirs, unauthorized tours charging for free areas, and “free” gift scams that demand payment afterward. Many travelers consider relocating to Croatian destinations as affordable alternatives to Prague’s increasingly tourist-oriented economy.

For authentic experiences at fair prices, venture beyond the square to places like Jiřího z Poděbrad farmers’ market or use side streets like Melantrichova to avoid the worst scams.

Neglecting to Validate Your Public Transport Tickets

When steering Prague’s excellent public transport system, you’ll face a costly mistake if you forget to validate your ticket. Unlike many cities, Prague requires you to stamp your ticket just once before your first journey using the yellow validation machines at metro entrances or on trams and buses.

Don’t skip validation! Prague’s transport system requires tickets to be stamped once before your first journey begins.

Inspectors show zero tolerance for unvalidated tickets and treat them as if you have no ticket at all, resulting in substantial fines. Even if you’ve purchased a legitimate ticket, it’s worthless without that vital timestamp.

If using paper tickets, validate immediately before boarding. These validation machines are clearly marked yellow boxes that stamp the time and date on your ticket, making it valid for the specified period.

For electronic tickets purchased through the mobile app, activate them two minutes before travel. Remember that some touchscreen-purchased tickets come pre-validated, but always check the timestamp to be certain.

While waiting for your tram, consider trying Polish street food from the many vendors near transit stops for an authentic taste of Central European cuisine.

Using Euronet ATMs and Their Terrible Exchange Rates

You’ll quickly spot the distinctive blue and orange Euronet ATMs scattered across Prague’s tourist districts, but you should avoid them at all costs. These machines charge hefty withdrawal fees (typically around €4) and use Dynamic Currency Conversion to offer abysmal exchange rates—sometimes with markups up to 13% above mid-market rates.

When withdrawing money, always choose local currency (Czech koruna) instead of having the ATM convert to your home currency.

Better yet, seek out local bank ATMs like Česká spořitelna or ČSOB for fairer rates and lower fees. Euronet ATMs accept all major cards, including VISA, MasterCard, Maestro, and AMEX.

Consider bringing a debit card without foreign transaction fees or using prepaid travel cards instead.

Just like in expensive Stockholm, you’ll save significant money by avoiding tourist traps and seeking local financial services.

Before confirming any transaction, carefully review all displayed fees and exchange rates to protect your travel budget.

Visiting Charles Bridge During Peak Hours

Money isn’t the only thing you need to protect in Prague—your time and experience are equally valuable. Charles Bridge becomes a human traffic jam during daylight hours, especially in July and August when tourist numbers surge.

During peak times, you’ll battle selfie sticks, struggle to move freely, and spend excessive time just crossing the bridge. The congestion not only frustrates but creates perfect conditions for pickpockets. If you’re a hiking enthusiast, consider that mountains near Oslo offer a refreshing contrast to crowded urban attractions like Prague’s bridges.

For a genuinely magical experience, visit at sunrise or after sunset. Early morning (before 8 AM) offers serene views with beautiful lighting for photos, while late evening provides a romantic atmosphere with fewer crowds. When visiting in the early morning, the statues appear to stretch out and come alive in the morning mist that often blankets the bridge.

You’ll actually see the stunning statues, appreciate the architecture, and enjoy undisturbed views of Prague Castle—all while avoiding the midday chaos.

Breaking Czech Drinking Customs and Etiquette

Prague’s beer halls and pubs offer more than just world-class pilsners—they provide a window into Czech culture that demands respect for local drinking customs. Violating these unwritten rules can mark you as an uninformed tourist and potentially offend locals. As in Istanbul, respecting local customs is essential for a positive cultural experience.

Four essential Czech drinking customs to observe:

1. Wait for the toast before taking your first sip, and maintain eye contact during “Na zdraví!”
2. Appreciate the foam on your beer—a proper Czech pour features a substantial head, which preserves flavor.
3. Order correctly using your thumb to indicate one beer, and understand that beer is measured in degrees.
4. Respect the pace of traditional pubs, where service is deliberately slower and bills are often tracked on the table.

Never leave your beer unfinished, as this is considered a severe insult to both the server and the hotel.

Getting Scammed by Unlicensed Taxis

While legitimate taxis provide reliable transportation throughout Prague, unlicensed drivers targeting travelers have created one of the city’s most persistent scams.

Beware of taxis at Václav Havel Airport and main train stations where drivers might charge you 5,000 CZK for rides that should cost around 600 CZK. These scammers often use rigged meters, aggressive intimidation tactics, or bait-and-switch pricing to extract inflated fares. Even the city’s mayor once went undercover as an Italian tourist and was charged 500% more than the standard fare for a short ride. Unlike exploring European food culture, which should be part of your Prague experience, getting scammed by unlicensed taxis is something to definitely avoid.

Tourist alert: Predatory taxi drivers at Prague airport charge 5,000 CZK for 600 CZK rides using rigged meters and intimidation.

Protect yourself by using reputable ride-hailing apps like Bolt or Liftago. If you must take a street taxi, verify it’s licensed (look for registration numbers on doors), agree on the fare beforehand, and always request a printed receipt.

Pre-booking through official services like AAA Radiotaxi guarantees you won’t fall victim to one of Prague’s most notorious tourist traps.

Riding Electric Scooters on Sidewalks

Electric scooters have become a popular way to zip around Prague, but riding them on sidewalks is both illegal and dangerous. Czech law categorizes e-scooters as bicycles, explicitly prohibiting their use on sidewalks.

Starting April 2025, shared e-scooters will be completely banned in Prague 1’s historic center.

If you’re tempted to rent an e-scooter during your visit, remember:

1. Fines start at CZK 100 and escalate to CZK 1,000 for repeat offenses
2. Police can confiscate improperly used or parked scooters
3. Geofencing technology prevents starting/ending rides in restricted zones
4. Pedestrian collisions are common, especially in crowded tourist areas

Consider using city-approved bike rentals or public transportation instead—they’re cheaper, safer, and won’t risk unexpected fines that could derail your travel budget.

The proposed ban follows successful precedent from 2016 when Segway vehicles were completely banned throughout Prague due to similar safety concerns.

If you’re planning a trip to Scandinavia after Prague, consider exploring Denmark or Sweden for more pedestrian-friendly city experiences.

Paying in Euros Instead of Czech Koruna

Although many visitors assume the Euro is widely accepted in Prague, paying with this currency instead of Czech Koruna (CZK) can considerably impact your travel budget.

Using Euros in Prague may seem convenient, but it’s a costly mistake that quietly drains your travel budget.

When merchants do accept Euros, they typically offer unfavorable exchange rates that cost you 10-15% more than necessary.

Not all establishments accept Euros, and those that do might inflate prices or round up when giving change. Using local currency is both practical and respectful to Czech culture.

For the best rates, withdraw CZK from ATMs or use cards that offer mid-market exchange rates like Wise or Revolut. Consider utilizing services with currency data API that provide reliable and accurate exchange rates between EUR and CZK.

Like on the island of Cyprus where spending wisely requires local currency awareness, Prague requires visitors to be mindful about which currency they use.

Avoid currency exchange offices near tourist areas as they often charge hefty commissions.

Having CZK on hand ensures you’re prepared for smaller shops that operate exclusively with the local currency.

Being Loud and Disruptive in Historic Areas

Prague’s historic center deserves your respect through mindful behavior, especially regarding noise levels. The narrow streets amplify sound, disrupting residents’ sleep and quality of life. After 10 pm, noise restrictions are strictly enforced with potential fines for violations. While Prague can be lively, it’s quite different from Denmark’s warmest spots, which are designed as tourist-friendly recreational areas.

To be a responsible visitor:

1. Keep voices down after 10 pm in residential areas – the historic district isn’t an “amusement park”
2. Avoid participating in large pub crawls that generate excessive noise and disturb locals
3. Use headphones rather than playing music openly in public spaces
4. Consider residential areas when planning nighttime activities – noise can’t exceed 50 dB in certain zones

Recent legislation could further limit outdoor events with musical elements to just five days per month in specific Prague districts due to ongoing tensions between cultural vibrancy and residents’ right to peace.

The Sum Up

Prague’s magic awaits, but don’t let rookie mistakes cloud your experience. By avoiding these nine pitfalls, you’ll save money, time, and frustration. Remember to validate tickets, exchange currency wisely, and respect local customs. As sharp as a Czech crystal, your street smarts will help you navigate Prague authentically. Stick to koruna, skip the tourist traps, and you’ll enjoy this magnificent city like a savvy traveler.