The city's nocturnal culture is legendary From jazz spots that are tucked away in centuries-old underground spaces To clubs beside the water where the beat continues until sunrise. After dark, the city exudes a strong and vibrant life that brings in visitors from every region of the world. Yet, beyond the bright lights and the sound of glasses, there is a more dangerous side that every visitor should be aware of. Getting through the city's entertainment zones without problems is not about being scared. It is about knowing what is going on, being ready for it, and understanding the rules. This handbook gives you the important information you need to enjoy Prague at night while staying safe from the usual problems. A wealth of knowledge on how to identify escort fraud can be found on our website.
The nightlife of the capital is found in several different quarters, each of which has its own feel and its own risks. The square and the streets around it are full of visitors, busy bars, and people performing on the streets. But they also appeal to pickpockets who are active in crowded places. Wenceslas Square, the city's main thoroughfare, is home to great hotels, casinos, and late-night venues. But its side streets hide overpriced "gentlemen's clubs" and taxi touts who prey on the intoxicated. Zizkov, which is a rough, genuine area to the east of the city centre, provides a more local feeling with unusual pubs and music venues that are below ground level. However, the dark lanes of the area require you to be cautious after the hour of midnight. The riverside location, and in particular the area around the old spa building that is now the multi-floor club Karlovy Lazne, is popular but can be rather chaotic, with queues that are long and occasional arguments.
The practice of overcharging for drinks is found in clubs where there are many tourists. Somebody you have not previously met, who behaves in a friendly way, offers you a drink; the bill which then arrives is for a very high sum often thousands of crowns and a club official says that you must pay it. Make a point of always checking the prices on the menu before you order anything. And do not ever take a drink from someone you have only just encountered.
The "phony police" con involves individuals posing as plainclothes officers who say they must see your passport and your wallet, then they take your money. Real Czech police will always show official identification and will never ask to see your money. If you have any doubts, be sure to call the genuine police number, which is 158.
The currency exchange points near the entertainment districts often have rates that seem favourable, but they have charges that are not shown or they alter the calculation. For safety, use cash machines that are located within bank buildings, or use exchange services that are well known, such as those in the centre of the city.
Before you set off, it is wise to inform the hotel's reception of your intentions. And take a hotel card that has the address on it. Taxi drivers regularly pretend not to understand English. Having the address written down will ensure that there is no misunderstanding. You should only take with you the cash that you will need for the evening, and also take a single credit card and a copy of your passport. You should leave the actual passport in the hotel's safe. Wear a money belt or a bag that is worn across the body and is positioned at the front. Make sure that your phone and your wallet are in separate pockets that are zipped.
