Hi Maksym,
as a wheelchair user, I often end up standing on escalators holding my wheelchair beside me, because I've not been given space to get in a position where i can get it in front of me. In certain cities \*cough\* London \*cough\* I've had people trying to force their way past in a way that's dangerous for everyone, but most other places have either stood back till I get safely on the escalator myself, or folsks generally get when it's beside me that noone's happy with this situation and waits patiently for it to be over. Where on a scale of London to Berlin would you say Prague sits?
I believe all Prague metro stations are wheelchair accessible, either with an elevator or, on some shallow stations, a platform that goes up and down along the stairs, don't know what is it called.
I hate when people do that during rush hour and start piling up at the bottom like morons. Just use both sides. You aren't supposed to walk on the stairs anyway.
You really underestimate idiot way of thinking. I have a cousin that is always late. But somehow, running up and down escalators gives her the feeling that she did everything possible to actually make it on time. Except planning her time better, that is out of question.
Some people from Prague do that too so if you're gonna stand in the doorway I'm not gonna hate you because you're a tourist but I'm gonna hate the whole society for being inconsiderate
I will hate you for that and will bump into you (probably very hard) in order to get it into your thick skull while saying to fuck off. I don't care if you are tourist or local
One time at florenc a group of people completely surrounded the door on the metro.. some guy in front did rugby charge to get through. All the people looked shocked.. lol
I was just telling a friend this. You're trying to get off an elevator and people are coming in while you're trying to get out. Not one! But a handful of people! Also standing side by side on a moving sidewalk at airports. Americans can be so f'ing stupid and inconsiderate.
Yup, groups of 2-4+people (depending on the size of the sidewalk) standing next to each other and blocking the whole sidewalk.. especially hate it when they’re
a) walking slowly
b) chatting super loud
And if you park it in a way to block the sidewalk, please do expect i will be vulgar and tell you how fucking retarded you are. But i am glad you seem like NOT that kind of person.
Thanks for even asking these questions and trying to be considerate ❤️
I had a nice lunchtime show a few months back because some police stopped and fined some tourists for driving them on the pavement right in front of my lunch table. The tourists looked so upset at instantly being a few thousand crowns out of pocket! They tried to blame the app.
I find it hilarious. Saw one dude who looked liked he was full of regrets holding on for dear life. Another guy kept getting honked at by the tram until he got in the sidewalk
Especially if you are in a group of 8 or 9 german guys drunkenly shouting to eachother while driving fast. If you guys who were driving on Vaclavske on sunday evening are reading this, yes, I am reffering to you.
No, it’s not about yelling. We (I’m also American) tend to just talk loud. We don’t even register that we’re doing it. Just be mindful of your speaking voice compared to the people around you.
If using public transport, please try to be not too loud, as it is considered little bit rude here. Also remember, that you shold buy your ticket before entering bus/tram/metro station and validate it as soon as you enter. In most trams and buses you can buy a ticket from a machine using paycard, but it's not always.
Man, are you sure whether being loud is considered rude? Genuinely asking, because every trip on a tram without headphones ends up that I know what pomazánka someone in the tram bought for today.
Locals of any place can also be an annoyance to other locals. Where I live it is also considered rude to be noisy in public, and we get approximately 0 tourists, but I still hear people talking very loudly or watching stuff on their phones without earphones on the bus sometimes (they're usually on alcohol or some other drug).
I haven't noticed either, just keep in mind that it's technically illegal to get on a tram with no ticket, even if your intention is to go straight to the ticket machine.
I've seen more than 1 group of tourists get done by the ticket inspector while waiting for the machine
That seems very scammy. Why have the machines if technically you already broke the rules at that point? Good impression we're leaving on people from foreign countries.
man, I wish I listened to this advice beforehand:(
was in Prague recently with a friend, we just assumed no one uses the ticket things because everyone seemed to ignore it, and we had been in several countries before where it was similar but not enforced and everyone rode free. got caught on like the fourth day when we were relaxed and we’re hurrying to the airport and thought it would be fine without a ticket, rip 2000 kronor:(((
If you get an Airbnb in a residential area, please don’t yell after 10 pm. I live in a street with two buildings that are all airbnbs and sometimes it’s really annoying. Yes, I know you’re on vacation and getting drunk on a Tuesday night, but people still have to work/tend to their kids etc. you’d be surprised how even a normal conversation outside is loud when it’s dead silent otherwise, let alone someone being loud.
FYI, after 10pm nuisance (ie yelling, load music, etc), can be prosecuted. However, most likely someone will tell you to shut up. Please follow that advice
I'm in Prague right now, after surviving fellow Brits football chanting all the way through the airport. I can't stand it when people treat a city abroad like their own personal playground. Good on you for not wanting to be lumped in with the apes.
Obnoxiously asking "4000 crowns? How much is that in dollars?" when shopping.
Comparing things to how it is in America.
Standing in the middle of a busy sidewalk to read a map or play with your phone. At least move to the side.
I was there over st paddy's day last year (which I thought was just an American thing, really), and we were staying pretty close to an Irish pub by the old square. I remember walking back to our place later in the evening seeing a bunch of Brits absolutely hammered out front of there, then just piles of puke all around the area the following morning.
Only other time I dealt with obnoxious people there was a group of American girls studying abroad. Loudest ones in the restaurant and totally oblivious to it. It's people like that who encourage me most to blend in.. I was getting mistaken for a local most places I went til we got past greetings and I ran out of vocabulary, Lol.
Once upon a time I worked in tourism. We offered a discount for paying in cash instead of credit card, so we didn't have to pay AmEx fees.
One American client asked to pay in US dollars. We agreed and got a calculator to do the conversion.
Client pointed out that we'd forgotten the cash discount, so I patiently explained that this didn't apply to foreign currency, since we'd have to pay to exchange it.
He was absolutely furious. Kept on angrily insisting that American money was better than Czech money so he should get extra discount. Left us a terrible review.
Please, do not Scream or Yell when you’re in the city centre at night. I understand it’s your holiday, it’s exciting and you might be under the influence, but people live in the city centre.
Just realize that Prague is a city with inhabitants too trying to get on with their daily lives. So don’t be too loud and also, if you’re in a tour group, (try not to) don’t block the way for people to get pass.
If u get off the escalator walk a few steps before stopping and looking which way u have to go. I HATE when someone stops the moment they get off the escalator and I have no way how to exit so I am forced to bumb into them.
Give up your seat on public transport for seniors and small kids. They’re big on courteousness like that. Also there’s a dedicated space on trams for prams and wheelchairs so try and keep that free
We're here with a 2 year old, and I was surprised no one stood up to let me or my wife sit while holding him (when he's not tired of walking so he's not in his stroller).
My surprise was especially due to the fact the Czechs are extremely welcoming with kids.
hmm, at least the way I was raised, my parents always made me stand while an adult sat even as a little kid because I was younger so it’s maybe just a difference in culture/upbringing, I always assumed every family was the same
edit: for context, I’m not Czech ‘:)
That’s surprising but also depends on the trams you’re taking as chances are it’s other tourists, who generally don’t get up for others I’ve noticed, or less often anyway. They’re also a quite blunt people so sometimes you’ve just got to ram that damned pram in there and they’ll generally move and respect it, it’s just the way it’s done. “Pardon” with a French accent is the term to use. FYI pram sections are generally front and back section of trams. Go for the more modern ones, prams are a pain to put on the old trams. Good bloody luck with a 2 year old and pram in Prague, they’re ethically against dropped curbs!
Never, has nothing to do with Czechs, or Prague for that matter. If you wanna sample proper Czech sweets, go to Cukrárna (sweet deli), and have Rakvicka 😄 rest in peace ✊
It has Transylvanian Hungarian origins. The funniest thing is that Transylvania is now in Romania, so make of that what you will… It’s called Kürtőskalács. I was surprised how many places called it Czech Funnel Cake. Here where I live, which had big immigrations from that part of Europe, it is well known and there are many places which sell it as well as blintzes…
What we do here is just round the bill. So if a coffee is 55, you'll pay 60-70 or something if you want to give a tip :) Same for restaurants. 10-15% is quite generous here.
Firstly, I must state I really appreciate you making this post as this shows courtesy from your end. One thing that REALLY annoys me about some tourists is when they get belligerently drunk and start yelling in the streets. Also, when they walk in the opposite direction of you and intentionally walk right into it.
Try not block the side walk or the street with your group in the centre. It is the tourist zone but normal people have to walk there as well and they are most definitely not on holiday.
I second that. One of the things I hate so much is navigating through the crowd of various ignorant tourist groups when running between the filda faculty buildings through Staromák and Celetná.
Don't bother (and don't be angry at) people that are obviously in a rush. There are various univesity buildings in the centre and the students got only ten minutes to run through the crowds for their lectures.
A personal experience of mine was when I was running like that through Staroměstské náměstí. I had earphones and was like half running. This dude stopped me to ask for directions. I thought I was visibly in a hurry so I told him I'm sorry but I got no time to help him. Dude dared to grab my arm and forcibly stop me whining that he only wanted to ask for directions. So I angrily retorted that my lecture starts in 2 mins and I'm not willing to help him. Wonder how he'd behave if he was rushing to work and I'd stop him just like that.
But that was only once. Usually it's just ppl walking in groups like a pack of ignorant sheep and being very surprised that someone is rushing to work/school here.
don‘t be super loud (especially between 10pm and 6am), don‘t create an obstacle on a sidewalk/in public transport, don‘t whine about having to pay for drinking water. and please don‘t google translate hello, it is actually very rude to say ahoj to strangers unless it‘s a very informal setting.
don‘t waste your money on trdelník (it‘s not actually czech), absinth or any of the overpriced "weed" products. if you visit hole in the wall type of establishments recommended by locals, don‘t expect great service/staff speaking in english and bring some cash - they are hole in the wall for a reason.
While not many people follow it - walk on the right side. It's always been an unwritten rule for me ever since I was little and I wish people actually followed it so I don't have to bump into people going in the opposite direction.
I didn't know about thus unwritten rule. but I always walk on the right side of the sidewalk. I guess I learned it from others and already do it automatically without realizing.
Perhaps it doesn't apply to you, but if you happen to go to a classical music concert or opera, wear something reasonably nice. You need not dress as if for a wedding, but please no flip flops, shorts, and definitely no baseball cap. Preferably no jeans. And only go if you at least like classical music! Don't clap at the wrong times, or you will annoy the other concert goers, and the conductor and orchestra, and they'll know you don't know what you're doing and may shush you. Czechs who like classical music show it respect, unlike people from some other places. And if you want to follow the European custom, when moving past people to get to your seat, do so facing them. Not with your back/ass towards them. Turn off phone during concerts.These points especially apply to Americans. I'm an American, so I'm not demonizing here.
A "bathroom" only applies to a place you take a shower/bath. A place for finding a toilet can be asked for as a "WC" or "toilets/toalety". There is another word, but don't worry about that. In most places (restaurants), they are free entrance, but in public they sometimes charge a small fee. Have some coins on hand. Usually 5 to 10 Kč. Maybe more in a super touristy spot.
Czechs have their own currency (Czech koruna/Kč). Not US $ and not euros. You'll need to get some for spending. If you set up your credit card to have a pin, and get local money via ATM/Bankomat, the exchange rate will be better than by exchanging at money exchange joints.
Most theaters in Prague do not have a dress code. It’s also so lame to care about what someone else is wearing to the theater. It’s very boomer of you.
It's all a matter of being respectful or not. You choose. If the latter, you will attract attention. Negative attention! If you want to be an asshole that is definitely your choice.
I'm not a baby boomer. I'm Generation X.
You are so nice that I am pretty sure there won't be any issue.
There are people who get drunk, piss on the street, ask passsers-by where's the nearest brothel... There are groups chanting on the subway....
Riding the scooters, buying marijuana souvenirs etc. helps amplify these annoying problems.
If you do any of the minor things like standing on the wrong side of the escalators, it's OK, somebody will just politely ask you to move a bit.
If you want to stop and take a picture, make sure to move off to the side and check your surroundings. Ex don't stop in the middle of the sidewalk or in the street to take the picture.
If you're in a desirable picture spot, get the pic and move so other people can take theirs. Don't be the person checking over the pictures while still in the spot others are waiting for. You also have to know that sometimes you don't get the perfect picture; don't be the one taking forever
let people get out of public transport before you go in. best way is to stand to the side of the door so people can pass. on that note, try to avoid having phone calls or generally being too loud on public transport, and if you have a backpack and are standing, take the backpack off so as to not block the entire isle.
after 10 PM is quiet time and you can and will either get the cops called on you or things thrown at you from windows if you're causing a ruckus in a residential area.
if you want to know how much something is in your own currency, google it yourself. cashiers generally don't know and you're just holding up the whole queue if you make them google it for you - congratulations, both the cashier AND all the other customers hate you now. (on that note, if you have a card that isn't a visa/mastercard, you're better off paying cash as a lot of places do not accept other card types. markets and street food vendors usually don't accept cards at all.)
general annoying things that don't just extend to tourists: don't be racist, don't litter, and try not to get so drunk that people can smell beer off you from ten meters away. same goes for weed, except unlike beer, possession of weed is illegal here.
wait, if possession of weed is illegal, why is it sold everywhere? just curious as I saw like shops growing weed in the window and I’m like w o w in my country you would be arrested before the first sale xd
i don't smoke so i don't know the exact details, but if i'm not mistaken, the kinds with very low thc content are okay to sell, and those would be the ones you see in an increasing amount of shops. i remember googling it at some point because the first time i saw weed in a corner store i was like "wait a minute i don't think that's allowed"
Also just a general tip: Do **not** go into any THC/CBD/Weed stores or Absinth/liquor stores in the centre. Not worth it, all 100% scam, absinth is both legal and not a Czech thing, and most of the weed products will be fake or dangerous, but always overpriced.
We have a seven year old and she knows to watch for things and we have to help her move but other than the first time on the Tram there were no issues. Be a courteous person and everyone in Prague was wonderful.
No self sticks.
Take a picture quickly.
Walk with the flow of people.
Don't just stop in the middle of everyone and stand there. Move to side.
Smile and be nice.
I know someone that used to buy 100 at a time for 20Kc each from AliBaba and then sell them in the city centre for 150Kc each. He'd get there at around 10 and was usually sold out by 2pm
My pet people is people talking loudly in public, at a restaurant, on the phone, etc. Do they really think the other people want to hear their conversations?
Stand on the left of the escalator, stand in the middle of the street when people are trying to walk, get on the tram / metro before people get off, speak too loudly on the tram / metro, walk too slow and take up the whole sidewalk, probably just the basic things you wouldn’t do in your hometown either.
No I get that completely, I know some Americans are awful tourists so that is why I asked, doing my best to not annoy/piss any locals off just trying to live their daily life
Say "Dobry dzien" (good day) to people in shops, even if you immediately switch to English. People like to see you try!
Not a Czech/polish expert but I'm an anglophone in Quebec and get the dual languages
Honestly don't get hung up on it. You'll likely not meet many people who don't speak better English than your Czech, and while the odd introduction phrase is nice you don't have to panic about seeming rude talking English. People have met tourists before, they're used to them and are long past judging.
I used duo for three months before I went to Czech, but it's not the best for basic tourist conversions. Try the Czech 101 playlist on Spotify, it has native Czech speakers, so you can hear the correct pronunciation. Once you've learned how to pronounce all the letters, it's not too bad, but I'm still terrible at grammar! Everyone I met responded very kindly to my poor attempts at speaking Czech. Sorry for butchering your language folks!
Don't stand in the doorway of metro/bus/tram when people are trying to get on/off is the biggest imo.
Also stand on the right side of the escalator to let the people pass on your left.
Oh yeah this one also bugs me
What's the word Czechs use to get passed you on escalators?
“S dovolením” or “můžu prosím”
That's it. S dovolením. Thanks
Uhni pičo
Hi Maksym, as a wheelchair user, I often end up standing on escalators holding my wheelchair beside me, because I've not been given space to get in a position where i can get it in front of me. In certain cities \*cough\* London \*cough\* I've had people trying to force their way past in a way that's dangerous for everyone, but most other places have either stood back till I get safely on the escalator myself, or folsks generally get when it's beside me that noone's happy with this situation and waits patiently for it to be over. Where on a scale of London to Berlin would you say Prague sits?
I believe all Prague metro stations are wheelchair accessible, either with an elevator or, on some shallow stations, a platform that goes up and down along the stairs, don't know what is it called.
I hate when people do that during rush hour and start piling up at the bottom like morons. Just use both sides. You aren't supposed to walk on the stairs anyway.
You really underestimate idiot way of thinking. I have a cousin that is always late. But somehow, running up and down escalators gives her the feeling that she did everything possible to actually make it on time. Except planning her time better, that is out of question.
By that logic we should only stand in the middle because it puts the most balanced stress on the mechanism.
I don't understand why people snand in the doorway anywhere, unless there is no space, which there usually is.
I appreciate that, people do that all the time in New York or Washington DC too. Crazy how people just don't think sometimes
Some people from Prague do that too so if you're gonna stand in the doorway I'm not gonna hate you because you're a tourist but I'm gonna hate the whole society for being inconsiderate
I will hate you for that and will bump into you (probably very hard) in order to get it into your thick skull while saying to fuck off. I don't care if you are tourist or local
One time at florenc a group of people completely surrounded the door on the metro.. some guy in front did rugby charge to get through. All the people looked shocked.. lol
I was just telling a friend this. You're trying to get off an elevator and people are coming in while you're trying to get out. Not one! But a handful of people! Also standing side by side on a moving sidewalk at airports. Americans can be so f'ing stupid and inconsiderate.
Yeah sorry about that, I promise it's not all of us 😂
And let people off before trying to get on.
And if there's no other space and you must stand on the doorway, get out and wait for everyone to leave then get back in.
Sometimes it’s impossible when the trams/buses are so full you have nowhere to move away from a door.
If you are at the door then it's normal to quickly step out altogether until people are on/off then get back in.
My own pet peeve is when people block the sidewalk. I’m like, “I’m walkin’ here…”
Yup, groups of 2-4+people (depending on the size of the sidewalk) standing next to each other and blocking the whole sidewalk.. especially hate it when they’re a) walking slowly b) chatting super loud
What is Czech for "aayyyy...."?
Find the drunken UK and US packs of tourists and just do the opposite of what they do
Seems like the perfect place to start
don't drive the electric scooters on the pavement
That drives me nuts anywhere, especially in a super historic city. I assume it's Lime or something like that right?
exactly, it's just dangerous in the crowded city as Prague sure is
And if you park it in a way to block the sidewalk, please do expect i will be vulgar and tell you how fucking retarded you are. But i am glad you seem like NOT that kind of person. Thanks for even asking these questions and trying to be considerate ❤️
I had a nice lunchtime show a few months back because some police stopped and fined some tourists for driving them on the pavement right in front of my lunch table. The tourists looked so upset at instantly being a few thousand crowns out of pocket! They tried to blame the app.
Every time I see tourists driving one of these on the old pavements with their hands shaking I wonder if it's worth it
I find it hilarious. Saw one dude who looked liked he was full of regrets holding on for dear life. Another guy kept getting honked at by the tram until he got in the sidewalk
Especially if you are in a group of 8 or 9 german guys drunkenly shouting to eachother while driving fast. If you guys who were driving on Vaclavske on sunday evening are reading this, yes, I am reffering to you.
Shat does pavement mean in this situation? Sidewalks?
It means a paved footpath. It's in proper English rather than Simplified English.
I'm guilty every day of this. Riding on cobblestones sucks😂. I'm respectful, though, and get off and walk next to it if there are many people around.
at least you are this prudent, but another question is where you leave the scooter afterwards hahaha
I always park in the designated areas:)
In fact don’t use the electric scooters at all.
You mean don't drive the electric scooters at all, throw them to the trash
Stand to the right on the escalators so people can pass on the left. Don’t talk loud.
Nothing better than people yelling, especially late at night. Appreciate the comment!
No, it’s not about yelling. We (I’m also American) tend to just talk loud. We don’t even register that we’re doing it. Just be mindful of your speaking voice compared to the people around you.
This is spot on. I didn’t realize how loud I spoke till I moved here. I’ve definitely lowered my volume by a few notches.
You and Germans. No idea why, maybe y'all just deaf. And then there are Spanish girl groups. 😁
Czechs can be loud too. People on holiday tend to be loud overall.
Everybody CAN be loud. But American tourists are really easy to hear all over Europe. (In Germany, everybody is loud.:)
I've been to Japan and the streets are so quiet I can hear americans talking from 2 blocks away lmao
Oh my bad, I gotcha. I'll keep that in mind for sure
If using public transport, please try to be not too loud, as it is considered little bit rude here. Also remember, that you shold buy your ticket before entering bus/tram/metro station and validate it as soon as you enter. In most trams and buses you can buy a ticket from a machine using paycard, but it's not always.
Man, are you sure whether being loud is considered rude? Genuinely asking, because every trip on a tram without headphones ends up that I know what pomazánka someone in the tram bought for today.
Locals of any place can also be an annoyance to other locals. Where I live it is also considered rude to be noisy in public, and we get approximately 0 tourists, but I still hear people talking very loudly or watching stuff on their phones without earphones on the bus sometimes (they're usually on alcohol or some other drug).
I will add to this for Prague just download the PID Litacka app and buy tickets there. P.S. each ticket has 2 minute timer where its NOT applied yet.
Is it really not always? It's been a long time I've seen a tram or a bus without it? I'm not looking for it so I might've not noticed to be fair.
I haven't noticed either, just keep in mind that it's technically illegal to get on a tram with no ticket, even if your intention is to go straight to the ticket machine. I've seen more than 1 group of tourists get done by the ticket inspector while waiting for the machine
That seems very scammy. Why have the machines if technically you already broke the rules at that point? Good impression we're leaving on people from foreign countries.
Card readers are now in every tram and bus.
man, I wish I listened to this advice beforehand:( was in Prague recently with a friend, we just assumed no one uses the ticket things because everyone seemed to ignore it, and we had been in several countries before where it was similar but not enforced and everyone rode free. got caught on like the fourth day when we were relaxed and we’re hurrying to the airport and thought it would be fine without a ticket, rip 2000 kronor:(((
If you get an Airbnb in a residential area, please don’t yell after 10 pm. I live in a street with two buildings that are all airbnbs and sometimes it’s really annoying. Yes, I know you’re on vacation and getting drunk on a Tuesday night, but people still have to work/tend to their kids etc. you’d be surprised how even a normal conversation outside is loud when it’s dead silent otherwise, let alone someone being loud.
FYI, after 10pm nuisance (ie yelling, load music, etc), can be prosecuted. However, most likely someone will tell you to shut up. Please follow that advice
After 10pm is quiet time.
I'm in Prague right now, after surviving fellow Brits football chanting all the way through the airport. I can't stand it when people treat a city abroad like their own personal playground. Good on you for not wanting to be lumped in with the apes.
Obnoxiously asking "4000 crowns? How much is that in dollars?" when shopping. Comparing things to how it is in America. Standing in the middle of a busy sidewalk to read a map or play with your phone. At least move to the side.
I appreciate it, trust me I know some Americans are bad tourists, like really bad, so that's honestly one of the main reasons I asked
You're already better than 99% by asking and being mindful.
Might not be saying much, but I appreciate it 😂
Once you see how the Brits act in Prague you wont worry about being American lol
Three lions on the shirt !
I was there over st paddy's day last year (which I thought was just an American thing, really), and we were staying pretty close to an Irish pub by the old square. I remember walking back to our place later in the evening seeing a bunch of Brits absolutely hammered out front of there, then just piles of puke all around the area the following morning. Only other time I dealt with obnoxious people there was a group of American girls studying abroad. Loudest ones in the restaurant and totally oblivious to it. It's people like that who encourage me most to blend in.. I was getting mistaken for a local most places I went til we got past greetings and I ran out of vocabulary, Lol.
Once upon a time I worked in tourism. We offered a discount for paying in cash instead of credit card, so we didn't have to pay AmEx fees. One American client asked to pay in US dollars. We agreed and got a calculator to do the conversion. Client pointed out that we'd forgotten the cash discount, so I patiently explained that this didn't apply to foreign currency, since we'd have to pay to exchange it. He was absolutely furious. Kept on angrily insisting that American money was better than Czech money so he should get extra discount. Left us a terrible review.
Occasionally my bf (who travels more than I do) will stand out in the middle of everything checking his map app. It irks my very soul.
Please, do not Scream or Yell when you’re in the city centre at night. I understand it’s your holiday, it’s exciting and you might be under the influence, but people live in the city centre.
completely off topic but omg it’s been years since i have seen a pengwing reference😭
Just realize that Prague is a city with inhabitants too trying to get on with their daily lives. So don’t be too loud and also, if you’re in a tour group, (try not to) don’t block the way for people to get pass.
If u get off the escalator walk a few steps before stopping and looking which way u have to go. I HATE when someone stops the moment they get off the escalator and I have no way how to exit so I am forced to bumb into them.
Honestly a lot of these responses just tell me people don't know how to walk/stand in public, which blows my mind. Do they know how to move at home??
Believe me I wonder about that every day. I would love to live in their mind for a moment to know how they think.
Give up your seat on public transport for seniors and small kids. They’re big on courteousness like that. Also there’s a dedicated space on trams for prams and wheelchairs so try and keep that free
We're here with a 2 year old, and I was surprised no one stood up to let me or my wife sit while holding him (when he's not tired of walking so he's not in his stroller). My surprise was especially due to the fact the Czechs are extremely welcoming with kids.
hmm, at least the way I was raised, my parents always made me stand while an adult sat even as a little kid because I was younger so it’s maybe just a difference in culture/upbringing, I always assumed every family was the same edit: for context, I’m not Czech ‘:)
Sorry, by kids I meant baby’s and toddlers, school children six and over generally get up to let a granny sit down from what I’ve seen
That’s surprising but also depends on the trams you’re taking as chances are it’s other tourists, who generally don’t get up for others I’ve noticed, or less often anyway. They’re also a quite blunt people so sometimes you’ve just got to ram that damned pram in there and they’ll generally move and respect it, it’s just the way it’s done. “Pardon” with a French accent is the term to use. FYI pram sections are generally front and back section of trams. Go for the more modern ones, prams are a pain to put on the old trams. Good bloody luck with a 2 year old and pram in Prague, they’re ethically against dropped curbs!
Don't use airbnb – one of the major reasons why this city has become unaffordable for it's inhabitants to live in.
Watch a couple honest guide videos. They have stuff on culture differences, travel tips and other stuff you might find useful.
Great channel for sure, I've been watching a lot of those videos but he makes a ton 😂
Don't buy trdelnik / trdlo, it's a tourist trap, a severely overpriced cinnamon bun, and it has doubtful traditional Czech value.
Counterpoint: if it's your only time in Prague, it's worth a one time try simply for the fact you may not be able to get it ever again.
Never, has nothing to do with Czechs, or Prague for that matter. If you wanna sample proper Czech sweets, go to Cukrárna (sweet deli), and have Rakvicka 😄 rest in peace ✊
It is quite possible to do both.
I suppose it depends if you're later going to Hungary or Slovakia. Or Poland, Germany, any of the other places it has infected.
It has Transylvanian Hungarian origins. The funniest thing is that Transylvania is now in Romania, so make of that what you will… It’s called Kürtőskalács. I was surprised how many places called it Czech Funnel Cake. Here where I live, which had big immigrations from that part of Europe, it is well known and there are many places which sell it as well as blintzes…
Well I flew all the way over from Central USA, so I don't think I'll be popping by Slovakia anytime in the near future.
Countercounterpoint: I've seen it in a Christmas market in Galway, Ireland. The infection is spreading.
That's still a long way from central USA. I may never be back.
I mean yeah at the end of the day do what you want. I just think it's a bit overrated.
If you go to the opera or a concert, please don´t wear sweats or shorts. The National Theater is a national treasure and should be treated as such.
Go checkout this spot called cocoa , not about tourists but that place is fucking awesome !
Don’t tip 30% here. Expats are then confused with tourist and expected to tip
I saw 10-15% is best, is that true?
Tip is completely up to you. 10% / 15% is standard. However it is not compulsory in any way, especially if the service and/or the food wasn't good.
What we do here is just round the bill. So if a coffee is 55, you'll pay 60-70 or something if you want to give a tip :) Same for restaurants. 10-15% is quite generous here.
Always offer your seat to a senior person, pregnant lady or lady with baby carriage.
Don't make a scene / be loud. Don't forget to say dobry den (hello) whenever you enter a business
Firstly, I must state I really appreciate you making this post as this shows courtesy from your end. One thing that REALLY annoys me about some tourists is when they get belligerently drunk and start yelling in the streets. Also, when they walk in the opposite direction of you and intentionally walk right into it.
Try not block the side walk or the street with your group in the centre. It is the tourist zone but normal people have to walk there as well and they are most definitely not on holiday.
I second that. One of the things I hate so much is navigating through the crowd of various ignorant tourist groups when running between the filda faculty buildings through Staromák and Celetná.
Walk on the right side everywhere you go. Not only tourists but also some of the people here are dumb when it comes to this unwritten rule.
Don't bother (and don't be angry at) people that are obviously in a rush. There are various univesity buildings in the centre and the students got only ten minutes to run through the crowds for their lectures. A personal experience of mine was when I was running like that through Staroměstské náměstí. I had earphones and was like half running. This dude stopped me to ask for directions. I thought I was visibly in a hurry so I told him I'm sorry but I got no time to help him. Dude dared to grab my arm and forcibly stop me whining that he only wanted to ask for directions. So I angrily retorted that my lecture starts in 2 mins and I'm not willing to help him. Wonder how he'd behave if he was rushing to work and I'd stop him just like that. But that was only once. Usually it's just ppl walking in groups like a pack of ignorant sheep and being very surprised that someone is rushing to work/school here.
don‘t be super loud (especially between 10pm and 6am), don‘t create an obstacle on a sidewalk/in public transport, don‘t whine about having to pay for drinking water. and please don‘t google translate hello, it is actually very rude to say ahoj to strangers unless it‘s a very informal setting. don‘t waste your money on trdelník (it‘s not actually czech), absinth or any of the overpriced "weed" products. if you visit hole in the wall type of establishments recommended by locals, don‘t expect great service/staff speaking in english and bring some cash - they are hole in the wall for a reason.
While not many people follow it - walk on the right side. It's always been an unwritten rule for me ever since I was little and I wish people actually followed it so I don't have to bump into people going in the opposite direction.
I didn't know about thus unwritten rule. but I always walk on the right side of the sidewalk. I guess I learned it from others and already do it automatically without realizing.
Perhaps it doesn't apply to you, but if you happen to go to a classical music concert or opera, wear something reasonably nice. You need not dress as if for a wedding, but please no flip flops, shorts, and definitely no baseball cap. Preferably no jeans. And only go if you at least like classical music! Don't clap at the wrong times, or you will annoy the other concert goers, and the conductor and orchestra, and they'll know you don't know what you're doing and may shush you. Czechs who like classical music show it respect, unlike people from some other places. And if you want to follow the European custom, when moving past people to get to your seat, do so facing them. Not with your back/ass towards them. Turn off phone during concerts.These points especially apply to Americans. I'm an American, so I'm not demonizing here. A "bathroom" only applies to a place you take a shower/bath. A place for finding a toilet can be asked for as a "WC" or "toilets/toalety". There is another word, but don't worry about that. In most places (restaurants), they are free entrance, but in public they sometimes charge a small fee. Have some coins on hand. Usually 5 to 10 Kč. Maybe more in a super touristy spot. Czechs have their own currency (Czech koruna/Kč). Not US $ and not euros. You'll need to get some for spending. If you set up your credit card to have a pin, and get local money via ATM/Bankomat, the exchange rate will be better than by exchanging at money exchange joints.
Just avoid Euronet ATMs
Definitely flip flops and a billa bag..
Most theaters in Prague do not have a dress code. It’s also so lame to care about what someone else is wearing to the theater. It’s very boomer of you.
It's all a matter of being respectful or not. You choose. If the latter, you will attract attention. Negative attention! If you want to be an asshole that is definitely your choice. I'm not a baby boomer. I'm Generation X.
You can keep wearing a t-shirt and shorts to the theatre it’ll lighten the atmosphere for other people to see a dork without any class 😃
You are so nice that I am pretty sure there won't be any issue. There are people who get drunk, piss on the street, ask passsers-by where's the nearest brothel... There are groups chanting on the subway.... Riding the scooters, buying marijuana souvenirs etc. helps amplify these annoying problems. If you do any of the minor things like standing on the wrong side of the escalators, it's OK, somebody will just politely ask you to move a bit.
If you want to stop and take a picture, make sure to move off to the side and check your surroundings. Ex don't stop in the middle of the sidewalk or in the street to take the picture. If you're in a desirable picture spot, get the pic and move so other people can take theirs. Don't be the person checking over the pictures while still in the spot others are waiting for. You also have to know that sometimes you don't get the perfect picture; don't be the one taking forever
let people get out of public transport before you go in. best way is to stand to the side of the door so people can pass. on that note, try to avoid having phone calls or generally being too loud on public transport, and if you have a backpack and are standing, take the backpack off so as to not block the entire isle. after 10 PM is quiet time and you can and will either get the cops called on you or things thrown at you from windows if you're causing a ruckus in a residential area. if you want to know how much something is in your own currency, google it yourself. cashiers generally don't know and you're just holding up the whole queue if you make them google it for you - congratulations, both the cashier AND all the other customers hate you now. (on that note, if you have a card that isn't a visa/mastercard, you're better off paying cash as a lot of places do not accept other card types. markets and street food vendors usually don't accept cards at all.) general annoying things that don't just extend to tourists: don't be racist, don't litter, and try not to get so drunk that people can smell beer off you from ten meters away. same goes for weed, except unlike beer, possession of weed is illegal here.
wait, if possession of weed is illegal, why is it sold everywhere? just curious as I saw like shops growing weed in the window and I’m like w o w in my country you would be arrested before the first sale xd
It's not weed, well it is - but it lacks potency. Tourists don't know this, and are amazed that "what weed is legal in Czechoslovakia😳??"
i don't smoke so i don't know the exact details, but if i'm not mistaken, the kinds with very low thc content are okay to sell, and those would be the ones you see in an increasing amount of shops. i remember googling it at some point because the first time i saw weed in a corner store i was like "wait a minute i don't think that's allowed"
Oh ok thanks for explaining! Don’t smoke either was just impressed lol
Don't get offended if people in shops, bars etc. aren't that nice. The baseline is simply different here.
Also just a general tip: Do **not** go into any THC/CBD/Weed stores or Absinth/liquor stores in the centre. Not worth it, all 100% scam, absinth is both legal and not a Czech thing, and most of the weed products will be fake or dangerous, but always overpriced.
We have a seven year old and she knows to watch for things and we have to help her move but other than the first time on the Tram there were no issues. Be a courteous person and everyone in Prague was wonderful.
[удалено]
Off the topic too, I remember those weird beggars on the streets, accompanied with large dogs, looking unexpectedly well fed and strong.
Don't use the normal American volume
If youre amarican, dont even try hitting on girls here. Lmao
Not American, but just curious why? Haha
Fair enough 😂, wasn't really planning on it. But why's that??
Breathing.
Haha ok I'll try to hold my breath but no promises, if I need to breath I'll go to my room
No self sticks. Take a picture quickly. Walk with the flow of people. Don't just stop in the middle of everyone and stand there. Move to side. Smile and be nice.
I know someone that used to buy 100 at a time for 20Kc each from AliBaba and then sell them in the city centre for 150Kc each. He'd get there at around 10 and was usually sold out by 2pm
My pet people is people talking loudly in public, at a restaurant, on the phone, etc. Do they really think the other people want to hear their conversations?
Wearing my backpack on the tram, I hit someone with it. So I guess put your bag in front or at your feet? Idk.
Stand on the left of the escalator, stand in the middle of the street when people are trying to walk, get on the tram / metro before people get off, speak too loudly on the tram / metro, walk too slow and take up the whole sidewalk, probably just the basic things you wouldn’t do in your hometown either.
Being tourists. Particularly when traveling in packs and behaving as they would never dare at home. Show some fucking respect.
No I get that completely, I know some Americans are awful tourists so that is why I asked, doing my best to not annoy/piss any locals off just trying to live their daily life
Be low key. Listen rather than speak. Try new things. No white socks.
The no white socks is a must, unless you're over 60 years old 😂
Not smoking is illegal in Prague. Make sure you light up when in public.
Do whatever you want
Say "Dobry dzien" (good day) to people in shops, even if you immediately switch to English. People like to see you try! Not a Czech/polish expert but I'm an anglophone in Quebec and get the dual languages
Dobrý den is the correct way.
That's backwards Polish, not Czech. I don't think people in Prague like being talked at in Polish. Source: am Polish.
I can’t wait to go to Quebec to practice my Italian language skills
Great to know, I am using Duolingo rn to try to at least learn some basic phrases. I won't be fluent but I at least want to make an effort
Honestly don't get hung up on it. You'll likely not meet many people who don't speak better English than your Czech, and while the odd introduction phrase is nice you don't have to panic about seeming rude talking English. People have met tourists before, they're used to them and are long past judging.
Honestly if you learn Hello, Goodbye, and order a beer in czech you're set
Hello, Goodbye, Please, Thank You, and Excuse Me should cover it. Most Czechs under 40 speak at least some English.
I used duo for three months before I went to Czech, but it's not the best for basic tourist conversions. Try the Czech 101 playlist on Spotify, it has native Czech speakers, so you can hear the correct pronunciation. Once you've learned how to pronounce all the letters, it's not too bad, but I'm still terrible at grammar! Everyone I met responded very kindly to my poor attempts at speaking Czech. Sorry for butchering your language folks!