Every year, over twenty million people flock to Prague, a mix of both foreign and Czech tourists. It's no secret that the city buzzes with activity throughout the year, making it a vibrant destination. The only foolproof way to escape the crowds would be to skip Prague altogether - but that would be a crime, as the city is simply too stunning to miss.

Before I dive into my five insider tips, let’s take a lighthearted look at the types of tourists that grace Prague with their presence. Keep in mind, this is all in good fun -  it's HEAVILY EXAGGERATED, so no hard feelings... even if you're a fan of trdelník!

I have a hunch that only the type 2 tourists will stick around for more. So, without further ado, let’s get started!

Type 1: The "Mass is Cash" Tourists.

This group often has little interest in their surroundings and frequently doesn’t even know where they are. Prague... the capital of Hungary, Slovenia, or Slovakia? Who knows! Who cares?

They come to party hard (think infamous British stag parties), ride e-scooters, and indulge in drinks - everything else about the city is just background noise. Their go-to meals are from KFC, McDonald’s, or Burger King; anything but Czech food, which is too foreign to them. They settle at the first terrace they spot among other tourists, blissfully unaware that they’re paying double.

After all, their motto is: it’s a holiday, so let the money roll!

You’ll find them sipping coffee from Starbucks, enjoying a Hungarian trdelník (mistaking it for a Czech delicacy just because it’s on the sign), and believing that Russian fur hats and matryoshka dolls are quintessential Prague souvenirs.

This type of tourist is prevalent in the historic city centre, where the often kitschy tourism scene caters to their preferences.

In Karlova, the street with mostly touristy shops and restaurants, you will find a lot of "mass is cash" tourists

Type 2: The Culture Vultures

This group has a genuine passion for (Czech) culture and architecture. They dive deep into the city, eager to soak up the local atmosphere. They seek out charming Czech restaurants, enjoy a cold beer in a pivnice or pivovar, and want to explore more than just the iconic Prague Castle, Charles Bridge, and the Astronomical Clock. You’ll find them wandering through vibrant neighbourhoods like Holešovice, Vinohrady, Karlín, or Smíchov, where trdelník is a rarity and lunch spots are filled with locals.

If you identify with this group, you’re part of a special minority of Prague's visitors. Culture vultures often gaze upwards to admire stunning façades, pick up a few words of Czech, and have a knack for discovering the city’s hidden gems.