A Few How-to Tips About Prague for First Timers

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Peter K Burian

 

The capital of the Czech Republic, with its UNESCO World Heritage historic center, is considered one of Europe's (indeed, the world's) most beautiful cities, and has been a favorite for visitors for more than 30 years now, since the fall of the Berlin Wall. Top attractions include Castle Hill, Old Town Square, the Old Town Hall, Wenceslaus Square, and Charles Bridge. And here are some tips and observations to help you navigate "golden Prague":

 

Transportation

The city center is very walkable, but if you need to get someplace quickly, or if your hotel is a bit out of the way, public transit - especially the metro - is a very good and affordable option, with tickets available which are good for 30 minutes (TK Czech crowns, currently 136USD, 101GBP, 1.21 euros), 90 minutes, 24 hours, and 72 hours. Download the system's Jízdní řády app from the Apple store or Google Play, which has a good English-language interface and includes all of Prague's stations as well as schedules and transfer locations.

 

 

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Safety

It's very improbable that you'll become a victim of street crime in Prague; take the same precautions you would everywhere else while exploring the city, and if you are unsure about your safety after leaving a bar late at night, call a taxi. Groups of pickpockets do gather around famous tourist attractions, so keep an eye out for anything of value.

But speaking of taxis, more than a few drivers in Prague have earned a reputation for scams such as fast meters or other forms of overcharging; we're not saying you won't be able to find a reliable taxi driver, but the odds are against you. Rather than hailing one on the street, I recommend reserving one via a hotel reception or using Uber. For more details, click here.

 

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Costs


Prague is no longer the uniformly cheap city it once was, but compared to other European cities, particularly in the West, it's still pretty affordable - particularly when it comes to restaurant meals and most especially beer, which is also some of Europe's best..A classic Czech meal - meat with sauce and dumplings, for example - will run around 140 crowns ($6.43/£4.75/5.70€) and a pint of local beer just 35 ($1.61/£1.19/1.42€). Lodgings run the gamut up to very upmarket amenities (and rates) indeed, but bargain rooms and short-term rentals can still be found, starting with hostel dorm beds from 15-20€ ($17-23/£13-17) a night; midrange 65-80€ ($73-90/£54-67), and nicer (though still not top-of-the-line) options maybe 100-150€ ($113-170/£83-125); you may save up to 80 percent by booking through Hotels-Scanner.com. You can also find plenty of Airbnb and other short-term rental apartments in the historic center for 50 to 100€ ($55-110/£40-80), even in season. And accommodation apart, all told you can expect average daily costs to run maybe $55-90 (£40-65/50-80€). 

 
If you're headed to Prague, you're in for a treat - št'astnou cestu (bon voyage)!

 

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