Prague Tips and Recommendations

Conversations with the Guide – Prague

We just finished an amazing tour of Prague with Martina, a self proclaimed Prague enthusiast and one of the most knowledgeable and passionate guides we have come across. Not only was I lucky enough to get a private tour with Martina, but I sat down with her and got the lowdown on visiting Prague. Below are the highlights from my interview with the best Prague tips and recommendations.

What’s unique about your style of tours?

I always approach my clients as friends. I don’t carry an umbrella above my head and walk a few steps ahead but walk with them and talk to them. I am interested why they came here, what interests them, what their experience is and then include this knowledge in my talks and explanations which makes everything more personal and memorable.

What’s the perfect 48 hours in Prague?

48 hours is a good amount of time to spend in Prague. You will manage to see the highlights in a relaxed way and at the same time there will be things left for the next time. Perfect 48 hours… apart from the walk around Old Town, Lesser Quarter and the Castle, visitor should also visit for example the church of Cyril and Methodius where they can learn about the suffering of Czechs during the Nazi occupation and the Second World War. I think it is a good idea to wander a bit away from the most touristy places too and feel the rhythms of life there and see what the life really is like for us Czechs. Try a pub or a coffee shop with Czech cakes, sit in a park where Czechs go, feed the swans by the river…

What day trips outside of Prague shouldn’t be missed?

Of course there is Kutná Hora, a town listed by UNESCO which is just an hour away from Prague with its famous ossuary or bone church, there is also Terezín, the former largest concentration camp in this country but my favourite probably is Plzeň or Pilsen. Why? You drive through quite a bit of countryside so you can see what a typical Central European countryside looks like. Then Plzeň itself is not all that historical so again you can see the life of Czechs here and now. And there is a famous brewery where world known beer was invented – the famous Pilsner Urquell. The tour in the brewery is also great, very interesting and entertaining and it also explains why Pilsner Urquell has become such a big deal.

What are your city’s tourist traps?

I must say that as a former “free tour” guide I would warn people about them. Their tours might be entertaining and information correct etc but they are never free as they advertise. Their aim is to get as much money as possible out of you. Just be careful when you join them. You can read how they operate here. Also if you consider a ride in so called “oldtimer” – fancy looking old style car – they are overpriced but more importantly the driver usually speaks to you and does not look at the road. I am surprised people are still taking those rides. I would not feel safe. The third and last thing I would think twice about are ghost tours. It is true that Prague is mysterious and there are genuine legends and stories shared for centuries but some guides turn them into silly tales. Of course it is not true about every provider so if you are interested in paranormal stuff just check ahead what exactly their plan is.

Where would you suggest going if you want an authentic local experience?

In summer, I would suggest you go to our largest beer garden in Letná park which is still rather unknown among the tourists. So shh, keep this to yourself, alright? Also if you walk along the river away from Charles Bridge, past the famous Dancing House, right by the river there are simple pubs or stalls with refreshment and stages for live music where we often hang around on summer evenings.

What are the local customs that travellers should embrace?

This might not count as a custom and it is something I honestly didn’t realize until I’ve become a tour guide but whenever someone tells me I sound like a Russian or refers to my country as Eastern Europe, I feel hurt. Many Czech people feel that way so please, bear in mind that technically speaking we are Central Europe and despite the fact that both Czech and Russian are Slavic languages they are not the same. On the other hand it is quite possible that you will get a tour guide, room service, driver etc here who is of a Russian origin… So that can be a sensitive question again.

Any other tips, hints or must experience suggestions?

Do not be afraid to explore Prague a bit on your own. Sometimes just going a street further than the guide book says can take you to an interesting place. Look up a lot because above the gates, on the facades and roofs there are often interesting details but also statues or even spooky creatures! I often say “In Prague, look up because you never know what is looking down at you.” And your own small discoveries will totally change your experience.