Prague, Czechia

• Prague has about 1.3 million people and sits on the Vltava River. The historic center survived both World Wars, so you get Gothic, Baroque, and Art Nouveau buildings clustered close together - Old Town to Prague Castle is maybe 20 minutes on foot.
• Czechs are generally reserved with strangers, warming up once they know you. English works in tourist areas and neighborhoods like Vinohrady, but basic Czech phrases help elsewhere.
• The transport system uses an honor system - validate your ticket or risk a 1000 CZK fine (around $40) if controllers check. Crime rates are low compared to other European capitals. Café culture is strong, so sitting alone with a book or laptop is normal.
• Watch for pickpockets around Charles Bridge and Old Town Square, and avoid exchange offices that target tourists with bad rates. Metro and trams run until midnight, then night trams every 30 minutes. Uber and Bolt both work here.

Czech is the main language. English works in tourist areas, hotels, restaurants in Vinohrady and Old Town, and with younger people. Emergency number 112 has English-speaking operators. Tourist police (+420 974 851 750) speak English.

• Keep your voice down in public - Czechs speak quietly on trams and in restaurants, and you'll get stares if you're loud. They're formal with strangers but friendly once you get to know them. Say 'Dobrý den' when entering shops and 'Na shledanou' when leaving.
• Dress neatly for churches, theaters, and nicer restaurants. Regular casual clothes are fine for sightseeing, but skip the gym clothes at upscale places. Take off your shoes when visiting someone's home.
• Stand right on escalators so people can pass left. Give up your seat for elderly people, pregnant women, and kids on public transport - it's expected. Show up on time for things.

• Three metro lines (A-green, B-yellow, C-red) run 5am-midnight and get you between major points quickly. Trains every 4-8 minutes during rush hour. Night trams (numbered 9xx) take over from 12:30am-5am, running every 30 minutes.
• Trams run 5am-12:30am, then night service until 5am. A 30-minute ticket is 30 CZK (about $1.20) and works on all transport. Buy at metro station machines or newsstands. Validate when you board or you'll get fined 1000 CZK if controllers check.
• Uber and Bolt work here and cost around 40% less than regular taxis. Don't hail taxis on the street, especially near tourist spots where drivers overcharge - use the apps instead.
• If you're planning day trips outside the city, consider renting a car.
• For peace of mind on arrival, book your airport pickup in advance.

Explore Prague with local guides and curated experiences.