Prague

Prague immediately feels like a ridiculously well-preserved movie set. The city drips with history, from the Gothic spires that dominate the skyline to the cobblestone lanes perfect for getting lost in. The vibe is an amazing mix of old-world grandeur and a gritty, creative, and very real modern energy. It's beautiful, but it's not delicate; it's a city that has seen a lot and has the stories to prove it.

Prague offers several undeniable reasons to visit. First, the architecture is staggering; walking across the Charles Bridge at sunrise offers a truly memorable experience. Second, the value is incredible. Your money goes a long way here, especially when it comes to food and drink. The beer culture is second to none – seriously, it's often cheaper than water and is a huge part of daily life. Finally, it’s compact. The historic core is incredibly walkable, letting you soak in centuries of history just by wandering around.

Czechs can seem reserved and perhaps a little formal at first, but they are generally direct and helpful once engaged. Don't mistake a lack of small talk for unfriendliness; it's just not part of the culture. In tourist areas, English is widely spoken, especially by younger people, so communication won't be much trouble. A simple 'Dobrý den' (Good day) often goes a long way in showing respect and receiving a warmer reception.

The food here is hearty, comforting, and built to accompany beer. You absolutely have to try Goulash (Guláš), which is a rich meat stew, and Svíčková, which is braised beef in a creamy vegetable sauce, usually served with dumplings. The Pečené vepřové koleno (pork knuckle) is a massive, crispy, and tender piece of meat that's perfect for sharing. You can get a fantastic meal for a very reasonable price, especially if you step a few blocks away from the main tourist squares.

Prague's public transport is world-class: the metro, trams, and buses are efficient, clean, and run like clockwork. Internet is fast and reliable in the city center. However, once you're inside some of the older, thick-walled buildings, Wi-Fi can get a bit patchy. Air conditioning isn't as universal as in North America, especially in older apartments and some restaurants, which is something to keep in mind during a summer heatwave. The city is very safe from a natural disaster perspective.

You'll be flying into Václav Havel Airport Prague (PRG). From there, the easiest and most comfortable option is to use a ride-hailing app like Uber or Bolt, which takes about 30-40 minutes to the center and costs around €30-36 (approximately 650-800 CZK) depending on demand. For a cheaper route, take trolleybus 59 to the Nádraží Veleslavín metro station (Line A), which will connect you directly to the historic center. The whole public transport journey takes about 40-50 minutes.

The public transport system (PID) is fantastic and is the top recommendation for getting around. You can buy tickets from machines at stations or use the PID Lítačka mobile app. A 30-minute ticket costs 30 CZK, and a 90-minute ticket costs 40 CZK, both covering buses, trams, and the metro. The historic center, especially Praha 1, is extremely walkable, but be warned: the cobblestones are a real workout for your feet and murder on flimsy shoes. Ride-hailing is readily available and affordable for late-night trips.

Prague is a very safe city overall, but it's notorious for a few specific tourist scams travelers should be aware of. The biggest one is currency exchange. NEVER exchange money on the street or at offices with flashy "0% commission" signs but terrible rates. Use a reputable bank or withdraw from a proper bank's ATM (avoid the blue and yellow Euronet ATMs at all costs, as they are known for high fees and poor exchange rates through Dynamic Currency Conversion). Also, be firm with taxi drivers to use the meter or agree on a price beforehand; better yet, just use Uber or Bolt. Some restaurants in the main tourist squares might add "extras" to your bill like pretzels on the table, or engage in "menu switching" where prices change from what you saw. If you don't want unsolicited items, ask the waiter to take them away. Be extremely vigilant against pickpockets in crowded tourist areas like Charles Bridge, Old Town Square, and on popular tram lines (e.g., 22 and 23) and busy metro stations.