Czech Phrases for Travelers

Czech flag with Prague in the background

Planning your trip? Here are essential tips & recommendations for tourist in Prague to enjoy the city safely and authentically.

Let’s start with Czech language – while English is widely spoken in tourist areas, knowing a few local phrases will help you connect with Prague’s culture. Don’t worry, we’ll keep it simple and practical!

The Czech language (čeština) can seem intimidating with its ř’s and accents, but learning just 10 key phrases will make your trip smoother—and earn you smiles from locals!

Basic Greetings & Polite Phrases

  • Hello (formal) – Dobrý den! [dob-ree dehn] (Use anytime, anywhere!)

  • Hi / Bye (casual) – Ahoj! [a-hoy] or Čau! [chow] (Friends only)

  • Good morning – Dobré ráno [dob-reh raa-no] (Before ~10 AM)

  • Good evening – Dobrý večer [dob-ree veh-cher] (After ~6 PM)

  • Goodbye (formal) – Na shledanou [na skh-le-da-no]

Pro Tip: Czechs appreciate polite greetings—skip “Ahoj” with strangers!

Essential Survival Phrases

  • Please – Prosím [pro-seem] (Also means “You’re welcome”)

  • Thank you – Děkuji [dyeh-koo-yee] (Formal) / Díky! [dee-kee] (Casual)

  • Yes / No – Ano [a-no] / Ne [neh]

  • Excuse me – Promiňte [pro-min-tyeh] (To get attention)

  • I don’t understand – Nerozumím [neh-ro-zoo-meem]

Food & Drink Must-Knows

  • Beer – Pivo [pee-vo] (The most important word!)

  • Water – Voda [vo-da] (Say “neperlivá” for still, “perlivá” for sparkling)

  • Menu – Jídelní lístek [yee-del-nee lees-tek]

  • Bill – Účet [oo-chet] (Say “Zaplatím” [za-pla-teem] to ask for it)

  • Cheers! – Na zdraví! [na zdra-vee] (Make eye contact!)

Transport & Directions

  • Where is…? – Kde je…? [gdeh yeh] (+ toaleta = toilet, metro = subway)

  • Ticket – Lístek [lees-tek]

  • Train / Tram – Vlak [vlak] / Tramvaj [tram-vai]

  • Left / Right – Vlevo [vleh-vo] / Vpravo [fpra-vo]

Fun Phrases to Impress Locals

  • I love Prague! – Miluju Prahu! [mee-loo-yoo pra-hoo]

  • This beer is delicious! – Tohle pivo je výborné! [toh-leh pee-vo yeh vee-bor-neh]

  • How much is this? – Kolik to stojí? [ko-leek toh sto-yee]

Czech Beer: The Ultimate Guide for Beer Lovers

Selection of Czech beers, including Birell and other local brands, displayed in a bar or store in Prague.

The Czech Republic isn’t just a beer country—it’s the beer kingdom. With brewing traditions dating back to 1088, Czechs have perfected the art of beer-making over centuries. Today, they drink more beer per person than anywhere else in the world—143 liters a year!

Must-Try Czech Beers

1. Pilsner Urquell

The world’s first golden lager, born in 1842 in Plzeň. Crisp, balanced, and always served with thick foam.

2. Budějovický Budvar

The original “Budweiser”—smooth, malty, and protected by EU law (the American version can’t be sold under that name in Europe!).

3. Velkopopovický Kozel

Dark, creamy, and slightly sweet—perfect with roast duck or goulash.

4. Staropramen

Prague’s hometown beer—light, refreshing, and best enjoyed unfiltered (nefiltrované).

5. Bernard

A family brewery since 1597, known for rich, full-bodied lagers and seasonal brews.

6. Svijany

A small-town gem with a complex malt profile—great for slow sipping.

7. Krušovice

Once the royal brewery, now famous for its smooth Imperial Lager.

8. Gambrinus

The everyday Czech beer—light, easy-drinking, and always affordable.

9. Únětický Pivovar

A tiny microbrewery near Prague making some of the country’s best craft beer.

10. Master Polotmavý

A perfectly balanced amber lager—malty but not too sweet.

Czech Beer Culture: What You Need to Know

Fair Prices

  • Normal pub: 35-55 CZK (€1.50-2.20) for 0.5L

  • Tourist traps: Avoid places charging over 100 CZK (unless it’s a specialty brew)

How to Order

  • “Jedno pivo, prosím” = “One beer, please”

  • “Malé/velké” = Small (0.3L) or large (0.5L)

  • “Na zdraví!” = “Cheers!” (Always make eye contact!)

Best Beer Experiences

  1. Pilsner Urquell Brewery Tour – See where golden lager was born.

  2. U Fleků – A 500-year-old brewery with dark beer and live music.

  3. Prague Beer Museum – 30+ taps of rare Czech beers.

Beer Etiquette

  • Never pour your own beer—it’s rude! Wait for the next round.

  • Don’t clink glasses during toasts—it’s bad luck (blame a 17th-century plague).

  • Drink it fresh—Czech beer is best within 30 days of brewing.

Final Tip

If you see a tankové pivo (tank beer) sign, stop immediately—it means unpasteurized, ultra-fresh beer straight from the cellar. The holy grail of Czech brewing!

Food Recommendations for Visitors

Traditional Czech dishes including goulash, dumplings, roast pork, and svíčková, served in a cozy Prague restaurant.

Czech cuisine celebrates hearty comfort food. Here are essential food recommendations for visitors, from classic dishes to ordering tips:

Soups (Polévky) – The Perfect Starter

  • Kulajda: Creamy soup with mushrooms, potatoes, dill, and a quail egg

  • Česnečka: Garlic soup with potatoes, caraway, and cheese croutons (perfect hangover cure!)

  • Bramboračka: Hearty potato and vegetable soup with wild mushrooms

Pro tip: Soups often come in bread bowls – ask for “v chlebu”

Main Dishes – Meat Lovers’ Paradise

  • Svíčková na smetaně: Marinated beef in creamy vegetable sauce with cranberries and bread dumplings (Czech national dish!)

  • Vepřo-knedlo-zelo: Roast pork with steamed bread dumplings and sauerkraut

  • Pečená kachna: Crispy roast duck with red/white cabbage and dumplings

  • Vepřové koleno: Giant roasted pork knuckle (2-3 person portion) with horseradish

Best places to try:

  • Lokál (authentic pub food)

  • U Fleků (historic brewery with traditional meals)

Beer Snacks (Pivní Zakusky)

  • Utopenec: “Drowned man” – pickled sausage with onions and chili

  • Nakládaný hermelín: Marinated camembert with garlic and spices

  • Tlačenka: Head cheese with vinegar and onions

Vegetarian Options

  • Smažený sýr: Fried cheese (usually Edam) with tartar sauce

  • Bramboráky: Potato pancakes with garlic dip

  • Plněné papriky: Stuffed peppers with tomato sauce

Sweet Treats

  • Trdelník: Sugar-coated chimney cake (avoid touristy stands – try Ovocný Světozor bakery)

  • Medovník: Honey layer cake

  • Ovocné knedlíky: Fruit-filled dumplings with curd cheese

Dining Tips for Visitors

  1. Portions are huge – Consider sharing mains

  2. Beer pairing:

    • Pilsner Urquell with pork dishes

    • Dark Kozel with roast duck

  3. Lunch specials (denní menu): 2-3 course meals for 150-250 CZK (weekdays until 2-3 PM)

  4. Tipping: Round up or add 10%

“Dobrou chuť!” (Enjoy your meal!) – Say this before eating like locals do

Public Transport Tips for Tourists in Prague

Prague tram – tip for tourists: use public transport to explore the city

Where to Buy Tickets

You have several convenient options to purchase transport tickets in Prague:

  • Yellow vending machines (available at all metro stations and major tram stops – accept cards/coins)

  • Tobacco shops (look for “Tabák” or “Trafika” signs)

  • Vietnamese convenience stores (marked “Potraviny” or “Večerka”)

  • Metro station ticket offices (open daily 6:00-22:00)

  • Mobile app PID Lítačka (official app with e-tickets)

Pro tip for tourists: Avoid buying from individuals – only purchase from official sources!

Ticket Types & Prices

  • 30-minute ticket: 30 CZK (ideal for short trips)

  • 90-minute ticket: 40 CZK (best for most tourist routes)

  • 24-hour pass: 120 CZK (unlimited rides)

  • 72-hour pass: 330 CZK (great for weekend visits)

  • Child tickets: Free for kids under 6; 50% discount 6-15 years

Money-saving tip: The 24/72-hour passes include night transport and the Petřín funicular!

How to Validate Tickets

  1. Find yellow validation boxes (on trams/buses or metro station entrances)

  2. Insert ticket printed side up

  3. Wait for “beep” and printed timestamp

  4. Keep ticket until the end of your journey

Important: Tickets must be validated before first use! Plainclothes inspectors frequently check (fine = 1000 CZK).

Special Transport Options Included

Your ticket covers:

  • All metro lines (A/B/C)

  • Day/night trams and buses

  • Petřín Hill funicular

  • Selected river ferries (routes P1-P7)

  • Train lines within city limits (S trains)

Tourist recommendation: Route 22 tram is perfect for sightseeing – it passes Prague Castle, Charles Bridge and other major attractions!

Official Prague Public Transport schedules and tickets

Czech Restaurant Tips for Tourists

Traditional Czech restaurant – a must-visit recommendation for Prague tourists

Prague’s restaurant scene blends traditional hospoda pubs with modern bistros. Here’s how to navigate it like a local:

1. Opening Hours & Best Times to Dine

  • Hot meals typically stop at 10-11PM, though restaurants remain open until 11PM-1AM

  • Pubs (hospodas) often stay open “until the last guest” – sometimes past 2AM

  • Pro tip for tourists: Lunch menus (“denní menu”) offer 2-3 course meals at 30% discounts (weekdays until 3PM)

2. Tipping Etiquette

  • Standard tip: 10-15% (round up or tell staff the total including tip)

  • How to tip: Say “Zaplatím” (I’ll pay), then verbalize the final amount (e.g., “400, please” for a 370 CZK bill)

  • Tourist warning: Some menus note “service not included” – this doesn’t obligate tipping

3. Must-Try Dishes

  • Svíčková: Marinated beef with cream sauce (+ cranberries, dumplings)

  • Vepřo-knedlo-zelo: Roast pork with dumplings & sauerkraut

  • Trdelník: Skip touristy stands – try bakeries like “Ovocný Světozor”

4. Beer Culture Insights

  • Order like a local: “Jedno pivo, prosím” (One beer, please)

  • Best value: Pilsner Urquell on tap (40-50 CZK vs. 80+ CZK in tourist zones)

  • Tourist trap alert: Avoid restaurants with “Czech traditional food” signs in English

5. Hidden Gems

  • Lokál (Dlouhá 33): Quality pub food with self-service beer taps

  • U Kroka (Vratislavova 12): Cozy spot with grandma-style recipes

  • Eska (Pernerova 49): Modern twist on Czech classics

Pro tip: Book dinner before 7PM to avoid crowds, or after 9PM for lively pub atmospheres.

Prague Safety: Top Tips to Avoid Tourist Scams

Traveler checking directions in a busy area of Prague, highlighting the need for awareness

While Prague is generally safe, these essential recommendations for tourists will help you steer clear of common traps:

1. Money Exchange Scams

  • Never exchange currency from strangers on the street

  • Avoid exchange offices advertising “0% commission” near Old Town Square – check rates on screens before trading

  • Trusted options:

    • Exchange offices: Alfa Prague (Kaprova 14), Arab Finance (Panská 6)

    • Pro tip: Withdraw CZK from ATMs inside banks (avoid Euronet ATMs with high fees)

2. Pickpocket Hotspots

  • High-risk areas: Charles Bridge, Tram 22, Wenceslas Square at night

  • Safety hack: Wear cross-body bags with zippers in crowded places

  • Distraction tactics: Watch for “petitioners” or street performers crowding you

3. Taxi Fraud Prevention

  • Street taxis often overcharge tourists (up to 5x normal rates)

  • Use apps instead: Bolt, Uber, or AAA Taxi (official, metered)

  • Fair rates: ~30 CZK/km; airport to center should cost ~600-800 CZK

4. Other Common Traps

  • “Free” concerts/events: Usually lead to aggressive donation demands

  • Fake tickets: Buy transport tickets only from official machines (never individuals)

  • Bar scams: Confirm drink prices before ordering (especially near Old Town)

Local insight: Czech police (Policie ČR) are tourist-friendly – call 158 if scammed.

Official Prague tourist information from the city

For bike tours, see our Prague Routes