Designed and built to be one of the most magnificent cities in central Europe, Prague represents the continent's cultural diversity and rich historical heritage.
Home to some of Europe's most timeless architectural buildings, this city gives tourists a glimpse of the old world as they walk through its broad and narrow alleys. Many describe visiting Prague as a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Those who have toured Prague's castles, museums, theaters, and churches have learned much.
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Facts About Prague
This knowledge has benefited the lives of those who cared to implement them in their daily lives. Among other unique things Prague has to offer, its citizens and dwellers are somewhat underrated as they make the most impact on tourists.
Prague's people are a loving group and prepare some of the best delicacies in Europe. Here are some of the most interesting facts about Prague so you know the best things to do whenever you visit.
The Czech Crown Is King
It might surprise you that the euro is not a generally accepted currency in Prague despite the Czech Republic being a vital member of the Eurozone. Most local stores within the city only accept the country's official currency, the Czech crown (also known as the Czech koruna), for payment.
With no law forbidding the use and acceptance of euros in the country, tourists, especially those visiting from within the European Union, might be perplexed about this unpopular policy among store owners.
However, the reason for the no-euro policy can be tied to civic pride. Prague's store owners believe that accepting only the Czech crown shows their patriotism to their country. So, when visiting Prague, you should change all or most of your euros to Czech crowns for faster and easier transactions.
Bread in Restaurants Isn't Free
Walk into any restaurant in Prague, and you'll surely see baked bread with a fantastic aroma on the table. This bread is not complimentary; you'll be charged for it. Most tourists make the mistake of taking a bite because it's on the table.
Always ask your server to confirm whether the bread costs extra to avoid confusion about what you are and aren't paying for. Then, depending on your budget, keep or return it.
Tipping Waiters and Waitresses
After enjoying your meal in a Prague restaurant or cafe, don't be surprised to see the waiter or waitress hanging around or asking if you are satisfied with their services.
In Prague and other European cities, it's a custom that diners tip their servers in appreciation for their services. So, show your gratitude if you enjoy your meal. Depending on the level of service, a typical tip is usually 5-10% of the bill. Loyal customers who pay high tips regularly are typically treated equally as well.
Free 4G Connectivity
Sharing your Prague travel experience with your family and friends is easy with the city's fast internet connection. Many cafes, hotels, and businesses offer free and open Wi-Fi, so updating your social media status by posting photos and video clips of things that excite you is a breeze.
To enjoy this free internet connection in any cafe, buy coffee or a glass of juice, sit with your fully charged mobile devices, and enjoy surfing the internet. However, with most Wi-Fi open and unsecured, you must be careful not to expose your private details to hackers. Using a VPN is an excellent way to secure your connection.
Arrive Early at the Best Sites
Prague welcomes millions of tourists annually, which makes the competition for who can get a perfect view of the city pretty intense.
If you want to enjoy the best views in Prague, be prepared to wake up early. Places like the Charle Bridge, which welcomes large crowds for sunrise daily, can be difficult to enjoy for latecomers. To get a good spot for photos from the Charles Bridge, arrive by 5 a.m. when the city (and most tourists) is still asleep.
Can't-Miss Music Festivals
Visiting Prague without participating in any of the city's music festivals can be considered a crime against fun. The city hosts dozens of music concerts annually, with some of the world's biggest and best artists in attendance. No reason will justify your absence.
The Prague Spring International Music Festival and Bohemia JazzFest bring out the city's vibrant side and breathe some life into the city's old walls.
Summer is the best and most exciting time to visit and enjoy these concerts as the weather is most favorable. Through these concerts, you can further tap into the city's rich musical history.
Shopping for Souvenirs
You can't say you've visited Prague without a souvenir as evidence. Thanks to the hundreds of artisans in the country, there is always something to buy to remind you of your visit.
However, avoid buying cheap but beautiful Russian dolls when getting a souvenir as they are not from the Czech Republic. Instead, buy a Prague puppet or a lovely knitted scarf or sweater to remind you how fun, warm, and comfortable you were in the city.
Bottom Line
Visiting Prague is always a fun and exciting experience. The city can be enjoyed any time of year; however, music festivals and warmer weather make spring and summer the ideal seasons.
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This story is brought to you in partnership with Prague.org.
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Planning a trip? Go Backpacking recommends:
- G Adventures for small group tours.
- Hostelworld for booking hostels.
