Do I need to tip in Czech restaurants?

Round up to nearest 10 or 20 CZK, or add 10% for good service. Say the total you want to pay when giving money - don't leave tips on the table.

Can I find vegetarian food easily?

Traditional hospody have limited options, but most restaurants offer at least one vegetarian dish. Look for 'bezmasé jídlo' (meatless food) on menus or ask 'Máte vegetariánské jídlo?'

Is it safe to drink tap water and eat street food?

Tap water is excellent throughout Prague. Street food from established vendors and markets is generally safe. Avoid anything that's been sitting out too long in summer heat.

What time do supermarkets close?

Most close at 9-10pm weekdays, 8pm weekends. Tesco and Albert in city center often stay open until 10pm. Small shops close earlier, usually by 7pm.

How to eat like a local in Prague without breaking the bank

Eat at hospody (traditional pubs), buy lunch menus at restaurants before 3pm, and shop at local markets like Havelské Tržiště. Skip touristy Wenceslas Square restaurants and stick to neighborhoods like Vinohrady or Karlín where locals actually eat.

Find authentic hospody in residential neighborhoods. Look for traditional pubs in Vinohrady, Karlín, or Smíchov districts. Real hospody have handwritten Czech menus, serve Pilsner Urquell on tap, and are full of locals speaking Czech. Avoid any place with English-only menus or tourist photos outside.
Order the daily lunch menu before 3pm. Most restaurants offer denní menu (daily menu) until 3pm for 120-180 CZK ($5-8). This includes soup, main course, and sometimes dessert. Ask 'Máte denní menu?' Order in Czech if possible - even attempting it gets you better treatment.
Shop at local markets and food halls. Hit Havelské Tržiště market for fresh produce, bread, and local cheese. Manifesto Market (various locations) has quality food trucks with 150-250 CZK meals. Buy groceries at Albert or Tesco for breakfast and snacks - hotel breakfast costs 300+ CZK.
Learn essential Czech food phrases. Master 'Pivo, prosím' (beer please), 'Účet, prosím' (check please), and 'Co doporučujete?' (what do you recommend?). Servers appreciate the effort and often suggest better dishes or give larger portions.
Time your meals like Czechs do. Lunch is 11:30am-2pm when locals eat out. Dinner is 6-8pm. Many kitchens close by 9pm. Eating at Czech times means fresher food, better service, and often discounted lunch prices.

Do I need to tip in Czech restaurants?: Round up to nearest 10 or 20 CZK, or add 10% for good service. Say the total you want to pay when giving money - don't leave tips on the table.
Can I find vegetarian food easily?: Traditional hospody have limited options, but most restaurants offer at least one vegetarian dish. Look for 'bezmasé jídlo' (meatless food) on menus or ask 'Máte vegetariánské jídlo?'
Is it safe to drink tap water and eat street food?: Tap water is excellent throughout Prague. Street food from established vendors and markets is generally safe. Avoid anything that's been sitting out too long in summer heat.
What time do supermarkets close?: Most close at 9-10pm weekdays, 8pm weekends. Tesco and Albert in city center often stay open until 10pm. Small shops close earlier, usually by 7pm.