12 Unspoken Rules You Must Know Before Traveling to Prague
Planning a trip to Prague? Before you pack your bags, there are some cultural nuances and local etiquette rules that can make a big difference during your stay. To help you blend in and enjoy the city to the fullest, here are 12 unspoken rules to keep in mind while traveling in Prague, Czech Republic.
1. Be Punctual—Like, Really Punctual ⏰
Time is taken seriously in Prague. If you’re even a few minutes late for a tour or meeting, expect that people won’t wait for you. If you do run late, be sure to send a quick message 📱 explaining your delay. Showing up two minutes late without notice can be seen as rude. Respecting punctuality will make your interactions smoother and leave a great impression.
2. Personal Space Is Protected — Don’t Get Too Close 🚶↔️🚶
Czechs highly value their personal space and tend to keep a comfortable distance during conversations and social interactions. They do not cling to one another and generally avoid unnecessary physical contact unless you are very close friends or family. Respecting this boundary is important to avoid making locals feel uncomfortable. So, don’t stand too close or invade someone’s personal bubble—it’s seen as respectful to maintain space.
3. Always Greet When Asking for Help 🙋
If you need directions or help, start your question politely with a greeting like “Hello” or “Dobrý den.” Whether you speak Czech or English, politeness goes a long way. People are more likely to respond if you’re courteous. Think about it the same way as in France: if you do not say "Bonjour, ça va," no one will talk to you, no matter how much money you were planning to spend in their establishment.
4. Watch Out for Trams 🚋
Prague’s trams have the right of way. Always stop and look carefully before crossing tram tracks to avoid accidents—trams won’t stop for pedestrians. If there is no traffic light at the crossing, it means that the tram won’t stop for you, even at the zebra crossing. I also recommend checking the cars before crossing, as some drivers do not stop for pedestrians. Not because it is allowed, but because they are careeless. Better safe than sorry!
5. Expect Honest Answers 🤝
When asking Czechs “How are you?” expect a genuine and straightforward reply. They don’t sugarcoat their feelings, so take their honesty as a cultural trait rather than rudeness. Of course, people who work in service might put on an occasional smile, but it is an exception, not the rule. Being fake polite is considered worse than honest indifference, so do not rush to leave a bad review if the waiter wasn’t smiling from ear to ear—they are used to doing their job calmly and reservedly.
6. Remove Your Shoes When Visiting Homes 🏠👞
Czechs take cleanliness seriously. When visiting someone’s house, it’s customary to remove your shoes at the door. Often, you’ll be offered slippers to wear inside. Never refuse—keeping the floors clean is important to locals!
7. Give Up Your Seat for Those in Need 💺
If you’re sitting on public transport and see an elderly person, a pregnant woman, or a child looking for a seat, stand up and offer it. This is considered basic respect and good manners. I cannot count how many times I have witnessed a Czech grandma giving a look to an unsuspecting tourist because they remained seated even after she gently coughed.
8. Let People Exit Before Boarding 🚇
During busy times, you might need to step off trams or metros briefly to let passengers exit, or wait at the door until everyone gets off. It’s normal and shows consideration. Also, do not forget to remove your bulky backpacks and hold them while taking public transport.
9. Keep Noise Down and Don’t Litter 🤫🚯
Czechs appreciate quiet and cleanliness, especially after 10 PM. Being loud or careless with trash will label you as a disrespectful tourist. Always dispose of your garbage responsibly and keep your voice down in public spaces.
10. Stay to the Right When Walking 🚶➡️
On busy streets or metro corridors, keep to the right to keep pedestrian traffic flowing smoothly and avoid bumping into others. This is especially important for escalators: you will notice that most passengers are standing on the right side, leaving the left lane for others to pass quickly.
11. Greet People in Small Shared Spaces 👋
When entering a small shop, elevator, train compartment, or sharing a table with strangers, greet everyone with “Dobrý den” and say “Na shledanou” when you leave. This simple act is a sign of respect and good manners.
12. Say “Central Europe,” Not “Eastern Europe” 🌍
Finally, a quick geography and cultural tip: the Czech Republic and neighboring countries consider themselves part of Central Europe, not Eastern Europe. Using the correct term shows respect for local identity.
Follow these simple but important rules, and you’ll not only avoid awkward situations but also enjoy a more authentic and respectful experience in Prague. Enjoy your trip! ✈️😊
Author: Valeriia Zahradnikova, a Prague guide certified by the Prague City Tourism agency. Valeriia and Vaclav have worked in tourism for over 8 years and have guided thousands of Prague visitors.