Simple Ways to Feel at Home in Prague

When you first arrive in a new city, it’s easy to worry about getting the local customs wrong.

I remember that feeling. You want to be respectful, but you don’t know what you don’t know.

So, I wanted to share a few basic practices I’ve picked up from living here. Think of them less as strict rules and more as small adjustments that will help you have a smoother, friendlier experience in Prague.

Greetings and Communication

One of the first things you’ll notice is the custom of greeting people when you enter a small space. Walking into a shop, a doctor’s office, or even an empty elevator, you’ll hear a confident “Dobrý den” (Good day).

When you leave, a simple “Na shledanou” (Goodbye) is the standard way to close the interaction. I find it’s a simple acknowledgment that you’re sharing a space, and it usually gets a warm reception.

These greetings are part of a more formal approach to daily interactions. You’ll hear “Ahoj” used frequently, but it’s best to think of it like using someone’s first name, it’s reserved for friends and family.

A good rule of thumb is to stick with the formal “Dobrý den” and wait for the other person to switch to something more casual. This formality also extends to using titles. Addressing someone as “pan” (Mr.) or “paní” (Mrs.) followed by their last name shows respect.

If you’re being introduced to someone, a firm handshake with direct eye contact is the way to go.

You might notice that people on the street don’t typically offer big smiles to strangers. I think it’s helpful to know this isn’t a sign of unfriendliness. The warmth here is often a little more reserved and personal, shared with people they know.

Navigating Your First Czech Meal

Dining out is one of my favorite things to do in Prague, and a few small habits can make the experience feel more natural.

When your food arrives, it’s polite to wait before digging in. The host or your dining companions will usually say “Dobrou chuť,” which means “enjoy your meal.” I always think of it as a nice, shared moment before everyone starts eating.

You’ll also notice a specific way people handle their utensils. When you’re taking a break from eating, you can rest your fork and knife on opposite sides of your plate. Once you’re finished with your meal completely, you signal this to the server by placing your knife and fork parallel to each other on the plate.

If you’re having a drink with friends, especially a beer, the toast is a moment of connection. When you clink glasses, the custom is to say “Na zdraví!” (To health!) and make brief eye contact with each person.

Now, for paying the bill. Tipping is common, but the approach is often more casual than in other countries. People frequently round up the bill to a convenient number. If the service was good, a tip of around 10% is appreciated.

It’s a good idea to check your bill first, as some restaurants in tourist areas might add a service charge automatically.

Finally, in more traditional pubs, don’t be surprised if you’re asked to share a large table with others. It’s just part of the casual, communal atmosphere.

In a Social Setting: A Few Things to Keep in Mind

If you’re lucky enough to be invited to a Czech home, you’re getting a wonderful glimpse into the local culture.

The first thing to know is that you will always take your shoes off when you enter. This is a firm custom, and you’ll often find a collection of shoes right by the door. I’ve seen many hosts provide slippers for their guests, which is a really thoughtful touch.

It’s also customary to bring a small gift for your host to show your appreciation. A good bottle of wine is always a safe choice.

If you decide to bring flowers, a little local knowledge goes a long way: always give an odd number of stems (unless it’s a dozen), and try to avoid chrysanthemums, as they are often used for funerals.

Outside the home, a couple of general behaviors are helpful to know.

Punctuality is really appreciated here; being on time is seen as a sign of respect. I’ve also noticed that people tend to keep a bit more personal distance in conversation than you might be used to.

Another thing that sometimes surprises visitors is how direct communication can be.

What might feel blunt in other cultures is often simply a straightforward way of speaking here. I’ve learned to appreciate it as a form of honesty. On a related note, when talking about the country’s past, remember to refer to it as the Czech Republic or Czechia.

The term “Czechoslovakia” refers to a country that no longer exists, and using the correct name is a simple way to be respectful of its history.

Getting Around on Trams and Metros

You’ll probably be using public transport a lot in Prague, it’s efficient and gets you almost anywhere you need to go.

The system is built on an honor code, and there are a few bits of etiquette that help it all run smoothly.

The most important thing to know is about your ticket. After you buy a paper ticket, you must validate it by stamping it in one of the small yellow boxes located at the entrance to the metro or inside the tram or bus. You only do this once.

An unstamped ticket is the same as having no ticket at all in the eyes of an inspector.

When you’re waiting to get on a tram or metro car, you’ll notice people stand to the side of the doors to let others get off first. It’s a small courtesy that makes a big difference in a crowded station.

Similarly, on escalators, the unspoken rule is to stand on the right to let people who are in a hurry walk past on the left.

Once you’re on board, it’s customary to offer your seat to the elderly, pregnant women, or parents with small children. You’ll see this happen all the time. I’ve also found that trams and metros are generally pretty quiet.

People tend to keep conversations low and avoid loud phone calls. It’s just a general preference for a calm commute.

A Few Practical Tips to Sidestep Common Hiccups

Finally, I wanted to share a few small things that can help you avoid some common tourist frustrations.

I think of them as practical shortcuts to a smoother trip.

The first thing I tell anyone visiting is to bring comfortable shoes. You will be walking a lot, and Prague’s beautiful cobblestone streets can be tough on your feet. I find that prioritizing comfort here makes a huge difference in how much you can enjoy exploring the city.

When it comes to money, be mindful of where you exchange your currency.

You’ll see many exchange offices with tempting-looking rates, but they often have hidden fees. I always find the safest and easiest way to get local currency is to use an ATM at an established bank.

You’ll also see some popular items for sale that are aimed more at visitors than locals.

For example, Trdelník, the rolled pastry cooked over a spit, is sold everywhere in the city center. While it’s a popular sweet snack, it’s helpful to know that it’s not a traditional Czech pastry. Similarly, you might see Matryoshka nesting dolls in souvenir shops, but those are a classic Russian souvenir, not a Czech one.

One small thing to watch for in restaurants, especially in the main tourist areas: sometimes you’ll find a basket of bread or pretzels already on your table. It’s often not complimentary, so if you don’t want it, you can politely ask the server to take it away.

It’s All About Respect

Ultimately, people here are welcoming, and no one expects you to be an expert on Czech culture.

These are just small things that I’ve found help you feel more at ease and show a little consideration.

A simple “Dobrý den” or taking your shoes off at the door goes a long way. I think it’s these little efforts that make for the best travel experiences.