What Do You Really Need To Know About Prague?

Are You The Prepared Traveler?

The prepared traveler goes to their local library and spends the afternoon reading everything they can get their hands on about their destination. They study maps, talk to friends who have been there, and send emails to the embassy.

They end up knowing more about their destination then the locals. They know the history, the culture, when the barbarians invaded and the name of the president’s current mistress. It is an obsession - they need to know everything. Before they step on the airplane they know more about where they are going then about where they have lived for the past 20 years.

These people come prepared. They go to their local bank and exchange currency, they go to the doctor and ask if they need special shots, they research the types of foods served and bring the right amount of stomach relieving pills.

Most likely if you are reading this website you are the prepared traveler. You are doing research about Prague so that when you arrive you will know how old the Charles Bridge is and how much a metro ticket costs. You do not want surprises - you want to be ready.

If you enjoy preparing yourself for Prague you have a lot to learn. Prague has been around for a long time. And because it surrendered to the Germans (thanks to the non-help of the England) even before World War 2 started, it is one of the best preserved cities in Europe - almost no bombs were dropped (by mistake the American Airforce dropped a few bombs thinking it was Dresden). You can spend weeks before you arrive learning the history of the buildings and the colored culture of the people. Prague is the heart of of Europe, once the seat of the Holy Roman Empire, the city with the first University, and if you dig deep enough you will even find that vampires were buried here.

Are You The ‘Surprise Me’ Traveler?

Sometimes the surprise me traveler does not even know what country they are in. They choose a destination by spinning the globe. They pack a passport, pair of socks, underwear, toothbrush, jeans, t-shirt and a sweater. Depending on the temperature when they arrive they will either put on the sweater or take off their shirt.

They do absolutely no research about their destination. They want everything to be a surprise. They want to come out of the airport wide eyed and confused. The first question they ask is “do you accept dollars?”. The second question is to the taxi driver, “what do people do around here for fun”.

If you come to Prague with only a toothbrush in hand you will do fine. You can buy everything you need here. And if you are so inclined you can even buy a guidebook. There are markets and even modern malls where you can buy a fresh pair of socks and a hairbrush. And not that you are worried, but there are lots of hotels so finding a vacant one will not be a problem.

What Do You Really Need To Know About Prague?

Regardless whether you are the surprise me traveler or the all prepared traveler here are a few things you need to know:

In the winter you need a winter jacket. In the summer you need shorts.
You can buy toothpaste here.
Beer in tourist spots costs 50 Korun ($2.78 us). In non tourist spots it cost 23 Korun ($1.27 us).
You do not need to learn Czech language to order a ‘svickova na smetane’. Most places in Prague have a English menu which will say ‘slices of pork with sliced bread dumplings’.
Charles Bridge was first built in 1360.
Prague is on the Metric system.
Electricity in the Czech Republic is 220V and AC 50Hz.
Tip at a restaurant. Between ten and fifteen percent.
Use your thumb for counting. One=thumb. Two=thumb and index finger.
For couples a man should enter the restaurant first (to ensure that it is safe and to take the first punch if necessary).
You will get slippers if you visit someone’s home.
Wear jeans to the Opera at your own risk of being frowned upon.
A waiter will not take your plate unless your fork and knife are together.
There were 62 people murdered last year out of a million that weren't. Prague is safe.