5 Mistakes to Avoid in Prague: Learn from Our Experience

When I was 15, my Microsoft computer desktop auto-set a beautiful photo of orange-roofed houses basking in perfect sunlight. That photo took my breath away. I had no idea such a place existed, so I frantically searched online and found out it was Prague. It took me 17 years to finally visit, hoping for the fairytale ending I had always imagined but the reality was a little different.

Don’t get me wrong, Prague is stunning. But along the way, we made some mistakes to avoid in Prague that dampened our experience. Here’s everything we learned so that you don’t have to make the same mistakes.

Visiting Prague in July–August

We made the rookie mistake of not researching the best time to visit Prague. We planned our trip for July 2024, completely unaware that it was peak tourist season. The Old Town was packed shoulder-to-shoulder; it felt like walking through a never-ending music festival crowd.

If you want to see how busy it gets, check out this video of Prague in July (skip to 11:11 minutes).

👉 Best time to visit Prague: April–June or September–October. These shoulder seasons offer pleasant weather, fewer crowds, and a much better experience.

Thinking Prague is a Budget-Friendly Destination

If you’ve seen Instagram reels or YouTube videos claiming that Prague is a budget-friendly destination, take them with a pinch of salt. Compared to Western European countries, Prague is cheaper, but it’s not cheap.

We had just visited Bulgaria, Romania, and Bratislava, all very affordable destinations, so naturally, we expected Prague to fit into that category. But Prague’s prices, especially in the Old Town, were surprisingly high. The further you go from the tourist areas, the better the prices get.

💡 Tip: Try venturing out of the Old Town to eat at local restaurants and avoid overpriced tourist traps.

Staying Far Away from the Old Town

Since we were on a tight budget, we booked accommodation 10 km outside the city centre to save money. It seemed like a good idea at first, but it completely took away the charm of staying in Prague.

If you’re visiting Prague, stay as close to the Old Town as possible, even if it costs a little more. Waking up early and strolling through Charles Bridge before the crowds arrive is a magical experience that we missed out on.

👉 Areas to stay: Old Town (Staré Město), Lesser Town (Malá Strana), or Vinohrady for a quieter neighbourhood vibe.

Not Buying Public Transport Tickets

One of the best things about Prague is its efficient public transport system, trams, buses, and metro make it super easy to get around.

However, we noticed many tourists hopping on trams without buying tickets, thinking they’d get off quickly without anyone noticing. Don’t do this! Prague has transport wardens everywhere, and if you’re caught without a ticket, the fines are hefty.

💡 Tip: Always buy a ticket and validate it before boarding. You can easily purchase them through the PID Lítačka app or from machines at tram stops.

Check out our quick video on Prague public transport for a simple guide.

Falling for Tourist Traps

Prague’s Old Town is one big tourist magnet, which unfortunately comes with its fair share of traps.

• Cabs: Don’t hail taxis from the street. Prague is super walkable, and public transport is more affordable and reliable.
• E-Scooters: They look like a fun way to explore, but they’re not allowed on pavements, and the busy roads make them dangerous.
• Chimney Cake (Trdelník): You’ll see these everywhere in Prague, but they’re not traditional Czech desserts. Instead, try Strudl, Medovnik (Honey Cake), or Makový Koláček (Poppy Seed Cake) for an authentic taste of Prague.

Prague is one of the most beautiful cities we’ve ever visited, but like any destination, it has its ups and downs. By avoiding these mistakes, you can have a much smoother, more enjoyable experience.

✅ Best time to visit: April–June, September–October
✅ Stay close to the Old Town
✅ Use public transport (with a ticket!)
✅ Walk as much as possible
✅ Skip the tourist traps

If you’re planning a trip to Prague, we hope this guide helps you avoid mistakes in Prague and the pitfalls we fell into. Let us know in the comments if you’ve been to Prague and what your experience was like!

Our Essential Travel Gear

CamelBak eddy+ Water Filter Water Bottle by LifeStraw Integrated 2-Stage Filter Straw
This one purchase has truly transformed our travels. After visiting 19+ countries, we never had to worry about staying hydrated because this stainless steel water bottle has our back. It’s leak-proof, so you can toss it in your bag without a second thought!

Travel Insurance
Make sure to research a solid travel insurance policy before jetting off to any country. We’ve been with SafetyWing since the beginning of our journey, and they’ve provided top-notch customer service. Based on our experience, we can confidently recommend them!

eSIM 
This has been a game-changer for us! When we started our 625-day adventure, I was initially overwhelmed by the pricing and limited data options. But switching to eSIM while in Istanbul has been a lifesaver! It offers instant connectivity as soon as you land in a new country. Roaming and local SIMs can be tricky, but eSIMs are seamless and super easy to install before you even arrive. We’ve tried both Eskimo and Airalo and recommend them! If you purchase through our link, we get a small commission at no extra cost to you, and we’d really appreciate the support!

Carry-On luggage 
Seriously, this bag feels bottomless! It fits so much stuff, and I’m amazed every time I pack. We initially bought one for Sagar for our Japan trip last November, and after seeing how much he loved the design and pocket accessibility, I just had to get one too! If you’re after a stylish, long-lasting bag, this is it. It’s a bit pricey, but after using it daily for the past seven months, it’s been worth every penny.

Wise Card
What did we do before this card? It’s been a blessing! Transferring money is super easy with minimal fees, and the user-friendliness is next level. Highly recommend it!

Looking for more travel tips?

Check out more travel tips and guides on the blog!

• Explore Hanoi: An Essential 3-Day Itinerary for First-Time Visitors
• Ultimate 3-Day Udaipur Itinerary: Best Things to Do in the City of Lakes
• 5 Travel Apps to Save Time and Money in New Zealand

Happy Travels! ✈️

Some links in this post are affiliate links, which means we may earn a small commission if you make a purchase, at no extra cost to you. It helps support our work and keeps this blog going.