Prague

Overview

Prague is one of Europe's most visited cities, attracting over 8 million tourists annually. Its stunning medieval architecture, low cost of living relative to Western Europe, and liberal attitude toward nightlife have made it a major destination for stag parties, weekend trips, and extended visits.

The city's nightlife scene is extensive, ranging from world-class cocktail bars and jazz clubs to establishments that cater specifically to the adult entertainment market. The concentration of tourist-oriented nightlife around Wenceslas Square has created an ecosystem where legitimate venues coexist with establishments designed to separate tourists from their money.

Legal Context

The Czech Republic has never enacted comprehensive prostitution legislation. The activity exists in a legal void — not explicitly legal, not explicitly criminal. What is criminal is profiting from another's prostitution (pimping) and trafficking.

In practice, establishments that offer adult entertainment register as nightclubs, bars, or private clubs. They operate with minimal interference from authorities as long as they maintain public order and comply with general business regulations.

Prague's municipal authorities focus enforcement on public order, noise complaints, and the most egregious tourist scams rather than on adult entertainment per se.

Key Areas

Wenceslas Square (Vaclavske namesti) — Prague's main boulevard is the epicenter of tourist-oriented nightlife, including both legitimate venues and notorious scam establishments. The area requires the most caution.

Old Town (Stare Mesto) — The historic center has bars and clubs catering to tourists. Some establishments in side streets operate in the adult entertainment space.

Zizkov — A more local neighborhood with an authentic bar scene and some adult entertainment venues. Less tourist-oriented.

Holesovice — An up-and-coming area with a more alternative nightlife scene.

Safety

Prague is safe by European standards, but its tourist nightlife areas have specific risks:

• The "pretty woman" scam is real and persistent — never follow an attractive stranger to a bar they suggest
• Currency exchange: Use bank ATMs only. Never use street exchange offices or individuals offering to exchange money
• Pickpocketing is common in tourist areas, on trams, and in metro stations
• Keep your phone and wallet in front pockets or a money belt
• Do not get excessively drunk — beer is cheap and strong; tourists routinely overconsume
• Use Bolt or Liftago for transport; avoid unlicensed taxis

Cultural Norms

Czech culture is direct, secular, and individualistic:

• Czechs are not overtly friendly with strangers (unlike many cultures), but this is not rudeness — it is cultural reserve
• Nightlife starts earlier than in Southern Europe — most people are out by 9-10 PM
• Beer culture is central — Czechia has the highest per-capita beer consumption in the world
• Tipping 10% is standard in restaurants and bars
• Speaking a few Czech words (prosim, dekuji, na zdravi) is appreciated

Scam Warnings

Currency exchange ripoffs: Exchange offices display attractive rates but apply 20-30% commissions not mentioned on the sign. The "no commission" signs are particularly misleading. Use bank ATMs.

Taxi overcharging: Historic problem in Prague. Use Bolt, Liftago, or have your hotel call a reputable taxi company. If using a street taxi, ensure the meter is running and the correct rate is applied (rate 1 for city center trips).

Overcharging at tourist restaurants: Check menus for prices before ordering, particularly near Old Town Square.

Best Times

Prague is a year-round destination. Summer (June-August) has the longest days and warmest weather, but also the heaviest tourist crowds. Spring (April-May) and autumn (September-October) offer good weather with fewer visitors.

The Christmas market period (late November through December) is festive but extremely crowded. Winter nightlife is active despite shorter days.

Getting Around

• Metro: Three lines, runs 5 AM to midnight. Clean and efficient
• Trams: Extensive network, night trams (lines 91-99) run midnight to 5 AM
• Bolt / Liftago: Primary ride-hailing options
• Walking: Prague's center is compact and walkable, though hilly in places

What Not to Do

• Do not follow strangers to bars or clubs they recommend
• Do not use street currency exchange services
• Do not carry large amounts of cash in nightlife areas
• Do not leave drinks unattended
• Do not accept unsolicited help at ATMs
• Do not underestimate Czech beer — it is typically 4.5-5.5% ABV and served in half-liter glasses
• Do not assume that the cheapest drinks at tourist venues are genuine — watered-down or counterfeit spirits are a known issue