21/01/2025
The more you get to know the world, the more you realize how mistaken you were. Especially within the Balkan mindset, where we often overvalue our own and underestimate others. I, too, once thought that Prague, Budapest, Warsaw, Tallinn, or Riga were nothing special – that they were just “random” countries with nothing particularly interesting. But I was wrong. Prague proved me wrong, not only as a tourist destination but as one of the strongest European cities. Why? Here are a few reasons.
When tourists visit cities, they usually look for an old town or a central area rich with attractions. Prague stands out in this regard because it doesn’t just have a small circle of streets with attractions that draw tourists and preserve tradition – almost the entire city feels like an old town.
Visiting Prague requires at least three days, but ideally four to five. The busiest areas for tourists are the broader zone around the central square, Charles Bridge, and the area stretching from there to the castle.
Activities in Prague include numerous museums, which require at least two days to explore – and even then, you won’t see them all. Then there’s river cruising, sightseeing other landmarks, and enjoying the rich culinary scene.
Prague is a city where life slows down because it attracts cultural tourists who respect rules of behavior. This means you won’t experience much stress – except when it comes to traffic.
*Traffic and Transport*
Traffic might be the weakest link in this city. There’s a lack of parking spaces, and the ones that do exist are very expensive, forcing you to rely on public transport, which can be quite unreliable. The signage is confusing – arrivals are marked as departures and vice versa, and tram numbers, which are the main form of transport, often include additional letters. At a single stop, there might be five planned lines, one of which appears twice while another never shows up. This causes complete confusion, so out of twenty tram rides, I only managed to “get it right” once. That way, I ended up exploring parts of the city I hadn’t even planned to see.
Fortunately, tickets are affordable – a 90-minute ride costs about 30 cents, while monthly passes for students are around 7 euros, and for pensioners, 5 euros. However, trams are small – simple carriages about 12 meters long with only around 20 seats for 50–60 passengers, leading to crowding. Additionally, accessibility for the elderly and disabled is nearly non-existent. Older people struggle with the high steps, and the chances of finding a seat are very slim. If you’re traveling with people who have mobility issues, keep in mind that you’ll only be able to visit the city center since most attractions are located on steep inclines or declines.
*Tourist Demographics and Fashion*
Prague attracts tourists from all over the world, most of whom are wealthy and fashionably dressed. In other words, the city appeals to the “world’s elite.” On the famous Pařížská Street, you’ll find luxury brand stores where handbags cost between 20,000 and 50,000 euros. And let’s not even talk about cars and clothing. Still, the majority of tourists you’ll encounter are Chinese, many of whom moved to Prague some 30 years ago and established successful businesses there.
*Economy*
Older generations may remember Czechs coming to Balkan markets to sell their products. But that’s history – the Czech Republic has turned to the West, flourished, and now boasts prices comparable to Germany.
*Cleanliness*
Prague is one of the cleanest cities in the world. You can walk across the entire city without seeing a discarded bottle – perhaps just the occasional cigarette butt. This cleanliness is thanks to the awareness of the local population as well as the culture of the tourists who visit.
Prague is, without a doubt, a destination that offers a wealth of history, culture, and activities. However, it does require some adjustment, especially when it comes to transportation.
Accommodation
I stayed at Minihotel Vitex, which met all my expectations. If you’re looking for affordable accommodations, I recommend searching in the wider city center, where prices range from 50 to 70 euros. In the very center of the city, it’s difficult to find accommodation for less than 110 euros.
Vitex is located 3.5 km from the city center but is close to a tram station, allowing me to reach the center in just 10 minutes.
In conclusion, Prague is undoubtedly a destination rich in history, culture, and a variety of activities. However, it does require some adaptation, especially when it comes to transportation.
If you’re interested in learning more about the attractions to visit in this Czech metropolis, check out the description below along with the accompanying video clips.
