Prague's nights are legendary From jazz basements that occupy spaces that are centuries old To dance spaces on the riverbank that keep moving until first light. The city comes alive after dark with a vibrant energy that attracts visitors from every corner of the globe. But underneath the surface of the lights and the sound of glasses, there is a hidden side of the city that all visitors should be ready for. Making your way through Prague's nightlife areas with caution is not about being frightened. It is about awareness, preparation, and knowing the rules of the game. This guide provides the important guidance for experiencing the city's nightlife while staying safe from the most frequent hazards. Detailed information on reporting escort scams in Czechia can be found on our website.
Prague's nightlife is situated in different zones, each with its own style and its own particular dangers. The square and the streets around it are full of visitors, busy bars, and people performing on the streets. However, they also interest pickpockets who do their work in crowded spaces. Wenceslas Square, the capital's active main road, has grand hotels, gambling houses, and clubs which operate through the night. But its smaller side streets have overpriced "gentlemen's clubs" and taxi touts who take advantage of people who have drunk too much. Zizkov, an unpolished but authentic district east of the centre, gives a more local feeling with its peculiar pubs and music venues that are found below street level. But its poorly lit alleys require you to be careful after midnight. The riverbank zone, particularly in the area of Karlovy Lazne a club with several floors in a building that was once used as a spa is much visited but also somewhat disorganised, with long lines and the occasional fight.
The "overpriced drink" scam is pervasive in tourist-heavy clubs. A friendly stranger suggests that you go for a drink; the bill appears with sums that are far too high usually thousands of crowns and a bouncer who insists that you pay the amount. It is always a good idea to look at the menu and its prices before you place your order. And never accept drinks from someone you have just met.
The "false police" con has people acting as if they are officers in plain clothes, who say they need to look at your passport and your money, and then they keep your money. Genuine Czech police have official badges and they never ask to see your money. If you have any question, you should insist on dialling the real police number (158).
The places for exchanging money that are near the nightlife districts often advertise rates that seem attractive, but they add charges that are not made clear, or they manipulate the calculation. Use cash machines that are situated in bank branches, or use exchange offices that are known to be reliable, like those that are in the centre of the city.
Before heading out, inform your hotel concierge of your plans. And make sure you have a card with the hotel's address with you. Taxi drivers often claim to not understand English. Having the address on paper will make sure there are no misunderstandings. You should carry only the cash you will need for the evening, and one credit card and a copy of your passport. You should leave the actual passport in the hotel's safe. You should wear a money belt or use a bag that you wear over one shoulder and which hangs in front of you. It is wise to keep your phone and wallet in different zipped pockets.
