Planning a trip to Prague can be a dream come true! With its fairytale castles, historic charm, and lively streets, the Czech capital is a must-see destination for travelers from around the world. But without the right preparation, your dream vacation can quickly get messy.
Whether it’s overlooking key travel details or falling into common tourist traps, there are certain mistakes that can easily derail your plans. So, we’re here to share our best Prague tips for travelers so you can enjoy a smooth and memorable experience in one of Europe’s most captivating cities.
Planning A Trip To Prague: 10 Big Mistakes To Avoid
Exchanging Money at the Airport or on the Street
One of the top mistakes to avoid in Prague is exchanging currency at the airport, hotels, or near tourist hotspots. These places often offer poor exchange rates or tack on hidden fees. Some people visiting Prague also fall for scams involving unofficial street exchangers, which should be on your list of places to avoid in Prague.
For the best experience, use trusted ATMs or recommended exchange offices like eXchange in the city center. A key Prague travel tip is to always double-check the posted rate and check that there are no hidden commissions. It can feel like the extra costs are small enough to not matter, but overtime these fees and poor exchange rates seriously add up and will take your budget way off track.
Not Validating Your Public Transport Ticket
It’s important to know that simply buying a tram or metro ticket isn’t enough—you must validate it. Prague’s inspectors are diligent, and you may be fined on the spot for an unvalidated ticket, even if it’s paid for. This is one of those small but costly things not to do in Prague.
There are yellow machines where you can validate your paper tickets. However, you can also buy public transport tickets on the PID Lítačka app. If you buy through the app, you can validate them on the app. Buying and validating on the app is super convenient, but just keep in mind that if you do buy a paper ticket, you must validate.
Falling for Tourist Trap Restaurants
One of our top suggestions for things to avoid in Prague is falling into a tourist trap restaurant near Old Town Square or Charles Bridge. These places may look charming and can truly be enjoyable if you want the view and convenience, but they often serve overpriced, underwhelming food.
So, our advice is that if it’s your first time in Prague, find locally recommended spots in Vinohrady, Karlin, or Žižkov. Avoid restaurants with big picture menus and overly aggressive staff trying to lure you in. And keep in mind that eating well in Prague doesn’t have to cost a fortune!
Underestimating How Much Walking You’ll Do
Prague’s stunning architecture and narrow cobbled streets are best explored on foot, but one of the biggest mistakes to avoid in Prague is not wearing proper footwear. Especially around the Castle District, Letná Park, and Old Town, you’ll be walking more than you think.
This city is not ideal for flimsy shoes or high heels. For anyone planning a trip to Prague, packing comfortable walking shoes should be high on your list. One of the best Prague travel tips is to see the city on foot, so be sure to come prepared!
Skipping Local Food and Only Eating “Safe Foods”
If you’re sticking to pizza or other “safe foods” during your Prague vacation, you’re missing out on one of the most enjoyable parts of visiting the city. Local dishes like svíčková, goulash, and česnečka offer a flavorful introduction to Czech culture.
Be sure to try at least one traditional meal in a local pub or bistro during your time in the city so that you can get the full Prague experience while you are there! There are also some great desserts you should keep your eye out for as well like Medovník, Marlenka, and Míša Cake.
Overplanning or Trying to See Everything in One Day
Trying to cram every attraction into a single day is a classic first-time-to-Prague mistake. We all want to see the most we can with the time we have available to travel, but Prague’s charm truly lies in slow discovery: wandering through quiet side streets, sipping coffee in a tucked-away café, or watching the sunset from Letná Park.
Your Prague travel plans should be all about balance, not exhaustion. It’s best to spread out your time in the city over at least three days to experience the best the city has to offer you without being to worn out to enjoy it!
Not Booking Tickets in Advance for Popular Attractions
We have to place this next piece of advice on your list of travel planning tips for Prague, as it is super important for those visiting during peak season. Reserving tickets ahead of time for the the can’t miss in Prague attractions like Prague Castle is a must! Long queues can eat up the precious hours in your day, so booking ahead of time really is the way to go.
Booking online not only saves time but sometimes includes discounts or added access. Skipping this step is one of those easily preventable tourist mistakes in Prague, especially during peak season. Make reservations early, and we promise you will have a much less stressful experience in the City of a Hundred Spires.
Assuming Everyone Accepts Euros or Cards
One of the lesser-known things to avoid in Prague is relying solely on euros or credit cards. While some touristy spots might accept euros, there are many small businesses, shops, museums, and bakeries that prefer payment in Czech koruna.
Like most places in the world, contactless payment is growing, but you’ll still encounter some cash-only spots. For anyone planning a first time trip to Prague, it’s smart to carry a bit of local cash just in case. This is a really common warning you will hear from travelerss when talking about what not to do in Prague—and one that’s easy to fix with a quick trip to a bank ATM.
Only Visiting During Peak Tourist Season
Visiting Prague in July or August can be perfect for your schedule, but the reality is crowded streets, long waits, and steeper hotel prices. If you want to avoid one of the major tourist mistakes in Prague, consider traveling during the shoulder seasons of spring and early autumn.
These times offer visitors milder weather, smaller crowds, and a more relaxed vibe. If you learn anything while reading this Prague travel guide, it is that the city can be even more magical when visited outside of the peak season. Prague in winter, with its Christmas markets, is also magical and less hectic. Avoiding the peak season can totally change your experience for the better!
Skipping the Lesser-Known Neighborhoods
If you stick only to the historic center of the city, you’ll be missing out on some of the city’s coolest areas. Žižkov’s gritty charm, Letná’s laid-back vibe, and Vinohrady’s stylish cafés are all part of the real Prague. If you have been skimming through Prague travel guides, you’ll see they focus heavily on Old Town and the Castle District, but venturing outside those zones can turn a good trip into a great one.
If you are planning your first time to Prague, exploring beyond the usual route is our top travel planning tip for Prague. Don’t make the mistake of thinking the best views and food are only in the city center, because that definitely isn’t the case!
Visiting Prague can truly be a magical experience. Avoiding common tourist mistakes is going to help you enjoy your trip to the max. By steering clear of tourist traps, planning a little bit in advance, and exploring the city in a smart way, you’ll be able to experience the city’s true charm. Keep these tips in mind, and you’ll leave Prague one happy camper!
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