Treat the Mother of Cities as you would your own Mum
Welcome to Prague, one of the most beautiful cities in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. We’re delighted that you have chosen to visit our metropolis and we’ll do everything we can to make you feel at home. And yet, the people of Prague are the real soul of the city and help to create its unique atmosphere. Therefore, we trust you will follow the ten rules that will allow you to enjoy your visit to Prague with respect for its residents. This is what the idea of slow tourism is all about - prioritising a deeper individualised experience over a fleeting unified experience.
We have prepared ten recommendations to help you preserve the exceptional value of Prague, whose foundations are anchored eleven centuries deep and whose towers touch the stars. Thank you.
1.
The historical heart of Prague is a UNESCO - please respect its atmosphere, environment and artistic monuments.
If you want to leave your mark on Prague, a spray-painted sign on the Charles Bridge is one of the worst ways to fulfil this desire. Don’t defile the monuments with graffiti. Don’t put locks on the bridges. Love can’t be locked in - then it wouldn’t be love anymore. Keep our city clean and don’t throw garbage in the street or the river.
2.
Don’t drink alcohol in the conservation area and don’t disturb the peace at night.
It is forbidden to drink alcohol in public in the city centre. Instead, enjoy the hospitality of our bars and restaurants. After 10 pm, the night-time quiet hours apply. Don’t make noise or be rude. The people of Prague get up to work in the morning, so respect their right to rest. The fine for disturbing the peace is 400 euros.
3.
Use official licensed guides
Use official licensed guides capable of presenting the history of Prague in an attractive, erudite, truthful and tabloid-free way.
Make no mistake, no free-tour is really free. Our official guides are trained professionals, and you won’t find any better. They are easy to find! Either at the Old Town Hall, by phone +420 775 855 037 or e-mail at guides@prague.eu.
4.
Get to know Prague like a local. Walk or use public transport.
Unlike other metropolises, Prague is very concentrated, and you can walk almost everywhere. Or use our public transport system - it is one of the best in the world, with stops on every corner. There are also many works of art to admire on the metro. With the Prague Visitor Pass you get over 50 attractions for free and unlimited public transport, including the cable car to Petřín Hill! You can buy the card in the app or in the e-shop and at the tourist information centres at Můstek, Old Town Hall and both airport terminals.
Discover the hidden beauties of Prague in less touristy places. Take part in events held throughout the metropolis.
5.
Prague is not just Charles Bridge, the Astronomical Clock and the Castle Grounds, but also the post-industrial beauty of Holešovice, the elegant Vinohrady district, the vibrant Karlín neighbourhood or the fragile charm of the chateau garden in Ctěnice. Experience Prague like a local, get to know its authentic atmosphere.
6.
Buy local products and taste traditional dishes. Support the local economy.
7.
Do not walk through churches to view the interior during regular services - respect the religious feelings of the faithful.
Many churches offer guided tours, while others can be visited independently outside of service times on payment of an admission fee. Churches that open only during the liturgy can be viewed discreetly before or after the liturgy, never during.
8.
Park scooters only in designated areas and do not endanger pedestrians with them.
At almost every intersection in the downtown area, there is a Parking sign with a bicycle symbol, and sometimes a bicycle and motorcycle symbol. Please deposit shared scooters, bikes or kick-bikes there. Do not ride on the sidewalks and do not endanger pedestrians.
9.
Please be considerate to animals and your surroundings.
Photographs are sure to be among the memories you take home with you from your travels. However, arranged selfies with borrowed snakes, owls or parrots should definitely not be included in your souvenirs of the metropolis. People who offer to take your photo with animals are not welcome here! They operate this activity without a permit and their animals come from the black market. Having their photos taken is also extremely stressful for the animals and frequent handling causes physical injuries to them. Please do not participate in this form of animal abuse.
Have you come to Prague with your four-legged friend? Wonderful. Special paper bags are available at many bins to help you and your dog keep our streets clean.
Visit Prague off-season and enjoy the opportunity to see attractive tourist sights without the crowds and bustle.
10.
