What it actually costs
When to go
Packed with tour groups. Charles Bridge is wall-to-wall people. Christmas markets (December) are magical but cold and very crowded.
Charles Bridge at 6am: maybe 10 people. After 9am: impossible. Prague Castle: go at 9am or after 3pm.
What locals know
Beer is cheaper than water. A pint of excellent Czech lager costs Kč 50-70 ($2-3). Try Pilsner Urquell, Staropramen, or any 'nepasterizovane' (unpasteurised) on tap.
Vinohrady and Zizkov are the local neighbourhoods — excellent restaurants and bars at half Old Town prices. Letna Park has the best city view and a beer garden.
Trdelnik (chimney cake) is marketed as 'traditional Czech.' It's not — it's Hungarian and was invented for tourists. Still tasty, just don't think you're experiencing Czech culture.
Czech cuisine: svickova (marinated beef with cream sauce and dumplings) is the real national dish. Try it at Lokal or U Fleku.
Honest warnings
Exchange offices in Old Town are scams (5-15% markup). Use ATMs (Euronet ATMs are also scams — use bank ATMs). Or pay by card everywhere.
Wenceslas Square area at night attracts scammers, pickpockets, and aggressive strip club touts. Walk through, don't linger.
Some restaurants add a 'cover charge' or 'bread charge' to your bill without asking. Check the bill carefully.
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