Is Prague Safe? What You Need To Know Before You Go

Prague, the capital of the Czech Republic, is one of Europe’s most beautiful and historic cities in the world. Its stunning architecture, charming cobblestone streets, colorful Gothic and Baroque buildings make it a favorite destination for travelers from around the world.

Although Prague might seem like a place of delight and comfortable destination, as with any major tourist city, there are a few things you should be mindful to ensure your trip is trouble-free and enjoyable.

Read below for some safety tips when visiting Prague.

Is Prague Safe To Travel?

In a word – yes, Prague is generally considered a very safe city for travelers. Being one of the most visited European city, Prague has low crime rate compared to many other European capitals.

However, Prague does experience some petty crime, especially pickpocketing in crowded tourist areas and on public transport. Therefore, it’s important to remain vigilant when traveling to Prague. Here are the key points to be mindful of in Prague:

Is Prague Safe at Night for Tourists?

I would say yes. Prague is considered fairly safe for tourists at night. But you are wise to explore the city in well-lit areas and avoid streets that are poorly lit, especially when you travel by yourself. In addition, stay in well-traveled and popular areas like Old Town or the neighborhoods around Prague Castle.

The public transportation system, including trams and metro services, or license taxis, remains operational late into the night, making it convenient to get around safely.

That said, like in any city, it’s important to stay cautious, particularly if you’re alone. Petty crimes like pickpocketing can still occur in crowded or tourist-heavy spots, so you need to keep an eye on your belongings and not get involved in any altercation.

Is Prague Safe for Women?

Prague is a safe haven for women, including solo female travelers. It is one of the safer cities in Europe, with a low crime rate and a welcoming atmosphere where you can explore with ease, confidence and comfortableness.

However, it is still a major city and one of the most visited European places with a lots of tourists. For this reason, there is a need to be careful and embrace certain precautions. Trust your instincts, avoid engaged individuals or remove yourself from situations that make you feel uncomfortable. Steer clear from walking around alone in unfamiliar areas late at night and keep your valuables close to your body or safely stored in your accommodation.

Tips To Stay Safe On Your Trip

For travelers exploring Prague’s captivating architecture, rich history and vibrant culture, it’s always wise to stay prepared and take standard safety precautions to ensure a memorable and secure trip.

In this guide, we’ll cover essential tips for staying safe in Prague. With a few proactive steps, you can enjoy Prague’s charm and energy without any worries, making the most of your visit with peach of mind.

Here are some tips for you:

✔️ Be Wary of Pickpockets

Busy tourist spots like Charles Bridge, Old Town Square, and metro stations can get crowded, making it easier for pickpockets to operate unnoticed. To protect yourself, always keep a close watch on your belongings. Using anti-theft bags or bags with zippers and carrying them in front of you can be helpful.

✔️Avoid Poorly Lit or Secluded Areas at Night

After dark, it’s wise to avoid poorly lit or quieter side streets, particularly if you’re traveling alone. Sticking to main tourist spots and popular neighborhoods where locals and other tourists are present can help ensure a comfortable experience, letting you enjoy Prague without concerns.

Consider using public transport options, especially if you’re traveling a longer distance or through poorly lit part of the city. Public transport is reliable and safe, so it can be a better option than walking alone at night.

✔️Public Transportation Safety

Public transportation can be convenient and safe, but there are a few safety tips to be mindful. First, keep your belongings secure and close to your body. Avoid openly displaying expensive items such as watches, smartphones or jewelry. It’s best to keep them hidden in inner pockets or a secure bag.

While taxis and ride-sharing services are generally safe, there have been cases of scams and overcharging. We recommend to pre-book your taxi through a reputable company or use a well-known ride-sharing apps like Uber or Bolt that provides upfront pricing. Always check the license and identification of the driver.

✔️Keep Emergency Contacts at Hand

Having a list of emergency numbers handy is a smart move when traveling to unfamiliar places. In case of an unexpected situation, such as needing medical assistance or losing your way, keeping local services on hand ensures that help is a call away. Essential contacts should include local emergency number 112, where you can ask for help from the police, doctors, or firefighters and your country’s embassy. Additionally, let your family or friends know your itinerary and check in regularly.

✔️Accommodations Safety

Before booking accommodation, look for reputable hotels, hostels, or rentals with positive reviews and strong safety ratings. Staying in well-known areas like Old Town (Staré Město) or Lesser Town (Malá Strana) is recommended as there neighborhoods are popular and tend to have a strong security presence. It’s also wise to choose accommodations that offer secure access points and an in-room safe where you can store valuables, such as passports, expensive items, cash, and electronics.

Safe Places To Stay In Prague

Not sure where to stay in Prague? Looking for the perfect area that is tourist-friendly and safe can be pretty challenging, especially if you are visiting the city for the first time. To help you navigate this task, I’ve prepared a guide that gives you a brief overview of some of the best neighborhoods to stay in Prague.

Old Town (Staré Město)

If you are visiting Prague for the first time, I would recommend staying here. It is located in the heart of Prague and that means you will be within walking distance of major attractions like Astronomical Clock, Charles Bridge, and Old Town Square. The neighborhood is well-lit and lively, even after dark. The downside is that it’s can be crowded with tourists, especially during the high season.

If you want to stay in Old Town, look into the lovely and relatively quiet part around Haštalská čtvrť or Na Františku.

Lesser Town (Malá Strana)

Situated on the opposite side of the river, closer to Prague Castle. Malá Strana is quieter and offers a more relaxed atmosphere than the busy Old Town while still being close to the city center. In this neighborhood, you will be close to landmarks like Prague Castle, John Lennon Wall, Petřín Hill, St. Nicolas Church, and the iconic Charles Bridge. You will also find here picturesque filled with charming Baroque buildings, gardens and parks.

If you consider to stay in Lesser Town, make sure to choose a hotel in its lower part (closer to the river), as the upper parts (closer to Prague Castle) are uphill.

📌Budget Option: Residence BENE

A budget-friendly hotel, Residence BENE, is located in the heart of Prague’s Old Town. All rooms are equipped with basic amenities such as free Wi-Fi, a flat-screen TV, private bathrooms and a safe deposit box. A complimentary buffet breakfast is included.

📌Mid-Range Option: Allure Hotel & Residence Prague

Located in the Old Town area, near Prague’s scenic riverside and close to landmarks like Charles Bridge and the Old Town Square, Allure Hotel & Residence Prague provides a comfortable stay with exceptional services including concierge assistance. Rooms are designed with modern decor, featuring amenities like air conditioning, flat-screen TVs, and free Wi-Fi. The hotel also offers a daily breakfast buffet with local ingredients focusing on variety and freshness.

📌Luxury Option: Mandarin Oriental, Prague

Mandarin Oriental, Prague is a luxury hotel situated in the historic Lesser Town (Malá Strana) quarter below Prague Castle, set within a beautifully restored monastery dating back to the 14th century. The hotel offers a selection of luxurious rooms and suites that blend historical architecture with contemporary design equipped with amenities like high-end bedding, complimentary Wi-Fi and marble bathrooms. One of the most distinctive features is its spa, the only one in the world located in a former Renaissance chapel.

Getting Around Safely

Prague provides plenty of safe, affordable and reliable public transportation options to fit different needs and budgets. The city’s public transportation network consists of trams, buses, and metro lines. With tickets available in various durations (from 30 minutes to 72 hours), it allows visitors to explore Prague on different transport modes without breaking the bank. You will want to be sure to stamp your ticket upon entering the vehicle or the transport space in the stamping device. Otherwise, you might find yourself subject to a fine.

There are 3 metro lines (green, yellow, red) which form the city’s transport backbone and are the best way to get around. Metro Line A (green) offers access to the most tourist attractions. Prague Metro operates from 5am to 12:30am.

Trams are a safe, reliable and convenient option for surface transport and serve almost the entire city. However, it’s wise to stay alert for pickpockets and keep your valuables close when riding. Trams operates from 4:30am to 12:30am and offer easy access to popular attractions like Prague Castle and the historic Charles Bridge. For sightseeing tours we recommend taking the Vintage Tram 42.

If traveling late at night, night service replaces daily metro. Tram and bus lines running between 12:30 a.m. and 4:30 a.m. in a modified schedule. Stick to main tram or metro stops, which tend to be well-lit and busy.

When you’re in the heart of the city, it is best to explore on foot, besides it’s free! The city center is compact and highly walkable. Most popular sites are well-lit and safe for pedestrians, even at night, however, it’s wise to stick to busier paths.

Visiting Prague: FAQs

Our FAQ guide covers some questions you might have when you are planning a trip to Prague.

Is it OK to speak English in Prague?

Yes, it’s generally okay to speak English in Prague. English is widely understood in tourist hotspots, restaurants in the centre, hotels, gift shops, and attractions. You will find that English works well for navigating the city and communicating with locals in most places. Nevertheless, do not expect much English from the Czech police officers or bus drivers.

Is Prague worth visiting?

Absolutely! Prague is one of the most beautiful cities and and definitely worth visiting. With its charming medieval architecture, rich history and vibrant cultural scene, the city offers an unforgettable experience for all types of travelers.

Is 3 nights in Prague enough?

Three nights in Prague is just enough to experience all of Prague’s highlights. You’ll have time to explore major sights like Prague Castle, Charles Bridge, and Old Town Square, and even enjoy different neighborhoods or a few local meals. While an additional day would let you explore more at a leisurely pace, three nights provide a solid introduction to Prague’s history and culture.

The Wrap-Up: Is Prague Safe?

Prague is beautiful city and considered a safe destination. You can explore from Prague’s historic architecture, to cozy cafes and scenic views with peace of mind.

While pickpocketing and drunken behavior can be a concern, practicing simple precautions should put you in a better position to discover this enchanting city feeling secure to experience everything it has to offer.