How do I recognize a tourist trap restaurant?

Look for English menus in windows, photos of food, staff calling out to passersby, and locations within sight of major attractions. Local places have Czech-only menus, handwritten specials, and regular Czech customers.

Are the crystal shops legitimate?

Bohemian crystal is real, but most souvenir shops sell cheap imports. Real crystal feels heavy, has sharp cuts, and costs 800+ CZK for small pieces. Buy from established shops on Pařížská Street or Wenceslas Square department stores.

Should I tip in tourist areas?

Tip 10% everywhere, but in tourist restaurants they may add service charges automatically. Check your bill carefully. In local places, round up to nearest 10 CZK or leave 10% in cash.

How do I get fair taxi prices?

Use Uber or Bolt apps for transparent pricing. Official airport taxis should use meters and cost 600-700 CZK to city center. Never get in taxis without meters or that quote flat rates upfront.

How to avoid tourist traps in Prague

Eat away from Old Town Square and Wenceslas Square, shop at local markets instead of souvenir stands, and book tours directly with operators rather than street vendors. Most tourist traps cluster around the main squares where prices are 2-3x higher than elsewhere in the city.

Skip restaurants near major squares. Avoid any restaurant within 200 meters of Old Town Square, Wenceslas Square, or Charles Bridge. These charge 400-600 CZK for schnitzel that costs 180-250 CZK elsewhere. Head to Vinohrady, Karlín, or Smíchov neighborhoods for authentic Czech food at local prices.
Buy beer at neighborhood pubs. Tourist bars charge 80-120 CZK for beer that costs 35-50 CZK at local hospodas. Look for pubs with Czech-only menus or handwritten price lists. Avoid any place with English menus prominently displayed in windows.
Shop at local markets, not souvenir shops. Buy Czech crystal and garnet jewelry at Pařížská Street boutiques or local markets like Havelské tržiště early morning. Souvenir shops near attractions sell Chinese-made items marked up 300-400%. Real Bohemian crystal costs 800-2000 CZK, not 200 CZK.
Book tours directly with operators. Street vendors selling castle tours charge 600-800 CZK for what you can book directly for 350-450 CZK. Use official Prague Castle website or book walking tours through Prague City Tourism office. Ignore anyone approaching you on the street.
Use public transport, not tourist taxis. Airport taxis charge 800-1200 CZK for rides that cost 150 CZK by public bus plus metro. Buy a 3-day transport pass for 310 CZK instead of paying tourist taxi rates. Uber works normally and costs 60-80% less than street taxis.
Visit attractions early or late. Prague Castle is free to enter grounds before 9 AM and after 5 PM when most tour groups leave. Charles Bridge is best at 6-7 AM before vendors set up. You'll avoid crowds and pressure to buy overpriced items.

How do I recognize a tourist trap restaurant?: Look for English menus in windows, photos of food, staff calling out to passersby, and locations within sight of major attractions. Local places have Czech-only menus, handwritten specials, and regular Czech customers.
Are the crystal shops legitimate?: Bohemian crystal is real, but most souvenir shops sell cheap imports. Real crystal feels heavy, has sharp cuts, and costs 800+ CZK for small pieces. Buy from established shops on Pařížská Street or Wenceslas Square department stores.
Should I tip in tourist areas?: Tip 10% everywhere, but in tourist restaurants they may add service charges automatically. Check your bill carefully. In local places, round up to nearest 10 CZK or leave 10% in cash.
How do I get fair taxi prices?: Use Uber or Bolt apps for transparent pricing. Official airport taxis should use meters and cost 600-700 CZK to city center. Never get in taxis without meters or that quote flat rates upfront.