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Is Prague Safe to Visit?

Updated: October 5, 2023

If you have planned or are thinking of traveling to Prague, then you already know it’s a beautiful city with a vibrant culture and history.

But you may be wondering if it is safe to travel to Prague. The answer is: yes! Prague is one of the safest cities in Europe to visit right now!

In fact, it is a very safe city for solo travelers, including solo female travelers.

Still, there are some safety precautions that you should take when traveling abroad to any city. 

Below are 8 tips to stay in Prague.


Overview 

Every year, the Institute for Economics and Peace publishes the Global Peace Index that measures then ranks the “peacefulness” of 163 countries.

The ranking takes into account crime rates, incidents of violence, access to weapons, police presence, and other aspects of society that make a country safe and peaceful. 

The Czech Republic was ranked in the Top 10 in 2022 which means that you should feel pretty safe traveling there, and Prague in particular.

Charles Bridge and Prague Castle

The great news is that the rate of violent crime in the Czech Republic and Prague is low.

But just like other cities that are popular tourist destinations, there are incidents of petty crime, street crimes, especially pickpockets.

Another concern to be aware of in Prague is individuals who will try to scam you, such as taxi drivers who attempt to overcharge you and people on the street who offer to exchange currency.

You shouldn't have any problems on your trip to Prague, especially if you follow our tips below.


And consider checking our Prague Travel Tips Facebook group, where you can hear from our roughly 15k members, including locals, veteran Prague travelers, and newbies.

It's a public group, so there is no need to join to see what others are saying.


8 Tips For Staying Safe in Prague

1. Be aware of your surroundings at all times.

Always be alert to your immediate surroundings, especially crowded places, like Prague’s metros, trams and buses.

Prague Metro Train

Both locals and tourists can easily become victims of petty theft when not paying attention to where the hands of the person standing next to them are!


2. Keep your valuables tucked away.

Make sure that your bags, backpacks, and purses are always closed except for when you are retrieving something. 

Avoid digging through your wallet in front of people you don't know. Never flash large amounts of cash or your credit cards.

If your phone case doubles as your wallet, be extra vigilant when using your phone in public. 


3. Try to blend in with the locals.

There are plenty of foreign visitors to Prague throughout most of the year. Don't be one of those tourists who stand out as foreigners. 

Petty criminals may think that tourists are naive and easy targets. If possible, blend in with the locals.


4. Look like you know where you are (even if you don't!).

Before you head out of your hotel for your day of exploring Prague, familiarize yourself with a map of the parts of the town you are visiting.

Know how to get to your destination before you board any public transportation.

Map of Prague

If you are lost, try asking someone for directions. Even if there is a language barrier, locals will be happy to try to help you. 

Fortunately for travelers with smartphones, paper maps are a thing of the past.

Looking at your phone for directions is fine since even people who live in Prague may do so from time to time.


5. Don’t go to dark, unpopulated areas.

Don't wander onto streets that are not well-lit and are desolate. This is especially true at night.

Try to stay where there are always some people around. 

Always use your common sense. If it doesn't feel safe, then chances are it may not be. Move along.


6. Beware of taxi ride scams.

Taxi drivers in Prague are known for trying to take advantage of tourists by overcharging them or taking a longer route than necessary to earn more money.

Ask your hotel or another trusted source for some names of reliable taxi companies in case you should need one.

You can also use rideshare apps like Liftago, Bolt, and Uber instead, which are safe.

Prague Taxi

If your only option is to get a taxi in the street, agree on a fare with the driver before you get in and ask that the meter is turned on so that you can see that the final fare is close to what you have agreed upon.

Never hail a cab right outside tourist attractions. Taxis waiting there are looking for the next gullible passenger.


7. Never leave your belongings unattended.

Whether in a restaurant, bar, theater, or even your own hotel lobby, do not leave your bags, backpacks, and luggage unattended. 

This is especially important in airports (in any country).

Anyone can walk off with a suitcase if you aren’t standing right next to it.


8. Travel with a group.

What we mean is take a walking tour. And you've come to the correct place.

Taking a guided tour gives you 2-3 hours of access to an expert local tour guide.

It's also a great way to make new friends some of whom may be on a solo trip looking for travel buddies.


Safe Areas to Stay in Prague

If you are looking for a long list of safe neighborhoods to stay in, check our post on where to stay in Prague.

Three top neighborhoods of Prague to consider staying in are:

Old Town

This is the most centrally located neighbourhood in Prague. Many tourists stay here on their first trip to be near many attractions like the famous astronomical clock in Old Town Square.

Malá Strana

This historic neighborhood is filled with beautiful Baroque architecture, restaurants and shops. This is where the Charles Bridge is located. You can even get views of Prague Castle from here.

Vinohrady

This leafy residential neighborhood is located just outside of the city center. In addition to having plenty of shops and restaurants, it’s a family-friendly neighbourhood with nice public areas like Wenceslas Square and Náměstí Míru Square.


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About The Author

Stephen Pickhardt

Stephen is the CEO of Free Tours by Foot and has overseen the transformation of a local walking tour company into a global tour community and traveler’s advice platform. He has personally led thousands of group tours in the US and Europe, and is an expert in trip planning and sightseeing, with a focus on budget travelers. Stephen has been published and featured in dozens of publications including The Wall Street Journal, BBC, Yahoo, Washington.org, and more.
Updated: October 5th, 2023
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